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[LynnJr]

The OP's question was "What is the best distance to zero a .22 rifle for hunting pests and very small game?"

Sighting in a rifle for a match at known distances, is an entirely different environment than hunting pests at unknown distances.

In most hunting shots, you are not going to know the precise distance to your target, and you will have to do some estimating. To further complicate matters, your sights will most likely not be set for the distance where your target has momentarily stopped, and then your target may move closer or farther away. Next, most hunting does not take place from a solid rest that a bench offers. Most shots also have to be taken when the opportunity presents itself, and from a position and angle that you would not want to take a shot. This is why hunting is more of an art and lesser of a science.

Shooting from a bench at known distances will enable you to learn your firearm and ammo limitations and drops. Practicing shooting from an unsupported position you will learn your limitations. Go out an have fun learning your firearm and ammo and practice improving your skills to make a shot from an unsupported position.

I shoot squeaks in alfalfa near the California Oregon border with my Calfee guns sighted in at 42 yards.
I have never seen a better hit ratio while hunting in the real world only on internet forums.

[MyOdessa]

Sighting in .22LR for hunting in CA, is a moot point, since f*cking democrats banned good lead ammo for hunting and we do not have decent .22LR lead free ammo. So, for those that use .22LR for hunting, what ammo do you use?
I moved on to .17 HMR for hunting.