[XD Fan]

I only have two handguns, a .22 revlver and an XD9, and I plan to carry one of them with me when I deer hunt this fall. In your opinions, is this a silly idea or practical? Which should I carry?

[Geronimo45]

It's a good idea - the deer may not be completely dead while on the ground, a pistol (I'd say .22) would be good to finish it off.

[XD Fan]

Hey mods,

I just noticed that there is a Hunting section here. Perhaps this would be better posted there.

Please move it if you deem that appropriate.

Sorry for not paying enough attention.

XD Fan

[f4t9r]

go big and take the 9 , never know what you may run into. Here in Ohio we can not carry a extra sidearm.

[Abby]

I guess it depends on what you intend to use it for. Also, you should check your applicable state laws. Some states are cranky about things that aren't viable hunting firearms for whatever game might be in season. A .22 is usually viable for something.

A .22 should work if you have to provide a "finishing shot" up close on a deer. It should also work if you have to fend off attacking squirrels. Unless you're really concerned about 2 legged critters, I can't see what you'd need the 9 for (and you're already going to be carrying a bigger weapon anyway).

So, in short, a vote for the .22.

[hankdatank1362]

Definitely the 9. Not just to be able to humanely end the life of a wounded animal, but also to defend yourself against bear, wild hogs, etc. Preferably something more substantial than a 9, but go with whatever is the biggest handgun you own. If that's a 9, then so be it.

[Rupestris]

you should check your applicable state laws.

I'll second that. Not sure about MO, but a .22 while deer hunting in MI is a definate no-no.

[XD Fan]

Okay, I am sorry for my ignorance, but does anyone happen to know a reasonably simple way to check state regs on something like that? Is there a good website that could help?

[SoCalShooter]

Not a dumb question at all. I always carry my USP when I go hunting.

Reasons:
1. Deer might not be dead
2. other hunters
3. illegal aliens (where I hunt the border is very very very very close)
4. other animals

[Jorg]

You might want to check out the local laws first.

From http://www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/deer/deertuk/five.htm:

Methods prohibited (in use or in possession)
- self-loading firearms with capacity of more than 11 cartridges in magazine and chamber combined

In Utah, there are allowances for CCW holders, you might want to check into that if it applies.

[XD Fan]

Thanks Jorg!

Great Information

[22-rimfire]

I believe you will have to carry the 9mm with 10-shot mags as the regs require a centerfire handgun for hunting. It will avoid a lot of hassle if you are checked by a warden.

[DRMMR02]

What on earth is the point of a law against having a pistol in addition to your rifle while hunting?

[22-rimfire]

DRMMRO2: I don't understand why you are asking this question? Often most states require that the handgun that is carried in the woods while hunting conform to the requirements for its use as a hunting handgun. Sometimes with a CCW permit, you may carry your CCW handgun that might not be legal to hunt with. In the Missouri case, any centerfire handgun is legal to hunt with technically. So a rimfire would not likely be allowed during deer season, but it would be allowed during small game season.

Added: You do not necessarily need a carry permit to hunt with a handgun. Many states make allowances for this. In PA for example, they have what they call a Sportsman Permit which allows you to carry a handgun hunting as sometimes heavy clothing conceal the handgun. In my state, you may not conceal a handgun unless you have a carry permit, but you can carry it openly hunting.

[cabowabo]

You have to have a CHL to carry a side arm in Texas.

[DRMMR02]

Here in Ohio we can not carry a extra sidearm.

I asked because of that. Why can't you carry an extra sidearm in Ohio?

[brerrabbit]

They also kinda frown on bullet holes in deer at the check station during bow season.

[22-rimfire]

I believe he may be incorrect for Ohio as Ohio allows shotguns and handguns for deer hunting. It may depend what portion of the state you are hunting in also. I recall that handguns are only allowed in the southern part of the state. I could be wrong on that.

Handguns are almost always not allowed during archery season and often during black powder season as well. This would be the case of a backup gun. Having CCW may alter that requirement.

[Onmilo]

Sometimes you can explain the bullet holes in deer during bow season if you are creative.
Explain to the nice DNR man that when the deer realized it was mortally wounded it finished the job by committing suicide,,,,:uhoh:

[22-rimfire]

Maybe that is when you need to skin the deer in the field. It is kind of like shooting a hen pheasant by mistake during small game season.... better skin it out and put it in a bag rather than wasting it by tramping it in a hole and covering it up.:)

[usmccpl]

Hunting in Missouri you can use you handgun as backup or primary if you want.But any firearm you have on your person when you are in the timber during deer season has to be center fire.





one shot one kill

[countertop]

I usually bring a revolver loaded with .357 mag (and depending on temperature/time of year - snakeshot). I've also been thinking of hauling a .22 lr pistol with me to peg squirrels when Mr. Deer is absent

[Zeke Menuar]

Here in Monsoon Central, I carried a LW Commander for years. Just switched over to a XD45 Service.

ZM

[ArmedBear]

Put a bayonet mount on your rifle.

[Clipper]

To clarify: The law in Michigan reads no rimfire rifles or handguns during daylight hours (you can hunt raccoon with dogs at night) in deer season. Centerfire handguns (.35 cal & over) are legal. Handguns used in the shotgun only area in the southern half of the lower peninsula must be straight-wall case.

[crunker]

A bayonet's a good idea, but so's carrying another gun. 9mm would do you good if you don't want to get a 10mm (completely understandable) or a .357 or a.44.

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

For about a decade now, I've carried both a scoped .270 Remington BDL and my S&W Model 29-5 revolver topped with a Holosight.

I've just realized that I've been toting around two guns . . . but I've rarely used one of them . . . the rifle.

So this year I'm leaving the .270 at home and dedicate this year to 100% handgun hunting. I think this will make for a very exciting year, and one of fine challenges!

CHECK YOUR LAWS! Each state is different, but ignorance is no excuse in court. IMHO, if one is toting a handgun during deer season, it needs to ba a legal handgun for deer . . . and one totally capable of humanely getting the job done.

[Sunray]

Neither. If you don't kill the deer with one shot with a rifle, a .22 or 9mm handgun won't help. If you need a second shot, use your rifle. And your local game laws may prohibit it. Mind you, if it's legal, a .22 will be handy for head shots on grouse etc.

[gezzer]

In NH I carry a .22 pistol for small game durring the deer season. Perfectly legal.

[Babarsac]

Anyone know how this applies in Virginia ?

[Art Eatman]

I've sometimes carried a .22 handgun for use for a coup de grace on a deer that's dead but doesn't yet know it.

In Texas, no permit or CHL has ever been needed when hunting on private property, whether or not the handgun is used as the hunter's weapon.

Art

[foghornl]

The Ohio "Game-n-Fish" folks are right snippy about that. You are limited to shotgun/slug (3 rounds max capacity) UNLESS you are using a handgun...which must be a minimum of .357 calibre, and a 5" minimum length barrel. So, your 3.5" ultra-compact 9MM is a no-go.

PLUS, the Ohio Game-n-Fish folks have also been really ahhhh uhmmm heavy-handed about giving the CCW license holders a lot of grief...you CANNOT carry your handgun concealed..even WITH your CCW license. So, don't let your hunting jacket fall over your holstered 6" GP-100.

[bclark1]

i've carried a 9mm in the field during turkey season when i've camped alone. i'd prefer to have something bigger than #4, as i'm worried about 2-legged problems as a lone camper in public woods. that said, i'd have trouble believing a warden would call you on it unless you were up to something else bad, but it's still worth checking the regulations everywhere you hunt in terms of what you're allowed to have in the field with you. some states expressly prohibit it, other states have openings saying you don't even need a CHL if you're hunting or fishing.

[BIGR]

Not stupid but smart. It always pays to have a back up just in case things get nasty. I carry a .357 smith & wesson pistol at all times. I have used it a few times to finish one off, but do not plan on using it as the primary killing gun. And yea I carry it around hunting camp for a little protection.

The 9MM would be better than the .22 .........

[ChefJeff1]

Tomorrow I'm gonna have my sp101 loaded with those mini shotshells. I saw alot of grouse while looking for deer.

[Jrsmith]

I was curious about this for Wisconsin as well, I looked through the deer hunting handbook, and the one for small game and 2 guns were never mentioned. I do know that the specific types were mentioned, so I could see carrying my 9mm during deer season could be bad (need at least a 5 1/2 barrel I think) but carrying that same 9 (which seems to be legal for small game... ... ) while shotgun hunting seems like it might be ok.

Anyone know anything about this in WI?

[Bottom Gun]

My vote is for the .22.
It's the best way to finish off an animal without making a mess or ruining a mount.

[quatin]

Mmmm..just to be clear. I remember Texas state law says it is illicit to "take deer or larger game with rimfire". So...do you have to prove you shot the deer with the centerfire first if you had to take a final shot later?

[Bottom Gun]

"Yes officer, my .22 shot to the head didn't kill the deer so I had to finish him off with a spine shot from my .30-06".:rolleyes:

[MNgoldenbear]

Looks like you're good to go with the 9 if you go with 10 round mags. Some states will not allow you to have either firearms or ammunition that does not conform to the regulations for the game that you are pursuing/have taken.

In CA, I used to take slugs along when small game hunting, as the areas also had a low population of feral hogs. I asked about this while talking with DFG, and they pointed out that CA law indicated that I could only POSSESS suitable ammunition. Even though they agreed that any sensible person would not employ a slug for bird/rabbit/squirrel (though those hyrax photos in another thread looked pretty threatening:D ), nor birdshot against hogs, they pointed out that HAVING both types of ammunition on my person in the field was in itself a violation.

Personally started carrying either my S&W M29 or M686 deer hunting. Just for finishing or if I get an ideal opportunity to actually take one with pistol rather than shotgun. As for defense vs. 2-legged critters, I think I'd stick with the 12 ga slug gun if I had my choice. :D

[rlt7272]

I have carried a 22 of some kind for years, either a Ruger MKII or a Single Six. I have used a 22 to finish off wounded deer 2 times.