Hunting hand guns... are you legal ???

[Magnum Wheel Man]

something I & some of my newly aquiring CCW license buddys were discussing, was carrying handguns in the woods, specifically while hunting big game...

with what has been happening ( with situations like the Wisconsin deer hunter shooting a few years ago, & the possiblity of running into angry land owners, if you accidentally strayed onto their land, or the anti's out there, who are so radical they could blow up abortion clinics, with people in them... well you get the idea )... we generally agreed, that "we" are just as likely to need a handgun for self defense while hunting, as anywhere...

this is not a problem for me, since my 4" GP-100 has always gone with me in the woods...

... it is however more of a problem for a buddy of mine, who can only likely budget 1 handgun over the next several years, towards the purpose of concealed carry... so, even though he is a very small guy, I have him looking at small frame S&W, & SP -101's, etc.,that he can carry in the woods with a legal cartridge of 357 mag, but could also carry in the urban jungle, with the 357 or 38's...

just currious if you auto carriers make the switch to a revolver in the woods, or are you carrying guns ( that in Minnesota ) would be ilegal to have in the woods during big game season ???

In MN ( to the best of my knowledge ) it is not legal to have any gun that is not of big enough caliber to hunt the game you are hunting, with you in the woods while hunting that game... I think how it works here is 357 mag, is the lowest "power" ( I don't remember specifically how they determine "power" )cartridge allowed, the 30 Carbine get an exception as not legal, & the 10 mm get an exception of being legal, but again to the best of my knowledge the 9mm, 40 cal, & 45 ACP are not legal to take into the woods with you while hunting, weather you have a CCW or not...

back to my question... do you guy's that regularly carry autos hunt big game??? if so, do you switch to the revolvers, or a 10mm as your CCW gun while hunting??? or do your hunting areas not have any rules similar ???

 

[Lonestar]

Check your local game commish. Some states are OK with sidearms, some states it's illegal to carry even if you have a CL. Some states even have Handgun hunting season, best of both worlds.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would think that almost any legal rifle or shotgun for hunting deer would more than suffice for personal protection as well. You would have to be crazy to antaganize someone carrying a high powered rifle. Most centerfire rifles legal for deer hunting are considerably more powerful than most handgun calibers. You don't need both handgun and rifle. How's that for keeping within a budget?

If you carry a handgun also, I would carry one that is legal in the situation you are in. PERIOD

Most easily concealable handguns for personal protection just are not suitable for carry in the woods as a hunting tool. I carried both, and the weight became a problem-most uncomfortable and you usually go for the gun that you are most confident with when a whitetail approaches. That usually means rifle.

I mostly hunt whitetails with a revolver now, so I can not choose a rifle when the big moment arrives.

Buy the handgun for concealed carry only and worry about hunting later. I use a Smith 642/442 for this purpose and hunt with a Ruger SRH.

 

[MCgunner]

In Texas it is legal to carry openly when "pursuing outdoor activities" or something like that. IOW, you can carry afield even if you're fishing. Of course, I have a CCW permit and carry everywhere. I'm more worried about people trespassing on MY property, than me trespassing on others, though. And, those anti-hunting terrorist groups don't dare lay a foot in Texas.

If I got into a shootout with some eco-terrorist taking a shot at me, though, I don't think I'd lay down my rifle and draw my handgun. I carry revolvers mostly in the field and usually loaded with light .38s for the taking of targets of opportunity, like rabbits. I'll normally take along a speed loader or two of full power loads in whatever caliber if I'm totin' a DA or just some loose full power loads with a single action. I have carried my P90, .45ACP before. All it takes to change loads is a magazine swap, but my 200 gr SWC load is good for everything from rabbits to humans with that gun. It's the only auto I've ever owned that's as accurate as a good revolver with .38 wadcutters. The thing is amazing. It's plenty of gun to have along on a rifle hunt, fairly light on the hip, and if I was really worried about BGs in the woods, it'd be a danged good choice, my number one choice.

But, normally, anyone I meet in the field is one heck of a lot nicer than most I would bump into in the asphalt jungle. I have just not seen the problems down here. I've hunted public areas, too, and not a problem. I've heard of one incident up east of Houston in all my years of eco-freaks protesting the opening of the duck season by picketing and trying to interfere with hunters at a boat ramp. But, their tactics didn't include shooting at guys toting 12 gauge shotguns. After they were unsuccessful at anything, they figured out to get out in the marsh meant waders and getting dirty, so they all adjourned to the local Starbucks to gripe about the evilness of humanity.

 

[wdlsguy]

In Texas it is legal to carry openly when "pursuing outdoor activities" or something like that. IOW, you can carry afield even if you're fishing.

"... is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is directly en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;"

[Texas Penal Code § 46.15(b)(4)]

What kind of handgun is commonly used while fishing? This would clearly cover your 6" filleting knife (an "illegal knife" under Texas law) however.

 

[Magnum Wheel Man]

well around southern MN, we have a greater than normal ethnic diversity...

some of these cultures have different hunting traditions, expectations, & meathods that us "locals"...

not picking on any culture, but believe the Wisconsin shooting I was talking about, involved a "mung" man & a bunch of local Wisconsin residents... I again am not trying to even take sides over that tragic event, I'm sure all party's involved, at some point feared for their lives...

there has been a rash of hunters lately that either simply don't care about property lines, or don't speak the language, & can't read no tresspassing signs, & will often take over private land owners hunting stands...

also stories of hunters stumbling across someones "pot factory", or still...

I have heard of disputes arising from animals that were shot by one hunter, only to be shot & dropped 20 minutes later by another hunter... there could be times, that wrestling over a rifle or shotgun wouldn't make as much sense as drawing a much smaller & thus more difficult to wrestle over weapon...

so ... after reading that, I in no way endorse fighting to the death over any animal you may have shot during hunting, but it still doesn't eliminate the posibility to need to defend ones self, just as effectively in the woods, as may be needed in the urban jungle

 

[MCgunner]

What kind of handgun is commonly used while fishing? This would clearly cover your 6" filleting knife (an "illegal knife" under Texas law) however.

I use my .38 as a shark tranquilizer all the time! I mean, I could use a ball bat like most folks, but it wouldn't be nearly so much fun, now would it?

Thanks for the exact quote. Anyway, no problem carrying while hunting. Like I say, I'm covered in any and all situations with a CCW permit if I carry concealed, and I do except for hunting. I know folks that go off shore for big bull shark that carry .357 mags routinely. You really don't wanna swing a ball bat in close proximity to a 500 lb bull shark.

 

[MCgunner]

not picking on any culture, but believe the Wisconsin shooting I was talking about, involved a "mung" man & a bunch of local Wisconsin residents... I again am not trying to even take sides over that tragic event, I'm sure all party's involved, at some point feared for their lives...

I'd heard about that incident and figured you might be alluding to it. That was a very strange deal. I don't think that would ever happen in Texas. Locals, at least, KNOW about trespass laws. Private property is about all there is here and hunting is by lease for the most part and everyone knows it.

 

[Jackal]

I would look into a snubbie .44 special, like a Charter Arms Bulldog. Small and light enough to conceal but packs a whallop for hunting. Anyone that says otherwise has never used a .44spl to put a whole all the way through a deer.

 

[Magnum Wheel Man]

I love the 44 special myself, but... I don't think it's legal to hunt with / carry during hunting in MN...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If you were attacked while hunting, why on earth would you drop your rifle or shotgun to draw a handgun?

 

[mnrivrat]

You might want to verify information with the DNR but from what I read you can carry CCW while hunting.

97B.041 Possession of firearms and ammunition restricted
in deer zones.

A person may not possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors
during the period beginning the fifth day before the open
firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the
season within an area where deer may be taken by a firearm,
except:

(1) during the open season and in an area where big game
may be taken, a firearm and ammunition authorized for taking big
game in that area may be used to take big game in that area if
the person has a valid big game license in possession;

(2) an unloaded firearm that is in a case or in a closed
trunk of a motor vehicle;

(3) a shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or
smaller diameter lead shot or steel shot;

(4) a handgun or rifle and only short, long, and long rifle
cartridges that are caliber of .22 inches;

(5) handguns possessed by a person authorized to carry a
handgun under sections 624.714 and 624.715 for the purpose
authorized; and

(6) on a target range operated under a permit from the
commissioner.

Number 5 covers the permit to carry issue and as I understand it allows your carry weapon to be on you during the hunting. Not legal to use for taking game unless it meets the size criteria which is .23 cal or larger with a case length of 1.285 " ( exceptions for 10MM with .950 case length, .45 Win Mag, and 50 A.E. )

 

[MCgunner]

I don't think I'd wanna handload the .44 special to Keith hunting specks in a Charter Arms revolver. And, I wouldn't use the weak SD loads to hunt deer sized game with, nor the .45 ACP. My minimum deer caliber is .357 magnum. If it's packin' 700+ ft lbs, it's acceptable to me. Below that level of energy, no thanks, I want clean kills. As a self defense concealed carry gun, though, what I think we're talkin' about here, the Bulldog would be a fine choice.

The old standby minimum deer energy on target is 1000 ft lbs. I think Texas deer you can move that down a might, but the .357 is making just under 800 ft lbs from a 6.5" revolver at the muzzle. I wouldn't stretch that too far. The .45ACP in its hottest loadings is a little over 500 ft lbs and the .44 special is under 400 in a Charter revolver. No thanks, rather have a S&W mountain gun if I'm going .44.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

mnrivrat got to it before me, but he posted exactly what you need to know. You can carry whatever you want, but it is only legal to hunt with if it meets DNR requirements for a hunting caliber.

That said, you might find a sidearm more useful than you think. I might have eaten a deer that had one .308 hole and a couple of .45 and .40 holes in it. Hypothetically...

 

[MCgunner]

I'd rather make a quick follow up with the rifle than put it down and grab a sidearm for a 150 yard shot. Seriously, upon firing, my first instinct is to work the bolt, not draw from leather. If rapidity of follow up is important, they make levers and pumps and autoloading rifles.

I've never fired a handgun at a deer when I was rifle hunting. I have purposely hunted with a handgun and killed deer, but just as with self defense, I ain't going to worry about a handgun if I got a 7 mag in my hands. I can count the deer on one hand, actually two fingers, that I've shot that ever needed a second shot and one of 'em was because the first shot missed. He ran out about 200 yards and gave me a broadside this time, fatal mistake, .257 Roberts through the heart, dead on impact.

The one reason to carry a sidearm hunting is with a black powder rifle. I fully intend to carry my Old Army when I get a chance to do some hog hunting with my .50 hawkin. THEN, the handgun makes a lot of sense in the hunting roll. Otherwise, to me, its primary function is small game if I happen to run across such or maybe a finishing shot if the game ain't quite expired when I walk up on it, which has happened.

I did make a stalk, though, once, on a pack of Javelina out in west Texas. In that instance, I didn't just wanna shoot a stink pig for the heck of it with the 7 mag I was carrying, figured I'd make a stalk (stink pigs are danged near blind and I had the wind at my face). I slung the rifle, dumped the .38s out of my Rossi M971 and stuck a speed loader of 140 grain Speer JHP handloads in and adjusted the elevation screw. I eased up within 20 yards before topping a ridge where I could get no closer and made the shot. That was fun.

http://f5.putfile.com/5/12608415297.jpg

 

[KINGMAX]

A snubbie .44 bulldog or 000 buck shot ???

I don't think I would trade off a Remington 870 loaded w/ 3 inch magnum 000 buck shot for a snubbie in .44 w/ a 2 inch barrel in the field for personal protection, or am I missing something ??????????

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I often carry a defensive handgun when hunting -- a .22 pistol. You'd be amazed at how aggressive squirrels get when they think all you have is a .30-06.

 

[mnrivrat]

or am I missing something ??????????

Well , yes - sorta

The question realy was about the legality of concealed carry handguns during hunting & specificaly those handguns that do not meet the hunting handgun criteria.

Not legal to use for taking game unless it meets the size criteria which is .23 cal or larger with a case length of 1.285 " ( exceptions for 10MM with .950 case length, .45 Win Mag, and 50 A.E. )

The answer in Minnesota is that if you have a CCW permit you should be able to carry your CCW weapon as long as you do not use it for hunting. ( or if it meets the hunting caliber size criteria you may also hunt with it)

This is in addition to your regular hunting rifle or shotgun depending on the area you hunt in MN . (buckshot is not allowed for deer in this state)

 

[Dr.Rob]

In Colorado hunters can carry a sidearm for self defense as long as it's not concealed. (Colo is an open carry state but I don't recommend doing it in downtown Denver)

Howver to be hunting with a handgun ONLY you have to make a power factor. .41, .44 mag make the cut. .357 Max makes the cut. And it must have a 4 inch barrel.

Most 'serious' handgun hunters I know are using XP's and Contenders in wildcat rifle calibers and carry a ballistics info laminated card in thier pocket in case the game warden asks.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Howver to be hunting with a handgun ONLY you have to make a power factor. .41, .44 mag make the cut. .357 Max makes the cut. And it must have a 4 inch barrel.

.357 mag and 10mm also will with good, stiff loads and 5 or more inches of barrel. Reg. is 550 ft/lbs at 50 yds.

I carry my 1006 loaded with 180 gr. gold sabres. It's kind of a jack of all trades. Great for defense against predators and wacko's, also capable of taking deer at close range (for example, have my rifle slung and jump a big buck at 20 or 30 yards); much faster to draw and fire a handgun than unsling a rifle. I also carry 50 extra rounds for it in case I manage to get good and lost. I usually have 13 rounds for the rifle (4 in the gun, 9 on the stock in a cartridge holder).

I use the 10mm to do final dispatch at point blank range as well, if the animal is still alive when I get to it.

If there is a lot of Grouse in the area, I will carry a .22 revolver loaded with shorts or CB caps as well (or instead, depeding).

When I am using a handgun to hunt, it is my Desert Eagle .50 with a Burris 1.5-4x and loaded with 325 gr. Speer JHP's (MV 1510 FPS).

 

[igorts]

I often carry a defensive handgun when hunting -- a .22 pistol. You'd be amazed at how aggressive squirrels get when they think all you have is a .30-06

I double that. Seems they know you have big bore, when you return with .22 they are gone...

 

[MCgunner]

I often carry a defensive handgun when hunting -- a .22 pistol. You'd be amazed at how aggressive squirrels get when they think all you have is a .30-06.

ROFLMAO!!!!

 

[trickyasafox]

i could be wrong but i am pretty sure you can't carry even if you have a ccw by me during bow season someone smarter may be positive (CNY)

 

[stevelyn]

Not even an issue in Alaska. We can carry whatever, wherever, whenever.

The majority of folks up here engaged in outdoor activities are armed with more than one weapon. Chances are if you see someone out carrying a long gun, they are also probably carrying something you can't see too.

 

[Kurt S.]

Hey there, Magnum Wheel Man. MCgunner pretty much covered the rules here in Texas.

There's about 5 of us out of 12 hunters on my lease up in the east Texas piny woods who carry handguns.
1- Desert Eagle .50, a semiauto
1- Glock 22, 40 cal. semiauto.
1- .32 S&W revolver, concealed.
Me- Depends on how I'm feeling: .45 EAA single action Bounty Hunter, open carry; 6.5" bbl S&W 629, .44mag, open carry; Charter Arms .44 Bulldog, concealed; and once or twice, Springfield 1911 .45 ACP open carry.
My wife- 4" S&W M66 .357, open carry.

I used to know a Houston LEO who carried his service weapon, a Taurus (!) .40 cal semiauto as a sidearm while hunting, and took a good sized buck with it.