Extra Gun While Hunting - .22 or 9mm

[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 Nysgerrig]

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]

No No in TEXAS

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,,,,

 

[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.