MS hunters... help. Any law against .223 for turkey?

[JWarren]

Hiya guys... the title just summed it up.


I was on our land in the last few days and noticed that we have a very good flock of turkeys this year. I haven't been an avid turkey hunter, but have been planning on getting into it (its a long-standing family tradition)

At any rate....

Yesterday morning, I was having coffee and watched 16 turkeys in my front yard. Having some time, I went in and got my Saiga 308 with an 8X scope on it to site on them. (gun was unloaded-- I was using the scope as a spotting scope or binoculars)

It made me think about hearing my grandfather talk about using a rifle in turkey hunting some. Personally, I like the idea-- I hate finding shot in meat. I know people who have broken teeth eating ducks (Dad has a $650 crown from it)

So....


Do you guys know if there are any restrictions to using a rifle during Turkey season? If so, are there any caliber restrictions? A varmit round like .223 seems perfect for this.


I am trying SO hard to justify buying an AR-15 in a state where there is very little few game animals that you can use a .223 to hunt. I'd like to add an AR to my collection, but I HATE the idea of safe queens that have no real practical application-- which is why EVERY gun I own can hunt SOMETHING around here.


Help me guys!


-- John

 

[cottonmouth]

.223

Years ago it was legal here to use a rifle but that time has come and gone. You can use a bow or a shot gun. You can find all the regulations on the MDWFP web site.

J.B.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

.223 would destroy a lot of meat....and it's illegal

 

[JWarren]

Thanks guys.

So that's a no-go on justifying a .223.


As for damaging meat, I was considering head and neck shots. Your absolutely right about the meat damage.

-- John

 

[TehK1w1]

It's legal here in TX That's what our lodge turkey guns are chambered in.

 

[JWarren]

I've been perusing our widelife website and confirmed that it is indeed illegal.

But I did run across some interesting things.


For instance:

NO WHERE in the laws they had up did they mention a minium caliber for deer. I've always been in the understanding that MS had a mininum caliber of .24 caliber to hunt deer.

NO WHERE in the laws they had up did they mention a maximum magazine size. I was under the impression that magazines could hold no more than 5 rounds for deer hunting. No, I am not a spray-and-pray hunter-- but it would make life easier not having to "plug" on of my magazines (10 round) to make it hold 5. Saiga 308's don't have 5 round magazines available. The only mention of magazine capacity had to do with plugging shotguns to hold no more than 3 rounds.


I did learn that you can use a rifle in Turky season-- or use a Crossbow in Archery season IF you are a Parapelegic. I can't--for the life of me-- figure out how a parapalegic CAN use a rifle or crossbow.

I am calling the MS Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries on Monday to get clarification and get something in writing.


Thanks guys.

-- John

 

[fireflyfather]

Paraplegics have no use of their legs. Their arms usually work just fine.....PAIR, not QUAD.

 

[Shooters Plus]

.223 is legal in MS for Deer. I've used my AR several times.

 

[Dallas Jack]

I will be using an AR-15 (.223) for turkey this year.
Dallas Jack

 

[sixgunner455]

AR has other practical applications besides hunting. And you could hunt coyote with it, if you just must be able to hunt something with it. Sounds like you can hunt deer with it, too.

 

[skinewmexico]

I know my 17 works like a charm on turkey, so I bet a 223 would too..........

 

[Jeff.]

IN CA you can hunt turkey with a .22 cal air rifle, but other than that - only shotgun or bow.

 

[45crittergitter]

In MS, you can use your AR on any game other than turkey or migratory birds (shotguns only), with some exceptions at night or on some public areas.