Which states disallow semi-autos for hunting?

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Trying to get a handle on this.

Also, which states are shotgun-only, or shotgun & pistol-round-only states? And which of THOSE states allow semi-autos? As in, semi-auto shotguns. Also, in shotgun only states, which ones are smoothbore only and which allow rifling in your "shotgun"?

In shotgun & pistol-round only states, where semi-autos ARE allowed, could you run with an AR15 in a pistol caliber then?

I think a chart/spreadsheet is going to be in order here.

In my state, oddly enough, you CAN use a .22 cal centerfire cartridge (55 gr or more), but you canNOT use a semi-auto .22 caliber if the magazine actually being used can hold more than 10 rounds. However, if your semi-auto is LARGER than .22 caliber, implicitly, you can use a 20 rounder or larger, as there is no restriction there. Generally speaking, you can use ANY semi-auto during rifle season.

 

[emerson]

What is the reason for such a task? You could look at all the DFW websites of the 50 states and sort the information...

 

[Nick5182]

I live in Iowa and here you can only use muzzle loader, shotgun, bow, or handgun for deer. For predators you can use whatever you want. I know in the southern part of Iowa they've started allowing the use of high powers for deer because of the exploding population. As far as shotguns go, you can use sabots, rifled slugs, buckshot, smooth bore, rifled barrel, semi, single, pump, etc. anything you want. I hunt coyotes here with an AR-15 and it's legal. I'm not sure about the lower counties that allow high powers what type of actions are allowed.

 

[Birdmang]

Illinois is shotgun slug only.

 

[RoostRider]

Just to make it more confusing.... In MN you can use a rifle north of Highway 95.... you can only use a shotgun south of highway 95 (about midstate)... it can be rifled... autoloaders are allowed in all circumstances I know of.

 

[bswiv]

And more confusion....................

Here in Florida, during the "small game season", which generally continues on our WMAs for about a month and a half after the "general season" ends, we can continue to take hogs.

During the "small game season" we are not allowed to use "centerfire rifles". On the other hand we are allowed to use bows, muzzle loaders, shotguns, rimfires and handguns.

The odd thing is that we all know there are plenty of modern "handguns" chambered in all sorts of offerings that are, or were, traditional rifle rounds. Plenty of guys out there shooting pistols with way more capability, range and knockdown, than my old .35 Rem.

So why I can't keep using the old .35 Rem. when modern handguns are available that are more potent......I don't know.

And this too.........those of you who use muzzle loaders know full well that while you may have only one fast shot that first shot will often be more accurate and more powerful than my .35 Rem. out of my 40+ year old rifle.

Just does not make sense...........

 

[Geno]

In Michigan's upper peninsula, you can use want ever you choose. The same applies to Michigan's the northern half of the lower peninsula. From about M-57 and southward, one cannot use rifle for deer.

Geno

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Here's the reason: I want to know where I could or could not go on out-of-state hunts if I took this concept to its complete conclusion:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=487273

I'm gonna create if I have time, the ultimate uber state by state comparison of game laws table/chart/spreadsheet, which will have this info, as well as cost of all licenses, including out of state license fees. Anyone know best place to start for this - alread been done?

I know I'm all over the map here, but does any state allow a "lifetime, NON-resident" license to be issued?

 

[kanook]

The odd thing is that we all know there are plenty of modern "handguns" chambered in all sorts of offerings that are, or were, traditional rifle rounds

The look of confusion on the FWC when I show up with my 10 1/2" barreled AR15 pistol is priceless.

 

[MCgunner]

IMHO, disallowing autos is political PC and STUPID. But, JMHO. You can probably just figure out a political map, look at where the lefties live, and that's going to be where you'll find such prohibitions. My guess, though.

Let's put it this way, suicide seems preferable to moving to New Jersey.

 

[Grumulkin]

Yours, Dr. Winslow, is a noble endeavor but you're going to go nuts if you try to keep all the information up for all 50 states.

In PA, semiautos are out at least as far as rifle and handgun hunting is concerned; I don't know about PA shotgun hunting though.

In OH, during gun season it's shotgun, muzzleloading rifle or handgun only. Semiautos are OK but for shotgun, you're limited to a capacity of 3 rounds. Interestingly, the is no limit to the capacity of handguns. Handguns must have a barrel at least 5 inches long and must be chambered for a straight walled cartridge of at least .357 caliber.

If you have a nuisance permit for OH deer, anything goes; that's when I get out the 300 Weatherby Magnum.

 

[MCgunner]

In Texas, it has to be a center fire. My .380 ACP is legal.

 

[bpl]

In PA, no autoloading rifles or handguns are allowed. Manually operated only, so bolt, lever, pump, break open actions and revolvers are legal. Autoloading shotguns are allowed, but mag capacity is limited to 3 shells. I think the 3 shell rule is a part of Federal Migratory Bird Regulations, but I'm not sure.

 

[bpl]

PA, I just read, has the most licensed hunters per capita of any state in the US, for those interested in a little trivia! I guess that's why we're only allowed one buck per season!

 

[Martyk]

NJ is Sling Shot and Box Cutters only.

 

[blackops]

My state doesn't allow them for anything....California, what a joke.

 

[MCgunner]

NJ is Sling Shot and Box Cutters only.

Jeez, you sure? Box cutters are a chosen weapon of mass murders and terrorists since 9/11. I'd have thought NJ would have eliminated their sales and possession by now. Perhaps they don't wanna look "anti-muslim".

 

[Rob96]

As was said, PA does not allow semi auto rifles or pistols. Not usre how it works for shotguns during the deer season though.

 

[Rob96]

IMHO, disallowing autos is political PC and STUPID.

In PA I think it just goes way back as far as the laws. Kinda like why is only flintlock allowed in the winter muzzle loader. PA may progress though considering they allow any archer to use a crossbow during the archery season. If they allowed semi-auto rifles for hunting I would have went with an AR for my varmint rig.

 

[scythefwd]

birdmang, I believe you can use a muzzle loader during shotgun season, but I could be wrong. You can do handgun hunting in IL. Center fire rifles are out though.

 

[bpl]

Rob96,

I don't think you can use an autoloading shotgun for deer in PA. Page 43. 1) Manually operated centerfire rifles, handguns and shotguns ...

 

[mete]

Martyk - sling shots are totally banned in NJ !! We radio HAMS use bow and arrow or slingshots to put antennas into trees , but the guys in NJ tell us NO slingshots in NJ !!!