Caliber Restrictions

[Feddog82]

I know for a fact there used to be a caliber restriction written into the PGC codes for deer hunting in the regular firearms season. By caliber restriction I mean on centerfire ammunition. But now i am at a loss when trying to find this in the regs book. All I can find is where it states:

"REGULATIONS
Arms & Ammunition
General Statewide Seasons: 1) Manually operated centerfire rifles,
handguns and shotguns with all lead bullet or ball, or a bullet designed
to expand on impact; 2) muzzleloading long guns of any
type, 44 caliber or larger, or a muzzleloading handgun 50 caliber or
larger; and 3) long, recurve or compound and crossbows with
broadheads of cutting-edge design. Buckshot is illegal, except in
Southeast Special Regulations Area."

This section used to include a caliber restriction and I know it. I just can't remember what the exact phrase was or how it was written. When did this change? and What was the prior law?

I was just wondering about it, not that it really matters or anything.

[buster]

I don't think there have ever been caliber restrictions for deer, only that one could use centerfire rifles only, like you have posted.

The only caliber restrictions are for elk, 27 or larger.

[Lycanthrope]

I'm pretty sure it was centerfire rifles over .22 caliber back "in the day".



Lycanthewayheremembersitthrope

[Buckster]

I think Lycan is right. I thought it had to be .22 or larger for big game and centerfire.

[schr8er2000]

Had to be OVER .22 cal... meaning a .223 was legal to use....

[seoulstice]

^ From what I understand .223 is ILLEGAL to use since .223 is considered a 22 cal centerfire. I asked during my Hunter-Safety course. I think the smallest you can go is .243.

[Dredly]

Originally Posted by seoulstice

^ From what I understand .223 is ILLEGAL to use since .223 is considered a 22 cal centerfire. I asked during my Hunter-Safety course. I think the smallest you can go is .243.

I don't think so... I'm pretty sure .223 is legal... unless you can find proof saying it isn't

[seoulstice]

The only proof I have is the words from the PGC officer who taught the class...I can't find anything on the PGC website but I just wrote them an email, they're usually good about getting back in a day or so.

Regardless I wouldn't want to hunt with a .22 centerfire, it's just unethical I don't care how good of a shot you think you are. .243 at a mininum for me.

[Dredly]

a .223 can drop a deer as long as its a good shot. I personally wouldn't suggest it but there are 77 gr slugs which would do the trick

[Lycanthrope]

I know of several deer taken with a .222.

Lycanshotplacementthrope