What is the law on using an assult rifle for hunting deer here? I've been told it's .223 or larger caliber with 5 round clip max, is this correct? I have a friend wanting to hunt with an sks so I was just checking for him.

AFAIK the caliber has to be .23 or larger. (so standard AR is a no no, but a 7.62 SKS should be fine).  I don't think there is any restriction on mag capacity.  However rifle hunting is only allowed in specific zones (I'm sure you knew that though).

Make sure he has decent ammo and your friend can hit what he is aiming at.  My uncle had poor results his first year up here (from Florida) hunting.  After that 1st year it has been a quest for gross overkill.  I think he is up to a 300 Weatherby Mag.  

Quoted: What is the law on using an assult semi-auto rifle for hunting deer here? I've been told it's .223 or larger caliber with 5 round clip magazine max, is this correct? I have a friend wanting to hunt with an sks so I was just checking for him.

Fixed it for you!

- No rifle type limitations in the rifle hunting zones
- .224 6mm or larger caliber
- No magazine restrictions

SKS will be fine unless he's Hmong

2005 Regulations and Maps

Folks...how about posting a link to what the DNR REALLY says about  required calibers....

Just happen to have that link right here...


For the future, please post facts about the laws and not what you THINK they should be...

All ya hav ta do is go on yahoo, google, ...etc. or any of the state search engines for the answers.
(which is how yours truely did it just a minute ago)

SKS will be fine unless he's Hmong

Snicker...

Quoted: - No rifle type limitations in the rifle hunting zones - .224 6mm or larger caliber - No magazine restrictions SKS will be fine unless he's Hmong 2005 Regulations and Maps

There is also further restrictions here in MN.

must be of at LEAST 6mm AND a catridge longer than 1.285" case.

There are 2 exceptions: 10mm and 50AE (the 440Cor-Bon is considered a 50AE by MN statutes)

There has been legistlative work in the past to develop a "ballistics" requirement instead. 1000ft-lbs of energy at 100yds or 500ft-lbs at 50yds, like what Colorado has.

I have no idea if it made it out of committee. (God only knows wy the 25-20 is legal in MN but hte 460Rowland is not...it is in ND)

FYI: I just  got a PM from someone asking about the 25-20

Its a cartridge only a soot-lord could love.



Here is what I am hunting with this fall.

Illegal Cartridges for large game:

   * Caliber is either too small in diameter and or case length is too short.
   * Rimfire
   * 22 Short Rimfire
   * 22 Long rimfire
   * 22 Long Rifle Rimfire
   * 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
   * Centerfire
   * 17 Remington
   * 218 Bee
   * 22 Hornet
   * 22 PPC
   * 220 Swift
   * 221 Fireball
   * 22 Remington Jet
   * 222 Remington
   * 222 Remington Magnum
* 223 Remington (5.56 NATO)
   * 22-250 Remington
   * 224 Weatherby Magnum
   * 225 Winchester
   * 25 Auto (.25ACP)
   * 256 Winchester
   * 30 Carbine (.30 M1 Carbine case length is longer than 1.285" but is specifically illegal under 97B.031 Subd. 7b.)
   * 30 Luger ( 7.65mm)
   * 32 Short Colt
   * 32 Long Colt
   * 32 Smith & Wesson
   * 32 Smith & Wesson Long
   * 32 Auto (.32ACP)
   * 38 Short Colt
   * 38 Long Colt
   * 38 Smith & Wesson
   * 380 Auto
   * 38 Special
   * 38 AMU
   * 9mm Luger
   * 9mm Winchester Magnum
   * 38 Super Automatic
   * 357 /.44 Bain & Davis
   * 40 Smith & Wesson Automatic
   * 44 Smith & Wesson Special
   * 45 Auto (.45ACP)
   * 45 Auto rim
   * 460 Rowland

Note: Bold print typically/originally a handgun cartridge.

The information on this list was compiled from the following sources:

   * DNR list dated Sept. 15, 1982
   * Cartridges of the World 7th Edition
   * NRA Firearms Fact Book 3rd Edition
   * Sierra Bullets Technician Phone Line

Not all legal or illegal cartridges are included as there are many more obsolete or foreign cartridges as well as wildcat cartridges not listed.

Revised May 21, 2001
Ross M . Opsahl
Conservation Officer
651-686-6865



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© 2005 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Copyright Notice.

As an aside,  .30 carbine is now legal for deer per MN DNR.   It was passed as part of a DNR bill last summer and is specifically noted as such in the 2005 hunting regulations.