Posted: 12/4/2007 11:47:50 AM EDT
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In some posts, it is mentioned that rifles aren't legal for deer hunting in some states. Why not? Is there a legitimate reason or is it some gun hating game department BS to discourage hunting? (What are you supposed to use your 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag for?) 
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Mostly in flat states. Rifle bullets travel much father than shotgun slugs. 
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It is illegal in Illinois. Shotgun with slugs, bow or muzzle loader only I believe. As to why, I am not sure. I have heard the argument that since the state is so flat(at least the middle and northern parts) that a rifle is too dangerous.  Sounds like B.S. to me though.I haven't lived there in 10 years and never hunted deer there. |
Also may have to do with population density. North of Saginaw Michigan, rifles are OK...but population density is rather low compared to southern Michigan where only shotguns and muzzleloaders are allowed. dvo |
I agree...but have you ever had many dealings with the DNR folks. Not the sharpest tools in the shed. There is a big bias against policy change, even if the evidence points to change. dvo |
I find it hard to believe that a shotgun with a rifled barrel firing sabot slugs has a smaller down range hazard area than a rifle. Here are some examples: 437 grs @ 1673 fps 328 grs @ 1900 fps 601 grs @ 1800 fps These may not carry like a 300 mag, but they've got to have similar range to rounds like the .45-70 and .35 Remington. The short range is true of buckshot and is somewhat true of Foster or Brenneke type slugs but sabot slugs are a little different. Maybe the state legislature hasn't caught up with the technology available now? ETA that magnum inline muzzle loaders with sabot loads shoot far and flat, too. Try a 300 gr. .458 bullet from the .45-70 @ 2100 fps muzzle velocity. If that load is legal, then why not the .45-70? |
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Has been long standing regulation here in CT. rifles legal on private land,shotguns on public land and black powder during season.. I guess there is some logic to the safety argument but if you look at today's high performance shotgun ammo and the high power black powder guns there is lots of overlap with many centerfire rifle loads. There is plenty of Bambi-loving anti Hunting sentiment here but the DEP pretty much runs their own show and other than being seriously under funded they are a decent outfit so I believe the shotgun only to be based purely on the safety issue (right or wrong) |