Posted: 5/15/2006 3:05:27 PM EDT
| I was wondering if there are any animals you could hunt using an ar 15 in the 5.56 caliber in CT. I know that that is too small to hunt deer with but I was wondering about predators and woodchucks, and small game. Thanks |
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No. Only .22 rimfire (short,long or long rifle) with valid hunting license can be used to hunt wild quadrepeds such as squirrels and rabbits in CT. Shotshells used for hunting non-waterfowl game must not use shot size larger than #2 shot. The only exception to this DEP regulation is the use of centerfire rifle for deer on PRIVATE LAND during deer SLUG SEASON and the private land must be more than 10 acres and the rifle caliber must be at least 6mm (.243). A special permit must be applied for with DEP for this purpose. On State land during slug season, the shotgun must use 12,16 or 20 guage slugs - NO Buckshot for deer. .22 LR handguns may be used for hunting wild quadrapeds as above providing the hunter has BOTH the valid permit to carry pistols and revolvers AND a valid hunting license. I'm not sure about the ruling on the .17 rimfires - I never owned one, so I never paid attention to the ruling. So, consult with DEP on this one (I think they may have allowed it, considering it closer to .22 LR in overtravel than .22 MAG which has always been banned for hunting on State land in CT) The reason for these restrictions is not anti gun - it's liability concern for overtravel of projectiles on State land. CT is densely populated and any errant bullet fired in the woods might land in a populated area very easily. These restrictions have been in place for at least 30 yrs that I recall l Go to www.ctsportsmen.com for hunting info or visit the CT State DEP website |