Hunting with a handgun

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I have a question about hunting with a handgun. (Specifically during deer season--firearm, antlered and antlerless.)



I know a small-arms permit is required in addition to the standard permitand the firearm must be .357 or greater for straight-walled cartridges, and .24 or greater for bottleneck cartridges.



Several co-workers that hunt are insisting that if you carry a handgun (with a small-arms permit), that you CANNOT carry a rifle as well. In other words, you cannot carry a handgun and a rifle at the same time during gun season for deer. They say that the only exception in if you have a CCW and you are carrying the handgun for self-defense--and in this case, the hangun cannot be used for hunting purposes.

. I have been unable to find anything in the state hunting regulations about this, but the guys I work with are being quite vocal about it, insisting that you cannot carry more then one firearm when hunting, even on private property.



Anyone have any insight on this ?

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I don't see that in the regulations either. Although it is .357 magnum, not just .357.

Best to call the DNR I would imagine.

So does that mean you can't hunt with a Colt 1911?

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I read it as caliber must be .357 inch or greater...I believe it also states that the firearm must have a 4" barrel as well. A 1911 full-sized pistol has a 5" barrel so that would be okay.

I hunt with a Ruger .45 Colt with a 4 5/8" barrel, but like I said, I've had three different people say that you can't have a rifle and a handgun on your person whilst hunting unless you are carrying the handgun as a CCW piece (and have a concealed carry license).

I can't find it mentioned anywhere in the WV hunting/trapping rules and regs either, but like I said, several experienced hunters have all told me carrying two firearms is a no-no.

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Ok, so I have emailed the Law Enforcement email provided at wvdnr.gov. I'll let you know what they say.

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I haven't heard anything back yet. Imagine a governmental office in WV not being Johny on the spot with information...inconceivable.

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All I can say is ROFL!! I wasn't expecting a dissertation, but maybe a bit more than the answer they gave. LOL (emailed law@wvdnr.gov btw)

My Email:
Hello,

I have a question regarding the number of firearms one is allowed to carry into the woods for hunting. If I were to have the proper licensing, could I carry an approved hunting rifle, and an approved hunting pistol into the woods at the same time? Thank you for your time.

Their Answer:

Yes.

Nothing like getting strait to the point! :celebrate

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alntht wrote:

All I can say is ROFL!! I wasn't expecting a dissertation, but maybe a bit more than the answer they gave. LOL (emailed law@wvdnr.gov btw)

My Email:
Hello,

I have a question regarding the number of firearms one is allowed to carry into the woods for hunting. If I were to have the proper licensing, could I carry an approved hunting rifle, and an approved hunting pistol into the woods at the same time? Thank you for your time.

Their Answer:

Yes.

Nothing like getting strait to the point! :celebrate

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