Handguns:
• To be legal for deer, handguns must use center-fire cartridges of .22 caliber or
larger and have a 5½ inch minimum barrel, measured from the firing pin to the
muzzle with the action closed.
Here are the 2010 DNR regs for handgun deer hunting, the 2011 regs aren't published yet:
Would the AG's opinion carry any weight with the DNR or are they a law unto themselves?Like was said, the newest regs haven't been published yet. I don't know if the DNR has the authority to mandate that all handguns are carried openly. Given their past, they may try to do this anyways, but we'll see. There is a difference in being in possession of a handgun and hunting with a handgun. If you have a shotgun or rifle, a warden may reasonably assume you are hunting with that instead of your sidearm with too-short of a barrel.
Is it legal to carry a handgun while hunting with a bow or other weapon?
It is legal to carry a handgun while you are hunting but make sure that you are not violating any local ordinances or state laws by carrying one (such as carrying a concealed weapon). You must be 18 years old to hunt with or possess a handgun. It is only legal to use a handgun for species that can be legally hunted with a handgun. A handgun cannot be used to kill a deer you first shot and wounded with your bow.
State Statute trumps DNR Admin Code. I gave an example in the 24hour ban thread. Not even the DNR is crazy enough to attempt a battle with Concealed Carry at this point..... They have no reason to...Would the AG's opinion carry any weight with the DNR or are they a law unto themselves?
As opposed to the legal pot?Then there is the illegal pot growing in Florence county.
State Statute trumps DNR Admin Code. I gave an example in the 24hour ban thread. Not even the DNR is crazy enough to attempt a battle with Concealed Carry at this point..... They have no reason to...
I.K.
Not to be pushy here, just askin'.
You seem to have a good handle on all this with very thoughtful analysis.
Would you be willing to write a detailed letter to the DNR to ask all these questions, and maybe get them to clarify some of the inconsistencies and questions? I don't know if the AG would respond, but maybe a copy to him as well.
I you wanted to post a sample letter, you could get comments from folks here as well.
Will ya, please, huh, will ya.
ksks