Magazine Capacity and Hunting

[50caliber123]

In Michigan, the DNR manual says we can carry no more than 6 rounds in a semi-automatic centerfire rifle or shotgun. I believe in hunting ethically, one shot kill is prefferred to anything else, but why is the number 6 (or 5, or 3) the decided upon "sporting" capacity? I'm not advocating 30rd magazines here, but would like to know how these restrictions, specifically the number of rounds (here, its 6) are agreed on. Personally, I have some rifles that have 10rd fixed or detachable magazines, such as SKS and Enfield rifles. I would like to be able to have full magazines for these rifles without having to artificially limit the capacity of the magazine or have to buy an aftermarket replacement. I don't ever carry afield less than 10rds and never more than 20. I'm sure others who use M1 Garands would like to use the 8rd en-bloc clips as well instead of the clumsy-looking 5rd ones. So why and how do these restrictions 3, 5,6 rds exist? Thoughts on whether we should push to change them anyone? I just feel if someone was going to cause trouble or be unsporting and blast away, they would either not follow the magazine capacity restriction or reload anyways.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Sorry, come on down to Tx. I hunt piggies with a twenty round magazine. The only magazine limit here is one migratory game birds, because they fall under federal legislation.

 

[Crunker1337]

I don't think hunting pigs falls under the federal 10 rd magazine limit for hunting game animals since all year is pig season as they are considered non-native varmint/pest animals.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I don't think hunting pigs falls under the federal 10 rd magazine limit for hunting game animals since all year is pig season as they are considered non-native varmint/pest animals.

Can you cite this federal 10 round magazine limit?

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Is there a federal 10 round limit? Texas law specifically says that there is no magazine limit on any game animal other than migratory birds.

Magazine Capacity (number of shells/cartridges allowed): There are no restrictions on the number of shells or cartridges a legal firearm may hold when hunting game animals or game birds (except migratory game birds, see Legal Shotgun).

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/hunt/means/

I've never seen a federal restriction on anything other than migratory game birds.

 

[akodo]

hunting is not a fundimental right, just like driving your car on the highway.

Just like there is no magic that happens to a teen on his 16th birthday, there is no magic about the number 6. They want the number to be 'medium low' but 'medium low' isn't specific enough, so they picked 6.

 

[Frog48]

the federal 10 rd magazine limit for hunting game animals

I dont believe any such limit exists...

 

[Crunker1337]

I've heard tell of such law in other locations but come to think of it I don't know the exact law. I will search for it though, so plan on hearing back from me soon.

Hmm looks like there is no federal law so far... maybe it was misquoted from the AWB? Hunting weapons, 10 rounds magazine limit sounds familiar...

 

[sb350hp]

I am of the opinion that in reality you should need no more than 5 in any hunting rifle on any hunting outing. However you should carry at least 5 to 10extra rounds on your person during that hunt. However saying that, I do not know where the number comes from. Handguns 6 would make sense at most hunting handguns are revolvers, Shotguns, why 3??? that is a good question. Long guns I am ok with limiting the rounds (my opinion) so you don't have rambo cutting loose on a game animal from the hip doing the spray and pray routine w/ other hunters out in the field.

I am not sorry to say that I am w/ Jim Zumbo on the fact that I do not consider SKS, AK's and the like "hunting" rifles per say but yet I do not feel that they cannot be used effectively for hunting.

 

[Prince Yamato]

probably because 5/6 rounds is what a Mauser can hold?

 

[yesit'sloaded]

I am not sorry to say that I am w/ Jim Zumbo on the fact that I do not consider SKS, AK's and the like "hunting" rifles per say but yet I do not feel that they cannot be used effectively for hunting.

If I may ask, would you please explain what makes a rifle a hunting rifle?

 

[TexasRifleman]

I am not sorry to say that I am w/ Jim Zumbo on the fact that I do not consider SKS, AK's and the like "hunting" rifles per say but yet I do not feel that they cannot be used effectively for hunting.

I can't believe after all that has gone on that you still think like that.

You can't possibly have any rationale for it at all.

What in the world is the difference between hunting with an SKS, an AK, and a Browning Safari BAR? I would really love to hear that explanation. I don't think you can give one that makes sense, but I'd like to see the attempt.

OK, please explain. This oughta be REALLY good......or are you really going to tell me that my Safari isn't a hunting rifle?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

It's probably just an arbitrary number like the 10 round limit they had during klinton's reign of terror. Most "traditional" hunting rifles (think Rem. 700) hold 4-5 in the internal mag.
My grandpa would look like he was going into combat with his semi auto 30-06 throwing extra mags into every conceivable place on his person He was an excellent shot though so I guess he just liked being overprepared.

 

[sb350hp]

Not looking for a fight, it is just my opinion. To define a "hunting" rifle would be futile. As a 22 rimfire is as much a hunting rifle as a 458.

Again, my opinion. If you cannot hit your target in max 4 shots, get in the truck and go home and practice. So you don't need a large cap rifle.

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you cannot hit your target in max 4 shots, get in the truck and go home and practice. So you don't need a large cap rifle.

So Weatherby Vanguards are not hunting rifles either? Mine holds 5+1.

You really have no idea what you are even saying do you.....

 

[cobrian45]

Just to jump in the mix, I think magazine restrictions are rather silly. I've guided big game for years and someone with a BAR can do just as much unethical damage as someone with an AK in the amount of time you usually have after the first shot. I've also seen people take silly shots with bolt actions. Unfortunately, lawmakers can't enforce a law that says "don't be stupid and just blast at the poor animal until the gun goes click" so they have to attack the tools used. I've taken six axis deer in one sitting with a Rem 700 bolt action that holds 3+1 so it doesn't ultimately come down to how fast you can pull the trigger. It usually is patience and experience that come into play in scoping the next shot after the first round goes bang. I cringed when my hunters would talk about "pushing" deer and firing semi-autos at running animals.

 

[sb350hp]

So Weatherby Vanguards are not hunting rifles either? Mine holds 5+1.

If you have ever emptied the chamber and the mag w/o hitting your target go home and practice.

Me, Model 700 30-06. 4 down 1 up. 30+ deer 4 elk, never needed more than 3 including the finish off shot at point blank. Never stated how many rds your gun holds or should hold

 

[yesit'sloaded]

f you have ever emptied the chamber and the mag w/o hitting your target go home and practice.

So now if I have a magazine that holds more than 5 rounds I automatically blaze away until my rifle is empty.

Never stated how many rds your gun holds or should hold

Oh really?

am of the opinion that in reality you should need no more than 5 in any hunting rifle on any hunting outing.

Long guns I am ok with limiting the rounds (my opinion) so you don't have rambo cutting loose on a game animal from the hip doing the spray and pray routine w/ other hunters out in the field.

 

[yesit'sloaded]

I normally don't jump on people or their ideas, but in this case I am going to jump on the idea because that is the logic that bred the AWB. If you are curious, I use a 5rd mag in my sks while hunting deer and leave the 30 at home. When going after pigs, I am as high cap as I can get.

 

[One Man]

The Fed Migratory Bird law says no more than 3 in the gun, no fed law on rifles/pistols as far as hunting goes, that's up to the state. Win model 94 in most guns holds 7+1. In Oregon it's against the law technically to fill it up all the way, but I'd never enforce it, and I don't know any Officer in the state who would. Any gun is a hunting gun if you hunt with it. I have hunted pigs with a spear and with a semi-auto shotgun, both worked. As for looking down on someone elses choice, I guess I could look down on all who hunt with any modern rifle since I once used the spear, but what would be the point. If I dont' like something someone I personally am hunting with is using, I just don't go again with them, or I talk to them about it. But when I meet you in the woods, whatever you're carrying is fine with me. it's about Freedom to choose. the most basic right of all is the right to be left alone. My fellow Oregonian is an old style kinda guy, he likes what he likes. I wont' fault him for it, but I dang sure will argue if he tries to limit MY choices.

 

[MDHunter]

Magazine restrictions

50Cal, here's the deal -

The 3 shell limit for shotguns is a federal restriction in effect when hunting migratory gamebirds like ducks/geese/etc.

The 5 round limit for your deer rifle is something imposed by Michigan, different states have different limitations on magazine capacity ans some states do not have a limitation.

sb350hp - Just because you can jit your target with your Rem700 is not a reason to side with Zumbo on the Ar/SKS issue. In case you didn't know, he quickly retracted his original opinion based on pressure from hunters, shooters, and sponsors. If you're that good a shot, why not leave the magazine empty and use the 700 as a single shot?

Michael

 

[sb350hp]

My fellow Oregonian is an old style kinda guy, he likes what he likes. I wont' fault him for it, but I dang sure will argue if he tries to limit MY choices.

Exactally. Thank you One Man. Trust me I would never try to limit the amount you gun holds. As my first post states in response to the orignal in regards to limits, I suggested my opinion of the capacity really needed. In no way was it intended to defend limits.

Common sense should determine that!

 

[Regolith]

I believe that the biggest issue here is the ETHICS of hunting.

As a hunter, it is your ethical duty to try and dispatch the animal in the most humane way possible, which usually involves a single shot causing immediate death. Spraying a hail of bullets down range does not mesh with this ethical view. Hence the resistance of people that many of you call "fudds" to using "assault rifles" as hunting arms.

Personally, I don't have a problem with people using "assault rifles" as hunting implements, so long as you adhere to this ethical principle. An AK-47 with a 5 round mag is just as appropriate a hunting weapon as a BAR or a Weatherby Vanguard.

This is also a completely different issue than what you should be allowed to own under the 2nd Amendment. There are plenty of restrictions involved with hunting that I find acceptable that I wouldn't find acceptable if applied to owning a firearm in general, and this includes magazine restrictions for big game/non-pest hunting. As others have said, hunting isn't a right, owning a firearm is.

 

[yesit'sloaded]

Once again you guys seem fixated on the mag capacity as if it automatically makes people use every shot in it on game. It is the hunter, not the tool.

 

[Regolith]

Once again you guys seem fixated on the mag capacity as if it automatically makes people use every shot in it on game. It is the hunter, not the tool.

Quite frankly, I don't know a single person who doesn't utilize a full size magazine to its fullest. And having the extra ammunition on hand makes one less likely to concentrate on accuracy, as they know that they have a hell of a lot more in the mag should the first shot miss. This contributes to people making unethical shots. Hence the reason many states have banned high caps for use with game hunting.