Well finally, the PA Game Commission unanimously passed the rules allowing semi-automatic rifles for hunting. The PA Game Commission, an independent entity (at least for now), has the full authority to make that decision. It has to be finally approved at their March meeting. I think we were the last state to not allow semi's.
PA Game Commission Passes Semi-auto Rifle Law!
- Thread starter Laphroaig
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Did they impose a minimum caliber rule, perhaps to keep out .223/5.56 rifles (ARs)? In Kansas we allowed semi-autos but used to have .24 caliber minimum, but we now permit any centerfire with some rules about bullet weight. I can't prove it but I have assumed there was pressure from guys who wanted to hunt deer with a .223 AR.
shootstraight57
Member
I watched the meeting today on my computer and I was shocked they even considered it ( Though I am happy ). There was no talk of magazine capacity at all!
What about hunting on sunday? No consideration on this, and the license fees are going up!
1stmarine
Member
Congrats PA residents. that is good news.
Patocazador
Member
22-rimfire
Member
This is good news. I think it's especially good news for small game hunters using 22 rifles and pistols over a shotgun.
I guess Sunday hunting is next?
I guess Sunday hunting is next?
Long as the hunters still HUNT and not just fire assault volleys (I've picked up deer wounded by races to the bottom of the Mag which I do NOT blame on the platform nor cartridge) I think that this is a cool step for the guys that could only pick one rifle and needed the home defense over the knockdown power, not to mention the guys with the heavier ars and hunting semi autos. I think this is great for manufacturers as wellOMG! Hunting Bambi with an 'assault rifle'. What's the country coming to?
Patocazador
Member
I'm certainly glad to see semi's legal there. But for big game hunting the good folks in Pennsylvania haven't missed out on anything. They have always been legal here, but until recently I've never seen anyone use one. With the rise in popularity of AR's I've seen a handful of those in the woods in the last few years. I'd imagine lots of folks there will use one next Fall just because they can now. I think the biggest winners will be small game hunters.
22-rimfire
Member
Semi-auto shotguns have been legal for a long time for small game in PA.
Semi-auto shotguns were also legal for deer in special regulations areas, which are county specific and not by WMU. Specifically Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. I think that all of these counties are shotgun only due to the higher population density.
69Precision
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I agree on the Sunday thing, that needs to change.
Dog Soldier
member
Horsey, I was shocked when the Wyoming game and fish approved the .22 Center fire for hunting medium big game species.
It seems the AR-15 has replaced the Mdl. 94 .30-30 as the gun most carried on the Range.
When? Last I checked, Wyoming still wanted .25 for antelope! And most carried? Maybe, but most used/useful?? Around here those .22s have been legal for a LONG time, and they're still a minority, thankfully the hunters still make one shot kills with whatever they pick up and the range heroes only find a few animals to wound/year.Horsey, I was shocked when the Wyoming game and fish approved the .22 Center fire for hunting medium big game species.
It seems the AR-15 has replaced the Mdl. 94 .30-30 as the gun most carried on the Range.
Dog Soldier
member
Wyoming laws setting calibers is the same every where in the state. The law has been 6MM .24 caliber for years. The first season to allow a 60 grs. or larger .224 OAL 2" was 2014. This allows the use of the AR 15 rifles.
This has only been legal 3 years. The .22 CF is only legal for specified game such as Antelope not elk or moose etc. I noticed this year the .22-250 is becoming popular for Antelope. Montana, Colorado, Utah etc allow .22 CF for medium big game.
atomchaser
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I wish they would have put their efforts into Sunday hunting instead.
Dog Soldier
member
I don't know where you are? But Sunday hunting is allowed in Wyoming. Wyoming does not have any "Blue Laws", I can think of regarding hunting or fishing.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Pennsylvania. Lived there a long time. Moved to TX ... and now they allow semi-autos. Ah well, good for y'all!
stiab
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That's surprising that it included big game, all preliminary indications from the PGC were it would initially be limited to small game. I guess my two Winchester 100's just became more valuable, the boys up there really crave their 88 lever versions!!
illinoisburt
Member
Saw this news story today. So the PA commission found semi auto rifles are safe and we're on board with allowing them in the general season. But not so fast...
https://timesleader.com/news/646767...fles-but-not-for-deer-bear-and-turkey-hunting
The majority of licensed resident hunters who responded to the survey said they don't want semi auto rifles for big game. I don't hunt in PA so I have no skin in the game, however it does show how traditions do hold.
https://timesleader.com/news/646767...fles-but-not-for-deer-bear-and-turkey-hunting
The majority of licensed resident hunters who responded to the survey said they don't want semi auto rifles for big game. I don't hunt in PA so I have no skin in the game, however it does show how traditions do hold.
FL-NC
Member
Crazy that they were illegal in the first place. I don't even get the magazine restrictions for hunting. 5 round limit? Hard to imagine an animal that would stick around after being shot at and missed 4 or more times.
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