I've not been hunting in PA for about 6 years, so I'm a little rusty concerning hunting regulations. I've looked at the PA Game Commission Site, but didn't find the information I was looking for. I know that in order to hunt with a handgun in PA, you are required to get a special permit. Does this also apply to hunting with pistol caliber rifles/carbines, or are these classified the same as other rifles? Thanks for any info.
PA Hunting Laws?
- Thread starter Doug S
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They are classified the same as any other long gun.
I may be mistaken but I don't think you need a special permit to actually hunt with a handgun. I believe that the permit is for carrying the handgun. It is my impression that if you have a CCW you don't need anything else. You would need to double check that with the game commission though.
I may be mistaken but I don't think you need a special permit to actually hunt with a handgun. I believe that the permit is for carrying the handgun. It is my impression that if you have a CCW you don't need anything else. You would need to double check that with the game commission though.
Highland Ranger
Member
PA Game commission site: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/
SodaPop
member
You don't.
You can not carry the hangun concealed if you are hunting with it. It must be in a holster on your side.
No firearms are suppose to be carried into the woods concealed when you are hunting. I know bow hunters have been known to cheat during bow season with CCW guns.
I do know of several bow hunters that have bear contacts, though.
Check this site out of you want to ask any specific questions www.huntingpa.com
Steve in PA
Member
I posted a response to your thread over on GT.
No, you don't need a permit/license to "hunt".....but you do if it will be concealed, like under a jacket.
Permit or CCW will suffice.
No, you don't need a permit/license to "hunt".....but you do if it will be concealed, like under a jacket.
Permit or CCW will suffice.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
You better check I think you need a permit called a sportsman's permit to carry and hunt with a handgun.
If you have a CCW you do not need a Sportsman's permit.
If you have a CCW you do not need a Sportsman's permit.
Steve in PA
Member
Only if your handgun will be concealed while hunting/fishing/trapping.
I do have my PA CCW. I have no immediate plans of hunting with a handgun, but I do plan to pick up a pistol caliber carbine for possible hunting purposes soon. I was unsure if the pistol caliber rifles required any special permits, etc & this prompted my post. Thanks for answering my question. Doug
geekWithA.45
Moderator Emeritus
Ya know, I've been wondering...As I understand it, semi-autos are a no-no for PA hunting, but what about disabled semi autos, as in M1A's with the gas system de-activated, AK's with the piston rod removed, and the like?
While looking for info on the topic of my post on the PA Game Commission site I saw some information on your question. I can't remember all of the details, but it seems that PA allows semi-autos with something like a 2 round capacity to be used by disabled persons who may not be able to manipulate a bolt/lever. Go to the site for better details.
Mikul
Member
I've spoken to people who teach hunter education here in Pennsylvania about this topic. Yes. It's legal. If a game commissioner stops you and asks about your rifle, you will have a very difficult time convincing him that your FAL or SKS has had its automatic cycling disabled. They expect a near 100% chance that you'll be in trouble. You may win in court eventually, but it doesn't seem worth it.
SodaPop
member
You can hunt with a semi-auto if it has a 3rd capacity. If you could get a 3rd Mini 14 magazine you would be able to hunt with it.
PA is going threw major changes in its hunting laws. They are changing restrictions on crossbow hunting all over the State. Deer season is being extended for 3weeks and Bear season may be extended, also.
PA is going threw major changes in its hunting laws. They are changing restrictions on crossbow hunting all over the State. Deer season is being extended for 3weeks and Bear season may be extended, also.
dodge
Member
To the best of my knowledge the only semi's that are leagal to hunt with is a shotgun and you are not able to hunt big game with it. It would be nice to be able to use a semi .22 to hunt small game with but I don't see that happening so I'll just have to use my 10-22 on those charging clay pigeons and soda cans.
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