New Regulations To Allow Rifle Hunting In Deer Season
Posted
Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
Changes in state regulations will allow some rifle hunting during deer season this year.
"The major change is that we're going to allow rifles with pistol cartridges this year," said John Salb, public information officer for the District 1 office of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.In the past, rifles were not included among firearms allowed for deer season. The only firearms the DNR allowed hunters to use were shotguns, muzzleloaders and handguns.
Salb said safety was the reason for the old regulation.
"Indiana is so heavily populated, unlike other states with hundreds of acres of state forest," he said. "A regular powered rifle would be way too dangerous in Indiana."
Salb said DNR officials came up with the new regulation as a way to allow rifle hunting without the dangers posed by high-powered bullets, which can be accurate at a range of 400-500 yards. The lower-powered bullets are accurate at a distance of about 100 yards.
Allowed under the new regulation are rifles with pistol cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger, have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.625 inches. Some cartridges legal for deer hunting include 357 Magnum, 38-40 Winchester, 41 Magnum, 41 Special, 44 Magnum, 44 Special, 44-4- Winchester, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 475 Linebaugh, 480 Ruger, 50 Action Express and 500 S&W. These may only be used during the deer firearms season - Nov. 17-Dec. 2.
Local gun shop owners said the new rule is already generating excitement among customers.
"A lot of guys have heard about it and they're excited about it," said Dave Housouer, owner of Eagle Creek Shooting Supply Co., Warsaw.
Kirk Johnson, owner of Albertson's Sport Shop, said the new rule will attract new hunters.
"I think it's going to generate a lot of interest with people who haven't been able to deer hunt before," said Johnson. "People who can't shoot shotguns because of the recoil will be able to shoot these rifles."
The shop owners said they expect the excitement to translate to increased sales of the rifles and ammunition allowed by the new rule.
"We've already sold a few to people who were buying in anticipation of this new rule," Housouer said.
Johnson said his shop is stocking up on the low-power rifles. He said he plans to offer special sales of the rifles and equipment in the weeks before deer season.
Housouer said he plans to rifle hunt this deer season. He said rifles can offer the advantage of more accuracy and can carry more ammunition even if their range is about the same.
Housouer and Johnson said some of their customers have concerns that allowing rifles will reduce safety. Both said they don't see the rule change as a threat.
"These are not high-powered rifles," said Johnson. "These bullets are not going to travel any farther than a shotgun."
Housouer agreed. "I think it will work pretty good if people are careful," he said.
Salb said it is important for hunters to review hunting safety regulations each year.
"Hunters should review the DNR Hunting and Trapping Guide yearly because there are updates," Salb said. "Then you will be able to keep up with the changes that have gone into effect within the last year or so."
The guide is available at sporting goods stores or online at www.in.gov/dnr
