If you were going to push for a Handgun hunting season in your state;
1. do you think it would be easier to push through a handgun only season or try get it combined with bow and or muzzle loader season?
2. Do you think that the powers that be would look more favorably on a handgun season if revolvers and not single shot handguns, especially rifle caliber,were promoted?
If you want to hunt with a handgun in the following states you must do so during rifle season. But these are the handgun stipulations.
Montana Law states: Traditional handguns that are NOT capable of being shoulder mounted; have a barrel length of less than 10.5 inches; chambered only in straight all cartridge not originally developed for rifles.
Washington State; minimum barrel length of 4"; minimum caliber of .24 centerfire.

Look forward to all comments and suggestions. Thanks

FAH, Missouri has an Alternative Method season -- after our regular firearm season. This portion previously was called muzzle-loading season. We can hunt with handguns in our regular firearms season too. During the Alternative Method season; hunters may use black powder, archery, crossbows, and handguns. Any centerfire handgun is legal -- with expanding bullets, no FMJ. The "Keep it Simple" method has worked so far.

While it may be impossible to legislate common sense -- all the stipulations with barrel length, muzzle velocity, caliber restrictions, ect. -- equal nothing more than a slippery slope. You mentioned the powers that be -- most are not familiar enough with firearms to yield wise decisions.

This is just my 2 cents -- and really not worth 2 cents.

Sad, but true.

Gentlemen, I agree, the Powers that be are not familiar with todays handguns. I am concerned that the "Powers" with their limited knowledge will view the Contender types and bolt action handguns as too exotic or just short rifles and shoot this down before it get off the ground. I always like the KISS principle, so to keep it simple on the initial approach for the "Powers", would it be wiser to first introduce this with the "common" handgun (revolver) ? Then once legislation is achieved and operational proceed in the coming years to expand the definition of a handgun? Your thoughts.

FAH, I do not agree with the "exclusive" revolver approach. Who defines handgun? Someone will get a BFR revolver in 30-30 --then what do we do? Are policy makers elected officials or do Conservation Commissions actually determine and regulate wildlife codes? Are their certain restrictions on muzzle-loaders and archery gear? Some of these policy implications make life more difficult for field agents to enforce -- or in some cases interpret. T/Cs and XPs have been in the field for decades -- and I've got some revolvers that could be classified as "exotic". The more stipulations -- the more confusion you add to the mix. Just my humble opinion mixed with rambling thoughts.

Mark, I see your point and its well taken. Thanks!

It would probably be more effective to try to change preexisting muzzleloader seasons into alternative weapon seasons as described above. That's just my opinion, though.

Pretty sure handguns will be allowed during to pemative weapons season next year here in LA.

FAH,

One of the issues you might run into trying to combine in an established weapon type season would be any state or national organizations for that particular weapon type, who may already have the ear and experience with the Wildlife Commission. Examples could be a bowhunting or muzzleloading associations.

Whether the particular commission is filled with folks who know hunting, or are just political payback seats for the executive officer (Gov.) might make a big difference.

Craig

I don't get it. I've never gotten it. My view is that handguns should be allowed just as any other firearm, for the entire length of the gun season. Why one would want a shorter, "special" season has always escaped me. Here in N.C. we hunt with handguns all season long. Handguns are just as lethal and accurate as rifles, for the skilled.

In my state, just because rifle season is open doesn't mean you can't hunt with a bow or muzzleloader. If we opened a handgun season, it wouldn't take away from our ability to hunt with handguns during the regular firearm season.

Why do we need a special season ?

X2. Don't want any special season. I can keep up with the rifle sissies just fine. Leave me alone and let me hunt with what I want!

Here in MN, the rifle season is only 9 days long and you can use handguns or muzzleloaders as well. But, there is an additional muzzleloader only season later in the month and if we could get handguns allowed there it could double one's time in the woods. But, now that I have my new Hawkeye bp pistol I have that base covered anyway ;-)

500WE, what county in NC do you hunt. I live just outside of Statesville and hunt in Iredell, Wilkes, Yadkin and Surry counties.

Washington, Hyde, Burke, Catawba, Wilkes, Rutherford and sometimes others.

X2

500WE, I would love to see some photos of deer you have killed in North Carolina.

Gentlemen, just for a point of clarity. In WA State handgun season runs with rifle season, "modern firearm", for elk that is 10 days in November. Thats the only time I can hunt elk with my handgun. Archery starts mid-September. I'm trying to extend my hunting season, maybe tie in with muzzle loader or have our own season, then if I don't connect in those seasons I can flow right into rifle. That's my point.
I'm hunting Montana "The Bob" in mid Sept. during the rut and its legal to use a firearm during that time. That's the kind of season I'd like in WA.