All,

I just became aware of a proposed rule change to R12-4-303 that defines unlawful devices, methods and ammunition for the taking of game in Arizona. Currently R12-4-303 A.1.b reads:

1. An individual shall not use any of the following to take
wildlife:

b. Tracer, armor-piercing, or full-jacketed ammunition designed for military use

The updated rule would read:

1. A person shall not use any of the following to take
wildlife:

b. Tracer, armor-piercing, or full-jacketed bullets that are not designed to expand upon impact

The words "for military use" are being removed.

I have written to the commission highlighting that the proposed change may outlaw some non-expanding handgun bullets that are best suited for the taking of large game (elk, bear, buffalo), including Punch Bullets and Barnes Buster.

Please contact the AZ Game and Fish Dept. before April 15th and ask for additional clarification be included in the rule to allow for the above mentioned bullets. In addition, they need to be educated on the fact that non-expanding bullets are indeed a humane option for the taking of large game, that they are often more humane than the expanding variety.

Contact Information:

All public comments about the proposed rulemaking can be made by the following methods:

E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.

Additional details:

https://www.azgfd.com/reminder-public-co...-ends-april-15/

Thank`s for the heads up........

So how would they word it to allow punch bullets or Barnes busters and not allow someone to use a round nosed bullet like a 45 acp 230 gr round nose. The round nosed slug would whistle right on thru and be a very poor choice. Would you have to specify a me plat size for the bullet?

In my opinion, we don't need laws governing what bullets or calibers, we as hunters, should use. Instead, focus should be on education of what works and what don't. We have enough government in our lives now regulating what we can and can't do.

Agreed. But it seems there are enough morons out there to screw it up for the rest of us.

Believe it or not but I?ve seen antelope shot with 45 ball Ammo and it leaves a full caliber hole.

The ATF considers the punch bullet a hollow point. There are no handgun bullets sold in the U. S. that does not meet in the legal definition of an expanding bullet.

I don't know, you probably have a lot of dummies out there using surplus 7.62x39 on deer. I think they are who these regulations are aimed at.

I've seen .45 hardball pass through critters and leave a tiny hole. Hardball sucks, regardless of size.

Silly to think a .512 caliber hard cast bullet will not dispatch an animal without undue suffering