Sidearm during deer season?

[hstout1143]

I hunt in Utah during deer season and have seen mountain lion tracks in fresh snow that were over mine and less than 10 minutes old from a cat that had followed me for more than a hundred yards. This has me more than a little freaked out, especially since my young son goes with me. Does anyone know if it's legal to carry a sidearm during dear season?

[Clipper]

Hmmm, in Texas you can go to jail for shooting your Dear....

[hstout1143]

HAHAHA! It's crossed my mind a time or two, but what I meant was deer.

[user]

I suspect it'd be legal in Utah, which has more sensible laws than other places. In Virginia it's legal to carry a handgun while hunting, though it has to be of a sufficiently large caliber that no one could say you were hunting with too small a bullet. They can arrest you for hunting with a .22, but not with a .357, even if your real purpose is to have the handgun for personal protection. ("Probable cause" is not the same as "beyond a reasonable doubt").

With respect to the possibility of meeting a large cat (as have been reported in my area of W.Va., though I heard on the news the other day that the Eastern Cougar has become extinct), I settled on a S&W #29-8 "Mountain Gun". 4" barrel, .44 magnum chamber, w/cross-draw holster. Reason is that cats won't approach from the front - the first time you know there's one in the area, he'll be crunching the back of your head. I figure if I have sufficient presence of mind to shoot the thing, I'll be doing it under my left arm. Hence the short barrel. And it'll certainly work on black bear, wolf, coyote, etc., at least as well.

[jedwil]

In Texas, it is not legal to carry if bowhunting. Firearm season, it's legal. Don't know about other states. All state regs are online and fairly easy to access.

[skullfr]

I almost got busted for carrying a pistol in Texas on a federal preserve.Federal warden was cool about it.They may have changed the law as this was years ago.This was in the Big Thicket preserve

[aa1911]

it's legal here during modern firearm, was not when I was in PA as a kid. I always pack several handguns, usually a drop leg semi auto and a backup revolver.

Kitties are overpopulated here, tons and tons of sign everywhere you go. The problem with cougars is that you will never see it coming. Still doesn't stop me from being as prepared as I can. They will hit you hard from behind and most likely will be all over your head/neck area. Only thing you can do is fight for your life!

The bright side is that kitties don't generally attack people; while it does happen, it is so rare it really is not much of an issue. Small children need to be close and it's best to travel in groups but I've spent half my life alone in the woods and although I've had my spidy senses tingle here and there, don't sweat it too much.

It is kinda freaky though, I know I've been stalked more than a few times and they're always around; fresh snow is my favorite, I can at least monitor animal movement to see if one is in my area. (or more like it, see if I'm in the kitty's area!!)

[HAGEN442]

I can only speak to TN,Ga & NC
Yes-Caliber, Barrel Length & Ammo.must be within HandGun Game Laws
My Example: Model 19 S&W,357Caliber,6in Barrel.

00

[jedwil]

Originally Posted by skullfr

I almost got busted for carrying a pistol in Texas on a federal preserve.Federal warden was cool about it.They may have changed the law as this was years ago.This was in the Big Thicket preserve

Thanks for pointing that out. You must be aware of where you are hunting and the Federal policies. I was thinking private property in Texas. Maybe that's why internet advice is not always a good thing.

[Zhurh]

I can't believe this? Here in rural Alaska, once it get warm, practically everybody has sidearms. We live along the Yukon and have all kinds of bear that haven't seen people, they think food. When grizz start walkin the road in late May, kids take rifles to the bus stop, people walk in and outta the store,school, P.O. with pistols on their belts and nobody gives a second glance, nobody even talks or thinks about it. If somebody complained, they'd probably get fed to the bear; boy I'd hate to think about how mad people would get. No joke, just try and tell somebody they can't carry a pistol when bear are walkin the road everyday; you'd be run outta town. Course the nearest LEO is over 200 miles away, all kinds of freedom, no crime, just bear. Somethings wrong back East; you got too many laws, too much control, not enough freedom; probably why I bugged out 20 years back.

I carried 44s for years, then a 480, now 460's. 460 reaches out way further than 44 mag and I can hit game at 100-150 yards; have seen friends with my 10 inch 460 hit 12 inch target at 400 yards every other time. Notice the scratches on pipe, from 44 mag, then the dents from 480, then the nice holes from 200 grain 460s. I prefer the 460 over everything else. My son says he's trying out the new Kimber I bought him on caribou nx week, wait and see. Sometimes you get close shots right out the window.



I've shot quite a few blk bear with pistols, they always run 20 yards, bawl, and die. I've never shot a grizz with a pistol though, I respect them and don't fool around; have a BAR 338 win mag, 250 noslers for them.

[howlnmad]

Here in Tn you can during rifle but there is a minimum caliber and barrel length.

If you have a carry permit you can carry during bow and muzzle loader but for SD only.

[DixieLandMan]

It is different in each county and state. Here, you can carry pistol if during gun season. It has to be centerfire and using mushrooming ammunition. Best to check with your state's hunting regulations to be on the safe side.

[Old Grump]

R657-5-7. Prohibited Weapons.

(1) A person may not use any weapon or device to take big game other than those expressly permitted in this rule.

(2) A person may not use:

(a) a firearm capable of being fired fully automatic; or

(b) any light enhancement device or aiming device that casts a visible beam of light. Laser range finding devises are exempt from this restriction.
R657-5-8. Rifles and Shotguns.

(1) The following rifles and shotguns may be used to take big game:

(a) any rifle firing centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets; and

(b) a shotgun, 20 gauge or larger, firing only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition.
R657-5-9. Handguns.

(1) A handgun may be used to take deer and pronghorn, provided the handgun is a minimum of .24 caliber, fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet and develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.

(2) A handgun may be used to take elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat provided the handgun is a minimum of .24 caliber, fires a centerfire cartridge with an expanding bullet and develops 500 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards.

http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/c...657-005.htm#T9

Just make sure you gun is big enough to do the job and as an aside you might want to consider buying an any gun permit which allows rifle, shotgun, muzzle loader or handgun to be used.

[ozo]

Z I like that Ruger Alaskan and know many people up near you that carry one....
it would be a 'minimum' for most days, although I did carry a .357 Blackhawk
many,many of my days there.
In the lower 48 the .357 Blackhawk was and still is my woods carry choice,
mainly because I have done it for so long.
There are more choices now than 50yrs ago......and if I were to move back to AK
I have my S&W 500 for starters, but as you have, probably migrate to the 460 as well.
The difference in 'carry' in places like AK or the Rockies or Montana....versus here in TN
is my choice was always a western style holster or similar, and allows you to carry large revolvers. Imagine doing that here.....these days.....[even many places in TX, and
THAT JUST AIN'T RIGHT !!]

[ozo]

Oh Z....
I like them PC Smith's too....
the short one a 480?[edit: the Redhawk]

[ozo]

stout
If I were in your situation, I would
probably carry my Blackhawk .357
but only because it has become part of my arm
over a long period of time.....just me.....

[Zhurh]

Ozo, Ya, I can reach over and have one out pretty quick; from my belt; often I just wedge the holster between this bar right above handlebars on the 4wheeler. Top two S&W 460s. middle two a 44 & 480 and lower super redhawk a 44. I don't have any problems with 460 like many claim, but you have to always check screws; they loosen up all the time.

[aa1911]

those are some nice big wheel gun cannons! Biggest I have is a .45LC but .357 is my preferred revolver during hunting season.

If I was able to hunt in AK, I would get one of those .460's or similar. 500SW is too much for this guy. Gotta accessorize my long gun before I can get more pistolas...

I believe you can carry here in WA during archery and muzzleloader also, but only for SD. 4" barrel minimum here for handgun (modern firearm only).

[ozo]

Originally Posted by Zhurh

Ozo, Ya, I can reach over and have one out pretty quick; from my belt; often I just wedge the holster between this bar right above handlebars on the 4wheeler. Top two S&W 460s. middle two a 44 & 480 and lower super redhawk a 44. I don't have any problems with 460 like many claim, but you have to always check screws; they loosen up all the time.

Z my 500 stays together well.............if you only shoot
a cylinder full !!!
Although the most I have fired consecutively is maybe
4 cylinders in a row.....but if it needs cleaning......
it NEEDS tightening !! That is a rule !!! Usually it gets
cleaned less than tightened.
When it was new, maybe 3-4 cylinders , the cylinder popped open
when I fired it, startled the fire outta me. Hasn't since.
I am surprised these [480-460-500-even the 44mag] guys hold up as well as they do....one helluva shock wave when you pull the trigger.
Been thinking seriously about a Ruger .475 Linebaugh....
I just hate to get too wild again with a bunch of different calibers
to load, I spent too long toning it down to the few I load now.

[hstout1143]

Well, I called Utah Fish and Game, they gave me the cell number to a game warden and he said yes, I can carry a sidearm as long it was a large caliber center fire handgun.

[76Highboy]

It is not as rare as people think to be followed by a mountain lion. They are smart and are curious. It is always smart to have a side arm, and I prefer the .44. I must say Zurch, your .460 looks mighty tempting and I am sure it's a matter of time before I buy one.

The mountain lion is ellusive and from everything I have read, they never attack straight on. It's always an ambush especially about the time you stop because nature called. I'm just saying so never take your side arm and set it more than arms reach away when your doin the big job, or even the little job. That's good advice right there.

[hstout1143]

Well I have several weapons that I would feel comfortable carrying, Colt 1911 .45, Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag, S&W .357 mag and the one I will most likely use, my Ruger Redhawk .41 mag. The double action revolver is as reliable as they come in my book.

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by hstout1143

Well I have several weapons that I would feel comfortable carrying, Colt 1911 .45, Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag, S&W .357 mag and the one I will most likely use, my Ruger Redhawk .41 mag. The double action revolver is as reliable as they come in my book.

10-4 there.

[aa1911]

Especially in cold environments, I prefer a wheelgun at least as a backup. With proper care and attention the autos will do fine but the revolver is a great tool to have when you're out there flappin' in the cold and snow.

Having a rifle or long gun on you is probably as effective as a pistol in a kitty attack; getting a shot on a mauling cougar would be aweful tough but some RBFT with your rifle might be enough to get some distance to get in a shot. Something I hope to never worry about, those things are the most efficient killing machines.

Nice kitty!

I came across a cougar kill a couple months ago while hiking with the family, looked like a small elk; kept the kids close to us (as usual anyway) and the M1A in hand (as usual also, hahaa!). It was hidden in some dense brush but found it from a scattered bone that was near the trail area (old unused logging road).

Not sure if it's the soldier in me or the lurking thought of a kitty but I tend to look behind me very often, especially when I'm alone. I like to have options of hardware!

[al45lc]

My 'sidearm' is my PRIMARY hunting gun, the rifle is backup.