Topic: How many rounds for big game ?

[Michael N]

How many rounds are you allowed to have in your firearm during big game season (Deer and Elk)? I just read through the regs and could not find anything about it .

[Jeff]

No limit.  Other than the weapon may not weigh more than 15 pounds (I think) and that includes the ammo in the weapon.

[agunforeachhand]

Not sure now, but couldn't you only have 5 rounds? Like if you were out hunting with an sks you had to have a 5 round mag and couldn't have anything more then that? Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Jeff]

You are wrong.  The regs do not state that there is a limit. 

[agunforeachhand]

You are wrong.  The regs do not state that there is a limit.  

Thanks Jeff. Does that mean I can have a 40round mag in?

[Jeff]

As long as the weapon meets the other requirements.  Like 15 pounds max, no suppressors, no tripods, etc.

[Jeff]

BTW, why anyone would want 30+ rounds in a hunting firearm is beyond me.  But the regs leave that option open.

[Orbital-Burn]

you can hunt with a suppressor, you can not hunt big game with full auto.  And you can put bipods on.  Cant imagine you can get a tripod on without going over 15 lbs though

I should note: that was as of last year's regs, if they've done something new, I'll be very disappointed.

[Jeff]

That's it.  My bad.  Hell, how many whistle pigs have fallen to the silent .22? 

[Orbital-Burn]

Rifle and Shotgun
In any hunt, including any-weapon seasons, it is unlawful to
pursue or kill big game animals:
• By any means other than approved firearms,
muzzleloaders and archery methods.
• With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated
on, the firearm or scope; Except scopes containing
battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed.
• With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling
and/or any attachments, weighs more than 16 pounds.
• With any fully automatic firearm.
• With any shotgun using shot smaller than #00 buck.
• With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun, or muzzleloading
handgun, except for mountain lion.

straight from the rule book.  Notice it's 16 lbs, and you can now use illuminated reticle

They did the 16 lbs thing to prevent people from using 50bmg without it being a punishment, I believe

[Michael N]

The reason I asked the question is that I am planning on using my Recon AR with a 70 grain TSX on deer this year . I have 20 round mags that I could block down to a lower capacity just so I didn't get any grief from F&G but if its not a requirement I am not spending any time working over a magazine . I may or may not top it off but more than likely will split 20 round between 2 mags just in case one jams or takes a dump on me I will have a reload .

[Orbital-Burn]

Hunting of Predatory & Unprotected Animals
Some animals are classified as “predators” or as “unprotected”
and can be hunted and taken all year. Animals classified
as predators in Idaho include coyotes, jackrabbits, skunks,
weasels, and starling. The most frequently hunted unprotected
animals include marmots, fox squirrels, porcupines and
Columbian ground squirrels, English sparrows, Eurasiancollared
doves, and feral pigeons. These species may be taken
in any amounts and at any time by holders of the appropriate
valid Idaho hunting, trapping or combination hunting license,
provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city
laws, ordinances or regulations.

This is from the upland game regs, I think the Columbian ground squirrels are what the FG dudes call whistlepigs.

For birds:

No person shall take upland game birds:
• From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before
sunrise. Pheasants shall not be taken before twelve o’clock
noon on the opening day in Areas 2 and 3. Pheasants shall
not be taken before 10 a.m. on Fort Boise, C.J. Strike,
Montour and Payette River WMAs except on opening day
of the season when pheasants shall not be taken before 12
noon.
• With a trap, snare, net, crossbow, slingshot, hand-held or
thrown missiles, firearms except a shotgun using shells
not exceeding three and one-half (3 ½) inches maximum
length, except forest grouse. Forest grouse shall not be
taken with a trap, snare, net or crossbow.
• From boats or other craft having a motor attached unless
the motor is completely shut off and forward progress has
ceased, or the boat is drifting naturally, or it is propelled
only by paddle, oars, or pole, or it is beached, moored or
resting at anchor.
• By the use or aid of any electronic call.
• By the aid of baiting. Bait is defined as any substance
placed to attract game.

note the forest grouse you can shoot with a 22, but no other birds

And they don't say shit about not using full auto on upland game

[agunforeachhand]

BTW, why anyone would want 30+ rounds in a hunting firearm is beyond me.  But the regs leave that option open.

Lol I wouldn't use a mag like that, I was just curious.

Also is a bipod alright? Like the one I have on my remington .30-06.

[agunforeachhand]

Never mind on the bipod. I just reread the thread. 

[Orbital-Burn]

yes, it is.  My 300 ultra mag has been looked at by the fish cops with bipod mounted.  They didn't have a problem with it, and nothing is said about it in the rules.

[Orbital-Burn]

by the way, is anyone needing a partner for weekend deer hunting?

[Jeff]

I seem to remember that a tripod used to be illegal.  But they changed things last year (or whatever) when they allowed illuminated reticles.

[fj40mojo]

I thought illuminated reticals were always ok as long as they weren't battery powered ie tritium or fiber optic ok-cr123s or AAs not so much.

[Brother dan]

Hey Michael, I used my old colt sporter with a 20rd mag in it a few years ago for deer season and didnt get any grief. I didn't load it clear full, just 10rds, but talked to F&G guys in the Owyhees a few times and it never was an issue.  I used 64gr SP and double lunged a nice forky...worked good.


Dan

[Orbital-Burn]

I thought illuminated reticals were always ok as long as they weren't battery powered ie tritium or fiber optic ok-cr123s or AAs not so much.

that got changed last year, along with muzzeloaders do not include inlines anymore, and entered the 20th century in bow hunting by allowing 85% letoff.  Now about the only sight you can't have on the gun is night vision and lasers.  (of course that's only for big game, you can use them to kill whistlepigs and coyotes, unless they have some double top secret rule book out designed to screw people over)

[neby98]

Hmm didn't know that. I'll break out the beta mag with the AR this year.

[fj40mojo]

Ummmm...it only takes one if you're doing it right.

[TylerC]

I think a full beta mag would put you over 16lbs . and i'm always down to go hunt if someone needs a partner.

[agunforeachhand]

Does a muzzle brake or porting your barrel have any restrictions when it comes to hunting?

[Jeff]

Not that I'm aware of.  The regulations are online.  You should read them and see.