Insights into western states' future minimum caliber regs?

[Alpha Echo]

I’ve heard Form say, as part of the discussion around the benefit of smaller calibers for big game hunting, that most states’ regs seem to be trending towards smaller calibers. With that in mind, and me having fully bought into the benefits of smaller calibers based on recoil and impact spotting experience, I’m curious to hear whether anyone has insights as to whether any western states that currently have a 6mm minimum are considering dropping down to 22 caliber for all big game.

If I understand correctly, WY had actually lowered the requirement to currently be 22 for deer and antelope, but still requires it for elk (can’t recall of top of my head where bear sits). Seems like Utah may have also moved from 6mm to any centerfire?

Is it likely WY will allow 22 caliber for all big game species? What about states like CO that require 6mm across the board for all big game species?

I'm cognizant that there are many Roksliders who are involved in, or have their fingers on the pulse of, their state wildlife agencies, so any insights are appreciated!

 

[atmat]

Would be really nice if everyone moved to a 22cal. Will make hunting far more enjoyable for youth.

 

[Alpha Echo]

I just looked up the WY regs for S&G's. My jaw dropped a bit.

Section 4. Firearms, muzzle-loaders and cartridges that are legal for the taking of big or trophy game animals.

(a) For the taking of bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goat or black bear by the use of a firearm, a hunter shall use:
(i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .24 caliber and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half inches (1.5) in overall length and using an expanding point bullet; or,
(ii) Any muzzle-loading rifle or any muzzle-loading handgun of at least .40 caliber and firing an expanding point bullet or lead ball and using a charge of at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or its equivalent; or, 32-1 32-2
(iii) Any shotgun firing “00” or larger buckshot, or a slug.

(b) For the taking of antelope, deer, mountain lion, or gray wolf where designated as a trophy game animal, a hunter shall use:
(i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .22 caliber (excluding .22 Hornet) and having a bullet weight of at least sixty (60) grains and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet; or,
(ii) Any muzzle-loading rifle or any muzzle-loading handgun of at least .40 caliber and firing an expanding point bullet or lead ball and using a charge of at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or its equivalent; or, ....


So they'll allow buckshot out of a shotgun, but not a .223 centerfire for all big game species? Maybe there's some historical reason for that, but man, this makes me hope WY gets with the program and allows .223 across the board for all species.

Maybe some RS WY residents can help move the needle with the WGFD.

 

[cuerro viejo]

CO won’t change, hell be lucky if they still have guns and hunting in next 10 years

 

[blkqi]

Washington's department has proposed this to the commission over the last two rulemaking cycles and it has gone nowhere. I am still hopeful, but not optimistic.

 

[Alpha Echo]

CO won’t change, hell be lucky if they still have guns and hunting in next 10 years

I have the same concern regarding CO, it's really sad to see what's happened to that state. Definitely highlights the importance of all sportsmen being proactively involved/vocal in state and local politics.

 

[justinspicher]

I don’t think Colorado will ever change, especially with the stupidity going on here with all these bans.

 

[2Stamp]

I just looked up the WY regs for S&G's. My jaw dropped a bit.

Section 4. Firearms, muzzle-loaders and cartridges that are legal for the taking of big or trophy game animals.

(a) For the taking of bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain goat or black bear by the use of a firearm, a hunter shall use:
(i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .24 caliber and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half inches (1.5) in overall length and using an expanding point bullet; or,
(ii) Any muzzle-loading rifle or any muzzle-loading handgun of at least .40 caliber and firing an expanding point bullet or lead ball and using a charge of at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or its equivalent; or, 32-1 32-2
(iii) Any shotgun firing “00” or larger buckshot, or a slug.

(b) For the taking of antelope, deer, mountain lion, or gray wolf where designated as a trophy game animal, a hunter shall use:
(i) Any center-fire firearm of at least .22 caliber (excluding .22 Hornet) and having a bullet weight of at least sixty (60) grains and firing a cartridge of at least two (2) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet, or any other cartridge of at least .35 caliber and at least one and one-half (1.5) inches in overall length and using an expanding point bullet; or,
(ii) Any muzzle-loading rifle or any muzzle-loading handgun of at least .40 caliber and firing an expanding point bullet or lead ball and using a charge of at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or its equivalent; or, ....


So they'll allow buckshot out of a shotgun, but not a .223 centerfire for all big game species? Maybe there's some historical reason for that, but man, this makes me hope WY gets with the program and allows .223 across the board for all species.

Maybe some RS WY residents can help move the needle with the WGFD.

I don't see WY changing. The WYOGA (WY Outfitters and Guides Assoc) have a lot of say in this state. With many of them outfitting in the western half of the state, with a large population of G-bears, they love large calibers.

 

[Alpha Echo]

I don't see WY changing. The WYOGA (WY Outfitters and Guides Assoc) have a lot of say on this. With many of them outfitting in the western half of the state, with a large population of G-bears, they love large calibers.

Wow, certainly explains a lot. Whether or not their thinking makes sense from a common sense standpoint, yikes. Specifically with the allowance of 00 buckshot, it's like they're letting the Griz protection tail wag the ethical hunting dog..."let's allow hunters to hunt ungulates with 00 buckshot just in case for griz protection, but not allow a .233 rem!"

 

[Slickhill]

Honestly, aside from a select few that frequent forums and maybe some shooting games I don’t think it’s on anyone’s radar.

My experience working in a gun shop tells me that right or wrong 90 percent of outdoorsmen probably think a 22 CF is too small for even deer. Out of that same cross sample probably 80 percent of them buy a box of whatever is cheapest a week or less before season and either shoot a makeshift target, a road sign, or just hope their gun is still on and head to the field. 20 percent or less are handloaders, some because they’re cheap, some because they don’t think they can get “premium” bullets without loading them, and a very few because they geek out on accuracy minutiae. Remember that of the 20 percent or less who handload 90 per of them still are probably of the mind that a 22 isn’t for big game.

Outside of Rokslide it’s just really not a thing to pretty much anyone. And if they went to the trouble of changing it I doubt there’d be a big “Awakening” of folks suddenly swapping over.

As an aside. My home state used to have bullet weight minimum on 22CFs, I’ve yet to run into a warden with a handy bullet puller and scale. In fact in over half a dozen states I’ve hunted I’ve never had one even ask what cartridge my rifle was chambered for or ask draw weight of my bow, or arrow weight, broadhead cutting width, bullet weight, or any of the other factors listed in the regs. I suppose if a guy was busted for shooting from a road or jacklighting a buck they might scrutinize just to add more charges but I don’t think it’s given much thought on the whole.

 

[LongWayAround]

Not a chance.