Wyoming firearm requirements

[Novashooter]

I hope this doesn't come across as a complaint so much as a nudge to fix a problem. I think I have enough points I'll likely draw an antelope tag in Wyoming this year. I haven't hunted there since 2022. Maybe this is new, I'm not sure.

The rules seem to be written for rifles, and handgun regulations have completely been forgotten. One line states 35 caliber AND 1.5" or longer, which effectively makes 38 special is legal to hunt anything in Wyoming, but 10mm auto isn't. I've emailed them, but those of you in Wyoming, please fix this. That's one of the more blatant errors I've seen in a while, and it's almost comical since 10mm auto may as well be the state mascot.

 

[Laramie]

I hope this doesn't come across as a complaint so much as a nudge to fix a problem. I think I have enough points I'll likely draw an antelope tag in Wyoming this year. I haven't hunted there since 2022. Maybe this is new, I'm not sure.

The rules seem to be written for rifles, and handgun regulations have completely been forgotten. One line states 35 caliber AND 1.5" or longer, which effectively makes 38 special is legal to hunt anything in Wyoming, but 10mm auto isn't. I've emailed them, but those of you in Wyoming, please fix this. That's one of the more blatant errors I've seen in a while, and it's almost comical since 10mm auto may as well be the state mascot.

10mm is not a legal firearm for the taking of big game in Wyoming. It falls short of several criteria. Handguns are considered in their regulations, that is why they have the .35 caliber with 1.5" length exception.

" (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... "

"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; "

I'll agree that the .38 special is outperformed by the 10MM but would appear that their regulation was intentional, and incudes handgun cartridges.

Not sure why a guy would want to hunt with either one but you do you.

 

[Novashooter]

You are aware what a 10mm auto is? It's one of the most popular handgun hunting cartridges in the country. It's the best cartridge you can hunt with in a semi-auto.

It's a regulation that needs to be changed.

 

[Hunter26]

I think his point is that the way the regs are written, if you can use a lesser cartridge like the 38 special and not a more potent cartridge like the 10mm it seems out of order. If they intended to allow you to hunt with a 38 special then the regs could be rewritten to include the 10mm. Seems fair to me but also not pressing. IMO

 

[Nine Banger]

 

[StupidLightweight]

Caliber restriction rules are often written this way. They make little sense. I agree that the 10mm should be legal. The .22 Creedmoor should also be legal for elk, but it's not, and the .25-20 Winchester is. Go figure.

If you did use your 10mm, I doubt you'd get ticketed. If you got ticketed, you could make the argument in court and the judge or jury might toss it. After all, you're using a more powerful cartridge in every metric. Who would argue against that?

Another option would be to load a long bullet like this and single load it. That would get you past the 1.5" requirement.

 

[LongWayAround]

All two of you that want to hunt pronghorns with a 10mm will have to carry the torch.