smooth bore hunting in pa

[joseph mcdonough]

any of you pa guys know if i can use my smoothbore th hunt squirrels and rabits and if prb. whats the biggest cal.?
thanks in advance.

 

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/pgc/digestpdfs/2005/small_game.pdf

I never noticed if you use ball it has to be .40 or less in caliber. Glad you asked.

 

[pennsyltucky]

oops ive used my 50cal for years.... ive never noticed that restriction before. guess ill just have to buy another gun.....DANG!

 

[mhogan]

Ya dang. I'll help you look. Probably get two cheaper.

I believe it's a fairly recent change and it would be to stop people from claiming they are hunting squirrels when really chasing deer in the muzzleloader seasons.

The minimum for deer is .44 caliber. So they got you.

 

[mikee51848]

It doesn't state it but I think you can use your smoothbore if you're loading pellets. :hmm:

 

[mhogan]

Yes, muzzleloading shotguns are legal.

 

[B.Habermehl]

Your smooth bore loaded with shot is is a shotgun in the eyes of Pa. law. Loaded with ball is a different matter, my guess is you would fall under the rifle's regulations then. BJH

 

[B.Habermehl]

BTW your smooth bore in flintlock is a legal arm for use in either Pa's late and early muzzloader deer seasons. If its bigger than .44cal. BJH

 

[dodgecity]

And it can be used throughout the regular deer and bear seasons and is legal for the special shotgun only areas. Loaded with shot, it will do just fine on turkey too.

 

[joseph mcdonough]

i love this muzzloading stuff can't wait for the season to start :thumbsup: