Organized group for hunting regulation changes

Jump to latest Follow Reply
jdh2550

jdh2550

Member
Feb 19, 2019
545
122
PA, United States
Is anyone aware of a group that is pursuing favorable airgun legislation in Pennsylvania?

Years ago as an avid bow hunter in PA, I was aware of United Bowhunters of Pa. They were an organized group of like minded archery hunters that informed and pushed for favorable hunting legislation in the state.

Pa. recently made legislative changes that allow air rifles for hunting of small game. Caliber size is limited to .22 or less for certain species. It would be great if there was more hunting opportunities with larger calibers. 

It seems it would be beneficial to all PA airgunners if there was a group that had organizational structure to address these issues.

Are there any other states that have similar organizations? 
 
  • Like
Reactions: RM.510bigbore
Is anyone aware of a group that is pursuing favorable airgun legislation in Pennsylvania?

Years ago as an avid bow hunter in PA, I was aware of United Bowhunters of Pa. They were an organized group of like minded archery hunters that informed and pushed for favorable hunting legislation in the state.

Pa. recently made legislative changes that allow air rifles for hunting of small game. Caliber size is limited to .22 or less for certain species. It would be great if there was more hunting opportunities with larger calibers. 

It seems it would be beneficial to all PA airgunners if there was a group that had organizational structure to address these issues.

Are there any other states that have similar organizations? 

Click to expand...

You might also call Air Force and ask them about what organizations they are active with. I know that when Texas was considering the topic, AirForce and Crosman stepped up the game by actively using some of their spokesmen to help show what the big-bore can do. 
 
  • Like
Reactions: RM.510bigbore
Upvote 0
While airgunning for hunting sounds good, think how it will adversely affect the concept of airgun innocence. Folks will ultimately realize that airguns are in fact powerful enough (obviously) to kill large game putting them in the same category of firearms. Thus making all of the same 'rules' apply to powder burners apply to airguns.

As it is now, ariguns fly under the radar, why mess that up?

Let the flaming begin....

mike
 
  • Like
Reactions: guod123
Upvote 0
While airgunning for hunting sounds good, think how it will adversely affect the concept of airgun innocence. Folks will ultimately realize that airguns are in fact powerful enough (obviously) to kill large game putting them in the same category of firearms. Thus making all of the same 'rules' apply to powder burners apply to airguns.

As it is now, ariguns fly under the radar, why mess that up?

Let the flaming begin....

mike
Click to expand...

Mike I'm not going to flame you for caring about your hobby I will say that I do not agree that hiding under the radar is the best way of protecting it.

I will give you a very good example of the reverse.

This was the first year that the state of Texas publicly allowed air rifles to be used for big game hunting.

Because we have a place to do so and I am very passionate about Big Bore air rifles I went and spoke to our local game warden about the fact that we were going to hold a big bore demonstration and welcomed anyone to come out and shoot these guns and learn a little bit more about them. Sort of a ad hoc hunter's education, While we did not have a lot of people come out what did happen was one of the game wardens later got a phone call from a landowner in the area who was having issues with feral pigs tearing up his property his land while in the country was not very large and had neighbors close by and so he was concerned about using firearms. The game warden that he spoke to him gave the landowner my phone number to talk to me about using big bore air rifles.

It in my opinion, is better to be an active positive example then to hide and Hope some dummy doesn't do something stupid and present these are rifles in a negative manner giving the public expression of exactly what you're talking about.

This link discussing when P.A first passed the law

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/pa-legalizies-airguns/#post-171647
 
  • Like
Reactions: AmosBurton, RM.510bigbore, Ezana4CE and 1 other person
Upvote 0
I completely understand that there will be/are instances that make a lot of sense. Since I happen to live in a stoopit government run State (California), I can readily see that here it will be a nightmare with all of the idiots in power and Hollywood 'helping' them.

Other States probably not so much.

I just don't wish to overturn the apple cart and have to register my air guns, plus not enable using them with lead pellets/slugs. Since they are not currently considered as firearms, they are not included in the lead ban completely enforced last September. Any animal in the State can only be taken with lead free ammunition now. Thus my concern at least here.

With the news that other States are releasing air guns for large game, I'm certain that will kill any freedoms that we currently have with airguns.

That's my concern. Not hiding my head in the same at all, just knowing the climate in Sacramento.

I know, I know, move to a friendlier State. That's much easier said than done. Friends, family, work are all tied here....I know that it's hard to believe that there is more to me than air guns, but I need to look at the whole picture when it comes to moving as I'm certain you would as well.
 
Upvote 0
Agree totally with Revoman, look at the bs going on now in Virginia with their libtard anti gun Governor. I'm in an area that does not allow bullets, slugs are your only option. There is not a farmer, nursery, or vineyard owner I've met that would consider an airgun for deer. They do use pellet guns for nuisance critters. They are quiet and effective. The last thing a dangerously liberal anti gun state needs is a bunch of people standing up and yelling "look what we can kill" It's death by a thousand cuts, You have airguns you don't need powder burners. Next is FPE energy restrictions. How many people does it take relocating from Ca, Or, Wa, to upset the political geography of a neighboring gun friendly state. The two coasts are lost. Were one election away from, from the common core education indoctrination to dominate.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RM.510bigbore
Upvote 0
In the socialist state of New York where I live our hunting legislation with air guns brought them into the same rules as firearms. So that said any moderator on an airgun could be considered breaking the law because using a silencer for hunting is illegal. So how far will the local rabbit cops take it? Would a fixed shroud be considered a silencer? Not all states are made equal and enjoy your freedoms while they exist.
 
Upvote 0
While airgunning for hunting sounds good, think how it will adversely affect the concept of airgun innocence. Folks will ultimately realize that airguns are in fact powerful enough (obviously) to kill large game putting them in the same category of firearms. Thus making all of the same 'rules' apply to powder burners apply to airguns.

As it is now, ariguns fly under the radar, why mess that up?

Let the flaming begin....

mike
Click to expand...

Its only a mater of time.
 
Upvote 0
Well dont want to flam anyone, but i will speak of facts that should be apparent to all. Ask yourself what was it the airgunners did in those states to bring down tighter regulations and even out right bans? Did they run around doing evil stupid things with their guns? No they let a idiot get voted into office. The only way to fight back is with the vote.. Because of that the more people we can bring into our ranks the better off we all will be. To those who fear their air gun may soon be just like their AK 47 it might be of some comfort to know pcp has remained unchanged since before Lewis and Clark. No intention of offending only trying to speak the truth to any who might listen. Have a great day all!!!
 
Upvote 0
We are sort of getting off topic from original question the simple fact is as stated Big Bore Airguns have been around for a very long time including in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

as to whether or not there will be legislation restricting the use of Big Bore air rifles and air hunting rifles I'm not a fortune teller.

What I can say as a third generation truck driver is public perception is a key element into these voting decisions if we stay silent and do nothing to promote a perception of these air rifles then all that will happen is any of the negatives from that 1% will be presented to the public. 

I do agree that we need to self police ourselves as much as possible by ensuring ethical hunting education using air rifles.

Make no mistake I have used Big Bore air rifles to hunt both feral hogs and deer and I have used everything from compound & crossbows, to firearms in my life to hunt with, and in all of those situations I have seen everything from the animal drop immediately to them running a distance before expiring. So using an air rifle properly is no less ethical in a hunting situation than any other device. 

The cat is out of the bag folks there's nothing you can do to put it back in so the best option now is be the best ambassador of The Airgun Nation that you could possibly be.

proper air gun Hunter education.

Being prepared to speak out against those who are presenting the air rifles in a wrong manner

Being a voice of reason and being prepared to vote for what you believe in.

Voicing our opinions on this forum is fine and well but the most important thing that you can do for your state in the area that you live in or hunting is to make sure your voice is heard through your vote.
 
Upvote 0
There is no flying under any Radar! A fair number of AirForce guns are sold to Airport, Military and other Authorities for quite pest control and elimination from Airport runways to municipal locations! Your just kidding yourself if you think the "powers that be" are unaware of ALL airgun developments. Pyramyd air also has or has had Military contracts they have filled. An in depth study of these vendors about 3 years ago turned up this information via the internet and google searches. Unfortunately I did not retain any of the links to the data. 

What WILL cause issues is people doing stupid and dangerous things with airguns and posting them for the world to see. Saw it happen with drones over the last 5 years or so!

The real enemy is the News Media that is always looking to stir the pot of trouble to sell stories!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RM.510bigbore
Upvote 0
To the O.P. I live in Pa. and have been hunting for almost 60 years and one thing I have learned is Pa. is always late to the party (so to speak) when it comes to hunting law changes. It seems like it should be otherwise when you consider how lenient other gun related laws are in the state but the PGC is not the state govt. as evidenced by the recently passed Sunday hunting law change. When I first started bow hunting the season was only 4 weeks long. It ended the day before small game opened or about the last Fri. in Oct. The thing that blows my mind is Pinchot State Park allows shotgun slugs for deer as well as crossbows and allows shotgun for small game but no air rifles for anything. I have no idea how old you are but if you are my age you lived through some of the weirdest game laws ever enacted. You may not remember when a bear had to have lost its milk teeth to be legal regardless of weight. We are probably the only state where you can be arrested for having last years hunting license in your possession while afield and hunting turkey from a blown down tree is illegal but hunting from a blind is ok. and the list goes on. I in no way want to discourage you just point out that you should not expect too much too soon. I know as I attended meetings in my younger days and it was a slow go. The issue of air guns for deer has been approached at the meetings but the fpe always comes up and that seems to be a problem for some. Many times these things pick up steam at local clubs. I am a member of York Riflemen and there is now an air rifle program for young shooters. This is a start BUT many of the powder burners feel air guns are not an adequate tool to harvest deer. I know because not too many years ago I heard the same about hunting with a bow. Best of luck to you and if there is anything I can do shoot me a message and I will try to be of help. On a positive note the .270 cal. for elk hunting has been addressed to allow the inclusion of the popular 6.5 creedmore so there is definitely hope.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RM.510bigbore
Upvote 0
I'm in Pa and yes airgun hunting laws need updating... I think the only way to.change is to have enough money to hire a Lobbyists for.advocating airgun legislation in pa... Its crazy illegal to use 25 cal for squirrel or rabbits... But 22lr ok...no logic to me....west Virginia got.bog bore hunting approached for.deer this year... So its getting closer...
 
Upvote 0

jdh2550,​

It appears that PA is making some progress to allow air guns for hunting small game. Ohio allows air guns for small game also but not deer.​

If no organized group is there to advocate for changes in the air guns allowed for larger game, make contact with the PA Game commission and ask them to considering making the change. Letters, e-mails personal contact can help. The more people that make the contacts the better.
While this is not air gun related, Ohio before 2017 did not allow centerfire rifles for deer hunting. Over a 3 year period some of us made contacts with the Ohio Division of Wildlife requesting a change in the regulations. In The fall of 2017 straight walled cartridges were allowed.
Change can happen
Good luck!
Jim
 
Upvote 0
jdh2550 said:
Is anyone aware of a group that is pursuing favorable airgun legislation in Pennsylvania?

Years ago as an avid bow hunter in PA, I was aware of United Bowhunters of Pa. They were an organized group of like minded archery hunters that informed and pushed for favorable hunting legislation in the state.

Pa. recently made legislative changes that allow air rifles for hunting of small game. Caliber size is limited to .22 or less for certain species. It would be great if there was more hunting opportunities with larger calibers.

It seems it would be beneficial to all PA airgunners if there was a group that had organizational structure to address these issues.

Are there any other states that have similar organizations?
Click to expand...
Mike , I'm w/ you on PA "coming of age" concerning airgun& caliber legislation . BUT , they ( rule makers) are SO off base w/ reality , just look at '23-24's new Crow season & Sunday hunting ( for G-hogs ) proposals . I'll stop there.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu