Recently had a comment from a viewer stating he regularly takes Deer with his .22 caliber Gamo break barrel. I don't live in TX and have little knowledge other than to think that's not the best tool for the job. I believe PCP's .30 caliber and above are the legal protocol no??
Hunting Deer in TX with a .22?
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If they are hunting with a .22 brake barrel they are hunting illegally.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/air-gun-arrow-gun-regulations
" Pre-charged pneumatic air guns must fire a projectile of at least 30 caliber in diameter and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy. "
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/air-gun-arrow-gun-regulations
" Pre-charged pneumatic air guns must fire a projectile of at least 30 caliber in diameter and at least 150 grains in weight with a minimum muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second or any combination of bullet weight and muzzle velocity that produces muzzle energy of at least 215 foot pounds of energy. "
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Yup that's what I thought,can't think of any circumstances it's legal. Possibly private property but even then I believe you would still be made to follow general hunting laws.
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That’s correct. I believe that in that scenario if someone calls the game warden he will face penalties and possibly criminal charges.
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Essentially a poacher to put it as politely as possible. Thanks for the reassurance I'm not crazy.
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"Possibly private property but even then I believe you would still be made to follow general hunting laws."
Wrong! Private property in Texas does NOT provide immunity to any laws.
Wrong! Private property in Texas does NOT provide immunity to any laws.
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That’s essentially what the OP stated that he was thinking. We’re all on the same page here.
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Pretty much. No problem. You’re certainly not crazy. It’s too easy to contact a warden, at least in my rural area. Many people from the cities come out here to hunt on private land via deer and hunting leases. One shouldn’t remain confused about Texas hunting laws and regulations. If in doubt just ask. That’s worked for me. I can text or call my game warden and discuss questions and issues and he’s very responsive.
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Thanks for the kindness in helping, I was near 100% sure about it being illegal. I just thought I would ask as maybe I was missing something. He did state he was doing so on private property but even then it doesn't sound legal at all. I did respond to his comment appropriately and then blocked him.
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It's only illegal if you get caught. I wouldn't do it for ethical reasons and the fact that I really don't want to be featured on Lone Star Law TV
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I have taken the heads from deer I have shot and did some tests on them. From 50, 100, and 200 yards shot with a single shot on the head. Every shot from head in and 90 degrees was a complete pass through with massive damage. I have zero doubt a well placed shot in the head would bring down a deer, though probably not with a Gamo. And yes I did my tests with a 40 grain 22lr, but with slugs anymore you can get the same energy dump.
Have talked to many old hunters, like 80+, and they have all stated that when they were younger taking deer with a .22lr. Basically that was all they had and needed to take the deer to feed the family.
Though you need to know your state laws and if illegal don't shoot live deer. I don't think it it legal in any if the states to take deer with a .22lr or airgun.
A lot of people need to understand that many of the hunting laws are do to poor hunting practices. There is no need for a 7mm or the like to hunt deer. The larger calibers help crappy shots anchor animals with poor shot placement. Bigger caliber means more wiggle room with poor shot placement.
Have talked to many old hunters, like 80+, and they have all stated that when they were younger taking deer with a .22lr. Basically that was all they had and needed to take the deer to feed the family.
Though you need to know your state laws and if illegal don't shoot live deer. I don't think it it legal in any if the states to take deer with a .22lr or airgun.
A lot of people need to understand that many of the hunting laws are do to poor hunting practices. There is no need for a 7mm or the like to hunt deer. The larger calibers help crappy shots anchor animals with poor shot placement. Bigger caliber means more wiggle room with poor shot placement.
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Yeah a head shot with a .22lr is DRT every time, but it's amazing how many people call "shooting at an animal" hunting. People shoot them in the hind quarters with arrows, they come out of the woods with a 12ga with slugs talking about how they took a few shots and missed (I mean with a rifle or slug inside 100 yds missing the KZ of a deer is just nuts, they should never be allowed to hunt again).
In NH I'm seeing less of it but in NJ, wounded deer were all over the place during hunting season, it's just sad. It's also how hunters lose land access and rights.
In NH I'm seeing less of it but in NJ, wounded deer were all over the place during hunting season, it's just sad. It's also how hunters lose land access and rights.
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In Michigan you cannot hunt deer with a rim fire and it is illegal to have one in the woods during deer season except legally carried concealed pistols.
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Too bad people come on here and make utterly stupid claims. The shocking sad part is the number of others who believe it. Good day all.
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Well....it's still Illegal...
It's an illegal act once committed just by definition. Whether you get caught only triggers the process of be charged, possibly prosecuted and/or offered a plea, convicted, and sentenced.
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...It's only illegal if you get caught. I wouldn't do it for ethical ....
Well, here we disagree 100%. Illegal is Illegal. Ethics are defined in my Hunter Safety course as "doing the right thing, even when no one else will ever know."
We will never share a hunt or range time, amigo.
Well, here we disagree 100%. Illegal is Illegal. Ethics are defined in my Hunter Safety course as "doing the right thing, even when no one else will ever know."
We will never share a hunt or range time, amigo.
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