Question about Legal Weapons for Hogs on Public Land during Small Game Season

[Waddams]

Sorry if this is covered elsewhere, I did a quick search here and looked through the e-regs. Didn't see anything definitive.

If I'm signed in to a WMA for small game, carrying my 12-gauge with small game loads, then encounter a hog - is it legal to carry slugs or 00 to load in for the hog? I'd rather not try to kill a hog with a small game load. I know people kill them successfully with a small game shot to the head but you gotta be close close and I'd just feel more comfortable with a slug or 00 vs. a hog.

However, I also don't want a ticket from the Game Warden for violating weapons restrictions on public land while small game hunting. I didn't know if carrying shells with larger than No. 2 shot would be a violation or not?

 

[JR924]

I would say no. GA Regs say small game weapons for hog during small game season and legal shotgun loads are #2 and smaller.

 

[35 Whelen]

If you load a shotgun with a slug or buckshot it is no longer a legal weapon for small game.

 

[earlthegoat2]

In years past, absolutely no.

Bring the 22 mag for a good dual purpose weapon.

Or the ML if those are still considered small game weapons.

 

[Doug B.]

I have several shotguns but I don't use them for small game though, ever! I have killed hogs on WMA's with a .22 while squirrel hunting. I would much rather have that than a shotgun. Although I did kill a hog on National Forest with a shotgun while turkey hunting many years ago.

 

[jbogg]

I have always thought our regulations are unnecessarily confusing. Straight from the regs, it states. “Feral hogs may be taken anytime a WMA is open to hunting, but hunters may only use weapons legal for the species for which the area is open.” It appears to me that the regulations speak to the type of weapon allowed, but does not specify, nor limit the type of ammunition used by that weapon. Therefore, based on the language in the regs I would feel justified in using a slug or buckshot with a shotgun on a pig during small game season on a WMA. What is the difference between that and using a 250 grain saboted slug in a muzzleloader, which is also legal for the same?

 

[jrickman]

I have always thought our regulations are unnecessarily confusing. Straight from the regs, it states. “Feral hogs may be taken anytime a WMA is open to hunting, but hunters may only use weapons legal for the species for which the area is open.” It appears to me that the regulations speak to the type of weapon allowed, but does not specify, nor limit the type of ammunition used by that weapon. Therefore, based on the language in the regs I would feel justified in using a slug or buckshot with a shotgun on a pig during small game season on a WMA. What is the difference between that and using a 250 grain saboted slug in a muzzleloader, which is also legal for the same?

Whether it makes sense or not, the regs say #2 or smaller shot. Just be ready to chase them and tote your regular carry pistol in case they chase you.

 

[livinoutdoors]

I have always thought our regulations are unnecessarily confusing. Straight from the regs, it states. “Feral hogs may be taken anytime a WMA is open to hunting, but hunters may only use weapons legal for the species for which the area is open.” It appears to me that the regulations speak to the type of weapon allowed, but does not specify, nor limit the type of ammunition used by that weapon. Therefore, based on the language in the regs I would feel justified in using a slug or buckshot with a shotgun on a pig during small game season on a WMA. What is the difference between that and using a 250 grain saboted slug in a muzzleloader, which is also legal for the same?

When you look up small game weapons in the regs it says what kind of shot etc for shotguns.

 

[livinoutdoors]

Small game
.22lr
.22mag
.17
Shotgun with shot shells, not buckshot, not slugs
Muzzleloaders
Archery

 

[livinoutdoors]

Get a cheap muzzleloader.

 

[35 Whelen]

I have always thought our regulations are unnecessarily confusing. Straight from the regs, it states. “Feral hogs may be taken anytime a WMA is open to hunting, but hunters may only use weapons legal for the species for which the area is open.” It appears to me that the regulations speak to the type of weapon allowed, but does not specify, nor limit the type of ammunition used by that weapon. Therefore, based on the language in the regs I would feel justified in using a slug or buckshot with a shotgun on a pig during small game season on a WMA. What is the difference between that and using a 250 grain saboted slug in a muzzleloader, which is also legal for the same?

See post #3.

 

[RomeWolf]

It's my understanding that if the WMA has a furbearer season, fox and bobcat, you can carry a centerfire rifle .17 caliber and larger. But you can only use it on fox, bobcat, coyotes and pigs; no small game.

If it's only small game and no furbearer you must use small game weapons only.

 

[RamblinWreck88]

It's my understanding that if the WMA has a furbearer season, fox and bobcat, you can carry a centerfire rifle .17 caliber and larger. But you can only use it on fox, bobcat, coyotes and pigs; no small game.

If it's only small game and no furbearer you must use small game weapons only.

That was true a few years ago, I believe, but it is no longer the case. I got tripped up on it myself for a little bit. See page 42 ("GENERAL WMA REGULATIONS") of the latest rules:

RACCOONS, OPOSSUMS, FOXES & BOBCATS may be hunted at night
unless otherwise noted in the specific area listing but is restricted to
small game weapons only (no centerfire rifles). Hunters must pick up
their dogs by noon on the day following the hunt. No electronic calls.
No centerfire rifles during small game dates, day or night.

 

[livinoutdoors]

It's my understanding that if the WMA has a furbearer season, fox and bobcat, you can carry a centerfire rifle .17 caliber and larger. But you can only use it on fox, bobcat, coyotes and pigs; no small game.

If it's only small game and no furbearer you must use small game weapons only.

They got rid of it a couple years back.

 

[35 Whelen]

Under Small Game - Coyotes, Feral Hogs, page 42 Hunting Regulations Booklet.

"During small game hunts and dates, centerfire firearms are not allowed."

 

[RomeWolf]

They got rid of it a couple years back.

Thanks for letting me know!

 

[livinoutdoors]

Thanks for letting me know!

Yes sir!

 

[PatriotCorps]

I'm almost certain that even possession of buck shot on a WMA is illegal. I can't remember where I read that though. I could be wrong if someone knows for sure please advise...

 

[Robust Redhorse]

For hogs during small game season, these are my recommendations:

1. A scoped in-line muzzleloader
2. A 12-gauge shotgun with a full choke using #2 Tungsten Shot (pattern it as much as you can stand) and be willing to pay $10/shot.
3. A .22 WRM with .40g CCI Game points - and don't shoot one over 80 pounds.

 

[lampern]

If you load a shotgun with a slug or buckshot it is no longer a legal weapon for small game.

Not even for bobcat and fox?