Counties Playing Games to Stop Firearms Hunting???

[MarcSpaz]

Well, I am planning to do some Coyote hunting this Spring. I didn't get my license yet since I am still working out some details with my weapons, camo, etc and Coyote can be hunted year round. I figured there is no rush. I grabbed the 2013/14 VA Hunting and Trapping regs to see what fine details I need to be aware of.

Since I want to start in Spring, I figured I would look at the late firearms deer season as well. I started noticing that it looks like you really cant use a firearm to hunt in earl/late deer season.

DGIF regs say that there are only 3 counties for late firearms, Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax. The regs also say rifles used for deer or bear must be .23 caliber or larger. Here's the BS part... two of the three counties don't allow anything larger than a .22 caliber for hunting (Prince William and Fair Fax).

So, I am confused... how can we have early/late firearms seasons in those counties if we have to break the law to use a firearm to hunt? Am I missing something? I haven't hunted in VA before and this seems a bit like a trap if you don't pay attention.

[M1A4ME]

VA is a "funny" place for hunting regs. They have state rules/regulations and then they let the countries pre-empt the state in some areas. You have to be careful. What is legal on one side of the county line may not be legal on the other side just a few steps away.

Not sure why its done this way down here, but it is.

[allingeneral]

2. No rifles larger than .22 for hunting.
(http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/re ... nances.pdf)

Doesn't say "NOTHING larger than .22".
Says "No RIFLES larger than .22"

So, use a shotgun and slug to hunt deer or bear instead of a rifle in those localities?

[MarcSpaz]

The shotgun/slug thing could be an option for deer hunting for sure. I was not going to track deer though. I was hoping to track coyote while using my M4 or SASS and if a deer happened to walk into view, why not? Right?

I don't think I want to hunt coyote with a shotgun. Slugs are almost as big as some of the coyote around here LOL

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[jdonovan]

I was not going to track deer though. I was hoping to track coyote while using my M4 or SASS and if a deer happened to walk into view, why not? Right?

so when hunting deer you need blaze orange, which is going to be a bit of a challenge with coyotes.

if you want the solution, get a combination gun. 308 over 12ga. Best of both worlds... any you'll build your biceps carrying it =)

[MarcSpaz]

LoL. That would be awesome!

I wonder if I keep a blaze orange cap in my pocket and put it on when I see a deer, if that would work? Hahaha

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[GregVa]

Marc

Let me know how it goes. I wanted to try some coyote hunts but didn't know where. I have not looked to hard. I am in prince william also.

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[Taggure]

In PW County you can only use Muzzle loader, Shotgun, Bow and crossbow

[MarcSpaz]

Yea, I was going to head West / South West. Not hunting around here... unless I want to hunt MS13 members. LOL

[Oakes]

In PW County you can only use Muzzle loader, Shotgun, Bow and crossbow

No handgun hunting!!!

[GregVa]

I didnt think there are any coyotes around here (PW county). I am looking into trying hog hunting... but thats a whole different thread I guess. Looking into going some place in NC for that.

[MarcSpaz]

Oh, there are coyotes in PWC. I have seen them several times over the last few years. My Black Lab scuffled with one in the back yard not to long ago. They were both a bloody mess too.

I was gonna shoot it to defend my dog, but they were rolling around pretty good so I couldn't get a clear shot and my Lab looked like he was winning anyway. When I yelled for my dog to heel, he let the coyote go and it took off like a bat outa hell. LOL Haven't seen it since.

This is from October. These two were in Triangle if I read it right.

http://www.insidenova.com/news/local/no ... f887a.html

[GregVa]

Marc,

Wow, was the dog OK in the long run? We have heard some foxes around the house, but haven't seen any coyotes yet. I remember they were spotted in Triangle so sounds like they are pretty close. Sounds like another reason to get a crossbow. You could shoot them with that with no problem, as long as you had a clean shot. How about that mountain lion spotting last year? I keep my alert level up when I take my dog out at night since then.

[GregVa]

Wow, was the dog OK in the long run? We have heard some foxes around the house, but haven't seen any coyotes yet. I remember they were spotted in Triangle so sounds like they are pretty close. Sounds like another reason to get a crossbow. You could shoot them with that with no problem, as long as you had a clean shot. How about that mountain lion spotting last year? I keep my alert level up when I take my dog out at night since then.

[MarcSpaz]

The dog is well. We cleaned him up and kept the fur shaved while it healed up. We had some blood work done too. He checked out fine with the vet. I appreciate you asking.

I have to be honest, I was not shocked to hear about a mountain lion. I personally have seen the on Quantico a few years back. I've also had bear in my back yard.

You need to take caution when you are out and about for sure. I make jokes about "Hoodbridge", but thw gang-bangers aren't the only wild life you need to protect youself from. LoL

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