I've handgun hunted in NC for many years. Last year, while reading the regs, I noticed the wording had changed. They used to specify, for big game, a handgun of no less than 24 caliber and a barrel of no less than 5.5 inches. The 5.5 inch reg appears to be gone, for big bore/big game. Does this mean I can use my 4" .44, too?
The 5.5 reg is still in effect for small game/.22. Any NC hunters ran into this?
I've pasted the section below. I'm going to call the NCWC Monday to find out for sure, but from my reading and interpretation, a 4" barrel should be fine. What do you think?
Quote:
Pistols
During the open hunting season for rabbits, squirrels, opossums,
raccoons, furbearing animals and legal nongame animals and
birds, these species may be taken with a pistol of .22-caliber
with a barrel not less than 5.5 inches in length.
A hunter or trapper lawfully taking wildlife by another method
may use a pistol to dispatch the animal or bird taken, except as
noted below.
Pistols may not be carried during the bow-and-arrow and
muzzleloader deer hunting seasons.
Deer, bear and wild boar may be taken with a handgun during the
established gun hunting season provided that the handgun is not
less than .24-caliber. Muzzleloading pistols are not legal for hunting.
It is unlawful to hunt or take wild turkeys with pistols.+
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I usually tote a 7.5 SBH along with my .22 rifle while squirrel hunting during deer season. It would be nice to be able to legally take a deer with a more "packable" revolver.