Hunting sidearm caliber

[Stradawhovious]

I am not a hunter, but aspire to be in the future. My roomate however will not shut up in asking me the same question time and time again. I cannot find a satisfactory answer, so I have come to the guru (does the plural of guru have an s on the end?) to get direction. If you are hunting with a legal caliber, and are stopped by dnr with a sidearm that is not of legal hunting caliber how big of an issue will this present? Assuming all the while you are of legal status, and in posession of the firearm of legal caliber.

Thanks in advance!

[rucker]

Page 24 of the regulations state:

The “Concealed carry or permit to carry” provisions apply to certain hunting activities. Persons with a permit under this law generally may carry their handguns uncased and loaded while hunting, and while traveling to or from hunting locations by motor vehicle under the hunting firearms transportation laws. However, possession of the handgun while 'shining' or while hunting deer by archery would still subject the possessor to the provisions of these laws (see page 32, artificial lights, for more info).

[JoeH]

Rucker is right with the regs. This is also true in practice according to the COs with whom I've spoken.

In your example, it's clear that your rifle is the hunting firearm. The non-legal big game caliber sidearm is fine.

[Pinnacle]

I nelieve that you WITH A VALID PERMIT can carry onto the woods and waters of the state of MN a sidearm that is not of legal big game caliber IF you are carrying a firearm suitable for the game that youa re hunting and that is legal.

This is how I interpret things - but it is best to check.

[plblark]

you know, laws being subject to interpretation, you'd be SAFEST buying a hunting legal caliber sidearm Just In Case.

Let's see if my wife buys THAT one ...

[Srigs]

you know, laws being subject to interpretation, you'd be SAFEST buying a hunting legal caliber sidearm Just In Case.

Let's see if my wife buys THAT one ...

She might be getting smarter with something like that.

[macphisto]

One shouldn't need an excuse to buy a gun in 10mm, .357 Mag, .44 Mag, or .454 Casull...they're all great calibers. I only own one of them now, but hope to have them all someday.

[1911fan]

Two years ago I was bow hunting (deer) and had my Colt's Woodsman .22 with me in case any silly grouse or bunnies needed to be dispatched. I was stopped leaving my property (we park on the roadside so as not to excessively spook game when driving in) and was asked to show my license. I presented my archery tag and my small game tag, which covered each. I was not given any hassle for for it. But then I am a nearly 50 yo property owner so I might be given a little different treatment for the average hunter on public land.