Only allowed one firearm?

[drkarrow]

So I've been grouse hunting for a few years, but this year one person in our group is concerned with me carrying a pistol while we go out. I do have my permit to carry.

I've covered most of the issues with him, but now he says that there is a rule that you are only allowed to carry one firearm while hunting. So if I'm carrying a pistol, that is all I can carry.

I of course have him looking to find this rule to show me. But if it did exist, I'm sure someone here would know it. Anyone know of such a rule or law?

[sochr000]

this is from page 22 of the 2009 MN Hunting Regulations
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/2009/full_regs.pdf

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 30,
artificial
lights, for more information)

a little above that it says that while bow hunting for deer, no pistol, but for bear, elk, and moose a pistol is ok. Also, it states that you should contact local law enforcement for any questions you might have.

[cobb]

but now he says that there is a rule that you are only allowed to carry one firearm while hunting. So if I'm carrying a pistol, that is all I can carry.

I would love to see that rule. Don't sell him short, he may find some rule somewhere and try to spin it to fit his needs.

Bottom line, you are perfectly legal and can carry a couple guns if you want. The only problem that relates to carrying and hunting is archery hunting deer. You can legally carry when archery hunting deer, the DNR cannot stop you from carrying. But if you are in possession of a firearm when archery hunting deer, your archery tag is invalid, therefore hunting illegally and that is how the DNR will get you.

[Rem700]

Find a different person for the group, Why hunt with idiots?

[DeanC]

Fudd

[westhope]

When I used to hunt ducks from a blind, I would have 2 shotguns, Remington 870's. One modified choke with finer 4 or 6 shot, one full choke with 2 or BB shot for the high fliers or geese. Both had 3 shot plugs. I was checked several times by game wardens (or what ever their name is today, CO's) with not even a comment by them about having 2 shotguns. They just checked both guns for 3 shot plugs.

[EJSG19]

Yeah if you can't get along with the guy, tell him he's not hunting with you this fall. Unless you need him for access to private land or somethng, I wouldn't put up with him, assuming you've already had a rational conversation with him.

Plenty of poor desperate souls around here, like myself, would be much more willing to hunt and not let something such as carrying while hunting (I mean who would have guessed that people carry guns while hunting?) get in the way.

It'd be helpful if your friend would cash the check that his mouth wrote, and show you this "rule" he has. He may be concerned that you'll correct him with actual facts though.

[Pinnacle]

When I used to hunt ducks from a blind, I would have 2 shotguns, Remington 870's. One modified choke with finer 4 or 6 shot, one full choke with 2 or BB shot for the high fliers or geese. Both had 3 shot plugs. I was checked several times by game wardens (or what ever their name is today, CO's) with not even a comment by them about having 2 shotguns. They just checked both guns for 3 shot plugs.

Nothing reloads faster than a second gun.....

[Holland&Holland]

I typicaly carry a Ruger Mark III when grouse hunting, have for along time. Never know when you might get a still shot at a squirrel and a head shot with a .22 ruins no meat. Carring a 1911 would be no different in the field permit or no permit. As mentioned hunting regs do apply and affect some areas but if you are hunting small game you can carry as many as you want.

[drkarrow]

Well he does own the cabin we usually stay at. No word on him finding that rule yet.

In the group I'm going with, we're all pretty good live and let live types. I'm sure there won't be any problems. I'll assure him that I'll take all responsibilities for my actions myself. And knowing him well, I think he'll be fine with that. It was more of a "you're gonna get in trouble if you get caught" type of thing.

[EJSG19]

Well he does own the cabin we usually stay at. No word on him finding that rule yet.

In the group I'm going with, we're all pretty good live and let live types. I'm sure there won't be any problems. I'll assure him that I'll take all responsibilities for my actions myself. And knowing him well, I think he'll be fine with that. It was more of a "you're gonna get in trouble if you get caught" type of thing.

Getting in trouble if we get caught could happen to any of us. Who knows if the officer you meet, knows the law and your rights within the law? Lots of people get in trouble for carrying a pistol whether its legal or not. Just another one of the risks you take by being prepared to defend yourself in the worst of all scenarios.

All you can do is your own due diligence in researching the law and then its a matter of how much risk you want to take, and how prudent taking that risk is.

Anecdotal comments from the internet don't tend to hold water all that well after the fact, so keep that in mind.

Lastly, my guess is that if you talked to 5 different people in the DNR, you'd get at least 2 different and conflicting answers. I just had that experience with something as stupid as a hunting license. Nobody could tell me if an Iowa hunter's safety certificate would work in MN. Some said yes, some said no. Finally I just went and got a license and I still don't know for sure. The computer let me get one so I guess I'll trust a computer more than people at the DNR when it comes to knowing the rules.

[cobb]

Who knows if the officer you meet, knows the law and your rights within the law?

I missed that, reread and still can't see any mention of an officer? Or are you just giving an example of a reality in today's world?

I just had that experience with something as stupid as a hunting license. Nobody could tell me if an Iowa hunter's safety certificate would work in MN. Some said yes, some said no. Finally I just went and got a license and I still don't know for sure. The computer let me get one so I guess I'll trust a computer more than people at the DNR when it comes to knowing the rules.

If you were born before January 1st, 1980, you don't need a Minnesota DNR hunters safety certificate to get a Minnesota hunting license, so the computer issue it. If you are born on or after that date, the first year is considered a grace period and you can be issued a license, but not next year.

[EJSG19]

Who knows if the officer you meet, knows the law and your rights within the law?

I missed that, reread and still can't see any mention of an officer? Or are you just giving an example of a reality in today's world?

I just had that experience with something as stupid as a hunting license. Nobody could tell me if an Iowa hunter's safety certificate would work in MN. Some said yes, some said no. Finally I just went and got a license and I still don't know for sure. The computer let me get one so I guess I'll trust a computer more than people at the DNR when it comes to knowing the rules.

If you were born before January 1st, 1980, you don't need a Minnesota DNR hunters safety certificate to get a Minnesota hunting license, so the computer issue it. If you are born on or after that date, the first year is considered a grace period and you can be issued a license, but not next year.

I see. First one I was just giving a hypothetical example.

Second one: I was born in '82. Gave them my Iowa Hunter's Cert. and the computer issued a license. They had to call the DNR help desk, and go through some BS with them, but the license was issued. So I don't know what to think. I'm either poaching with a license in my hand, or I'm legal. But I've lived in MN for 3 years, so sounds like I'm past that grace period.

[ex-LT]

Who knows if the officer you meet, knows the law and your rights within the law?

I missed that, reread and still can't see any mention of an officer? Or are you just giving an example of a reality in today's world?

I just had that experience with something as stupid as a hunting license. Nobody could tell me if an Iowa hunter's safety certificate would work in MN. Some said yes, some said no. Finally I just went and got a license and I still don't know for sure. The computer let me get one so I guess I'll trust a computer more than people at the DNR when it comes to knowing the rules.

If you were born before January 1st, 1980, you don't need a Minnesota DNR hunters safety certificate to get a Minnesota hunting license, so the computer issue it. If you are born on or after that date, the first year is considered a grace period and you can be issued a license, but not next year.

I see. First one I was just giving a hypothetical example.

Second one: I was born in '82. Gave them my Iowa Hunter's Cert. and the computer issued a license. They had to call the DNR help desk, and go through some BS with them, but the license was issued. So I don't know what to think. I'm either poaching with a license in my hand, or I'm legal. But I've lived in MN for 3 years, so sounds like I'm past that grace period.

Is this the first year you've attempted to buy a MN hunting license? If it is, that's your grace period. If you've bought a MN license in the past, then your IA cert suffices.

[EJSG19]

Yep first license I've bought in MN was this one.

So are we saying I have to sit through a hunter's cert. class with a bunch of 12 year olds?