Turkey Hunting and Pig Hunting at the Same Time

March 31, 2011

Question: Spring turkey season is one of my favorite times of the year and I’m heading out for a gobbler next weekend. I do a lot of my hunting in prime hog country and like to combine my options when I’m there. I usually hunt with a bow but am considering carrying my .44 revolver for hogs, and a shotgun for turkeys. Could this cause a conflict if I’m stopped because the .44 is not legal for turkey hunting? If all lead-restrictions are observed, would it be legal to carry the handgun while turkey hunting with a shotgun? What about carrying the handgun and the bow at the same time? (Phillip L.)

Answer: There are no restrictions against carrying a shotgun for turkeys and a handgun for pigs at the same time. And since you’re not hunting during the deer archery only season, should you decide to bow hunt for turkeys, there are also no restrictions against carrying both a bow and a firearm on the same trip.