Ammunition and Hunting Restrictions

April 9, 2009

Question: When someone is out turkey hunting – and they also have a pig tag – in addition to their shotgun shells for turkeys, can they legally have a slug on their person so that they can shoot a pig with the same gun? (Terri S.)

Answer: No, this would not be legal because turkeys and pigs have two different allowable methods of take. Pigs are allowed to be taken with shotgun slugs but turkeys may only be taken by shotguns 10 gauge or smaller while in possession of shot size no larger than No. 2 shot. This means that the two animals have different ammunition restrictions, so the hunters may not possess a shotgun slug while turkey hunting.

Methods authorized for taking big game (wild pig) include shotgun slugs, rifle bullets, pistol and revolver bullets, bow and arrow and crossbow (2008-2009 Mammal Hunting Regulation booklet, pg 16 Section 353).

Methods of take for resident small game (wild turkey) are shotguns 10 gauge or smaller. Shotgun shells may not be used or possessed that contain shot size larger than No. BB, except that shot size larger than No. 2 may not be used or possessed when taking wild turkey (2008-2009 Upland Game Hunting Regulation booklet, pg 15, Section 311(b)).