Coyote Question

[SM1]

I would like to know if you can use a high power rifle for coyotes in MN zone 4 (Deer shotgun zone). I was stopped by a CO while deer hunting and he said it was OK to do so(so I should probably take his work for it) but I have a good friend that said it is spelled out in the MN regs that you cannot. I just want to be sure because I dont want one of my heaters taken away or to get a fine. Thanks.

[Eric Wettschreck]

We use 30-06, 270, and 7.62 on a regular basis for yotes and we're in zone 4.

It's perfectly legal. Besides, when you ask the CO and he says go for it what more do ya need dude????

[SM1]

Like I said I just want to be crystal clear on the issue-I would hate to lose a $700+ heater. Im pretty sure I will be safe though.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'm hearing ya.

Go for it. It's legal. I'd be careful during deer hunting season, however. If stopped by a CO immediately announce that you are hunting yotes and not deer!!!!

Muzzle loader season is still open so that's also something to remember. Going to be some fellas out there you have to look out for.

[Gissert]

I would not do it during a firearms deer season. The "but we're hunting coyotes" argument may not stand up to a CO.

[BobT]

I don't know for sure but I wonder if you are licensed for deer hunting the muzzleloader season would you be legal to carry any legal smokeless firearm at any time during the muzzleloader season?

So, just to carry a .243 outdoors might be illegal during the muzzleloader season if you are licensed for that season.

Bob

[Eric Wettschreck]

True.

Where I live the local CO knows what we're doing so it's cool. That's why I say make sure they know what you are up to.

As far as muzzle loader license and carrying a .243 goes, I have no idea. We don't black powder hunt anymore so I guess I don't pay that much attention.

[SM1]

I wont be going after coyotes until after muzzle loader season. So I'll be good that way.

[Muddog]

You can not have a rifle uncased outside while the slug season is on ( That should tell you alot in its self ). There are to many hunters out and about. There is no reson you cannot use them when the slug season is not on. When moving, I would have on some orange while the muzzy hunters are out.

[Valv]

Quote:

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You can not have a rifle uncased outside while the slug season is on

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Where does it says you cannot carry an uncased rifle while muzzleloader season ? If I want to hunt varmints I will have to use whatever I need.

[Rost]

I agree Valv! IMO, there are not to many CO's out there that would ticket you for calling coyotes during the muzzle season. Unless, you are not following the blaze orange requirements.

Where in the MN regs does it say this? I skimmed through and could not find anything on this. I found a similar rule on page 25 of the handbook, but it does not include the muzzle loader season..

So, as I understand it, you may not have a high power in your possession during the slug season, but you can during the muzzle loader season. If you've found something that I didn't, please share.

On a side note, my boys back home (MN) asked the CO back home about this last year and he said to go ahead and hunt coyotes as well.

[Eric Wettschreck]

During slug season it's a no-no to carry a high power, during ML season you can carry around what ever rifle you like. So, go get em.