carrying a side arm while hunting

[mcsurveyer1361]

So ive been talking with a buddy and we are not quite sure about taking a hand gun while hunting with a rifle. I know that you can legally use one to hunt if it meets the proper fps and caliber. but can you take some thing a bit smaller or slower if your primary hunting weapon is your rifle.

[275RLTW]

You will need a small game license and not on BLM land (from what DOW told me).

[mcsurveyer1361]

I meant more during elk deer season. And this wouldnt be allowed at all on BLM land?

[spqrzilla]

You will need a small game license and not on BLM land (from what DOW told me).
That answer does not make sense to me. Can you explain what your question to the DOW was and what their full answer was?

[newracer]

You can legally carry a concealed firearm while big game hunting. I have never heard of any BLM restrictions.

[spqrzilla]

I meant more during elk deer season. And this wouldnt be allowed at all on BLM land?

You can carry a handgun while hunting with a rifle. However, its sort of a silly thing to do. If you use the handgun to dispatch a wounded animal - assuming that the handgun was not a valid method of take under the regulations - you would have committed a hunting violation. And if you are in an archery or muzzleloader season, the Division is going to be very suspicious of your intentions.

So why bother with the weight? There are very few situations where the handgun is a better tool than the rifle you are already carrying.

And if you carry it concealed and don't have a permit, it becomes a problem.

That's why I recommend to people in my hunter safety class not to carry a sidearm while hunting with a rifle.

[TRnCO]

I also don't see any good reaosn to carry a sidearm during rifle season, but most of the guys that I archery hunt with do carry. I carry my LCR .38.
Two guys that I hunt with have had close encounters with mtn. lions and that's why most of us now carry.

[mcsurveyer1361]

thats why i asked i have yet to see the mtn lion but his tracks can be found.

[275RLTW]

I had a discussion with DOW a few years ago about this. As most handguns do not meet the requirements for big game, carrying them would be suspicious for hunting with an illegal weapon/method. By having a small game license, most handguns become legal for small game use.

Regarding BLM land, it is federal property and concealed carry is allowed if CC is allowed in the state however there was something in the regs (I will try to find it again) about not being able to small game hunt during big game seasons or something like that.... I'll see what I can find on that. I have both CCW and small game permits (and I don't hunt BLM) so it's never been more of an issue for me.

[ScooterCO]

The only times I have carried while hunting big game was open carry.
The reason why was the lesson learned, shooting grouse with a large caliber rifle has a tendency to mess up the prize and gives false hope to your hunting partners about larger animals. They knew if they heard my 22 going off there was going to be fresh meat on the table for dinner, just not elk.

[mcsurveyer1361]

I had a discussion with DOW a few years ago about this. As most handguns do not meet the requirements for big game, carrying them would be suspicious for hunting with an illegal weapon/method. By having a small game license, most handguns become legal for small game use.

Regarding BLM land, it is federal property and concealed carry is allowed if CC is allowed in the state however there was something in the regs (I will try to find it again) about not being able to small game hunt during big game seasons or something like that.... I'll see what I can find on that. I have both CCW and small game permits (and I don't hunt BLM) so it's never been more of an issue for me.
Thanks for the clearification.

[sniper7]

I always carry a handgun when I am hunting. usually open, but concealed if it is smacking the buttstock.

I had one last year when I had my mountain lion encounter. I was archery hunting.

I have been checked several times by DOW and never had them say a thing to me about it.

Hunters are responsible to be ethical. I'm not sure what the law exactly is for carrying a firearm during archery or muzzleloader or rifle season and I honestly am not concerned about it. I will continue to carry because it is for my own safety. I am not going to take a big game animal with my sidearm but it will be there in case I need to protect myself against a lion or bear.

[theGinsue]

And if you carry it concealed and don't have a permit, it becomes a problem.
Not true. CO reg's allow for the concealed carry of a handgun while "actively hunting" - so long as you are in possession of a hunting license.

[spqrzilla]

I am familiar with that provision; however, after discussion with DOW enforcement personnel, I teach my hunter safety students that that provision has limited applicability and can easily lead to someone being found carrying concealed outside of its scope.

[SA Friday]

I had a discussion with DOW a few years ago about this. As most handguns do not meet the requirements for big game, carrying them would be suspicious for hunting with an illegal weapon/method. By having a small game license, most handguns become legal for small game use.

Regarding BLM land, it is federal property and concealed carry is allowed if CC is allowed in the state however there was something in the regs (I will try to find it again) about not being able to small game hunt during big game seasons or something like that.... I'll see what I can find on that. I have both CCW and small game permits (and I don't hunt BLM) so it's never been more of an issue for me.

It's in the hunting reg section concerning allowable calibers for hunting big game.

[Hibs]

i open carry my beretta neos 22lr when i have my AR out for varmint hunting. use it for head/kill shots on yotes if needed, or plucking a rabbit on the walk back to the truck.

[katodevil]

You do not need a CCW to carry concealed while actively hunting, I alwaays carry, better to have and not need

[275RLTW]

You do not need a CCW to carry concealed while actively hunting, I alwaays carry, better to have and not need

Source? Where did you get this info from so we can confirm it and not give someone info that gets them introuble.

[J]

Source? Where did you get this info from so we can confirm it and not give someone info that gets them introuble.

Edited: Info looks to be wrong. Don't want that spreading.

[275RLTW]

Care to state which statue you are refrencing about hunting being an affirmative defense? 18-12-105 does not list hunting as an affirmative defense for concealed carry and most CCW weapons are not legal methods for taking large game or birds.

[J]

Well I'll be damned. It used to be in there, I swear on that. This one is on me for not keeping up with it in years. You can find sites quoting 10-12-105 (2)(b) with the inclusion of the hunting clause.

I just did a quick search since I knew it was in there (apparently was instead of the more important 'is') and LexisNexis is slower than dirt. I should have known better. I'll keep looking in case it is somewhere else. Going to edit my previous post to stop the spread of probably incorrect information.

I agree with your point about legal hunting methods for large game. My hunters safety instructor, many moons ago, warned about carrying any pistol while big game hunting... might be considered improper means. Used to be legal (or unenforced) to have a pistol as a finishing round, but that is a big no-no these days. I leave the ccw gun in the hunting shack and just bring the rifle when big game hunting. For birds, I don't worry so much.

[gnihcraes]

I've always carried some form of a firearm. Usually during Archery season. If I were to get hurt, such as a bad fall, I might have lost the primary weapon - the bow. The firearm is attached to me and should still be available for signaling, defense or food.

Also have run into the "mentally ill" hiker or camper a time or two, nice to have options.

[geo351]

Open carry here with my 45 always now, was stalked by a mt lion above gunnison, you can't swing a rifle around quick enough to drop one! And if your field dressing an elk or deer your damn straight I have onto hand!!

[223kev]

I often carry one while hunting for various reasons. The 22 goes with me while I'm in an area that grouse are present and 50 rounds weighs very little and can come in handy for emergencies. Heavier caliber handguns are carried while in bear country and Mountain Lion country and especially while I'm calling for Turkey or Predators. It's kind of the same principal reason that most of us carry concealed...it's not likely that we will ever need it but it's for our own peace of mind.
I'm not worried about how it might look to the DOW as they have never given me any grief and I don't give them anything to be suspicious about. It's usually a professional and courteous visit from them.

[AR-Tracker]

in response to OP first post....
My brother inlaw is a DOW officer and tells me you can take as many guns as you want when hunting. you can bring along any pistol or rifle too. You can take any big game animal with a side arm as long as you meet the guidlines of 4" + barrel and 550 ft lbs at 50 yds, and .22 for small game. If you kill a mountain lion or bear with a 22 or other hand gun and you do not have a tag for animal , you had better be able to prove it attacked you. You can not just shoot one because you thought it might attack you.
As far as concealed carry, it is legal to carry side arms while hunting.... there are no laws stating it is unlawfull, for all seasons
www.handgunlaw.us/states/colorado.pdf bottom page 9

•A handgun is not considered concealed if it is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who is carrying it for a legal use, or the handgun is in the possession of a person who is legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.

[mcsurveyer1361]

in response to OP first post....
My brother inlaw is a DOW officer and tells me you can take as many guns as you want when hunting. you can bring along any pistol or rifle too. You can take any big game animal with a side arm as long as you meet the guidlines of 4" + barrel and 550 ft lbs at 50 yds, and .22 for small game. If you kill a mountain lion with a 22 and you do not have a tag for animal or do have one, you had better be able to prove it attacked you. You can not just shoot one because you thought it might attack you.
As far as concealed carry, it is legal to carry side arms while hunting.... there are no laws stating it is unlawfull.
www.handgunlaw.us/states/colorado.pdf (http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/colorado.pdf) bottom page 9

So if i took down a deer or elk with my rifle and it was down but alive still, would it be a no no to give it the "coup de gras" with my 40 S&W?

[AR-Tracker]

If it meets the requirements of legal ballistics of round used and barrel length you could put one in the heart even without a rifle. so for the final finish it would have to meet the guidelines. The legal hunting methods are on page 12 # 7 in big game booklet.... I have shot deer with my 357 revolver perfectly legal with rounds I was using.

note to archery, muzzle hunters... rifle and handgun use is not permited to hunt or take animals with. make your shots count with a bow.

[spqrzilla]

A .357 Magnum usually is not a legal method of take for big game in Colorado. It takes a very long barrel and pretty hot loads to make the legal requirements. Last time I looked only Corbon loaded the .357 Magnum with published ballistics in an 8" bbl that were legal.

I still think its silly to carry a sidearm when rifle hunting. It takes a bunch of mental contortions to create a scenario where a holstered pistol is "faster" to engage a hostile bear or lion than a rifle you've got in hand.

[J]

Yep, I've checked all of the 357 rounds I have, they all fall just short. And the regs read "As rated by the manufacturer". So I assume hot hand loads are iffy, as they cannot be rated by the manufacturer. It seems that the 44mag (maybe the 41 mag, haven't check it) is the smallest widely produced handgun that is most always legal method of take.

Also, you would have to find someone with published ballistics in the longer barrel, like the Corbon. Most rounds are rated at a single barrel length, and may be hot enough in a long bbl, but if they never get rated that way... might have to do some extra convincing to the DOW.

[spqrzilla]

The .41 Magnum meets the big game requirements ballistically.

[encorehunter]

The 10mm is also legal. Buffalo Bore ammo is also making ammo that is within qualifications for the .357 to be a big game handgun.

I always carry a handgun hunting now. I had an experience a few years back that included a mountain lion. I was archery hunting, and had left my belt knife and handgun in the truck. I was about a hundred yards from the truck when I ran into a mountain lion on a fresh kill. All I had were mechanical broad heads.

[CO Hugh]

Without getting into whether it is legal or not, I gave up carrying a pistol when hunting due to the weight burden, another 4-5 lbs, along with carrying a rifle day pack and other gear. Maybe a light 22 for small stuff, but who is going to shoot when they are elk hunting and run the elk off to the next mountain range.

In our group, one guy who carries a pistol almost all the time, concealed and when around horses just in case, also does not carry when hunting.

[mcsurveyer1361]

The 10mm is also legal. Buffalo Bore ammo is also making ammo that is within qualifications for the .357 to be a big game handgun.

I always carry a handgun hunting now. I had an experience a few years back that included a mountain lion. I was archery hunting, and had left my belt knife and handgun in the truck. I was about a hundred yards from the truck when I ran into a mountain lion on a fresh kill. All I had were mechanical broad heads.
ok you cant just leave the story there what happened

[J]

Open carry here with my 45 always now, was stalked by a mt lion above gunnison, you can't swing a rifle around quick enough to drop one! And if your field dressing an elk or deer your damn straight I have onto hand!!

I get having it in hand while field dressing. But are you proposing that if the attack is so imminent that you cannot swing the rifle around while one is behind you, that you will instead have time to drop the rifle, spin around, draw from holster and put an incapacitating shot or shots onto the Mountain Lion?

[AR-Tracker]

A .357 Magnum usually is not a legal method of take for big game in Colorado. It takes a very long barrel and pretty hot loads to make the legal requirements. Last time I looked only Corbon loaded the .357 Magnum with published ballistics in an 8" bbl that were legal.



yes 357 does have legal rounds and are effective.



http://www.hornady.com/store/357-Mag-140-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution/

there is another 165g carterige that works well too
I am not talking about shooting a snubby. I have an 8" 357 and 44 to use for hunting purposly and it is Legal!

[hollohas]

Well I'll be damned. It used to be in there, I swear on that. This one is on me for not keeping up with it in years. You can find sites quoting 10-12-105 (2)(b) with the inclusion of the hunting clause.

I just did a quick search since I knew it was in there (apparently was instead of the more important 'is') and LexisNexis is slower than dirt. I should have known better. I'll keep looking in case it is somewhere else. Going to edit my previous post to stop the spread of probably incorrect information.




Care to state which statue you are refrencing about hunting being an affirmative defense? 18-12-105 does not list hunting as an affirmative defense for concealed carry and most CCW weapons are not legal methods for taking large game or birds.

It's in 18-12-204. (3) (a) (II)



18-12-204. Permit contents - validity - carrying requirements.


(1) (a) Each permit shall bear a color photograph of the permittee and shall display the signature of the sheriff who issues the permit. In addition, the sheriffs of this state shall ensure that all permits issued pursuant to this part 2 contain the same items of information and are the same size and the same color.

(b) A permit is valid for a period of five years after the date of issuance and may be renewed as provided in section 18-12-211. A permit issued pursuant to this part 2, including a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to section 18-12-209, is effective in all areas of the state, except as otherwise provided in section 18-12-214.

(2) (a) A permittee, in compliance with the terms of a permit, may carry a concealed handgun as allowed by state law. The permittee shall carry the permit, together with valid photo identification, at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun and shall produce both documents upon demand by a law enforcement officer. Failure to produce a permit upon demand by a law enforcement officer raises a rebuttable presumption that the person does not have a permit. Failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand as required in this subsection (2) is a class 1 petty offense. A charge of failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand pursuant to this subsection (2) shall be dismissed by the court if, at or before the permittee's scheduled court appearance, the permittee exhibits to the court a valid permit and valid photo identification, both of which were issued to the permittee prior to the date on which the permittee was charged with failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand.

(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) apply to temporary emergency permits issued pursuant to section 18-12-209.

(3) (a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit and the handgun shall not be considered concealed:

(I) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or in some other private means of conveyance and who carries the handgun for a legal use, including self-defense; or

(II) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.

(b) The provisions of this subsection (3) shall not be construed to authorize the carrying of a handgun in violation of the provisions of section 18-12-105 or 18-12-105.5.

http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll/cocode/1/2c74b/307cb/3096f/309bb?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm&2.0

[encorehunter]

ok you cant just leave the story there what happened

I came over a little rise, saw a deer leg on the ground. I thought, "Huh, somebody got one, but they wasted some meat on the leg." Walked a little further and saw the deer laying there. Stopped in my tracks, and thought, "Oh crap." I then saw the lion about 5-6 yards from the deer, about 15 yards from me. I reached for my pistol, then thought, "SH@#! I left my pack in the truck." I grabbed an arrow and began slowly backing out. I backed over the little rise out of sight, and did a sprint back to the truck. I decided that was enough hunting for one day.

One .357 pistol that easily reaches the qualifications is the Contender. It will push 2000fps with a 125gr bullet with about 1K ft lbs of energy at the muzzle if I remember right. That is a hand load.

[J]

It's in 18-12-204. (3) (a) (II)




http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll/cocode/1/2c74b/307cb/3096f/309bb?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm&2.0

Awesome. Thanks. I knew it was in there.

[275RLTW]

It's in 18-12-204. (3) (a) (II)



Thanks. I thought I remembered it somewhere, just couldn't it find it. Thanks for the supporting regs.

[J]

Hmmm.




yes 357 does have legal rounds and are effective.

http://www.hornady.com/store/357-Mag-140-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution/

there is another 165g carterige that works well too
I am not talking about shooting a snubby. I have an 8" 357 and 44 to use for hunting purposly and it is Legal!

And the regs say:


7. hanDguns
a. Barrel must be minimum 4 inches long.
b. Must use a minimum .24-caliber (6 mm) diameter expanding bullet.
c. Shoulder stocks or attachments prohibited.
d. Must use a cartridge or load that produces minimum energy of 550-ft.
pounds at 50 yards as rated by manufacturer.


While Hornady says, from an 8" bbl.



Test Barrel (8 V") Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
MUZZLE 50 100
1440/644 1274/504 1143/406


So DOW requires 550 ft-lbs at 50 yards, that ammo looks to be only 504 ft-lbs at 50 yards. Doesn't look legal.

[hollohas]

Thanks. I thought I remembered it somewhere, just couldn't it find it. Thanks for the supporting regs.

No problem. 18-12-204 (3) is darn near identical to 18-12-105 (2) so I am not sure why they left the hunting part out of 18-12-105.

[mcsurveyer1361]

I came over a little rise, saw a deer leg on the ground. I thought, "Huh, somebody got one, but they wasted some meat on the leg." Walked a little further and saw the deer laying there. Stopped in my tracks, and thought, "Oh crap." I then saw the lion about 5-6 yards from the deer, about 15 yards from me. I reached for my pistol, then thought, "SH@#! I left my pack in the truck." I grabbed an arrow and began slowly backing out. I backed over the little rise out of sight, and did a sprint back to the truck. I decided that was enough hunting for one day.

One .357 pistol that easily reaches the qualifications is the Contender. It will push 2000fps with a 125gr bullet with about 1K ft lbs of energy at the muzzle if I remember right. That is a hand load.
is it bad that i enjoyed that not that you were in danger but its like reading those cool books about mountain men. glad your fine though.

now on another subject so even if i downed it with my rifle a 40s&w would be illegal to put it out of its missery? i know it doesnt meet the hunting guidelines but it wouldnt be like I tried to take it with my hand gun just finished it off

[AR-Tracker]

Hmmm.



And the regs say:


While Hornady says, from an 8" bbl.


So DOW requires 550 ft-lbs at 50 yards, that ammo looks to be only 504 ft-lbs at 50 yards. Doesn't look legal.

effective and legal.... I forgot we are discussing Colorado. I hunt whitetails only and in three other states, not here.

[J]

is it bad that i enjoyed that not that you were in danger but its like reading those cool books about mountain men. glad your fine though.

now on another subject so even if i downed it with my rifle a 40s&w would be illegal to put it out of its missery? i know it doesnt meet the hunting guidelines but it wouldnt be like I tried to take it with my hand gun just finished it off

Correct. Any shots at or into the animal must be with a legal method of take.

[spqrzilla]

[quote=spqrzilla;469419]A .357 Magnum usually is not a legal method of take for big game in Colorado. It takes a very long barrel and pretty hot loads to make the legal requirements. Last time I looked only Corbon loaded the .357 Magnum with published ballistics in an 8" bbl that were legal.



yes 357 does have legal rounds and are effective.



http://www.hornady.com/store/357-Mag-140-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution/

there is another 165g carterige that works well too
I am not talking about shooting a snubby. I have an 8" 357 and 44 to use for hunting purposly and it is Legal!

As previoulsy mentioned, in Colorado, the round you linked is not legal for big game in a handgun as it is under 550 ftlbs at 50 yards with the listed 8" barrel. Maybe it would be OK in a Contender if Hornady published ballistics on it.

[spqrzilla]

now on another subject so even if i downed it with my rifle a 40s&w would be illegal to put it out of its missery? i know it doesnt meet the hunting guidelines but it wouldnt be like I tried to take it with my hand gun just finished it off

You would be indeed be citable for using an illegal method of take.

[spqrzilla]

OK now I understand the worry about carrying sidearms while hunting (http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/garfield-sheriff-hikers-shouldnt-be-deterred-by-ex/) ... you guys are afraid of a hiker finding you.

;-)

[mcsurveyer1361]

seems I might have to invest in a 44 then

[NBui4]

I always carry a handgun when I am hunting. usually open, but concealed if it is smacking the buttstock.

I had one last year when I had my mountain lion encounter. I was archery hunting.

I have been checked several times by DOW and never had them say a thing to me about it.

Hunters are responsible to be ethical. I'm not sure what the law exactly is for carrying a firearm during archery or muzzleloader or rifle season and I honestly am not concerned about it. I will continue to carry because it is for my own safety. I am not going to take a big game animal with my sidearm but it will be there in case I need to protect myself against a lion or bear.


For big game archery every year, all 3 of us open carry.
Things get really strange when you get really deep in bear/mountain lion territory. Never had an issue with DOW.
Also, being so far away, there are situations we were glad we had something other than are bows to defend ourselves if we had to. Some people get really strange out there.

So i guess we just used handguns for pure protection.

[lifeon2]

I believe buffalo bore makes 357 that meets the energy requirements even from a 4" barrel but to be on the safe side 41 and 44 mag as well as 45 colt 454 and on up is your best bet for legal energy requirements.

[spqrzilla]

I believe buffalo bore makes 357 that meets the energy requirements even from a 4" barrel but to be on the safe side 41 and 44 mag as well as 45 colt 454 and on up is your best bet for legal energy requirements.

If you have a link to published ballistics, I'd like to see them because I don't believe its possible to do that with a 4" .357 Magnum.

[wrestler034]

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=102

[spqrzilla]

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=102

Many thanks, I'll use that chart in my hunter education classes.

It does show that for the published ballistics from Buffalo Bore, the round is very much borderline legal for big game, one has to interpolate between the 1500 fps and 1400 fps chart.

[Scaleguy24]

Thanks for this thread guys, we were just talking about this while camping this weekend, and this thread answered some of the questions we had.

[birddog]

S&W 329PD .44 mag for me when Im bowhunting. The recoil is a bear but its a scandium frame so it never gets left in the truck.No more than I shoot mags out of it it really isn't too bad and specials are easy.

A few years ago I walked up on a bedded bull moose at ~7 feet. Never saw him until he stood up and then I proceeded to shit my pants. I usually have a handgun when Im bowhunting but I forgot it that day. Fortunatly I backed off and he stayed where he was so I didn't need it anyway.


I bought the 329 shortly there after and never leave it now. The 6 rounds of .44 weigh almost as much as the gun.

[Song Dog]

Colorado DOW regs read as follows:

Handguns, provided they have a minimum barrel length of four (4) inches and comply with the following criteria:

a. Use a .24 caliber or larger diameter expanding bullet.

b. Use only a cartridge or load with a rated impact energy of at least 550 ft. pounds at 50 yds. as determined by the manufacturer.


If it's for protection during any hunting season, the sidearm must adhere to these guidlines. The only season in which you cannot have a sidearm in posession is blackpowder unless it is a black powder pistol.

I have been checked before while deer hunting. Not only will the DOW check your sidearm, but they will check your ammo too. If it does not meet reg, you will be ticketed and escorted out of your AO. I carry a Tokarev. 7.62x25. 1600fps at muzzle.

No, a 9mm will not meet regs. No, FMJ's do not meet regs. (per the FT. Collins DOW office).

[Hitman 6]

So ive been talking with a buddy and we are not quite sure about taking a hand gun while hunting with a rifle. I know that you can legally use one to hunt if it meets the proper fps and caliber. but can you take some thing a bit smaller or slower if your primary hunting weapon is your rifle.

You guys aren't paying very good attention to other members in camp... I have Openly Carried a Glock 21 or 1911 every day of every year I have been up there. I don't know all the fancy schmancy legal speak about it, but I have had my license checked several times and no one has ever said anything about it to me. And I will continue to do so until an official tells me I can't.

[spqrzilla]

Colorado DOW regs read as follows:

Handguns, provided they have a minimum barrel length of four (4) inches and comply with the following criteria:

a. Use a .24 caliber or larger diameter expanding bullet.

b. Use only a cartridge or load with a rated impact energy of at least 550 ft. pounds at 50 yds. as determined by the manufacturer.


If it's for protection during any hunting season, the sidearm must adhere to these guidlines. The only season in which you cannot have a sidearm in posession is blackpowder unless it is a black powder pistol.

I have been checked before while deer hunting. Not only will the DOW check your sidearm, but they will check your ammo too. If it does not meet reg, you will be ticketed and escorted out of your AO. I carry a Tokarev. 7.62x25. 1600fps at muzzle.

No, a 9mm will not meet regs. No, FMJ's do not meet regs. (per the FT. Collins DOW office).(emphasis added by me)

Who told you that? (The bolded part). The regulations do not prohibit one from carrying a handgun. They prohibit one from using a firearm that is not a legal method of take to take big game. The only prohibition on possessing a firearm is the prohibition on using a rifle of caliber larger than .23 to hunt small game west of I25 during big game season.

[jgang]

You can carry a handgun while hunting with a rifle. However, its sort of a silly thing to do. If you use the handgun to dispatch a wounded animal - assuming that the handgun was not a valid method of take under the regulations - you would have committed a hunting violation. And if you are in an archery or muzzleloader season, the Division is going to be very suspicious of your intentions.

So why bother with the weight? There are very few situations where the handgun is a better tool than the rifle you are already carrying.

And if you carry it concealed and don't have a permit, it becomes a problem.

That's why I recommend to people in my hunter safety class not to carry a sidearm while hunting with a rifle.

Why you would recommend someone not carry a sidearm for the reasons you mentioned is a bit confusing. Why is it silly? While I would agree that one firearm is enough for a green 13 year old (and his mom/dad) to worry about on his first deer hunt, there are other things to consider....

You assume one would use a sidearm to dispatch a wounded animal when that really isn't an overt concern. Just because one has a sidearm doesn't mean they are going to use it for that purpose.

No doubt, in a firefight, a handgun's mainpurpose would be to fight your way back to your rifle, the rifle being a superior choice in firepower, accuracy, etc., in most circumstances.

If you don't have a concealled carry permit, don't carry concealed. Problem solved.

You assume both tools (rifle and sidearm) will be used for the same purpose when, in reality, the learned (as taught, perhaps, in a hunters safety course) will know for what purposes each tool is practical.

I hunt elk in the mountains where grouse are common. I carry a 3" stainless J Frame loaded with one round of shot, then 4 rounds of 158g JSP. Makes a dandy grouse getter and a fine backup round for anything I'm likely to encounter when my rifle is out of reach or otherwise unavailable for whatever reason. I've also been known to carry a Ruger Bearcat just for grouse. Probably won't make a one-shot-stop on a stalking lion, but the president might resign tomorrow too. However remote either possiblity is, it's much handier should you need a weapon, say, when nature calls and then tries to eat you in the process, again, however remote the possibility. But I'm more likely to come across a blue grouse, so I'll pack it along. (I hope no one is advocating the use of a 7Mag for grouse. [Lick])

There are plenty of good reasons to carry a sidearm when in the woods, but NOT carrying one just because you have a rifle ignores a multitude of options and possibilities in the unpredictable world beyond the window many of us so often frequent.

Not trying to pick a fight, just one fellow's 2-cent opinion....

[Song Dog]

Spqrzilla, Ft Collins DOW office. DOW says that any handgun carried during a hunting season, I should have clarified the season as big game, must meet the criteria listed. Any other season you can carry whatever you like, any caliber for personal protection.
So it's for big game only. Sorry for the confusion. I was just trying to relay info that was spoken to me. Sorry if I got your panties in a bind.

[10mm-man]

Spqrzilla, Ft Collins DOW office. DOW says that any handgun carried during a hunting season, I should have clarified the season as big game, must meet the criteria listed. Any other season you can carry whatever you like, any caliber for personal protection.
So it's for big game only. Sorry for the confusion. I was just trying to relay info that was spoken to me. Sorry if I got your panties in a bind.

I am really confused.... So can't carry the 9mm or 45 acp? Even if I have a rifle? i know i know; why would i want to carry my side arm and rifle? Post above gave good example..

[spqrzilla]

Song Dog, my panties not in a bind. Its just not the interpretation I'm familiar with. (I teach hunter education). And there is no regulation that supports that interpretation that I've seen. I've discussed the issue in the past with the head of enforcement in DOW.

I'll see if I can find out from CPW HQ if there is a new regulation/interpretation I've not seen.

Maybe that's the new directive, but its not been advertised in the regs brochure. Wouldn't be the first time someone answering the phones at DOW gave out bad info ...

[CapLock]

And how many full mags for my Glock 20 should I bring along.....you know in case a mtn lion tries to eat me while I'm taking a shit. When I take a shit in the woods I don't think anything is going to smell that and even think I'm alive much less try and eat me.[Coffee]

[Danimal]

And how many full mags for my Glock 20 should I bring along.....you know in case a mtn lion tries to eat me while I'm taking a shit. When I take a shit in the woods I don't think anything is going to smell that and even think I'm alive much less try and eat me.[Coffee]

Man, 7 or 8 years ago I went along on an archery hunt with my dad and my uncle. I was just along watching as they were putting the stalk on a heard of elk that seemed pretty intent on staying where they were at in the middle of a little sage brush flat opening in the middle of some oak brush. My uncle was crouched down to below the level of the sagebrush making his way toward the heard. I saw something move and my dad who was sitting next to me saw it also and asked what it was. I could not see anything so I thought that it must have just been a bird or something. Not wanting to lose sight of where my uncle was I turned my attention back to where he was now on all fours trying to creep through a thicker part of the bush as quietly as he could. It was then that the biggest mountain lion I have ever seen creeped out of the brush about 10 yards behind him. Then it disappeared. All I could see was the little flip the white on the tip of its tail would make when it changed directions. My dad saw it too and stood up screaming at my uncle to turn around. The scary part was that the lion did not immediately run away, it kept moving toward him until my uncle finally saw it and tried to knock an arrow with his hands shaking. He started yelling at it and it lost its nerve and bolted. That too was unnerving because even when it took off I still did not hear a sound, and I only saw it for about 1/10th of a second and it disappeared in what I would consider to be fairly open terrain. Just gone. The rest of the day as we hiked out I was just sure that it was right behind me.

I am not worried about something trying to eat me while I am taking a shit, I am worried about defending myself after something makes me shit my pants. We were not carrying any firearms that day, and it worked out, but I wonder how it would have turned out if we had not been there with him. Good luck fighting one with a bow after it jumps on you.

[spqrzilla]

I've clarified with the Hunter Education Coordinator that my interpretation is correct.
A handgun only has to meet the big game requirements if it is used as a manner of take for big game (this includes a “finishing shot” as that is part of the take). Hunters can carry a handgun for whatever reason they choose – personal protection, for small game, etc.

[CapLock]

I'm just kidding....I never go to the mountains without some kind of gun. As far as carrying during rifle season I don't bother when I have a 300 win mag in my hands. Bow season I like to carry my 686 snubby in my IWB holster. I suppose with the short barrel it won't make 500 ft lbs of energy, but to be honest it's not coming out for any reason till I get back to camp.
Also want to add that I have "NEVER" been checked by game warden during big game season for any reason. Just how far they venture from the green truck I'm not sure.

[Song Dog]

I've clarified with the Hunter Education Coordinator that my interpretation is correct.
A handgun only has to meet the big game requirements if it is used as a manner of take for big game (this includes a “finishing shot” as that is part of the take). Hunters can carry a handgun for whatever reason they choose – personal protection, for small game, etc.

Thanks for clarifying that! Sorry for all the confusion.

[10mm-man]

I've clarified with the Hunter Education Coordinator that my interpretation is correct.
A handgun only has to meet the big game requirements if it is used as a manner of take for big game (this includes a “finishing shot” as that is part of the take). Hunters can carry a handgun for whatever reason they choose – personal protection, for small game, etc.

Thanks![Beer]

[Ralph]

If you are bent on carrying, get a concealed carry permit and that should obviate all other considerations.

[spqrzilla]

No, Ralph, that's not correct. As many hunters would prefer open carry in such situations.

[ronaldrwl]

Based on past hunting experience, I open carry with the first two rounds filled with snake shot. As do many hunters I don't even load my hunting rifle until I'm in position to fire. So, I wouldn't consider my hunting rifle for self defense.