Post by drs on Apr 20, 2006 9:59:37 GMT -5
I received an e-mail from the IDNR concerning the use of Rifles firing "Pistol Cartridges" for Deer Hunting in Indiana:
Dear Sir:
Thank you for your comments regarding a draft proposal to change the restriction on cartridges in handguns and allow rifles with pistol cartridges. This draft rule proposal is still being reviewed by the DNR and is still only a draft.
Each year, legislators propose a bill in the Indiana General Assembly that would further restrict the distance from which a person can discharge a firearm in relation to a school, home or other building. This would severely restrict hunting opportunities in Indiana. Because of Indiana's topography and population density, the Division of Law Enforcement is concerned that the continual progression of allowing guns with longer ranges in Indiana will only lead to an increase in hunting accidents and possible legislation that will further restrict locations where shooting/ hunting can take place.
The proposal to add rifles with pistol cartridges was drafted in response to legislation that was introduced this year in the General Assembly. The legislation that was drafted proposed allowing long-range or high-powered rifles to take deer. The DNR has drafted language that would allow only pistol cartridges in rifles as well as draft language that would change the restriction on cartridges in handguns. A public hearing and opportunity for public comment would take place if preliminary approval were given by the Natural Resources Commission. However, this language is still only in draft form and has not been presented to the Natural Resources Commission.
We are well aware of the issues that you mentioned and we thank you for your comments.
Sincerely,
Linnea Petercheff
Operations Staff Specialist
Division of Fish and Wildlife
402 W. Washington Street, Rm W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-6527
Fax: (317) 232-8150
E-mail: lpetercheff@dnr.in.gov
