Is it legal to hunt Dove with a 22 rifle using bird-shot?

Question

Dove hunting season opens Sept. 1st and my nephew has been fetching since he could walk, but he is now 13 and would like to hunt with us, so... with the cost of 4-10 shells being so high, can he use a 22 rifle with bird-shot? Before anyone passes any judgment on me or my question, just know that I am only curious of the answer, and do not intend for my nephew to shoot this year without first attending a gun safety class.

Answer 1

Get him a youth model 20 guage if hes smallish for 13 like i was he should be able to handle it jsut fine with bird loads in it.

Answer 2

Buy him the 40-10 shells, you'll have hard time explaining why you and your nephew are shooting dove with 22 riffle.  The chance of you hitting the bird would not be so good and injuring the bird and it will die elsewhere would not be good either.

So, to answer your question.  Its a grey line, you should call your local department of fish and games to get the sure answer.  The chances of them explaining it need to be center firing ammunition, would support my theory.

Good luck on the 1st, I'll be out with my 8 years old son.  This will be his first time using a shotgun.  He will be using a modified 20 guage.  I just wanted him to be out there and have good time together.

Answer 3

Nope.  And you should see if you can get the young fellow a 20 gauge single-barreled shotgun for him to use.  Lots better than a .410 for learning to wingshoot.

Doc

Answer 4

You need to check with your local Department of Natural resources and see what you're legally allowed to use on dove. Even if they allow it, I'd recommend against it. .22 bird-shot loads open up very quickly (as in 10-15 feet) and uses extremely small shot (#12 or dust). As a result the patterns aren't going to allow for shooting at longer ranges and the bird-shot will likely be ineffective beyond about 30-50 feet. Your nephew would probably be much better off with a small gauge shotgun (like a 28 gauge) if you're going to be wing-shooting pigeons.

Answer 5

Check your proclamation for firearm regulations. They should be available online, and also as a hard copy free of charge.

Here in utah you can pick one up at your local Wal*Mart, or any outdoor, or fish and game store.

Answer 6

They are considered a migratory bird and therefore you must use a shotgun not capable of holding more than 2 shells in the magazine and one in the chamber, it also must be shoulder fired.

That is Federal, like duck only you can use lead shot unless in the republik of comiefornia

Answer 7

Legal or not, birdshot from a .22 is deadly only on mice and cockroaches to about 20 feet. I don't think a dove will stand still within range.

Answer 8

i don't think so it