At their recent meeting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission Board gave preliminary approval for the use of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns for big game hunting in the state.

Up until now, only semi-auto shotguns could be used for small game, turkey and waterfowl hunting. So this new approval opens the door for such firearms as modern sporting rifles (wrongly termed assault rifles) as well as military M1 Garand and M14, Remington 7400, Browning BAR and similar style semi-auto rifles. And this includes semi-auto .22Õs for small game like squirrels.

In addition, preliminary approval was also given for air rifles for small-game and furbearers.

This brings up the use of compressed air, air bows like the Airbow from Benjamin and compressed air guns.

Said Travis Lau, PGC media representative, “I haven’t heard any discussion about air bows,” when asked if they were considered for legalization.

When air bows came on the scene it was speculated that they would only be legalized for big game hunting, and only be allowed during the rifle seasons. This also holds true for the newer compressed air, air guns that propel .45, .357, .308 and other large caliber bullets.

For the latter, Lau says, “It (air guns) would be legal if it meets the caliber that were preliminarily approved. For small game other than woodchucks (groundhogs), nothing larger than .22 caliber could be used. For woodchucks, .22 or larger is permitted.” [From this it could be presumed that air guns can be used for woodchucks.] “However, air guns would not be approved for big game under the proposal,” Lau added.

With the approval for semi-autos for hunting, there are stipulations. Allowed will be a five-round magazine (or clip for top loaders) with a total ammunition capacity limited to six rounds. The new law, however, does not authorize the PGC to regulate the use of semiautomatic handguns.

It was pointed out that Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation that currently has no hunting seasons during which semiautomatic rifles can be used.

Since the law took effect, the PGC has received hundreds of comments about the use of semi-auto rifles for hunting. And for big game hunting, the comments were about half in favor and half opposed to their use, according to James Daley PGC Board Commissioner.

“Those opposed cited concerns over compromised safety as their primary reason for their opposition,” Daley pointed out.

This proposal, says the PGC, did not come without some thorough review of hunter safety in states that allow semiautomatic rifles, including neighboring states and states that closely resemble Pennsylvania in terms of hunter density. Nor has their use led to a decline in hunter safety.

The approval on these semi-autos include .22 caliber or less that propel single-projectile ammo and semi-auto shotguns in 10 gauge or smaller propelling ammo not larger than No. 4 lead - also No. 2 steel or No. 4 composition or alloy Ð would be legal firearms for small game seasons. Semiautomatic firearms that propel single-projection ammo also would be legal sporting arms for groundhogs and furbearers. There are no caliber restrictions for groundhogs or furbearers.

Semi-autos for deer, bear and elk hunting would be limited to six rounds with magazines that hold no more than five rounds.

As for air-guns, they must be in calibers from .177 to .22 that propel single-projectile pellets or bullets.

For groundhogs and furbearers, air-guns must be at least .22 caliber and propel a single projectile pellet or bullet. BB ammunition is not authorized for small game, furbearers or groundhogs.

Upon canvassing local gun shops as to whether the new law will produce a spike in semi-auto rifle sales, it was the consensus that the new law won’t necessarily produce more, especially the popular modern sporting rifles.

“Those who already have them (modern sporting rifles) may use them for hunting. But I don’t foresee a big rush of orders for semi-autos,” said Randy Hollowbush, owner of The Handgunner in Topton.

PHEASANT HUNTING PERMIT PRELIMINARILY APPROVED

The PGC Board also gave preliminary approval for a $25 permit to hunt pheasants, which we outlined in a previous column.

All proposals will be voted on for final approval at the boards quarterly meeting March 27 and 28.