Originally posted by jjas: This was posted on the DNR website and it explains the reasoning behind the hpr proposal...
The DNR believes this change can be made at this time for the following reasons:
There are currently no limits on rifles that are legal to use for species other than migratory birds, deer, and wild turkey. NOT SURE WHAT THE RELEVANCE OF THIS COMMENT BY THE DNR AND IF THERE IS, THEN I GUESS RIFLES SHOULD BE USED FOR TURKEY'S AS WELL. A VERY WEAK POINT BY THE AGENCY.
Muzzleloaders have evolved to the point that with smokeless powder (which is legal to use), they are essentially a high-powered rifle (accurate 500 yard gun). REASONABLE COMMENT AND A LOGICAL PROGRESSION BASED UPON CURRENT CAPABILITY AND COMPARABILITY.
They are legal in several nearby states, including Kentucky, Michigan (the northern part of the state), and Pennsylvania. JUST A RIDICULOUS JUSTIFICATION. FOOLISH TO JUSTIFY SOMETHING BY PICKING AND CHOOSING WHAT OTHER STATES DO OR DON'T TO JUSTIFY SOMETHING THAT INDIANA DOES.
There has not been an increase in hunting-related accidents as the result of the use of rifles, both in Indiana and in several other states where they are allowed. NOT AN UNREASONABLE COMMENT AND IF THEY REALLY BELIEVE THIS, THEY WILL ALLOW RIFLES ON THE PUBLIC PROPERTIES AND STATE PARK HUNTS. IF THEY DON'T, THEN THERE JUSTIFICATION HERE LACKS CREDIBILITY FROM AN APPLICATION STANDPOINT.
There isn’t a need to limit the equipment that can be used to take deer in order to manage the deer herd. The deer harvest was a record in 2012, and the DNR is managing the deer herd through other means. I GET THIS AND CAN'T ARGUE THEIR POINT.
Rifle cartridges that fire a bullet at least .243 in diameter and have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches long can safely and humanely kill white-tailed deer. MAKES SENSE, IF THE SHOT IS WELL PLACED. BUT, A WELL PLACED 22 CAN ALSO SAFELY AND HUMANELY KILL A WHITE-TAILED DEER ALSO. SO WHY A RESTRICTION ON A 22.
My point of my comments noted above is that the DNR is simply applying a philosophy, not a management plan. And, using surrounding states as an example is very weak and without value. I heard the same type of justification when my daughters were young when they'd want to do something and justify it by saying the neighbor kids were allowed to do it. Very weak and unworthy of inclusion in their justification.
"Fishing is like a one night stand, unless you're fly fishing, then you've encountered the romance of your life"
