Sould it be illegal to hunt with 8 gauge?

[VH20]

Originally Posted by Ray Masciarella

I'm inertested in knowing more about how repeaters with 10 shots made such a difference. When I use my Benelli, the ducks are usually out of range by the thrid shot. I can't imagaine getting off 10 shots!!

It might have something to do with a more "target-rich environment" that existed in those days as compared to now. I know an old gentleman who was a skeet champion in his day. I never hunted with him, but back in the days "when quail were plentiful," I have several friends who attest that he could get off seven shots on a covey rise from his much-favored Model 12, and rarely miss. It would be interesting to have seen once, but more than that would start to seem unpleasant to watch.

Jim

[Bill Murphy]

Jim, yes, it has been done. In fact, as we speak, there is a company in Pakistan I think it is, that is making a run of eight gauge brass empties with ten gauge headstamps. They are not being made for me, however. If I could find a guide who could cause those Delaware snows to covey up in range, I would spend some days with my A-5 with nine shot Parsons magazine. I think that would be more fun than the eight gauge.

[Milton Starr]

From what i seen alot of 8 gauges had or have modified chokes which is odd since most guns back then had full choke .
i bet you could use a hevi shot turkey load out of a 10 ga with improved cylinder choke with a great spread .

[TARNATION !!!]

Been on the road for a couple weeks and enjoying reading the many posts missed during that time. The Federal side of this question is the Migratory Birds Convention of 1916 which was signed by the United States and Britain (on behalf of Canada, when we were barely past being a colony).

From my understanding, a state could legalize the use of an 8 gauge for hunting species OTHER THAN MIGRATORY BIRDS. Both the US and Canada created legislation taking into account the Convention. In Canada, it is known as the Migratory Birds Convention Act. I think it is the same name in the US but others can verify that. Here is the applicable citation from the Act in Canada:

Migratory Birds Regulations
Regulations Respecting the Protection of Migratory Birds
C.R.C., c. 1035
MIGRATORY BIRDS CONVENTION ACT, 1994

REGULATIONS RESPECTING THE PROTECTION OF MIGRATORY BIRDS

HUNTING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

15. (1) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) and section 23.1, no person shall hunt a migratory bird

(a) except with a long bow and arrow or with a shotgun not larger than number 10 gauge;

Of course there are many further regulations but this is where 8 gauge and larger bores are disallowed for migratory birds.

While not impossible to change an Act linked to an international convention, it is difficult. You will note that, in Canada, the Act was amended in 1994. This was to recognize aboriginal and other subsistence hunters' needs.

Cheers,
Jack

[Milton Starr]

gauge is measure by the amount of lead in the bore or barrle right ? If not using lead shot doesnt that make it a different gauge ?on a techincality