Minimum Caliber for deer

[HuntCamp'r]

x2 .. .Regs state

"A person hunting small game may not carry or use a rifle of greater calibre than a .275-calibre rifle "

Found this on another Ontario Outdoors Website

Question 63:
"You may not use a rifle of greater calibre than .275 ...for hunting small game in the counties of ...".
This would infer that it is legal to use a rifle commonly referred to as a .270 Win to hunt small game in the specified counties. However, the actual projectile diameter is .277".
How does the MNR define calibre (projectile diameter, bore before rifling is cut, groove to groove, land to land, etc.) ? & on what value does the MNR determine compliance (actual measurement or the data stamp on the barrel (ie. .270 vs .30-30)) ?
Asked August 22, 2000
Answer from the MNR
The MNR stance on this section is that we use the nominal calibre of the firearm in determining compliance. That is, even though as you have correctly suggested, the actual dimensions of a .270 cal. shell are .277, we accept that rifle as being a .270 and therefore treat it as a legal firearm within the restricted areas.

[HuntCamp'r]

Back to the OPs original question.... I've not heard about any pending changes, but the current reg for deer is "Centre-Fire - Yes" and "Rim-Fire - No" (Chart on Pg 24)

So - in essence, you could "legally" hunt deer with a .17 Hornet. Correct???

[Bluebulldog]

Back to the OPs original question.... I've not heard about any pending changes, but the current reg for deer is "Centre-Fire - Yes" and "Rim-Fire - No" (Chart on Pg 24)

So - in essence, you could "legally" hunt deer with a .17 Hornet. Correct???

In essence, sure.

You can drive a car with your feet too, but it doesn't mean it's a good idea.

[hunter391]

I was looking at the Quebec hunting regs today and there minimum caliber for hunting deer is .243, seems reasonable.

[Pat32rf]

I was looking at the Quebec hunting regs today and there minimum caliber for hunting deer is .243, seems reasonable.

That would mean I could take along my old 25-20 Marlin and 32 S&W Favorite for "spare" guns as well as my 243....

[Fox]

In Alberta the smallest you can use for any big game is a .243. But in Ontario you could probably use a 22-250, in rifle season only. My son uses a .270 for elk, and it takes down deer nicely at a few hundred yards.

So for any big game, so .243 on moose is any different then a 22-250 on deer?

[Pat32rf]

A 100gr Partition will instantly take down a standing moose using a head shot from a rest. Wouldn't try it with an 80gr soft point......MUCH rather be using a 270......

[brent]

Taking a headshot is unethical in my opinion. Every seen an animal with its jaw or nose blown off?? Not a nice way to dye.

[Fox]

A 100gr Partition will instantly take down a standing moose using a head shot from a rest. Wouldn't try it with an 80gr soft point......MUCH rather be using a 270......

Don't worry, I see the humour in your statement

[Pat32rf]

Taking a headshot is unethical in my opinion. Every seen an animal with its jaw or nose blown off?? Not a nice way to dye.

If I am shooting at a range of under 100yards, the animal is browsing, using a gun that gives me 1/2" groups, sitting in a computer chair in a blind with a gun rest, I do not hesitate to place a slug just below the ear of my quarry. If anything is a little off, then it will make a neck shot, knowing that either the jugular or spine will bring an animal down pretty quickly. If the animal is moving too fast for either of these shots then I will wait for the next beast to come along. I have all day and no one is counting on me to split a kill with them.