PROPOSED RULEMAKING
GAME COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 131 AND 141 ]
Preliminary Provisions; Hunting and Trapping
[47 Pa.B. 1769]
[Saturday, March 25, 2017]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) proposed at its January 31, 2017, meeting to amend §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns and semiautomatic rifles for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and to expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
This proposed rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for this proposed rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
This proposed rulemaking was made public at the January 31, 2017, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent until March 24, 2017, to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
1. Purpose and Authority
In relevant part, the act of November 21, 2016 (P.L. 1317, No. 168) (Act 168) made two significant changes to section 2308 of the act (relating to unlawful devices and methods). Act 168 eliminated the Commonwealth's historic prohibition against the use of air guns for hunting. Act 168 also effectively eliminated the Commonwealth's historic prohibition against the use of semiautomatic rifles for hunting. It is important to note that Act 168 was not extended to authorize the Commission to allow use of semiautomatic handguns.
In an effort to expand hunting opportunities in this Commonwealth, the Commission proposes amend §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns and semiautomatic rifles for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons. These proposed amendments will also expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
Section 2102(d) of the code (relating to regulations) authorizes the commission to ''promulgate regulations stipulating the size and type of traps, the type of firearms and ammunition and other devices which may be used, the manner in which and the location where the devices may be used, the species the devices may be used for and the season when the devices may be used.'' The amendments to §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 are proposed under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
This proposed rulemaking will amend §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns and semiautomatic rifles for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and to expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to use air guns, semiautomatic rifles or breech-loading black powder firearms to hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth may be affected by this proposed rulemaking.
4. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
This proposed rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
5. Effective Date
This proposed rulemaking will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
6. Contact Person
For further information regarding this proposed rulemaking, contact Thomas P. Grohol, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
R. MATTHEW HOUGH,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-410. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART III. GAME COMMISSION
CHAPTER 131. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS § 131.2. Definitions.
In addition to the definitions contained in section 102 of the act (relating to definitions), the following words and terms, when used in this part or in the act, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act—Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to [the] Game and Wildlife Code).
Aggregate ammunition capacity—A firearm's total cumulative ammunition capacity that includes the ammunition capacity of both the chamber and magazine.
Air gun—A firearm operated by air or gas cylinder by which a projectile can be discharged or propelled.
Antlered deer—
(i) In Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, a deer having three or more points on one antler, not including brow tines which is the point immediately above the antler burr.
* * * * * Meat or animal products—For the purpose of section 2361(a)(13) of the act (relating to unlawful acts concerning taking of furbearers), meat or animal products include artificial representations or facsimiles.
Muzzleloading firearm—
(i) A firearm designed and manufactured to be loaded with loose ammunition components (projectile and propellant charge) from the muzzle or forward, open end of the firearm's barrel.
(ii) The term includes breech-loading rifles and handguns that fire loose ammunition components comparable to a muzzleloading firearm.
(iii) The term does not authorize a firearm that accepts cartridge ammunition.
Plugged shotgun—For the purpose of section 2308(a)(4) of the act, any shotgun containing a one-piece plug, stop or filler in the magazine to reduce ammunition capacity that is incapable of removal without disassembling the shotgun or magazine.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 141. HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Subchapter B. SMALL GAME § 141.22. Small game seasons.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt small game, except woodchucks, during any small game season with the following devices:
(1) A manually operated [rifle or] or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun. The firearm must be [.23] .22 caliber or less, that [projects] propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less, that [projects] propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 [(relating to nontoxic shot)] (relating to approval of nontoxic shot types and shot coatings). A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(3) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun. The firearm must be .40 caliber or less, that [projects] propels single-projectile ammunition.
(4) A bow and arrow.
(5) A crossbow and bolt.
(6) A raptor. The raptor [must] shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit [pursuant to] under section 2925 of the act (relating to falconry permits).
(7) An air gun. The firearm must be between .177 and .22 caliber, inclusive, that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(b) Prohibitions. [It] While hunting small game during any small game season, except woodchucks, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess single-projectile ammunition larger than [.23] .22 caliber or multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 [(relating to nontoxic shot)], except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(3) Discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Commission vehicle releasing pheasants.
(4) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(5) Hunt in a party of more than six persons. This does not apply to waterfowl or dove hunters when hunting from a blind or other stationary position.
(c) [Woodchucks (Groundhogs).] Woodchuck (Groundhog) season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt woodchucks during woodchuck season with the following devices:
(i) A manually operated [rifle or handgun] or semiautomatic centerfire rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less that propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 [(relating to nontoxic shot)]. A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(iii) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iv) A bow and arrow.
(v) A crossbow and bolt.
(vi) A raptor. The raptor [must] shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit [pursuant to] under section 2925 of the act [(relating to falconry permits)].
(vii) An air gun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or larger that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting woodchucks during woodchuck season, it is unlawful to [use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in this section.]:
(i) Use or possess multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
Subchapter C. BIG GAME § 141.43. Deer.
(a) Archery deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the archery deer season with any of the following devices:
(i) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(ii) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the archery deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a firearm. Exceptions:
(A) A person may possess certain firearms during the archery deer season under the authorizations of section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(B) A person may possess and use both a bow or crossbow and a muzzleloading firearm during the overlaps of the early archery and muzzleloader deer seasons and the late archery and flintlock muzzleloading deer seasons if that person is in possession of both a valid archery deer license and a valid muzzleloader deer license and meets the greater protective material requirements for the muzzleloader deer season, if applicable.
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(b) Flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the flintlock muzzleloading deer season with a flintlock muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be an original or similar reproduction of muzzleloading firearm manufactured prior to 1800. The firearm's ignition mechanism must consist of a hammer containing a naturally occurring stone that is spring propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen which, in turn, creates sparks to ignite a priming powder. The firearm must have open or aperture sights and be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the flintlock muzzleloading deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use manmade materials attached to the hammer or frizzen to create sparks.
(ii) Use telescopic sights.
(iii) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required by section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iv) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(c) Muzzleloading deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the muzzleloading deer season with a muzzleloading firearm. [The firearm's ignition mechanism must consist of a percussion cap, primer or flintlock fired design.] The firearm must be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required by section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(d) Regular and special firearms deer seasons.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the regular and special firearms deer seasons with any of the following devices:
(i) [A manually operated, centerfire firearm.] A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire rifle or manually operated, centerfire handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic rifle's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The firearm's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic rifles under this subparagraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The firearm's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic shotguns under this subparagraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
[(ii)] (iii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(i).
[(iii)] (iv) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii).
[(iv)] (v) A muzzleloading firearm as permitted under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(1).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the regular and special firearms deer seasons, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required by section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(e) Cooperating while hunting during any deer season. Holders of any of the appropriate licenses or stamps may cooperate while hunting antlered or antlerless deer if pertinent provisions of the act and this section are met.
(f) .22 caliber or less rimfire required for furbearers. When using a firearm only a rimfire rifle or handgun .22 caliber or less may be used to dispatch legally trapped furbearers during the regular or special firearms deer seasons.
§ 141.44. Bear.
(a) Archery bear season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the archery bear season with any of the following devices:
(i) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(ii) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting bear during the archery bear season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a firearm or while in possession of a firearm, except as otherwise authorized by section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
(b) Muzzleloading bear season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the muzzleloading bear season with a muzzleloading firearm. [The firearm's ignition mechanism must consist of a percussion cap, primer or flintlock fired design.] The firearm must be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting bear during the muzzleloading bear season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
(c) Regular and extended firearms bear seasons.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the regular and extended firearms bear seasons with any of the following devices:
(i) [A manually operated, centerfire firearm.] A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire rifle or manually operated, centerfire handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic rifle's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The firearm's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic rifles under this subparagraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The firearm's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic shotguns under this subparagraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
[(ii)] (iii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(i).
[(iii)] (iv) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii).
[(iv)] (v) A muzzleloading firearm as permitted under subsection (b)(1).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting for bear during the regular and extended firearms bear seasons, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
§ 141.45. Turkey.
(a) Fall turkey season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt turkey during the fall turkey season with any of the following devices:
(i) [A firearm. A manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearm using single-projectile ammunition, except as otherwise prohibited in paragraph (2)(i).] A manually operated or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic rifle's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The rifle's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic rifles under this subparagraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
(ii) [A shotgun.] A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun [using shot] that propels single-projectile ammunition or multiple projectile shotgun ammunition no larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 [(relating to nontoxic shot)] (relating to approval of nontoxic shot types and shot coatings). A centerfire semiautomatic shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(iii) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
[(iii)] (iv) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
[(iv)] (v) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting turkey during the fall turkey season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use [a manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading] or possess a firearm using single projectile ammunition in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(ii) Use drives or any method other than hand or mouth calling.
(iii) Use or possess an electronic caller or a live turkey as a decoy.
(iv) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(b) Spring turkey season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt turkey during the spring turkey season with any of the following devices:
(i) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun using shot ammunition no larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 [(relating to nontoxic shot)]. A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(ii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(iii).
(iii) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(iv).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting turkey during the spring turkey season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearm [using] that propels single projectile ammunition, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess single projectile ammunition, except arrows or bolts, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Use drives or any method other than hand or mouth calling.
(iv) Use or possess an electronic caller or a live turkey as a decoy.
(v) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
§ 141.47. Elk.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt elk during the elk season with any of the following devices:
(1) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire rifle or manually operated, centerfire handgun. The firearm must be a .27 caliber or larger firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition 130 grains or larger. The semiautomatic rifle's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The rifle's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic rifles under this paragraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun. The firearm must be a 12 gauge or larger firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition. The semiautomatic shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed five rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed six rounds. The allowance for semiautomatic shotguns under this paragraph becomes effective July 1, 2017, and expires June 30, 2020, unless the Commission authorizes its continued legal effectiveness prior to June 30, 2020.
(3) A muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be .50 caliber or larger single-barrel firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition 210 grains or larger.
(4) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 45 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 1 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(5) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 1 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting elk during the elk season, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than that required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Use [a device] or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(3) Fail to mark the kill site after lawful harvest in accordance with Commission instructions provided during the elk season orientation.
(4) Drive or herd elk.
(5) Hunt within the Hick's Run no hunt zone, [this being] the area immediately adjacent to and north of Route 555, between Hick's Run Road and Huston Hill Road and within [.3] 0.3 mile of Route 555.
Subchapter D. FURBEARERS § 141.67. Furbearer [hunting] seasons.
[It is unlawful to take furbearers using shot larger than # 4 buckshot.]
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt or take furbearers during any furtaking season with the following devices:
(1) A manually operated or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition or multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 buckshot. A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(3) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(4) A bow and arrow.
(5) A crossbow and bolt.
(6) An air gun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or larger that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting furbearers during any furbearer hunting or trapping season, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 buckshot, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 17-509. Filed for public inspection March 24, 2017, 9:00 a.m.]
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