Carrying a handgun during a hunt

H

Hank15

New member
So I am going hunting soon and I have a few questions regarding the laws with handguns on hunts.

Is it legal for my younger brother to carry a handgun for backup if he's not 21? Does he have to be accompanied by someone who is 21 or older at all times?

If it's legal, what holster/belt combination do you guys recommend for a Smith and Wesson 686+?

Thanks in advance everyone.
 
1. Check the laws in area the where you plan to hunt.

2. If you're carrying a rifle, why do you need a handgun as "backup" for hunting? Normally, the "backup" for a rifle is artillery, if you need that, then you need to rethink the hunt.

When I was about your brother's age, I carried a 9mm as a "backup" and 20 rounds of rifle ammo. Sooner or later, you realize it's just extra weight.
 
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If you're carrying a rifle, why do you need a handgun as "backup" for hunting? Normally, the "backup" for a rifle is artillery, if you need that, then you need to rethink the hunt.
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When I used to hunt whether it was Bow, Shotgun Or Rifle - I always had a handgun on me. It's not extra weight if you are used to carrying one anyway. My hunting gear would be extra weight before my handgun. I would just lighten my hunting pack before I left my pistol back at the house.

Anything can happen at any time, even in the woods. To me it just makes sense having a gun that people can't see. I conceal carry even when I hunt.

Sorry, didn't mean to take over the thread, or change topics.

Like Dr. Strangelove said, it's probably best to check federal and local laws concerning possession of a handgun by someone under the age of 21.
 
Depending on predators in the area...

... sometimes it's nice to have a handgun in case one has to answer the call of nature. Rifles often get set aside during those times.

Also, in the event one has to finish off a wounded animal that has gone into thick brush, it's sometimes much easier to maneuver with a magnum revolver that doesn't get caught so readily in the branches.
 
States differ on what's legal and what isn't while hunting. If you have any questions, I'd contact a game warden and ask them directly.

For example, when I hunted in Wyoming, where open carry is legal, a game warden there suggested I not carry my .357 on my side as it didn't meet the minimum caliber requirement as a hunting sidearm.
 
Man, this thread went the wrong way quick.

Somone asks if it's legal for a fella younger than 21 to carry a handgun while hunting, and it immediately turns to "why would you want to do that?"

I did, but the laws have changed some since my day. The OP is also in California, and I'm not familiar with Ca laws.

So, I don't know, but I hope someone can and will answer it for you.

Daryl
 
I believe California law says if it involves a gun you can't do it no matter what it is.

Seriously a question for your local DNR etc as every state varies by a LOT.
 
About how leaving your brother alone:

Nebraska law says a youth has to be accompanied when hunting. When my dad first took me deer hunting we hunted out of a 2 man ladder stand until I was about 16. My dad asked our local game warden how close we had to be in the woods. The game warden said "as long as you're out there together I don't care." I'm 20 now but since then my dad and I have always hunted in the same mile section. I can't see him or hear him yell, but we have cell phones.
 
Having lived in Alaska for many years, I understand having a handgun along but really do not in other areas. It seems to me that you may cause other accidents by just having the gun there.
 
Man, this thread went the wrong way quick.

Somone asks if it's legal for a fella younger than 21 to carry a handgun while hunting, and it immediately turns to "why would you want to do that?"
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You're right and I apologize.

Let me rephrase: Be very careful what and where you carry as far as handguns, rules can change depending on the type of land (public, national forest, private, etc.) even in the same county.

I did it for a while, and never saw an advantage. Your opinion/experience may differ.
 
Hank,

Here in Texas you can own a handgun at age 18, but can't buy one by yourself till 21. So, if you give the 18 year old a handgun, and they have a hunting license, yes they can.

Why pack a handgun? Well for one I have a CHL, thus can I pack it. Two, if say I'm deer hunting, and it's no go for seeing any, I can switch to squirrel (and thus a good accurate handgun can be used.)

And who knows, some of those wild hogs might show up were I hunt a good pistol will take them to.
 
OP also asked about holster rigs for his 686.

I recently ordered one from simplyrugged.com, pancake type leather for my M66 S&W plus their chest harness system. I can let you know what I think of it once it is delivered. Reviews online are very good for this rig. I intend to wear it over bulky hunting jacket in Ohio during our firearms season.

Joe
 
A minor may not possess a handgun except with written permission or under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

Exceptions to this prohibition are:

* Members of clubs organized for practice shooting while on any established target range or going to and from such range.

* Licensed hunters and fishermen while engaged in hunting or fishing and while going to or from such hunting or fishing expeditions and members of an antique or historical collector's club while at a show, or while going to and from a display as long as the weapons are locked in a trunk or are in a locked container.
Cal. Statues 12078
Written by Administrator
Monday, 29 November 1999 16:00
ABSTRACT: No person may loan any firearm to another for more than 30 days, except in the case of a hunting season that is more than 30 days in duration, unless the loan is conducted through a licensed dealer in the same manner as for a sales transaction. In most cases, the loan of a handgun requires that the person being loaned the handgun possess a 'Handgun Safety Certificate.' There a no time limits for guns left with a gunsmith for servicing and repair. This section also contains various exemptions to 10 day waiting period for inter-familial (parent, child, grandparent) and other kinds of transfers of firearms. A minor cannot be loaned a rifle or shotgun without the 'express' permission of a parent or legal guardian. A minor cannot be loaned a handgun without the 'written' permission of a parent or legal guardian if the person making the loan is not a parent or legal guardian. Loans of handguns to minors cannot exceed 10 days. Loans of shotguns and rifles to a minor cannot exceed 30 days. The loan of any firearm to a minor can only be made for a specific lawful activity the nature of which involves the use of that firearm.
The infrequent sale or transfer of curio/relic rifles or shotguns that are at least 50 years old does not have to be conducted through a licensed dealer and is not subject to the 10 day waiting period.

Penal Code
Part 4: Prevention of Crimes and Apprehension of Criminals
Title 2: Control of Deadly Weapons
Chapter 1: Firearms
Article 4: Licenses to Sell Firearms

http://www.calgunlaws.com/index.php/california-law/42-california-statutes/233.html
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I carry a handgun for back up because I shoot single action rifles most of the time. Sometimes if I have a close shot I just prefer the revolver. Only extra weight is the holster, gun and 5 rounds, never needed more than that and rarely use than.............never used that much unless I was rabbit or squirrel hunting with my 22 pistol.
 
I like the added security of having a handgun on me when I am out in the woods occupied by bears and cougars. Plain and simple. I may never use it but if it gives added peace of mind to me AND my wife sitting at home worrying about me than its worth the extra couple pounds.
 
A little pistol can be handy when dispatching a wounded deer instead of wiating for them to bleed out, or shooting them again with a high-power
 
I received the holster today from simplyrugged.com. Rob is a master craftsman and the holster and chest strap system is not only wellmade but it looks darn good too! The fit on my M66 Smith is perfect. This holster will serve me well worn either cross draw style with the chest straps or without the straps as OWB hip carry. For my hunting needs though it will definitely be chest carry. I cannot wait till our firearms season right after Thanksgiving!

Many models to choose from on their website. About 4 wks from order to receipt at my house.

Joe
 
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