New deer hunting laws are now in effect
Comet staff report

An administrative rule allowing short-range rifles during deer firearms season became law July 29. The rule was approved by the Attorney General's Office and Governor's Office in June after being approved by the Natural Resources Commission in May.

The deer hunting rule change continues the DNR's longtime position of allowing only short-tomedium range equipment for taking deer. The DNR has often received requests from the public for a rule change allowing some rifles during deer firearms season.

There are no restrictions on the type of rifle action or number of cartridges that can be loaded. The DNR will allow a youth hunter to use a rifle with pistol cartridges during the 2007 special youth deer season on Sept. 29 and 30.

Rifles with pistol cartridges can also be used at state parks during special deer reduction hunts.

Rifles cannot be used while deer hunting on the following federal properties: Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Crane Naval Support Center, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

The 2007 deer firearms season runs from Nov. 17 to Dec. 2.

Rifles with pistol cartridges that meet specifications listed below will be allowed during this year's deer firearms season:

(A) have a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger;

(B) have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and

(C) have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches.

Some cartridges that will be legal:
.357 Magnum
.38-40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44-.40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.480 Ruger
.475 Linebaugh
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W

The final rule can be found at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/abo ut/rules.html