Hunting PA with a semi-auto???

[zr700]

I know you cant hunt in PA with a semi-auto, but could I use a 10-22 (semi)for squirrel if I dont carry a mag. PA regs say it must be manually operated. A10-22 without a mag is a manually operated single shot rifle. Any one else do this or is this way out of line? I would like to go for some squirrel and this is the only 22 I have. They allow Autoloading shotguns if it holds a maximum of 3 shells... it's still a semi????

[Pa. Patriot]

Semi-auto rifles are not allowed regardless if you have magazine/ammo/whatever.

[zr700]

I figured, I just got off phone with PGC regional office and I explained it and told them that it is a semi several times. They said "as long as it's manually operated, it's ok". What are the chances they had no clue what I was talking about??

[eXceLon]

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Sec. 2308. Unlawful devices and methods.

(a) General rule. - Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to hunt or aid, abet, assist or conspire to hunt any game or wildlife through the use of:

...
(2) A semiautomatic rifle or pistol.

Your Ruger 10/22 is still a semiautomatic firearm, even if you choose to remove the magazine and reload it manually.

The only exception that I'm aware of relates to people with disabilities who would otherwise find it difficult to operate a bolt action rifle.

Pennsylvania Game Commission: Hunters with Disabilities

SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM FOR BIG GAME
(No Permit Required)

Minimum Qualifications:
Amputation or total loss of use of one or both hands.

Qualified Persons May: Use a semiautomatic shotgun, rifle, or pistol to take deer or bear. Firearms must be modified to one shell in the chamber and no more than four shells in the magazine.

Qualified Persons May Not: Possess a loaded firearm in a vehicle unless the person additionally holds a disabled persons permit described in Section 2923, of the Game and Wildlife Code

VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES LICENSE FEE EXEMPTIONS
for Regular Hunting and Furtaker Licenses only

So if you want to hunt with your semiautomatic rifle, you'll need to chop off one of your arms.

[PisnNapalm]

I figured, I just got off phone with PGC regional office and I explained it and told them that it is a semi several times. They said "as long as it's manually operated, it's ok". What are the chances they had no clue what I was talking about??

I'd say the chance is very high.

[1iarrowking]

They don't know anything about game management and that's supposed to be their business so I'm sure they know nothing about guns. JMO

[mikey]

Good thing I used my .357 sp101 to shoot that rabid groundhog in my yard, then.