is 223 legal caliber for deer in Canada?

22lr

22lr

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I always thought it is. Someone on black and green rifles forum insist it is agains the regs. I would appreciate if someone can clarify the matter. I know 223 will dispatch deer, I have seen clean kills with hornet and even 22lr. I am asking if 223 meets the legality that is all. Thanx in advance
 
22lr said:
I always thought it is. Someone on black and green rifles forum insist it is agains the regs. I would appreciate if someone can clarify the matter. I know 223 will dispatch deer, I have seen clean kills with hornet and even 22lr. I am asking if 223 meets the legality that is all. Thanx in advance
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Depends where you are. Regulations vary from province to province. The .223 is legal for deer hunting in Ontario.
 
In BC, the only regulation for big game cartridges is no rimfires. The only exception is for bison, so legally in BC you can hunt Grizzlies with a 22 hornet.
 
In Manitoba it just says a centrefire rifle of .23 calibre or less is not recommended.

Firearms

Pellet Guns and Rimfire Rifles
A pellet gun or rimfire rifle (e.g., .17 or .22 calibre) may not be
used to hunt big game.

Centrefire Rifles
A centrefire rifle may be used to hunt big game. A centrefire rifle
of .23 calibre or less is not recommended.

Shotguns
A shotgun may be used to hunt big game. A shotgun must be a
minimum of 20 gauge and shoot a single projectile (slug).
The magazine of a shotgun is not required to be plugged or
altered to restrict the number of shells.

Muzzleloaders
A muzzleloader may be used to hunt big game. The bore diameter
must be a minimum .50 calibre for moose, elk and black bear
and a minimum .44 calibre for deer, caribou and wolf, and shoot
a single metal projectile, which may include a sabot. While
hunting during the muzzleloader deer season, a hunter may
not possess any other device (except a crossbow) that may be
used to kill big game. A shotgun with slugs may not be used
during the muzzleloader deer season.
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I think these guys are right, .22 centerfire, big game legal in parts of Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and I think New Brunswick, but I am not 100% on this last one...

Any Herringchokers here please chime in?

Anyone know what the NWT rules state?
(because they have strange rules in regards to waterfowl) The only province in know of that allows migratory bird hunting with 22 rimfire.....Different huh?

Ah legal for big game, but ethical? Depends on a few things I guess.
 
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MasterPython said:
Do people hunt Bison with .22s?
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Here on Vancouver Island BC we have "special people" that hunt Elk with .22 rimfire rifles, but then again most of us simply call them by their real title...Poachers. :rolleyes:
 
In Labrador, it is legal to hunt Quebec/Labrador Barren Ground Caribou with a centerfire .22. Centerfire .22s can also be used on seals & coyotes, but aren't permitted to be used on Woodland Caribou or Moose on the island part of the province (Newfoundland). No deer in Newfoundland, so that isn't an issue. Off the island's south coast there is the French owned St. Pierre et Miquelon (about 20 miles or so offshore) They imported whitetail deer decades ago. They do offer a limited shotgun/archery hunt only.
 
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