Handguns are considered a short range weapon, what about a handgun caliber that is in a rifle? ie. .357 Magnum rifle. Can you hunt with that rifle in a short range weapon area?

The short answer is NO. Short range weapon seasons for big game are limited to: Shotgun using a slug or #00 or larger buckshot Muzzleloader that are .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or wolf and at least .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear With any bow having a peak draw weight of not less than forty (40) pounds up to or at a draw of twenty-eight (28) inches, or any crossbow having a peak draw weight of not less than one hundred fifty (150) pounds. With any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges not originally developed for rifles Although the .357 Magnum was developed as a pistol cartridge, the use of a rifle violates the short range weapon law’s intent of preventing the use of rifles.