Ask Fish and Game: Short-range Weapons

Q. Can I use a pistol in a short-range deer season? A. This year, the only legal weapons in a season designated "short range weapons only" are muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow and shotgun using slugs or shot size 00 or larger. But the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in July approved the use of handguns using straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles in big game short-range weapon hunts. The Idaho Legislature still must review and approve the rule before it can take effect. If passed this winter, the rule may take effect in the 2010 big game hunting seasons.