First dedicated predator rifle!

[BowhunterNJ]

So I've been doing a lot of research and talking to some guys over on PM, and looking at the regulations it appears .17 caliber rifles aren't permitted per the current regulations. Calibers such as .17Rem, .17HMR, .17 Hornet, etc are all .172 whereas the NJ minimum is .177. This doesn't make much sense as it sounds like they'd want to include .17 caliber otherwise they'd just start at .20 caliber. I sent an email to NJDFW and already got a response from Paul Tarlowe that it's been forwarded over to their law office, Andrew Burnett who is the head of the Upland Game/Furbearer management, and Carole Stanko who worked on the Game Code! Fast response, hopefully they'll update the regs to include .172 caliber!

 

On a side note, it seems like a lot of guys like that .17Rem for sub 200 yard hunting, very fur friendly. From what I've read so far, you'll probably want to be in that 25+ grain bullet size though. Obviously a great round for foxes, some would be concerned about coyotes, but I've seen some pretty good results out there on them.

 

The .204R was also a round that came up quite a bit for similar needs

 

Will keep you guys posted on what I hear back from NJDFW.

[Palawman30]

Ive seen guys going as light as 20 grains for yotes but to me that seems a little small....

[BowhunterNJ]

Yeah, from all that I've been reading, I think 25 grains is the smallest you'd want to go. Read a few stories about yotes not being found from 20 grain hits. Don't think I found any yet once shot 25 grains or above.

[CJ3a]

This is the place you want to visit. http://theshooterscorner.com/index.html

[Matty]

Judging by the amount of people talking about rifles....I predict predator season is going to be pure chaos this year. not this thread, but I've heard and read a lot of talk about preds this year...way more than ever before.

 

I hope they murder the hell out of the coyotes around here....But wait until all these guys realize just how hard yotes are to kill....lol

 

I guess the rifles will help considerably, but I hope all the newcomers understand all the rules. NO RIFLES AT NIGHT!!!! I'm actually a little afraid that people are not going to pay attention to the regs...just look at how many questions are always asked about deer season. lol....

 

Probably gonna have guys running around with AR's at night....I might sit this one out. lol

[BowhunterNJ]

I hear ya. All those concerns have been on my mind too!

 

 

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[Palawman30]

Im actually thinking about trying for some yotes on the lease...We have 700 acres full of yotes. I know what our laws are here in Pa  im not real clear on the jersey laws yet. Got to read up!!!

[Palawman30]

Ok I don't mean to sound like a dumbass but I seriously cant find jerseys coyote regs? Am I skipping by them or something? anyone got a page #

[BowhunterNJ]

Pages 62 and 64

[Palawman30]

Thanks bud

[thefirstndsecond]

PAlawman,

 

You going NJ or PA? I will have to let you know. I have guns  but no calls. Is night vision legal in PA and NJ? I have the 3.5 for NJ, and the 06 for PA. Wish my Colt was NJ legal. It would have been cool to take that out.

 

Need ammo if we go NJ, and PA, have no idea what to bring. Can you use a shot gun in PA if we are driving?

 

I will let you know after the baby comes this week.

[Palawman30]

Im going 243 for set ups and shotgun for driving in Pa.....I still got to look up regs for jersey...   Been busy with fantasy football today!  Championship games!!!

[redneck]

I have a 243 set up with a 6 x24 50 scope.    building a 5.56 black gun now.   The17 hmr is a little light for yotes out at the 100 yards  you will kill them but they will run.  I am looking at that new 17 super mag  little more take down yet still a rim fire.   Hey why can't I copy or paste on here anymore ?

[BowhunterNJ]

Yeah, the .17HMR would be fine for foxes, but not for yotes IMO unless you were going for closer range headshots.

I'm looking at the .17Rem, very fur friendly and good range.

The biggest problem with the higher calibers is foxes more so than yotes...tears them up pretty good.

 

I'm trying to locate a .17Rem here in NJ, but might have to special order.

[BowhunterNJ]

So I was looking at the PA laws:

 

 

Firearms For Hunting Furbearers:

It is unlawful to take furbearers, including bobcats, with shotguns using shot larger than size number 4 buckshot, or implements that are not lawful firearms, bows or crossbows. 

Manually operated rifles or handguns of any caliber, manual or semiautomatic shotguns and, bows and crossbows can be used.

Persons hunting for furbearers, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums and weasels, may use gun-mounted lights that do not project a laser-light beam.

Dogs: Dogs are permitted to hunt furbearers.

 

 

Looks like semi-auto rifles are not permitted, something to keep in mind for that PA contest!