NH hunting regulation

fivepaknh

fivepaknh

New member
In light of the "assault weapon ban" expiring, I've decided to get an AR15 with all the evil features. At the moment I don't own any .22 centerfire rifles and this would become my only decent coyote gun, plus it's fun at the range. I know NH limits rifles with detachable magazines to 5 rounds. I wasn't sure if that meant I had to put a block in my mag or buy a special 5 round mag. I sent an email to Sgt. Bonenfant of NHFG law enforcement division and here's what he said.

My question:
Sgt. Bonenfant,
I've emailed you in the past and you were very helpful. I have one more question
I was hoping you would answer. It has to do with the rule pasted below:

" It is also illegal to hunt with a
semi-automatic rifle with a clip or magazine holding more than five cartridges
(except .22 cal rimfire rifles and pistols), or use full-jacketed metal case
bullets;"

Does this reg mean the magazine can't be capable of holding 5 rounds, or just
can't have more than 5 rounds in it even though it is capable of holding more?
.223 is great for coyote and I have an AR15. I can't find 5 round mags for these
anywhere. Can I simply put a block in the mag preventing it from taking more
than 5 rounds?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

His answer:
Paul,
You may use a high capacity magazine so long as you do not load more than 5 rounds into it. You do not need to plug the magazine in any way. While hunting with a semi-auto, you would therefore be allowed a total of 6 rounds, 5 in the magazine and 1 in the chamber.
Sgt. Bonenfant
 
It is also illegal to hunt with a
semi-automatic rifle with a clip or magazine holding more than five cartridges

Save a copy of that E mail and keep it on you when you are in the woods. These guys all interpet the laws differently and it could save you a ruined hunt. Also be aware that some local and state LEO's will give you grief because they also think they know the laws.

If you get hassled, use the e mail and point to the law which says NOTHING about a magazine being CAPABLE of holding any amount of rounds. All it says is that it can't have more than 5 rouonds in it.

This is one of the big problems with the Fish and Game laws in NH. They are poorly written and poorly thought out.

Just like the Concealed Carry Law. It doesn't say anything about having to carry your CCW with you, only that you have one.

This is what you get when you have a citizen legislature with almost 500 people in it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 


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