Why cant you use a Rifle in some states for deer hunting?

I live in Illinois and its a shotgun only deer season, and i know Ohio is, what are some other shotgun deer states? Why are they only shotguns? do they think its not hilly enoogh and the bullet can go too far w/o being stopped by something?


thanksWhy cant you use a Rifle in some states for deer hunting?
The main difference is that rifles bullets travel farther. They have a higher muzzle velocity so they go farther before gravity makes them hit the ground. They also have more penetration, and can go through things that would stop a slug. More range and penetration means less safe, since the bullets cover more ground. From your question it sounds like you already know about this part.





It also means fewer deer killed, since the hunter has to get closer. Our state varies gun and rifle seasons based on the deer population.





A secondary difference is that shotguns have more stopping power. If you hit something with a shotgun slug it tends to go down sooner. If you don't knock it down right away, at least the deer lose blood faster. More blood means an easier track over a shorter distance. More wounded deer get recovered. Shotguns are considered to be more humane for that reason.Why cant you use a Rifle in some states for deer hunting?
I could see using my 300 mag in Indiana, to populated!
Rifle bullets travel too far.
I dont think it has anything to do with the terrain stopping the bullet because I live in Florida and theres nothing but brush and trees to stop the bullets and rifle hunting is perfectly legal here.
The answer to your question is this: Some states like Oklahoma, have alot of flat land, which gives way to stray bullet casualties all over the place. I personally own 3 deer rifles here and I cannot use them in any of the flat land because of the distance the bullet will travel. Among other reasons, this one is most logical. Good hunting!
I am unshure of the Uniteed States but...In Canada there are areas that do not allow rifles..This is because of high population densitty of people(not wanting hunters to over shoot and kill some one in their home or car) and low population densitys of game animals.( this allows the game animal a better chance of getting away since a follow up shot and range are limiting factors)
It has to do with the population density and the type of terrain in the area, I live in southern Michigan, centerfire rifles are not allowed to be used during deer season, you can use shotguns and muzzleloader, or handguns loaded with straight wall pistol cartridges of 35 cal on up. I have all ways been told this is due to the flat terrain and large population in the southern part of Michigan.
You may shoot your eye out.......
You hit the nail on the head. They make the determination by population density and terrain. Usually, no hills = no rifles
when i lived in rockford , ill. it was shotgun for all hunting. 1 reason the bullet would go to far and it might hit a farmers cow or something and kill it .
Usually it is a local decision. In Virginia, some counties allow rifles for big game and some dont. Has to do with the terrain or the population of the county.
a rifle as you know has one bullet a shot gun has lots that spread out (unless you use a slug) and the rifle will go for miles if theres no hills to stop the bullet so you were right

moles