Check out

http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2003/August/handgun.htm

Greg, that's good news indeed! I've been watching the status of this legislation off and on for the last few years and to tell the truth, I'm real surprised it got through with a democratic congress and governer. Now I have to decide if I'll use the 10" TC in 44 mag with 2x Burris or my new Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt. Probably carry both!

Tony D ><>

Tony
There does seem to be some question as to what calibers are legal
http://www.legis.state.il.us/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=093-0554
and the IDNR proposed:
http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/650-Proposed.htm

I don't know why they just don't go with the current regs that are used for the January handgun season.
The way I read this the 1.4" max cartridge length doesn't apply but you have to use a straight walled case.
So my 357 Maximum would be legal for the firearms season but not in January? And my 300 Whisper would be legal in January but not in November! Doesn't make sense.

Hey Greg, help me out. I was born and raised in Illinois but have never considered going back for handgun season because it was so late. If the .45-70 and .444 are legal in shotgun season, then that changes everything. What are the rules for non-resident hunters getting permits for firearms season? Is it possible? I can chase the answer down but thought you might know off-hand.

[ 09-12-2003, 05:00: Message edited by: Rob ]

Rob
Nothing is definite yet for this year on what handguns will be legal during the firearms season. Will probably be sometime in mid to late October before the dust settles. I suggest you bookmark the IL DNR page and watch the press releases.

http://dnr.state.il.us/

Just received this letter in today's mail from the IL DNR:

Thank you for your comments about the proposed rules for the use of handguns during the firearm deer season. We concur that the 300 Whisper would be a suitable gun for use during the firearm deer season, and it has been allowed previously during the handgun deer season. We will incorporate new language into the proposed rule that allows the use of bottleneck cartridges of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches, so long as they generate >500 ft. lbs. of energy at the muzzle. This will allow the use of any bottleneck cartridges previously allowed during the handgun season, including the 300 Whisper.

Thanks again for taking the time to comment on the rule.

Sincerely,

John Buhnerkempe, Chief
Division of Wildlife Resources