Governor Pat Quinn's "Assault Weapons" Ban Defeated (Illinois)

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19. You mention hunting with an assault style rifle. ...

In most states where this is allowed for hunting game such as deer there are limitations on the size of the magazine that can be used (usually 5 rounds).

Obviously those who wish for another assault weapons ban never mention the magazine size limitation and prefer to insinuate that those who hunt deer with black rifles have 20, 30 or 100 round magazines in their weapons. When you have an agenda it may suit your purpose to ignore facts, exaggerate or flat out lie. (To be fair both sides of the gun control issue all too often use such tactics.)

Now I am not a hunter but I often listen to those who are. Many hunters use bolt action or lever action rifles for hunting while some use semi-auto rifles. I can see the value of a follow up shot while hunting but obviously there is the law of diminishing return when firing more than two or three rounds at a running deer. In fact any hunter that does so may endanger other hunters in the area. Therefore the five round magazine restriction is reasonable an in my opinion slightly generous.

Hunters are beginning to realize that black rifles actually do offer significant advantages over the older semi-auto rifles that have been used for hunting for generations. They are very accurate and can be easy modified to improve performance. Obviously the caliber of the ammunition normally used by the military is underpowered to take some game but black rifles are available or can easily modified to fire a more powerful and suitable round.

Wild hogs are commonly hunted in many areas of our nation and are considered pests. I believe that many states do not impose magazine limitations on the weapons used while hunting feral hogs. Wild hogs do a tremendous amount of damage to the environment as they are not native to our nation. Their meat is very tasty when prepared properly. Some hunters will tell you that hunting wild hog does involve some serious risk as they have rather sharp and nasty tusks. I have know several hunters who have told me that they had to climb a tree to avoid an angry hog. Usually the hunter who does have to climb a tree leaves his rifle or shotgun on the ground. I've talked to several wise hunters who carried a large caliber revolver as a backup. (If I ever decide to take up hunting feral hog, I may just decide to carry my S&W .44 magnum revolver as my prime weapon. Of course many people who oppose firearms will tell you that nobody hunts with a handgun.)

But you may have realized that people have used semi-auto rifles for hunting for many years and merely feel that it is not as sporting as using a single shot or a bolt action rifle. I will agree but I will point out that the biggest concern of any responsible hunter to cleanly and humanely kill game. A rapid follow up shot may stop the animal from needless suffering and is much easier to accomplish with a semi-auto rifle than with a lever action, bolt action or single shot rifle.