What provision permits sub .23 cal on coyotes? (new to hunting)

[FlySwatter]

Hi, folks.

I'm brand new to hunting and currently working my way through the AHEIA hunter education course online. The course states "No person may hunt big game using ammunition which has less than .23 calibre", but also identifies coyotes as a "big game carnivore". I know anecdotally that smaller caliber cartridges like 223 and 22-250 are commonly used for coyotes, but searching the regulations I can't seem to find the exception to the big game caliber restrictions that allows for it.

Any help pointing me to the part I'm missing would be greatly appreciated!

[Dick284]

Wadaya know, the oh so important Hunters Ed is incorrect



Coyotes are not big game!

Go to pages 137-139 of the actual Wildlife regulations for a clearer definition.
Coyotes fall under fur bearing animals.

https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/1997_143.pdf


While you are at it have a read of the actual wildlife act.

https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/W10.pdf

Of note you could take Colorado’s hunters Ed course online and meet the criteria laid out to satisfy the administrative hurdle as a first time hunter, it cost about 1/3 of what AHEIA charges.
https://www.hunter-ed.com/colorado/

[257Shooter]

Originally Posted by FlySwatter

Hi, folks.

I'm brand new to hunting and currently working my way through the AHEIA hunter education course online. The course states "No person may hunt big game using ammunition which has less than .23 calibre", but also identifies coyotes as a "big game carnivore". I know anecdotally that smaller caliber cartridges like 223 and 22-250 are commonly used for coyotes, but searching the regulations I can't seem to find the exception to the big game caliber restrictions that allows for it.

Any help pointing me to the part I'm missing would be greatly appreciated!

I believe the statement would mean a carnivore that eats big game, not a carnivore that is big game.
Hope this clarifies for you.

[bobtodrick]

Originally Posted by 257Shooter

I believe the statement would mean a carnivore that eats big game, not a carnivore that is big game.
Hope this clarifies for you.

My interpretation as well.

[FlySwatter]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Wadaya know, the oh so important Hunters Ed is incorrect



Coyotes are not big game!

Go to pages 137-139 of the actual Wildlife regulations for a clearer definition.
Coyotes fall under fur bearing animals.

https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/1997_143.pdf


While you are at it have a read of the actual wildlife act.

https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/W10.pdf

Of note you could take Colorado’s hunters Ed course online and meet the criteria laid out to satisfy the administrative hurdle as a first time hunter, it cost about 1/3 of what AHEIA charges.
https://www.hunter-ed.com/colorado/

That was exactly what I was looking for, thanks Dick!

[FlySwatter]

Originally Posted by 257Shooter

I believe the statement would mean a carnivore that eats big game, not a carnivore that is big game.
Hope this clarifies for you.

Thanks, I'm sure you're right, that must have been the intention.

As a person with minimal experience taking the course for the first time, that seems like a pretty confusing way to present it. It gave me the false impression that coyotes themselves are "big game".

[CNP]

Originally Posted by FlySwatter

Hi, folks.

I'm brand new to hunting and currently working my way through the AHEIA hunter education course online. The course states "No person may hunt big game using ammunition which has less than .23 calibre", but also identifies coyotes as a "big game carnivore". I know anecdotally that smaller caliber cartridges like 223 and 22-250 are commonly used for coyotes, but searching the regulations I can't seem to find the exception to the big game caliber restrictions that allows for it.

Any help pointing me to the part I'm missing would be greatly appreciated!

The part you are missing, like two others have said, is that this quote

but also identifies coyotes as a "big game carnivore"

does not make out a coyote to be a big game animal. Therefore the course content is correct.

[Grizzly Adams]

Reminds me of the saying about shooting lawyers. Regulations should be simple and concise.

Grizz