AboutDave Nyce Expertise I have been an NRA certified rifle, pistol, and shotgun instructor for over 15 years. I was on the Temple University archery team, and was a pistol team captain at a gun club in Pennsylvania for 5 years. I have built muzzle loader handguns and rifles. I have used all of these weapons for hunting. I hunt North American big game, small game, and waterfowl. I can answer questions on hunting safety, getting started as a hunter, equipment and techniques for various types of hunting.
Experience NC certified CCW instructor (concealed carry of weapons). Endowment member of the NRA, Life member of: NC rifle & pistol assoc., National Trapper's Association, and Grass Roots NC.
My doctor has warned me that my hearing is slowly failing. He has eacommended that I stay away fromhigh power rifles and shotguns to help slow the loss of my hearing. Is it ethical to shoot waterfowl and game birds with a small calibre rifle while they are not in flight? I figured that if you can go after turkeys with a 10 gauge shotgun then using a rifle from a long distance would be at least as sporting as the turkey hunting. What are your thoughts?
Thank you for your kind attention.
Sincerely,
Roger
Answer As far as I know, it is against USA federal regulation to hunt any type of migratory bird (which would include waterfowl, even if they have decided to hang around instead of to migrate) with a rifle or other single projectile gun.
As far as turkey, pheasant, and other game birds, you'll have to check your state game regulations.
If legally allowed, the ethics question is yours to answer. With your medical requirements, I don't see any problem of ethics regarding fair chase.
You might also check into the legality of using a crossbow in your state.
