Is .17 HMR legal when .22 rimfire legal?

[Slip_Hammer]

Hi all,

I'm in Northern IL, and I'm new to hunting. I want to cut my teeth on some small game hunting and I plan to hunt the Apple River Canyon state land somtime in the near future.

I'm looking at the "hunter fact sheet" for this land, and it says .22 rimfire legal for hunting Fox, Coyote, Skunk, Racoon, and Opossum. Does that mean a .17 rimfire would also be legal?

I called over there and they said if it doesn't say so on the sheet, then no. But it really didn't sound like the guy knew what he was talking about.

Does anyone know for sure?

I have both a .22lr and a .17 HMR, and it seems to me the HMR would be more effective since it's based on the magnum round.

In case you're curious, here the fact sheet:
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/R1hfs/arc_salem_thompson.htm

Rob

[Lubold8431]

Here in MA, the 17 HMR is not legal when in the laws it says you can use no larger than a 22LR. The 17 HMR is a larger case, and therefore, illegal. Also, the 17 Mach 2 is not legal either, due to the fact that the case is 1/10th of an inch larger than a 22LR. This all comes from the state DFW. WHen they say 22lr, thats all they want you to use.

[buckmastr229]

ORIGINAL: Lubold8431

Here in MA, the 17 HMR is not legal when in the laws it says you can use no larger than a 22LR. The 17 HMR is a larger case, and therefore, illegal. Also, the 17 Mach 2 is not legal either, due to the fact that the case is 1/10th of an inch larger than a 22LR. This all comes from the state DFW. WHen they say 22lr, thats all they want you to use.

I understand where you are coming from, But back when them laws come out there was no .17hmr, or .17hm2. I think they mean the size lead that comes out the end, and the .17 is a 17 caliber lead vs a .22 caliber lead. maybe im wrong i have no idea.

[southpaw193]

I'm pretty sure any size gun is legal for furbearing animals in Illinois.

[kshafer]

here in indiana any size gun is legal.

[Lubold8431]

ORIGINAL: buckmastr229

I understand where you are coming from, But back when them laws come out there was no .17hmr, or .17hm2. I think they mean the size lead that comes out the end, and the .17 is a 17 caliber lead vs a .22 caliber lead. maybe im wrong i have no idea.

A buddy of mine contacted the Department of fisheries and wildlife and asked this specific question. In MA, the 17 calibers are not legal where the 22lr is. They have a list of calibers and bullet weights that are legal , and the 17's are not on the list.
It may be different in your state, but up here in liberal MA, we are restricted to only a 22LR.