In Deer season it's shotgun only. But for groundhog and coyote any type of gun is fair game. I asked a DNR about it one time and he said with most of ohio being flat if you miss at a deer and your bullet may be three to four feet off the ground and then hit a near by house. but he said with yotes and hogs your most likely aiming at the ground and if you miss the bullet should impact the ground not to far from the mis or pass through shot. I think its kinda weird but I dont argue with him cause I would hate to start huntinggroundhogs with just my .22 cal. Thanks for all the thoughts, just thought it would help everbodys defensive hunting skills while out in the woods.