ORIGINAL: GMMAT
Is that the full wording of the regs? Just curious. In "some" states it's similar....BUT....I know you can take game from a boat in SC and other states.....as long as the boat is not under power. I feel it's likely a safety issue for the hunter and passengers in the craft.
I'd also wonder if a canoe/kayak was considered a "watercraft" or a "boat" for the purposes of the regs. If I was interested in doing it.....I'd sure find out.
GMMAT hit it on the nose. It's all about your state regulation. I work in the insurance industry, full of words. The difference between a boat, kayak, and canoe in my world is tremendous.
Why is it illegal for deer and not other animals? I would say margin of error. In a kayak, you can't stay still, not on a water way that has any movement (pending on the kayak it can be reduced). Canoes and smaller boats still roll with waves.Aim at a parallel to the ground with a rifle or bow to your target, miss,and youcould potentially goa long ways and kill someone. Shot guns have a wider spray and shorter travel distances, therefore making your margin of error less than that of a rifle and much more than a bow. Thinkhow many thingscan go wrong with shooting a bow. Shooting towards land from a boat, with abow, isn't safe. You're much more prone to makea mistake and wound the deer or someone else.
Regardless of watercraft I think it's a good rule.