Is there a minimum shotgun shell requirement for deer hunting in Texas? Cant find it in the annual app on my phone.

It would appear the TPWD missed this one when it made rimfires illegal for taking deer. It only shows shotguns being the only legal method for taking Eastern Wild Turkeys.

Personally, I would never use anything smaller than #1 buck loads.


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Unless they're really close (30yds) I'd choose a slug. I don't believe there's a legal minimum but I'd lean towards one of the larger buck loads at least.

Does anyone remember about what year rimfires were made illegal? I know it's illegal now but how long has the rule been in place? 1950's, 1960's,1970's?
I do agree TPWD missed this one on shotguns. If "there oughta be a law" this one should be addressed. Common sense should dictate what load should be used but that sometimes seems to be in short supply these days. I think any of the designated "buckshot" loads could be used but exclude the shorty home defense rounds with buckshot.

I checked with our local game warden. Shotguns are legal for deer. He is checking on the rimfire question.

I used to hunt a lot in shotgun only areas in VA when the Navy had me stationed there. I guess I have taken 15 or 16 deer with a shotgun using both buckshot and slugs. Slugs are definately the way to go but if you are using buckshot the 00 Buck is the smallest you can go with 000 Buck being a better choice if you can find it. I shot one or two deer with #4 Buck and while it worked the penetration wasn't too good and would probably be insufficient past 25 yards. I also used #1 Buck on at least one deer and it worked well but #1 Buck is harder to find than 00 Buck.

If you use a shotgun make sure to pattern it and see how many buckshot you can get in an 8 inch circle at various ranges. When you get to the distance that you can't get at least 4 in the circle then you have founf your max range. One pellet of 00 Buck in the lungs will kill a deer but multiple pellets will put it down quicker. For my $$$ the max range with buchshot is 40 yards. Think of it as bow hunting with a shotgun and keep the ranges similar.

Not sure what the law in TX says on the matter. I base the above on personal experience.

This is what the THF is all about. I never shotgunned for deer but I'm going to remember this for the future. Thanks Chief -

Not sure bout ... Here in MN can only use slug for deer.
They make rifle barrels, son bought one for his mossberg pump.
Think it was $100.00. My mom used a 410 for years, some big
bodied deer taken with it... Used 410 for hogs...
As far as buck shot
would agree with the others, biggest..
Best wish's..
Keep your head held high & your powder dry...

I think the initial question was more about minimum gauge (caliber) not slug vs shot size.

At close distance a .410 slug could do the job.
I have an old Mossberg 20 ga bolt action with rifle sights and full choke. 1.5 oz rifled slug messed up a couple hogs in the day so that wouldn't be bad. .

A 410 shooting slugs will kill the $hit out of them. Almost 700 fpe and 1500 fps. Now hitting something at a distance maybe a problem, that is if your not using a rifled barrel.

Grew up in NJ and rifles are not allowed. Originally buck shot was the only legal round. OO Buck is lethal however you must pattern your shot gun so you know effective range. Slugs eventually were legal and are effective out to 100 yds and beyond again pattern your shot gun. Use rifled slugs and or rifled slug barrel to maximum effectiveness