A proposal authored by State Rep. Lloyd Arnold of Leavenworth, which would authorize the use of a wider range of firearms for hunting deer, is on its way to the governor’s desk.
A relase from Arnold’s office says House Enrolled Act 1231 would allow the use of more accessible firearms, which are currently not permitted, to be used to hunt deer during firearms season.
It says these firearms are already legal to use for hunting other species and would only be permitted on privately owned land.
A lot of compromise took place during the process and the bill, which was narrowed down in scope from the original version, passed by a vote of 84-5.
In the release Arnold says he wants to introduce legislation that most people can support and it is clear House Bill 1231 has the backing of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Arnold says the bill gives hunters more freedom to enjoy the sport they love while offering appropriate protections for Hoosiers across the state.
Under House Bill 1231, the Department of Natural Resources would also file a report on the impact of the use of these additional firearms to the General Assembly.
