9 replies to this topic

[docskinner]

Had 7 turkeys parade by my house today (in Concord...). Got me thinking about that you can take Turkeys with an air rifle. If I had a good powerful one, and it was season, and stamp and license also, can you shoot them in the city? Correct me if I am wrong on any of this! I have looked and I don't believe Concord defines air rifles as firearms, so it wouldn't be discharging a firearm inside city limits, I don't think DFG considers them a firearms as they have set definitions for air rifles and firearms, so the 150yds from a dwelling for a safety zone from firearms wouldn't apply. DFG says no discharging firearms or bow from a road, across a road, at a road, but would air rifles be exempt from this as well as they aren't firearms or bows? Are there laws in cities against hunting? I think most rely on the firearm discharge laws. Just really curious on how this would all work.

[Rimrock]

My advice is to check with the city for a clarification. Most cities have an ordinance that includes "projectiles." That includes air guns, arrows, slingshots, etc. With regard to the F&G section and 150 yard rule, it states "any firearm or other deadly weapon." Methinks you may be looking for a problem. It's better to be safe and law-abiding.

[mackeralboy]

Docskinner,In addition to checking with the city, I would also check with whatever county you live in to see what the legality of hunting turkeys is. Mc

[ShooterJohn]

I did a fast search for you of Concord, CA laws and this is what I came up with. I will say it is illegal to do what you want but here is the Chapter verse and law.http://www.cityofcon.../chapter066.htm

Chapter 66 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS*Sec. 66-11. Discharge of weapons.It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, gun, rifle, or other gun or device discharging, by the use of powder, air, or springs, any bullet or shot of any kind or any sling or slingshot in the city, except in shooting galleries and on pistol and rifle ranges, the location of which has been approved by the city; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to police officers acting within the scope of their official duties or to persons acting in the necessary defense of their persons or property.(Code 1965, § 4127; Ord. No. 235; Ord. No. 839)

This is very common of most cities across the country.

[docskinner]

Ah - thanks! I had looked casually (and asked LEOs) before but I either didn't find that or overlooked it, or forgot about it as I wasn't all that serious about it. Think I was searching for air rifles or pellet and may have missed that code because of that. Figured someone here would know the proper search terminology! I had found some things about the county, but the one's I found were unlawful shooting except for legal hunting purposes as allowed per XXX type of things that lead to other firearm restrictions. Have to get my street reclassified as a shooting gallery! Or make sure that I only shoot the turkey in self defense. Had some stories of highly aggressive turkeys here in Concord/Walnut Creek/Lafayette. And mostly just pondering. Problem of the overactive mind with faulty brakes. Think most of my neighbors would freak if I did it even if it was legal, so had no plans. Now some of the non incorporated areas... If I get the money to get a powerful enough air rifle I will have to check into it more. Looking at some of those 1000fps+ with lead pellet air rifles and they come close to a 22LR standard load. Figure a close range head shot would be a humane kill. And no shot to dig out. Never understood the 'shotgun only' restriction on turkeys. Not like you would usually be shooting them out of the air and have no backdrop.

[ShooterJohn]

I usually look for a city municipal codes and my best search word is "discharge." You get everything from airguns to sewage but they're easy to sort through.A well placed head shot with a fast moving pellet will easily take down a turkey. But if you body shoot them, they are gone and you'll never find them. I'd rather miss their head than lose them.

[docskinner]

and then I would have to figure out how to clean and pluck one! Had to work with chicken growing up (single digit ages), but that was a LONG time ago, and smaller birds. Although size ratio of me v bird might be the same!And I wouldn't even think about a body shot on anything like that. Always hated wounding animals, even if they were recovered later. would rather miss or just pass on the animal if I can't get a quick clean kill shot. Guess also part of the 'use enough gun thing" that comes up so often in game hunting forums.

[StephLuvsHunting]

Had 7 turkeys parade by my house today (in Concord...). Got me thinking about that you can take Turkeys with an air rifle. If I had a good powerful one, and it was season, and stamp and license also, can you shoot them in the city? Correct me if I am wrong on any of this! I have looked and I don't believe Concord defines air rifles as firearms, so it wouldn't be discharging a firearm inside city limits, I don't think DFG considers them a firearms as they have set definitions for air rifles and firearms, so the 150yds from a dwelling for a safety zone from firearms wouldn't apply. DFG says no discharging firearms or bow from a road, across a road, at a road, but would air rifles be exempt from this as well as they aren't firearms or bows? Are there laws in cities against hunting? I think most rely on the firearm discharge laws. Just really curious on how this would all work.

I would be interested in knowing as well. I saw about 10 Turkeys on Kirker Pass going into Pittsburg, lol. Funny thing is the apartments on the side of the road are calleds Turkey Creek, and it backs up to Black Diamond.-Oh wait nevermind I just read the rest of the posts and got my answer, illegal in city limits. Okie dokie then.

[MikeNC]

"It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, gun, rifle, or other gun or device discharging, by the use of powder, air, or springs, any bullet or shot of any kind or any sling or slingshot in the city"OMG That would even apply to a pea shooter and spit balls ...It's a good thing I did not grow up in that city. I never would have made it

[ShooterJohn]

Yeah Mike they didn't have these laws when we were kids. All of these new municipal codes are thanks to the liberals that now dominate city, county and state elections.