WMA's hunting pheasant

I would say that you are along with steel shot.

Sooner or later Utah needs to get with the program and other states and just require a plug in a shotgun for hunting.

No kidding!!!

I have to have a shotgun set up for the WMA's & another set up for chukar/grouse....
Too many **** rules & aren't clear at all!!

Just use a over under and shoot only steel shot, that should cover all the bases.

When I moved to Colorado I went hunting grouse. I quickly found out that the shotgun required a plug. But also in Colorado you can hunt all upland game with a rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, sling shot, and throw rocks.
Just a little give and take.

16 gauge lead for upland.12 gauge steel for waterfowl. Will most of the time have both in the truck.

If hunting on wma only steel always.

I'm asking if you need a plug or not in your shotgun to hunt pheasant on the WMA's....?

If you are on a waterfowl WMA then yes you do. You also need non-toxic shot, If you are on any other WMA then I don't see why you would need a plug for pheasants. You can shoot lead also.

The only time you need a plug in your shotgun is if you are hunting "migratory birds".....pheasants are not

It doesn't state this anywhere that I've seen? It does state the law concerning "non-toxic" shot

bamacpl said:

The only time you need a plug in your shotgun is if you are hunting "migratory birds".....pheasants are not

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I understand that and agree. However, if you are hunting a waterfowl management area where there are migratory birds in season, I wouldn't chance not having a plug.
It's a great question for the DWR

I looked at this early in the year and had the same question. My conclusion was if on waterfowl wma yes to non-toxic shot, and only need a plug if hunting migratory birds, not pheasants.

Just like the dove thread earlier though, if on waterfowl wma how could you prove you weren't planning on shooting any ducks too? Probably smart to use the plug if on those wmas.

If on any other wma not governed for migratory birds, I don't worry about a plug.

I agree!!!!

Just an easy way for the state to issue tickets to innocent people

Not sure why you would need more than 3 shots at a pheasant?

Iron Bear said:

Not sure why you would need more than 3 shots at a pheasant?

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That was my thought as well. If you need more than 3 shots for a pheasant you probably should spend some time at the range first. Or get a 3 1/2 magnum that throws a ton of shot per bang.

Only time I take a plug out is if I'm going to chase rabbits and half the time I forget I have more then 3 shoots in. If I can't hit it in 3 I'm not going to with 5 that's just spray and pray.

It is nice when hunting Utah upland game to have 5 shots in the shot gun just so that I don't have to carry very many more in my pockets. With 5 shots I can usually bag a couple of birds, then it is back to the truck.

AS I said earlier, Utah needs to get with the program and just make it that you need a plug in your shotgun no matter what you are hunting.

I hunted a WMA that is listed as a waterfowl WMA, but only has a river running through all the property. We were checked in the parking lot. They only asked to see birds, licence, and shells that were used. Never once asked about plugs or checked them.

Iron Bear said:

Not sure why you would need more than 3 shots at a pheasant?

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Just wondering if a plug is required or not..... Has nothing to do with how many shots I may need