Montana does not have any caliber restrictions for big game hunting. It would not be illegal to shoot an elk with a .22 rimfire here.
When I hunted Caribou and Musk ox in northern Canada, my Eskimo guide hunted with a .223. He told me he had even killed a Polar bear with his .223, but he had to shoot it 3 times.
The smallest caliber that I have shot elk with is .25, my .257 AI, and it was probably the quickest elk kill that I have made. However, I did kill a black bear with a .223.
I have several friends that have killed a pile of elk and several buffalo with their .22-250s. When Scenearshooter lived here he killed just about everything with his .220 Swift. Critters must be tougher up north, eh Pat?
But these guys are all excellent shooters, have been hunting all of their lives, and don't shoot at animals standing in the next zip code.
I think you meant centerfire...correct?
No, I didn't.
To quote from the 2011 Montana Deer, Elk, Antelope regulations, page 7:
"Methods of Hunting Firearms General Season There is no rifle or handgun caliber limitation for the taking of big game animals."
The same exact wording in also written on page 10 of the 2011 Montana Moose, Sheep, Goat Regulations.
I'm not advocating it, I'm just reporting what is written.
