Over the last decade, many popular deer hunting states have opened seasons up to hunting with straight wall cartridges. Formerly shotgun-hunting-only states like Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois are now allowing you to run and gun with a rifle chambered for straight wall ammo.

New straight wall cartridges are now giving hunters in other states with big deer populations like Wisconsin or Maryland even more options for hunting season.

What is Straight Wall Ammunition?

Straight wall cartridges lack the distinctive bottleneck taper of most modern ammunition and are typically 1.8” or shorter. Common straight wall cartridges include 360 Buckhammer, 44 Remington Magnum, 350 Legend, 444 Marlin, 45-70 Government and 450 Bushmaster. For a full explainer of straight wall ammo, read this.

While there are several straight wall cartridge options, 360 Buckhammer is the ideal choice for lever gun deer hunting, with performance similar to 30-30 Win.

So-called “straight wall” states are growing every year with more hunters being allowed to put down their slug gun and use a modern rifle. But what states do you need a straight wall cartridge to hunt with?

What States Allow Straight Wall Cartridges for Hunting?

List of states that allow straight wall cartridge during rifle hunting deer seasons as of January 3, 2023. Consult your state fish and game agency’s rules and regulations for the current and correct information.

States define straight wall cartridges differently. Check your state’s fish and game laws and regulations.

Some states, like Minnesota, might allow straight wall rifles in one hunting area but not another. Or some states may allow straight wall hunting on private land, but not public ground. Other states, like Illinois, might allow straight wall cartridges for hunting with one type of rifle (single-shot) but not another (lever-action).

Be sure to check your state’s rules and regulations. Call your local game warden or fish and game agency office if you are unsure.

Good luck and happy hunting.