- The answer to the question, “Can you hunt with an AR-15 legally?” is “yes” in more than half of the U.S. states.
- Some states do not allow residents to hunt with AR-15s, while others have put restrictions in place for those wishing to use an AR-15 hunting rifle.
- The laws regarding hunting with AR-15s are constantly changing, so hunters should stay up-to-date on the regulations in their states.
The iconic AR-15 is the most popular rifle in the U.S. Americans love this semi-automatic firearm because it’s easy to customize and versatile, enabling gun owners to use it for everything from sport shooting to home defense. Many of the country’s more than 16 million hunters have also fallen in love with the AR-15’s lightweight and compact design.
Are you an avid hunter who is considering adding an AR-15 to your gun collection? Before doing it, learn the answer to the question, “Can you hunt with an AR-15?” in your respective state.
States that allow hunting with an AR-15
The following states do not have any laws prohibiting hunters from using AR-15s:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Wyoming
States that allow hunting with an AR-15 with varying restrictions
These states have imposed restrictions on hunters who wish to use an AR-15 hunting rifle, with the most common restrictions being related to magazine and cartridge sizes:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
States that do not allow hunting with an AR-15
These states have banned hunting with AR-15s:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Rhode Island
*This list is based on each state's laws as of July 2025. Please look up the latest rules and regulations in the state(s) you intend to hunt in with an AR-15.
We should note that local governments have the authority to impose AR-15 hunting bans, even if lawmakers at the state level have determined that the answer to the question, “Can you hunt with an AR-15?” is “yes.” Some cities and counties in states like Illinois and Indiana, for example, have local bans on utilizing AR-15s for hunting. This highlights the importance of you checking (and double- or even triple-checking) the hunting laws in your specific area before hunting with an AR-15.
We should also point out that, even if your state’s laws permit you to use an AR-15 hunting rifle, you may face restrictions. Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington, for instance, all require hunters to use cartridges larger than .223 caliber while hunting with AR-15s. Some, like Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin, require those hunting with AR-15s to use straight-wall cartridges, while others, like New Jersey, restrict deer hunting with AR-15s.
What Can You Hunt With an AR-15?
Whether you wish to use an AR-15 to hunt in restricted states or want to try bagging big game in states where hunting with an AR-15 is fully legal, you can configure an AR-15 hunting rifle to fire larger rounds. AR-15s are modular, allowing you to swap out components and convert them into several different hunting rifles in one. By incorporating a new barrel, bolt carrier group, and magazine into the mix, you can build an AR-15 capable of firing the following rounds:
- .223: Ideal for hunting small game (coyotes, rabbits, foxes)
- .300 Blackout: Excellent for hunting slightly larger animals (hogs, varmints, deer)
- .308: Perfect for hunting big game (moose, elk, bears)
- 6.5 Grendel: Best for hunting deer and other similarly sized animals
Why Do Hunters Like Using the AR-15?
Many hunters are happy to hear that the answer to the question, “Can you hunt with an AR-15?” is “yes” in their states for various reasons. They appreciate that AR-15s are lightweight and easy to carry, offering them a fantastic alternative to traditional hunting rifles.
Here are several other significant advantages that hunters enjoy when they head out on hunting trips with AR-15s in their hands:
- Unmatched versatility: AR-15s can be used to hunt a wide range of game animals by simply changing their barrels, complete upper receivers, and other rifle parts.
- Easily customizable: The AR-15 platform is one of the most customizable rifles on the market. You can change or upgrade virtually every component.
- Precise accuracy: These rifles are highly accurate. With proper technique, you can use one to hit a target from several hundred yards away.
Begin Building a Customized AR-15 Hunting Rifle
If the answer to the question, “Can you hunt with an AR-15?” is “yes” in your state, consider creating a one-of-a-kind AR-15 hunting rifle using gun parts and accessories from Wing Tactical. We only carry products that we would trust enough to use in our own hunting rifles. Our knowledgeable team can help you determine which parts will best meet your requirements.
Explore our extensive selection of AR-15 parts, and contact us to talk to an expert about building a hunting rifle from scratch.