Thread: .410 slug on DOC land?

Can you lawfully use a .410 shotgun firing solid slugs on a DOC hunting permit?

One of the clauses on the DOC general hunting permit states:

7. Only centre fire rifles of calibre .222 Remington or larger may be used for hunting, or crossbows and bows that meet the minimum standard specified by DOC (available at Hunting: Things to do ).Shotguns, rimfire rifles, 22 hornet calibre, tracer and incendiary type ammunition are strictly prohibited under this Permit.

Clearly .410 is larger than .222, but the barrel is smooth-bore, not rifled. It is centerfire. Is it still a shotgun if you're only firing solids, and not 'shot' of any gauge?

Is the smooth-bore the sticking point? I.e. would the same firearm with a rifled barrel be accepted?

How does DOC interpret the rules for anyone hunting with black powder?

I believe the intent of this clause is about reducing the chance of wounding an animal.