Spotlighting?

[FLIZZ]

 I've heard different things but, as far as you know what is the general legality of spotlighting deer from a vehicle as part of pre season scouting? of course there will be no firearms present and animals will not be harassed except for getting a little light in their eyes. is this fine? Western WA is where ill be.

[gotshot]

I think just shining them is harassment. Of course you could be looking for coyotes.

[Huntbear]

They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..

[MuleySniper]

Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS

[FLIZZ]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/categories/Hunting/General+Hunting+Rules/

According to this it's fine. I'll be printing this page off in case I need it tonight

[JLS]

There is nothing illegal about looking at animals with a spotlight.

[Elkslayer]

Perfectly legal, however a call to the local sheriff's dept to let them know where you'll be MIGHT save you some trouble.

[ghosthunter]

Years ago there was a game agent who came to hunter Ed class who told students.

If you are going to be out spotlighting animals to give him a call so that he didn't have to get out of bed to come check it out.

[washelkhunter]

Just don't have a firearm in your rig

[Eli346]

 Call ahead to notify them of your intentions but make sure you leave any firearms, bows, arrows, ammo, knives, or saws at home. They figure if they find one piece of the puzzle that you might have ditched the other so they will make your night miserable trying to get the info out of you.

[Kowsrule30]

I wouldn't evev think about doing that..... Scout during the day.... Way easier....

[huntnnw]

They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..

Not what I have been told by Gameys

[huntnnw]

Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS

Silly??? U know how many big bucks I have found this way.. went and asked permission and hunted those bucks, but its silly

[FLIZZ]

Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS

Silly??? U know how many big bucks I have found this way.. went and asked permission and hunted those bucks, but its silly

Seriously, there is no better way to find where the deer/bucks are than this. Plus its just super fun to look at my favorite animal, Blacktail deer.

[grundy53]

They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..

Not what I have been told by Gameys

[hornhunter1987]

its a awsome way to scout. why wouldnt you look for a nocturnal animal at night 

[brokehunter]

I know it's illegal to spotlight in Oregon. I believe you can't shine any light on them other than your headlights.

But it is a great way to see animals. Even just driving the logging roads at night. We saw a nice big bull a few weeks ago just driving around at night.

[PolarBear]

Perfectly legal in WA.  I use to do it all the time but would call the local game cop and tell him where I was headed before hand.  That way if he gets a call and the descripton of the truck is that same as mine, he doesn't have to waste his time checking it out.