Spotlighting for COYOTES

[222Rem]

Is anyone out there spotlighting for coyotes. If so how is it going? What kind of spotlight do you have?

Thanks 222Rem

[222Rem]

Is know onespot lighting for coyotes this or is there a fear that this is against the law.

[Special T]

http://www.lightforceusa.com/products/huntsman/rmsmrmsgriflescopeandshotgunmountedspotlights
This is what i use, and it shines them farther than i can shoot them. I beliver its rated at being able to read a book in pitch black 600meters from the light.
It looks like they may be coming out with some new product tho.

[calib]

nothing illegal about it unless there is a big game hunting season open there

[MadHatter]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night. 

[Heredoggydoggy]

That's why spotlighting is best done by 2 people...

[BOWHUNTER45]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night.

Need a Red lens on your spotlight ! 

[Dbax129]

I have been spotlighting since the beginning of december... While in december I had some luck, I havent been out much since the beginning of the year... Had 3 yesterday morning before sun up, but couldn't get them stopped in the light long enough to get a shot off... Which is why I have a kill light on order for my rifle...

As for a light, I am just using a 850lumen black&decker light I got a walmart.  It was ~$30, rechargeable and will put out enough light that I can comfortably see out to about 250yds at night.

Yeah, I was there for that.  Two people, we just couldnt quite get 'em.  Now they are chasing the home owners dogs.  Also not backing down right away.  Homeowner ran out with a 2nd dog as the first was trying to get away.  Crazy. We'll get 'em this week.

[halfpipe88]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

[bigtex]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

This type of thing isn't unheard of. Deputies, Troopers, and City Officers do not get any type of training in WA regarding hunting/fishing enforcement/laws, it is all self taught. Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

Thats how I feel about too !! Almost everytime I have went at night someone has called the sheriff too...I do not remember having a warden come and check me while spotlighting ...I have called the local warden and told him about where I would be So if they got a call they would at least know I am out there 

[sirmissalot]

I grew up spotlighting, never once had an issue. This is on the Westside though where you can't see the spotlight beam for 20 miles.

You wouldn't believe the amount of arguments I've got in with people claiming spotlighting is illegal.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I've heard of guys being stopped for spotlighting coyotes.  I have been out spotlighting them quite a few times, and never have been stopped.  Either I've spotlighted in a remote enough area, or any nearby residents know what is going on...

[coyotehunter]

Try these:
http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/wicked-lights-w400-predator-pursuit-signature-series-pack-scan-shooter-kit-with-2-lights-white-red-and-green-leds-weapon-mounts-batteries-charger-w400pp/

They work extremely well and come in white, red and green. One mounted on my rifle is white, the one I scan with is green. Yes the Lightforce is stronger but I don't shoot 600 yards even in the daytime! Also The Wicked lights are WAY more affordable!

I also usually call law enforcement of the area ahead time and tell them what I'm doing. Sometimes they give static but as long as you're not breaking any game laws, its your right as WA state hunting license holder. Its also a good idea to have a copy of the game regs with you just in case.

[Special T]

I've had 3 sherriffs cars arrest me at gunpoint because someone called me and accused me of poaching deer when I was spotlighting for coyotes (it was out of big game season).  They still took my gun and didn't get it back for a couple weeks 'cause they couldn't get a WDFW officer to pick up his radio. 
I've had success, but I've also had problems...still deciding if it's worth it or not.

This type of thing isn't unheard of. Deputies, Troopers, and City Officers do not get any type of training in WA regarding hunting/fishing enforcement/laws, it is all self taught. Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

What were you charged with? Did they work with you when you tried to explain?

[bobcat]

Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

Bigtex, can you clarify the above statement?

Spotlighting a deer is legal, you just can't shoot it, correct? Just sounded to me like you're saying that shining a light on a deer is illegal.   

[Special T]

I belive there is ome stipulation about spotlighting deer. your not suposed to do it during the season, and in theoff season not with a fire arm.... How does that work if your spotlighting coyotes and see deer?

[bigtex]

Most people know that spotlighting is illegal, and often think if it's illegal to spotlight a deer, then it's illegal to spotlight a coyote.

Bigtex, can you clarify the above statement?

Spotlighting a deer is legal, you just can't shoot it, correct? Just sounded to me like you're saying that shining a light on a deer is illegal.   

In regards to big game you can't possess a spotlight with a weapon (bow and arrow, firearm, etc). There are no requirements in law saying you must have shot. If you just have a spotlight (no weapon) you are not breaking WA law.

Some states however do state any shining on an animal is illegal, doesn't matter if you have a weapon. In WA there must be an associated weapon.

[buckfvr]

What about the otherwise legal hand gun....either concealed or open carry ??  That would be regarding spotting deer in the summer.

[Special T]

How does that play if i'm spotlighting coyotes? It is not uncommon to use a fawn in distress and have does run in during a calling session. I have had this happen plenty during the daylight hours...

[MadHatter]

So in theory when I am out spotlighting for Coyotes with a weapon, and happen to catch a deer in my light I might be committing a crime?

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

[bigtex]

So in theory when I am out spotlighting for Coyotes with a weapon, and happen to catch a deer in my light I might be committing a crime?

In theory, yes.

[FALFire]

Having an artificial light and a firearm in your vehicle is Prima Facie Evidence of spotlighting game animals. Prima facie evidence is defined as "At first appearance". Though, upon initial contact, you may APPEAR to be in violation of "Hunting Big Game with an Artificial Light", if you can show there is no laws being violated and you can articulate what you are actually doing with the light and the firearm, there may not be sufficient evidence to continue an investigation. Hunting coyotes may be difficult to prove if you have no coyotes to show for your activity or other corroborating evidence, however, if you have a deer or elk in the back of your truck you are toast.

We spot light often, and often times, we see deer, we leave them alone, that's not what we are after. I hunt cattle ranches, night time is the best time for success for coyotes around these new born calves. It's all in how you articulate your activity and the totality of the evidence during your contact along with how you handle the situation if contacted by LEO. Read (Bad attitude = Bad ending)  Ranchers should be contacted prior to a night hunt if you are on private property, a call to the local Sheriff's Office can go along ways towards making you have a successful night and not having to deal with a p'ssd off Game Officer that gets a phone call at 2am to respond to shots fired and bright lights.

Then again.....There are those Officers that will DO ANYTHING to make an arrest. It all comes down to common sense on both sides, Articulate, articulate, articulate and....... have a video/audio recorder going during the contact 

[halfpipe88]

Not charged. They just didn't know what to do so they took the rifle.

[yote]

This seems simple and from hearing your story "halfpipe" I figure that any guy/gal spotlighting out of his/her rig ought to carry a printed out paper copy of the game regs in their truck...

I use:
http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/lightforce-blitz-240mm-9-5-inch-1-million-cp-handheld-spotlight-sl240/

[Noiro]

Can anyone post the WA regs about spotlighting? I searched but found nothing about spotlighting. On page 64 of the 2012 WA Hunt Regs I found Small Game and Other. I stated coyote open at night but not Sept-Nov during center fire deer and elk.
I was curious about shooting from a vehicle or the road?

[bobcat]

Page 76:

1.  Hunting with artificial lights:
     Hunting big game with the aid of an artificial light or spotlight is prohibited.

[bearpaw]

Contact your local warden and sherriff dept, ask them, they are the ones you will have to deal with. We have been checked by local sherriff deputees, as soon as they saw we were legite they asked us to let them know when we would be doing it again. Depending where you want to hunt, there could also be local ordinances to know about.

[Hawgdawg]

Contact your local warden and sherriff dept, ask them, they are the ones you will have to deal with. We have been checked by local sherriff deputees, as soon as they saw we were legite they asked us to let them know when we would be doing it again. Depending where you want to hunt, there could also be local ordinances to know about.

  We made a deal with the local fish and feather that we give him a call before our hunt, so he doesn't loose sleep getting the call!

[FALFire]

Can anyone post the WA regs about spotlighting? I searched but found nothing about spotlighting. On page 64 of the 2012 WA Hunt Regs I found Small Game and Other. I stated coyote open at night but not Sept-Nov during center fire deer and elk.
I was curious about shooting from a vehicle or the road?

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.450

Read Section #4 subsection :d below

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.460

[madcow41]

Do you guys think a Surefire Millenium weapon light would work well enough for coyotes at night? it has a red filter that can be used and attaches right to the M4