Someone packing a rifle for bear, while you are ML Deer hunting.... Legal???

[andersonjk4]

I am heading down to the blues to chase mulie's in the steep deep Mt. View unit with my smoke pole this weekend  .  My Fiancé is going to be with me and will have a bear tag in her pocket.  Has anyone ever gotten any grief for having a rifle along while someone is ML hunting?  I know the safe bet is to leave the rifle at the truck until we see a bear, but we will be a long ways from the truck and camp so that might not be an option.   

[bobcat]

Just tell the warden your fiancé is bear hunting, and you are carrying your muzzleloader in case you see a deer.   

Seriously, I don't see why it would be an issue. You would be legal if hunting separately. What's the difference if you happen to be together?

[andersonjk4]

Good point Bobcat.  I figured that by the letter of the law it was legal, but was wondering if anyone had ever had any encounters with LEOs.

[Smossy]

I dont see how its a problem. Ive deer hunted with a bow while my partner had a rifle for bear DURING Archery Deer Season.

[sirmissalot]

I called on this and talked to a warden several years ago and he gave me the ok. Didn't seem to want to but said I would not be breaking the law.

[scout/sniper]

Do I understand that you both will have proper licenses and tags?
Or is she just putting your bear tag in her pocket?
If the first question is "yes" then there is no problem.

[Bookworm007]

They won't like it, and might give a real close inspection of both of your tags, but it is perfectly legal. All my scouting I carry a rifle for the same reason. 

[bobcat]

I really don't know. I never see game wardens when I'm out hunting. But the way I see it, is if they don't want someone having access to a rifle while muzzleloader hunting, they need a specific law that makes it illegal to possess or be in the proximity of a rifle when hunting with a muzzleloader.

Technically I think YOU could also carry a rifle for bear, while carrying your muzzleloader for deer.

[Smossy]

I really don't know. I never see game wardens when I'm out hunting. But the way I see it, is if they don't want someone having access to a rifle while muzzleloader hunting, they need a specific law that makes it illegal to possess or be in the proximity of a rifle when hunting with a muzzleloader.

Technically I think YOU could also carry a rifle for bear, while carrying your muzzleloader for deer.

Bingo, My thoughts exactly.

[scout/sniper]

I really don't know. I never see game wardens when I'm out hunting. But the way I see it, is if they don't want someone having access to a rifle while muzzleloader hunting, they need a specific law that makes it illegal to possess or be in the proximity of a rifle when hunting with a muzzleloader.

Technically I think YOU could also carry a rifle for bear, while carrying your muzzleloader for deer.

This is how I see it as well.

[andersonjk4]

Thanks for the input guys.  What sirmissalot heard from them was exactly what I was expecting... they probably won't like seeing it and would have lots of questions, but couldn't do anything about it.  And yes we will both have all of the proper tags, licenses, etc. 

[scout/sniper]

Thanks for the input guys.  What sirmissalot heard from them was exactly what I was expecting... they probably won't like seeing it and would have lots of questions, but couldn't do anything about it.  And yes we will both have all of the proper tags, licenses, etc.

Good luck to both of you!

[USAFpj]

Just an observation- I see quite a few guys who aren't sure what people would 'think' about a certain situation, even if it's perfectly legal.  I would also congratulate those people on staying out of the legal or government system, as they would then KNOW that they bind you to the letter of the law on any situation you find yourself in.  Therefore, it's your job to know what is perfectly legal and go on about your business, regardless of what other people think.  That's coming from a guy who works for the mil and civy side of government- don't trust them to make your decisions

[Bob33]

Yes it is legal for one person to have a firearm that would not be legal for a second person.

I offer two pieces of advice: (1) don't carry or handle the rifle while you are muzzleloader hunting, and (2) make sure your rifle partner has some basic understanding of a how the rifle works. If both of you are stopped by an enforcement officer, he may well wish to test whether in fact the second person is "hunting" or helping. When he asks the person where the muzzle is or how the rifle is loaded and that person has no clue - you may be looking at a citation.

[Rgrady35]

Would you have to wear hunter orange?