night scouting

[mendozer]

just got back from an elk hunt. We were in a nice spot with plenty of fresh sign, but at both sun up and down, they weren't there. However, they were clearly there in the middle of the night. That made me wonder...what if I scouted them with night vision optics then stalked them until sunlight then took a shot?

That's not violating any rules right, since you're shooting during legal hours. Anyone every try this?

[2labs]

Figure out where their going and ambush them. Might take an extra day.

[mendozer]

Yeah I had no idea. Well I had a guess, but it was private land next to state so I wouldn't go in anyways. I'm still new at this so patterning them is beyond my skills. I find sign and hope they come back haha. I also try to find spots away from roads, but it seems like in western washington in the state forests that is impossible to find. I just don't like driving around looking for them. Not to offend anyone, but I want to hunt, not drive and target shoot.

[coachcw]

ive stayed on them in the moon light.

[GBoyd]

I've thought about trying that with spotlights, but never got far enough to even look up if it's legal.
Even if it is legal, it still would look really bad if someone saw you doing it, so I probably wouldn't mess with it.

[Bob33]

Scouting at night is legal. Hunting is not, with some exceptions. Make sure the two don't mix, or give the appearance of mixing.

[bigtex]

just got back from an elk hunt. We were in a nice spot with plenty of fresh sign, but at both sun up and down, they weren't there. However, they were clearly there in the middle of the night. That made me wonder...what if I scouted them with night vision optics then stalked them until sunlight then took a shot?

That's not violating any rules right, since you're shooting during legal hours. Anyone every try this?

Take a look at WA's spotlighting law:

RCW 77.15.450
Spotlighting big game — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of spotlighting big game in the second degree if the person hunts big game with the aid of a spotlight, other artificial light, or night vision equipment while in possession or control of a firearm, bow and arrow, or cross bow. For purposes of this section, "night vision equipment" includes electronic light amplification devices, thermal imaging devices, and other comparable equipment used to enhance night vision.

Spotlighting is a serious game violation. If you have no previous big game violations within the previous 10 years you are charged with a gross misdemeanor and lose your license for 2 years. If you have a previous big game violation it's a Class C Felony and you lose your license for 10 years.

[bigtex]

Scouting at night is legal. Hunting is not, with some exceptions. Make sure the two don't mix, or give the appearance of mixing.

The bolded is the most important part of that statement 

[mendozer]

yes well the obvious is that I wouldn't have a gun or bow with me. It would be with my buddy who would bring it to me before hunting hours.