Dogs and turkeys

[metlhead]

So, I found a nice drainage to chase huns and quail on the opener. It is also loaded with turkeys. Since there is an open season, I feel like blasting some. Regs only say the use of a dog is prohibited. My dog is only being used for huns and quail. Anyone have any input? The things are just sitting in the trees begging to be put in the smoker.

[Ridgeratt]

Might be a tuff sale if the wdfw finds you with a dog and a turkey coming out of a draw.

But there always has to be a test case.   

I guess you could use the excuse, You Identified them as "REALLY GRANDIE" Blue Grouse.

[ThurstonCokid]

I agree with a tuff sale.


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[metlhead]

My thoughts at first, but hey, he needs to prove me wrong. Not me proving right. Lookng for a clear definition of 'use'.

[metlhead]

Did find a bunch last year on the rez. Amazing to see full grown turkeys flush under a pointers nose.

[Limhangerslayer]

When you say just sitting in the trees begging to be put in the smoker.  The warden might ask why they went up into the tree in the middle of the day?  Because your pointer jumped them?  If you want to shoot a turkey that bad to put in a smoker make a special trip and there will be no worries?

[metlhead]

It was actually late afternoon. No special trips here. Maximize my time and effort. Diesel prices, that would be a $180 turkey. I'm gonna do it!

[quackkiller]

I would, more power to ya!

[cbond3318]

This can’t be real? Who in their right mind would shoot a roosted turkey while using dogs?

[Timberstalker]

He’s ready to test the gamie, Bond.

I’ll start popping the popcorn.

[cbond3318]

He’s ready to test the gamie, Bond.

I’ll start popping the popcorn.

  f it, let er’ rip I suppose

[Timberstalker]

Send it.

[Timberstalker]

Make sure you use #2 shot for the turkey as well.

[Ridgeratt]

I wonder if he is reflecting the views of a lot of folks any more. With the cost of fuel and everything else. They are going to go home with something? He just might be braver than the rest or not.    Blame it on the Covid lack of work and need the food. 

[KFhunter]

My britts won't even point a turkey, they're around their yard so often they could care less about them.  Turkeys will even fly into the yard with the dogs, and peck around under a tree that drops some kind of berry for awhile before the dogs finally get around to running them out of the yard.

I'm hoping my freeranging chickens achieve simmilar status soon lol

[metlhead]

Shooting a roosted turkey? That's funny. Grouse aren't afforded the same protection and nobody has proven the dog was used. Gonna get 2 now.🤤

[KFhunter]

Turkey purists are understandably abhored by this notion, like I am at dudes shooting pheasants just as they're released, and duck hunters are at shooting floating birds, as grouse purists are with ground slucing birds off a gravel road.

If its legal take, go for it, and hopefully someday your sense of fair chase ethics will demand more of you.

[Moccasin_Mountain]

Turkey purists are understandably abhored by this notion, like I am at dudes shooting pheasants just as they're released, and duck hunters are at shooting floating birds, as grouse purists are with ground slucing birds off a gravel road.

If its legal take, go for it, and hopefully someday your sense of fair chase ethics will demand more of you.

 

[Russ McDonald]

I am not going to read through all the comments. I read the op comments.  It is illegal as of right now to hunt turkeys with a dog.  So if your hunting grouse with your dog and shoot a turkey that would be up to the interpration of a game warden.  I can't speak for then nor will I even try to.  I just know that it is illegal to hunt turkey with a dog.  Shooting a turkey out of a tree is up to a ethical thing.  It is not illegal in this state to do but you have ethics is a up to you thing.  Now there was a introduction to hunt fall turkey with a dog but the department never brought it to the commision for consideration.   I think it is a cool idea in the fall.

[jrebel]

I can tell you this......almost 100% chance you get your shotgun taken away in replacement for a ticket.  It will be your burden at that point to prove your innocence at whatever cost your willing to put forth.  If you cannot prove your innocence you will never see your shotgun again, have to pay the fine and could lose your hunting rights for a couple years.

Sooo.....is all that worth a turkey, AKA Dirty Bird?? 

[jrebel]

Ohhhh...and why not just go back in the area without the dog to target the turkeys?? That is what most reasonable people would do.

[Bullkllr]

Ohhhh...and why not just go back in the area without the dog to target the turkeys?? That is what most reasonable people would do.

^This was my 1st thought^

[Moccasin_Mountain]

Ohhhh...and why not just go back in the area without the dog to target the turkeys?? That is what most reasonable people would do.

^This was my 1st thought^

Exactly

[metlhead]

Most people? Hour walk in would mean my dog would be sitting in a rig by himself for almost 3 hours. I believe most people are too lazy to even adventure past the end of the two track. Still haven't seen anything saying it is illegal. I'll take some pics. Even throw on some overpriced camouflage and use an expensive tungsten load just to be an ethical purist!

[metlhead]

Anyways, what I am looking for is opinion on the term 'use' as it pertains to a dog.

[jrebel]

Your gonna do what your gonna do.  You ask for opinions and you got them.   You don't like them....so you reap what you sow.  My opinion is....it is not legal.  You can fight it in court over the word "use" and you will loose....almost guaranteed.  So a turkey, that would likely be confiscated as well...if you get caught....will end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars per pound.  If that is how much you like turkey....you do you. 

As for "most people".....Most people would leave their dog at home when going to hunt turkey.  "Most people" would take their dog when hunting upland game.  Why? well because it's illegal to "use" "hunt" turkeys with dogs.  It really is pretty simple to me....but again, your gonna do and it is very obvious no one is going to change your mind. 

[KFhunter]

Call a "gamie" and ask the particulars, I think everyone who says its a judgment call is right.

[Timberstalker]

@Bigtex

[Timberstalker]

Maybe we can get a clarification here.

The popcorn is just about ready.

[KFhunter]

Maybe we can get a clarification here.

The popcorn is just about ready.

He wasn't forthcoming on the thread about shooting from a vehicle rooftop tent.

The @user only works for mods currently, Bearpaw had tried to get it for everyone at some point

[Rob]

Maybe you need a corgi?

(found this while browsing house photos yesterday on Realtor.com

[Russ McDonald]

I guess that I mean I have no idea what I am talking qbout turkey laws.  I would figure my tutle has a little pull and I am not talking qbout being a mod.  I can tell you for 100% certainty that it is illegal to bunt turkeys with a dog in the state of WA at this time.  I am not going searching for the WAC.  Like I already stated what you feel is ethical is your right but you will have some good explaining to a game warden if your hauling out a turkey with your dog.

[jrebel]

When you enter the field with a dog and turkey shells (because it is illegal to shoot turkey with bird shot that you would otherwise be shooting quail / chucker with)....you have proven intent.  No different than having lead shot in the blind while hunting waterfowl.  It doesn't matter whether or not you shoot any lead.....you have proven intent and will get a ticket.  Then you have to prove your innocent to the judge.   

[KFhunter]

excellent observation! 

[Limhangerslayer]

Honestly reading his post’s I’d bet he’s bored with himself and doing a little trolling.  Or he’s one of the dumbest individuals to admit he’s going to do something illegal on a public forum?

[Timberstalker]

I’m thinking it’s a little of both.

[KFhunter]

 

I think he was serious at first, got blasted, now he's trolling.

So time to lock it, if anyone really thinks this should remain open feel free to pm me a compelling reason why.