Dog in my truck, I shoot a bear, Legal illegal??

[ghosthunter]

So I like to take my 12 year lab out grouse hunting.

What if we were driving a log road and a bear during Bear season runs across the road. Can I bale out and go after the bear, shoot the bear leaving the dog in the truck.

I have read all the pertinent game REGS.

Which say a dog cannot accompany you while hunting bear and cougar. The dictionary says Accompany mean being present or going with.

No looking for a loop hole just want to know if it were to happen.

[Keith494]

I asked this exact question a few years ago to a game officer. I was grouse hunting with my lab and there was a ton of bear sign around.

He told me that if I was actively bird hunting, and came across a bear, he would be ok with me leashing my dog, or having someone hold them, and slip a slug in, or use my pistol, and shoot the bear.

Now, that was just from one of my local officers, so it might be worth while reaching out to yours and asking

[BD1]

I would call and ask the people who would be writing the ticket 

[jrebel]

If your driving the roads looking for grouse and you shoot a bear.....No way that can be illegal.  It would take a real piece of work officer to write you for that.  I know a log of guys that just go for drives in the hills this time of year.  They have their family and dogs in the truck.  They take a bow for archery deer, a rifle for a bear and shotgun for the road bird.  It's all about being out there and being ready if you happen across a legal animal.  Don't shoot from the road, leave your dog in the truck if you have to go after a deer, bear, elk, etc. and go have fun.  I will reiterate.....if a warden sees this differently, I would have a hard time with their views. 

Now, if you walking the woods with a dog and you are carrying slugs / buckshot in your pocket for a bear......that could be a problem.  Be smart and have fun in the woods. 

[callturner]

I believe you would have to be using the dog for hunting the bear to be in violation

[fishngamereaper]

Not illegal.
Your driving...not hunting.. Dogs allowed. Unless you shoot from the truck, which is also illegal.
Leaving the truck to legally hunt, don't take dog...

[knighttime25]

Got stopped one time on a trail in Glacier Peak wilderness by an off-duty game warden, 4 miles from the nearest trailhead. Three of us hiking, me with a rifle strapped to my pack and the only one with a bear tag. We had brought my 35 lb Australian shepherd along for a companion. Game warden at first gets pretty defensive and says I can't be hunting bear with a dog. When he realized we only had 1 gun and the other two in our group were tagging along, he said if we see a bear, the dog has to be leashed and in possession of anyone but me. If she trees a bear we can't shoot it. So the leashing the dog comment or leaving the dog in the truck seems to be a safe bet 

[jason stevens]

Legal

[addicted1]

I think where it gets tricky is if you shoot one, and then pull the dog out while processing. It could look sketchy depending on the situation if someone walks up on you. I would just use some caution depending on the area you are hunting in.

[Boss .300 winmag]

What if you have a human with you that identifies as a dog?🤔

I ran one up a tree once, easiest bear I ever shot, woof.🤣

[ghosthunter]

What if you have a human with you that identifies as a dog?🤔

I ran one up a tree once, easiest bear I ever shot, woof.🤣

No furries in my camp. Guarantee that.

[Fidelk]

What if you have a human with you that identifies as a dog?🤔

I ran one up a tree once, easiest bear I ever shot, woof.🤣

Maybe let the dog drive?

[Bushcraft]

I wouldn't worry about it for two reasons...

1)  A game warden would have to have ZERO common sense to think you're using a 12 year old lab to try and tree a bear.

2)  I have never seen a game warden in the woods since I moved here in '92.

[Gentrys]

Leave the dog in your truck and you're good to go.

[Caseyd]

Emotional support animal