Broadheads for turkey

[Wayne1]

You now need more than just a small game license, Wayne1.  As of a year or two ago, you're required to buy your turkey tags rather than them just give you one with a small game license.

Jeez.....   Of corse you need a Turkey Tag....   If you can't use common sence to figure out what I was saying, then Thank God I never invited you to hunt my property...   What I was trying to point out...   since all you needed was a small game licence, and not a Big game licence.... [plus a turkey tag].....   the then game Dept. must classify the bird as small game.

[Turkeyman]

 

[lokidog]

Wayne, I knew what you were saying, can I come hunt turkeys?   

[Wayne1]

      I'm really not a hard ass...   it just struck me wrong...  It's all good

[MtnMuley]

Don't know anything about you Wayne1, and I surely wasn't making you out to be an idiot.  Just pointing out that for those unaware that you needed to also buy the tag these days, not have them given to you with the purchase of a small game license.  The way you worded it, I wasn't sure if you were aware.  Anyhow, sorry you were offended. 

[Wayne1]

It's all Good MtnMuley....  Guess I should have remembered that they used to give away a free tag....  we fought hard to get rid of that...  since all it did was bring out idiots...crap...  we use to see guys riding in back of pick ups and shooting birds as they were crossing the road...  Thank God...  most of those days are over....   Good Luck this season 

[wabow]

IMO WA needs to revise their code and get into the 21 century. I understand the rules but they need to be better written. Alot of things have changed since the origonal RCW's were written. I spoke with a F&G officer yesterday about this topic while he was at my business. He says he will write a violation to anyone he finds using an expandable even on turkeys. This way he covers his butt and leaves it up to the judge. He also stated he would not write a violation for luminoks because he sees them as part of the arrow and not attatched to the arrow. I dont use or have experience with either just my opinion of the revised code.

Don

[MtnMuley]

Very true wabow.  Each officer will differ, and the hunter will pay the price, even if they do the research.  Same is true with the spotlighting scene.  I've heard the same comment from different officers: "I'll write him up, and let the judge decide."  Not good for us in the law abiding hunting community.

With the F&G officer you mentioned, it's crazy how he could wouldn't write a ticket for a luminok, but would on the broadhead.  They're both removable from the arrow.  Strange.

[wabow]

Very true wabow.  Each officer will differ, and the hunter will pay the price, even if they do the research.  Same is true with the spotlighting scene.  I've heard the same comment from different officers: "I'll write him up, and let the judge decide."  Not good for us in the law abiding hunting community.

With the F&G officer you mentioned, it's crazy how he could wouldn't write a ticket for a luminok, but would on the broadhead.  They're both removable from the arrow.  Strange.

Everything makes it into an appeals court eventually but until then officer discression is what we get to deal with. Would be so much easier if they would just expend a little more ink either in the regs or officers hand book.

Don

[bow4elk]

So what's the REAL verdict?  I've always understood that expandables are legal for turkeys.  When I taught bowhunter education, it was under the WDFW hunter education program.  I was told that the regulations are written such that if it is NOT explicitly written as illegal, it is presumed legal.  In other words, if the regs don't say "expandable broadheads for the harvest of turkeys are illegal" (or something to that effect), then they are presumed legal.

I'm going to ask again and get a name because I'm planning on using NAP Shockwave heads this year.  My friend is a recently retired enforcement officer in SW WA and a very successful turkey hunter.  I'm going to ask him as well.

[Gobble Gobble]

I love the Gobbler Guillotine http://arrowds.com/index.htm

[KimberRich]

I love the Gobbler Guillotine http://arrowds.com/index.htm

Awesome Video on that site. 

[bow4elk]

Sent this email to WDFW Enforcement, will post their reply if I get one.  I waded through the WAC codes 232-12 and 232-28 referenced in the Turkey Regulations.  What a joke - do they really expect people to do that?!  I did NOT find anything to deem expandable broadheads illegal, BTW.


To Whom It May Concern:

There is much debate about the legality of using expandable broadheads for turkeys.  Please clarify whether or not they are legal for bowhunting turkeys.

It is rumored that some enforcement officers will issue a citation and let the courts decide.  While this is hearsay, it is UNACCEPTABLE to publish hunting regulations without providing would-be law-abiding hunters the appropriate information necessary to ensure they are in compliance with game laws.

I highly recommend an update to the WDFW web site and a memo be generated and circulated to all enforcement officers to ensure they are acting in accordance with the official policy.

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

Tom

[Wayne1]

Great letter...  Be interested in thier reply...  Thanks for making the effort.   

[Tom Tamer]

IMO WA needs to revise their code and get into the 21 century. I understand the rules but they need to be better written. Alot of things have changed since the origonal RCW's were written. I spoke with a F&G officer yesterday about this topic while he was at my business. He says he will write a violation to anyone he finds using an expandable even on turkeys. This way he covers his butt and leaves it up to the judge. He also stated he would not write a violation for luminoks because he sees them as part of the arrow and not attatched to the arrow. I dont use or have experience with either just my opinion of the revised code.

Don

See I find that way of thinking  CRAP! We're innocent til proven guilty. SO it would be best if  either the WDFW streamlined ther regulations( When pigs fly) Or have their enforcment people understand the entire think and not leave it to interpretation. I'll stick witht the response I got from them last year.....Turkeys are not considered big game and those regulations pertain to big game.