spotlighting question, before I get into trouble

[DoubleJ]

Say I'm camping in the woods.  It's late at night and I'm sitting in the bed of my truck.  I hear a noise.  I shine my spotlight on the noise.  It's a deer.  I have my rifle next to me for protection.  I have no intent on shooting the deer since it's July.  If a game warden pops out from behind a tree, am I in trouble or would I have had to actually shoot the deer first?

[carpsniperg2]

legal as can be just don't be pointing your rifle at the deer or shooting it and you will be o.k. we have had cops and wardens follow us before wtchin us shine all the deer and what not then they got tired of following us and either just pull us over or kick on there lights and leave there is nothing not legal about shining a light on a deer but intent to shoot like scopeing the deer might get you in the hot seat but just because you have a rifle with you does not mean you r a poacher.

[DoubleJ]

Can I spotlight and shoot coyotes?  The regs say night hunting is allowed except during deer/elk season.

[carpsniperg2]

sometimes yes, there is some good info if you search spotlighting. there is some old posts that will fill you in a bit more, but it all kinda depends on the situation. there is some grey area for sure.

[Deer slayer]

legal as can be just don't be pointing your rifle at the deer or shooting it and you will be o.k. we have had cops and wardens follow us before wtchin us shine all the deer and what not then they got tired of following us and either just pull us over or kick on there lights and leave there is nothing not legal about shining a light on a deer but intent to shoot like scopeing the deer might get you in the hot seat but just because you have a rifle with you does not mean you r a poacher.

No Carpsniper that was me following you making sure you were being a gentleman with my daughter Amy!! Lol!!

[400out]

legal as can be just don't be pointing your rifle at the deer or shooting it and you will be o.k. we have had cops and wardens follow us before wtchin us shine all the deer and what not then they got tired of following us and either just pull us over or kick on there lights and leave there is nothing not legal about shining a light on a deer but intent to shoot like scopeing the deer might get you in the hot seat but just because you have a rifle with you does not mean you r a poacher.

No Carpsniper that was me following you making sure you were being a gentleman with my daughter Amy!! Lol!!

[carpsniperg2]

 

I LOVE IT!!!!

but you are a cop but a cop and a dad is even more scary

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Say I'm camping in the woods.  It's late at night and I'm sitting in the bed of my truck  .  I hear a noise.  I shine my spotlight on the noise.  It's a deer.  I have my rifle next to me for protection.  I have no intent on shooting the deer since it's July.  If a game warden pops out from behind a tree, am I in trouble or would I have had to actually shoot the deer first?

If the rifle is loaded, yes you WILL be cited, for having a loaded weapon in your vehicle.
If he is responding to a complaint about illegal activity, you will have some 'splainin' to do....

[DOUBLELUNG]

Say I'm camping in the woods.  It's late at night and I'm sitting in the bed of my truck  .  I hear a noise.  I shine my spotlight on the noise.  It's a deer.  I have my rifle next to me for protection.  I have no intent on shooting the deer since it's July.  If a game warden pops out from behind a tree, am I in trouble or would I have had to actually shoot the deer first?

 
If the rifle is loaded, yes you WILL be cited, for having a loaded weapon in your vehicle.
If he is responding to a complaint about illegal activity, you will have some 'splainin' to do....

That is the correct answer, and it has nothing to do with the light except for creating the initial contact.  If you are legally night hunting, you must still exit the vehicle and load the gun before shooting. 

[BIGINNER]

Say I'm camping in the woods.  It's late at night and I'm sitting in the bed of my truck  .  I hear a noise.  I shine my spotlight on the noise.  It's a deer.  I have my rifle next to me for protection.  I have no intent on shooting the deer since it's July.  If a game warden pops out from behind a tree, am I in trouble or would I have had to actually shoot the deer first?

If the rifle is loaded, yes you WILL be cited, for having a loaded weapon in your vehicle.
If he is responding to a complaint about illegal activity, you will have some 'splainin' to do....

 I AGREE,  I DIDN'T CATCH THAT AT FIRST,  NICE CATCH SSB     ARE YOU A COP BY ANY CHANCE?  LOL  

[carpsniperg2]

yes but you guys are part right if you have a disabled hunters permit and the motor is shut off you will not be cited. but if you do not have one and it is loaded in or on your truck then u getting a ticket but just next to you unloaded you are fine.

[wastickslinger]

Say I'm camping in the woods.  It's late at night and I'm sitting in the bed of my truck  .  I hear a noise.  I shine my spotlight on the noise.  It's a deer.  I have my rifle next to me for protection.  I have no intent on shooting the deer since it's July.  If a game warden pops out from behind a tree, am I in trouble or would I have had to actually shoot the deer first?

If the rifle is loaded, yes you WILL be cited, for having a loaded weapon in your vehicle.
If he is responding to a complaint about illegal activity, you will have some 'splainin' to do....

Be careful with the loaded gun in the bed of the truck. Stupid as it sounds they will cite you for that one. As for spotlighting....they can get you for harassing wilidlife if they want to for spotlghting deer. Yes you can spotlight and shoot coyotes if you are by the book.

[DoubleJ]

Thank you all for the info

[Deer slayer]

You can get cited for loaded firearm even if the loaded gun is leaning against the tire of a truck after coming out of the woods.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I AGREE,  I DIDN'T CATCH THAT AT FIRST,  NICE CATCH SSB      ARE YOU A COP BY ANY CHANCE?  LOL    
 
  
 

No, but my father was !
 
I learned about the "little" things that can bite you in the a$$
I know a guy that stopped while driving down a logging road by a gamy during archery season and was asked if he was hunting, he responded "yes" and was written a ticket for hunting from a vehicle.
you gotta pay attention to the details.