Lighted Nocks?

[billythekidrock]

I know that lighted nocks are against the law for big game but are they legal for small game or unclassified animals?

Never gave it much thought for smaller critters like yotes, coons, etc. until today. 

[buckfvr]

Not sure, but I believe what you listed are fair game for lighted nocks and mechanicals too...........keep in mind a lighted nock adds significantly to the rear of your arrow, sending the FOC totally out of wack unless you add insert and or point weight.  ANd then.......  maybe you will have affected your spine..........

[JimmyHoffa]

pg 68.  Archery 1.b.  It says it applies to all archery, not game specific.  My guess is no, but that is just how I am reading it.

[billythekidrock]

pg 68.  Archery 1.b.  It says it applies to all archery, not game specific.  My guess is no, but that is just how I am reading it.

That is how I read it as well, but in a conversation it was brought up that that is written in the "Big Game" regs so it should only pertain to big game. 

[wraithen]

yeah cuz the big game manual doesn't specifically mention the small game rules 

[billythekidrock]

yeah cuz the big game manual doesn't specifically mention the small game rules 

That is exactly what I said, but I had to agree with them that there is nothing about caliber or equipment in the small game section. Now cougar is classified as big game, but the rules are not the same as with other big game. ie: .22 cal vs .24 cal.

My position was that lighted nocks are not legal for small game based on the first line under archery on pg 68. 1. Rules pertaining to all archery.

[JimmyHoffa]

Sounds like you might have a way.  I'd be trying to find rules for small game, but maybe it's hidden somewhere in the trapping booklet.  They put some small game species in the upland book.

[wraithen]

By the words ALL ARCHERY and not big-game archery you definitely seem to be correct. I would say ask a wdfw officer but you may not see one anytime soon and I've pulled out a reg to educate them the only time I met them.

[billythekidrock]

By the words ALL ARCHERY and not big-game archery you definitely seem to be correct. I would say ask a wdfw officer but you may not see one anytime soon and I've pulled out a reg to educate them the only time I met them.

Yea, 'cause they know the rules. 

[buckfvr]

What about all the Turkey specific broadheads they sell here???  Many of them do not meet criteria for big game.

Its not lighted nocks but same issue for comparison.

[pianoman9701]

Call your regional office and ask them.

[JLS]

What about all the Turkey specific broadheads they sell here???  Many of them do not meet criteria for big game.

Its not lighted nocks but same issue for comparison.

(b) It is unlawful to have any electrical equipment or electric device(s) attached to the bow or arrow while hunting.

Note it specifies hunting and does not address what you are hunting for.

The broadhead requirements don't apply to turkeys, only big game animals.

(g) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with a broadhead blade unless the broadhead is unbarbed and completely closed at the back end of the blade or blades by a smooth, unbroken surface starting at maximum blade width and forming a smooth line toward the feather end of the shaft, and such line does not angle toward the point.

     (h) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with a retractable broadhead.

[Lenkerslawker]

The good news is that WDFW has been conducting over the phone surveys and asking if you have an opinion in the lighted knock debate.  All archery hunters that are selected for the phone call should be doing their part by saying how much a lighted knock would help to recover animals.  Even if you plan on using them or not, the option should be ours as it helps recover arrows, which should aid in recovering animals.

[HornHoarder]

Don't take my word for it, but I think that just recently I heard lighted nocks are now legal. I'd check with WDFW. Let me know if theres any truth to that.

[billythekidrock]

I know they have been doing surveys, but they would not be legal until the new three year package begins.