are trail cams illegal on national forest?

[Knocker of rocks]

With that said if there is a law against haveing a trail cam in NF useing 261.10 (e) wouldnt hold up as an argument in a court of law.

I don't think either of us have a high powered enough Law Degree to say that, do you councilor?

[christopheri]

With that said if there is a law against haveing a trail cam in NF useing 261.10 (e) wouldnt hold up as an argument in a court of law.

I don't think either of us have a high powered enough Law Degree to say that, do you councilor?

Touche

[Elkaholic daWg]

 How about 261.8 B. Lets say you are on a hike in areas with predator  (Apex mamallian) problems and there is no hunting season of any kind open at the time.

[pianoman9701]

provivder you should be for all that is hunting related, the more we choose sides and dont stick together, the more the libs will take away till there is nothing left. just saying. Its not like the camera follows animals around then shoot them for you lol.

It appears that provider isn't a hunter. I sent a PM requesting he address questions about his post and have received nothing. Any moderators on here? Maybe check into provider. Me thinks he's a plant.

[Curly]

provivder you should be for all that is hunting related, the more we choose sides and dont stick together, the more the libs will take away till there is nothing left. just saying. Its not like the camera follows animals around then shoot them for you lol.

It appears that provider isn't a hunter. I sent a PM requesting he address questions about his post and have received nothing. Any moderators on here? Maybe check into provider. Me thinks he's a plant.

I looked at his posts, he seems to be a hunter to me.  I guess he just hates trailcams for some reason. 

[pendoreilleadventures]

I just got of the phone with Mike Borysewicz, wildlife biologist Colville National Forest said that it is not illegal to Bait wildlife on National forest you only have to stipulations to follow.

1. Follow Washington State Fish and Wildlife Laws pertaining to Baiting(Cannot Bait Bears)

2. You must remove the bait once you're done hunting or if you remove Camera.

Same goes for Trail Cams and Treestand,Blinds, ect.


Sounds like you need to call that LEOs supervisor!!!!!!

[bearpaw]

Had a gamie take down my game cams because he said they are not legal on nat. forest, anyone ever hear this?

I doubt that there is a blanket prohibition against trail cams per se'.  What I think is being enforced is an individuals interpretation of abandoned property laws.

  Sounds like an agency LEO  that needed to show you this law or statute, that if they could not  should be cited for theft just like any of the rest of us would be.

See  261.10(e).  I believe, right or wrong, that the USFS could use this law to prohibit trail cams

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_054750.pdf

Special Use Permits are required for organized group activities or for commercial activiites. Does not apply to individual non-commercial use.

Commercial use or activity means any use or activity on National
Forest System lands (a) where an entry or participation fee is charged,
or (b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and
in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended
to produce a profit.

[bearpaw]

I think he had an agenda, or didn't like you.

 http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/specialuses/filming/

This clearly states for commercial purposes.  I wonder if all those DIY and other hunting shows get permits for filming?

Maybe bait is considered a "prop"?  If that was the case then it could very well be illegal according to this paragraph. 

Commercial photography is defined as the use of photographic equipment to capture still images on film, digital format, and other similar technologies found on National Forest System lands that: takes place at a location where members of the public are generally not allowed or where additional administrative costs are likely; or uses models, sets, or props that are not part of the site’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities (FSH 2709.11 2008-2 (CH 40)).

Seems pretty petty though.

FYI - Outfitters, guides, tv shows, or guys making cd's to sell, must all have Special-Use permits on USFS lands.

[Bob33]

provivder you should be for all that is hunting related, the more we choose sides and dont stick together, the more the libs will take away till there is nothing left. just saying. Its not like the camera follows animals around then shoot them for you lol.

It appears that provider isn't a hunter. I sent a PM requesting he address questions about his post and have received nothing. Any moderators on here? Maybe check into provider. Me thinks he's a plant.

I looked at his posts, he seems to be a hunter to me.  I guess he just hates trailcams for some reason. 

He is a hunter.  He has a difference of opinion.  Thanks for the concern. End of story.

[lokidog]

FYI - Outfitters, guides, tv shows, or guys making cd's to sell, must all have Special-Use permits on USFS lands.

No need to get defensive (if you were), was just wondering....  I would not have thought about needing one if I was filming my own hunt and then had people tell me I should sell the DVD.  I can see in the case where something is being taken for commercial purposes, but having to have a permit for photos/video of a non-consumptive nature seems ridiculous as it is public land.

[huntnnw]

I would be adamant and raise some hell at the office that my cams to be put back immediately!

[Outdoor Guardian]

It is not illegal to leave trail cameras on public land (to include USFS, DFW, or DNR). Baiting for deer and elk is not illegal either.
 
USFS can cite for state violations by using the federal venue as they have essentially incorporated our laws by reference (see 36 CFR 261.8a – State law violations occurring on Federal property……abbreviated title). Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are also considered ex officio State Fish and Wildlife Officers and can address violations of state fish and wildlife regulations in a local venue. Generally, violations of state law are referred to our Officers.
 
Hope this helps. – OG

[Archeryoutfitters]

 

just want to follow

[Arteman]

It is not illegal to leave trail cameras on public land (to include USFS, DFW, or DNR). Baiting for deer and elk is not illegal either.
 
USFS can cite for state violations by using the federal venue as they have essentially incorporated our laws by reference (see 36 CFR 261.8a – State law violations occurring on Federal property……abbreviated title). Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers are also considered ex officio State Fish and Wildlife Officers and can address violations of state fish and wildlife regulations in a local venue. Generally, violations of state law are referred to our Officers.
 
Hope this helps. – OG

OG, can you bait Bear just for photo purposes?  Last year I put out what I thought was good Deer feed in hopes of getting Deer pics, wetcob, Apple block, salt block, fresh apples, and some kind of Deer blend from the feed store.  All I got was a couple doe, and a bunch of Bear.  I liked getting a bunch of cool bear pics, and wondering if I could just bait them in for the photos.  Maybe its already been said I can, sorry if I missed something.

[bigbucks1985]

Well i called fish and game officer errickson and will be meeting him on saturday morning to get my cam and blind back, and he is going to give my the 411 on the(his) rules of nf and game cams and bait/ blinds. Had that cam and blind in the same spot for 6 months and no one ever found it, but last time i went up there i left tracks in the snow and that is how the gamie found it.