Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: FLIZZ on September 05, 2012, 04:58:23 PM

Title: Spotlighting?
Post by: FLIZZ on September 05, 2012, 04:58:23 PM: I've heard different things but, as far as you know what is the general legality of spotlighting deer from a vehicle as part of pre season scouting? of course there will be no firearms present and animals will not be harassed except for getting a little light in their eyes. is this fine? Western WA is where ill be.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: gotshot on September 05, 2012, 05:03:02 PM: I think just shining them is harassment. Of course you could be looking for coyotes.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: Huntbear on September 05, 2012, 05:08:59 PM: They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: MuleySniper on September 05, 2012, 05:13:27 PM: Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: FLIZZ on September 05, 2012, 05:31:38 PM: http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/categories/Hunting/General+Hunting+Rules/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/categories/Hunting/General+Hunting+Rules/)

According to this it's fine. I'll be printing this page off in case I need it tonight :'(
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: JLS on September 05, 2012, 05:38:40 PM: There is nothing illegal about looking at animals with a spotlight.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: Elkslayer on September 05, 2012, 05:44:30 PM: Perfectly legal, however a call to the local sheriff's dept to let them know where you'll be MIGHT save you some trouble.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: ghosthunter on September 05, 2012, 05:58:37 PM: Years ago there was a game agent who came to hunter Ed class who told students.

If you are going to be out spotlighting animals to give him a call so that he didn't have to get out of bed to come check it out. :)
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: washelkhunter on September 05, 2012, 06:14:19 PM: Just don't have a firearm in your rig
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: Eli346 on September 05, 2012, 06:45:50 PM: Call ahead to notify them of your intentions but make sure you leave any firearms, bows, arrows, ammo, knives, or saws at home. They figure if they find one piece of the puzzle that you might have ditched the other so they will make your night miserable trying to get the info out of you.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on September 05, 2012, 10:52:27 PM: I wouldn't evev think about doing that..... Scout during the day.... Way easier....
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: huntnnw on September 05, 2012, 11:11:11 PM: Quote from: Huntbear on September 05, 2012, 05:08:59 PM
They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..

Not what I have been told by Gameys
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: huntnnw on September 05, 2012, 11:12:02 PM: Quote from: MuleySniper on September 05, 2012, 05:13:27 PM
Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS

Silly??? U know how many big bucks I have found this way.. went and asked permission and hunted those bucks, but its silly :chuckle:
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: FLIZZ on September 06, 2012, 12:25:41 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on September 05, 2012, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: MuleySniper on September 05, 2012, 05:13:27 PM
Depends if there is a big game season going on. If not you'll be fine. As long as you are following all other legalities regarding spotlighting predators. Seems silly though spotlighting for scouting deer IMO.
MS

Silly??? U know how many big bucks I have found this way.. went and asked permission and hunted those bucks, but its silly :chuckle:

Seriously, there is no better way to find where the deer/bucks are than this. Plus its just super fun to look at my favorite animal, Blacktail deer.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: grundy53 on September 06, 2012, 12:32:03 PM: Quote from: huntnnw on September 05, 2012, 11:11:11 PM
Quote from: Huntbear on September 05, 2012, 05:08:59 PM
They will hit you with Harrassment in a heartbeat if caught..

Not what I have been told by Gameys
:yeah:
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: hornhunter1987 on September 06, 2012, 07:21:23 PM: its a awsome way to scout. why wouldnt you look for a nocturnal animal at night :dunno:
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: brokehunter on September 06, 2012, 11:42:01 PM: I know it's illegal to spotlight in Oregon. I believe you can't shine any light on them other than your headlights.

But it is a great way to see animals. Even just driving the logging roads at night. We saw a nice big bull a few weeks ago just driving around at night.
Title: Re: Spotlighting?
Post by: PolarBear on September 06, 2012, 11:53:35 PM: Perfectly legal in WA. I use to do it all the time but would call the local game cop and tell him where I was headed before hand. That way if he gets a call and the descripton of the truck is that same as mine, he doesn't have to waste his time checking it out.