Post by: JRRJ2021 on September 29, 2021, 11:44:50 AM
I am going to try Grouse hunting on a forest service road this coming weekend. I have read a lot on here and other resources about hunting and I have seen Grouse in the area I will be in (along with some rabbits). My question is how odd will it be for others driving on the road to see me walking down the side of it in hunter orange with a bag and my shotgun being carried? The road is not super busy but sees a few cars an hour. I am not worried about other hunters in the area but there are others who use the road as well.
Any thoughts or comments on whether this is common or not or things I should watch out for/do or not do is appreciated.
Thank you
Post by: rainshadow1 on September 29, 2021, 11:50:10 AM
This is an opportunity to represent law abiding sportsmen exercising their rights.
Post by: bobcat on September 29, 2021, 11:52:29 AM
Post by: CP on September 29, 2021, 11:52:53 AM
Post by: Stein on September 29, 2021, 12:05:02 PM
Post by: Platensek-po on September 29, 2021, 12:05:38 PM
Post by: hunter399 on September 29, 2021, 12:12:38 PM
If it's open roads to drive ,if it was me I would just drive around till you see some.
Alot of times there may be more than one,like you see one in the road ,stop,pull over,shut engine off,put a stalk on that sucker ,or it may run off,but another may be up on the bank or in a spot that safe direction to shoot. Or sometimes you can drive past grouse1/4 mile down the road to walk back.
Better to shut the engine down that way you can hear any traffic that may be coming and shoot in a safe direction ,no blind corners and such.
Post by: Buckhunter24 on September 29, 2021, 12:17:54 PM
I would probably try to find roads that are gated or blocked. There should be plenty of options. I just don't enjoy hunting very much if vehicles are driving by regularly. Besides any grouse along a road that's commonly driven by other hunters are going to be shot before you even get a chance.
:yeah: find a blocked off spur and walk it the last couple hours of the day
Post by: Humptulips on September 29, 2021, 12:44:29 PM
WARNING ⚠ Ethics Police!!!!!!:yeah:
If it's open roads to drive ,if it was me I would just drive around till you see some.
Alot of times there may be more than one,like you see one in the road ,stop,pull over,shut engine off,put a stalk on that sucker ,or it may run off,but another may be up on the bank or in a spot that safe direction to shoot. Or sometimes you can drive past grouse1/4 mile down the road to walk back.
Better to shut the engine down that way you can hear any traffic that may be coming and shoot in a safe direction ,no blind corners and such.
Post by: JRRJ2021 on September 29, 2021, 01:25:22 PM
WARNING ⚠ Ethics Police!!!!!!:yeah:
If it's open roads to drive ,if it was me I would just drive around till you see some.
Alot of times there may be more than one,like you see one in the road ,stop,pull over,shut engine off,put a stalk on that sucker ,or it may run off,but another may be up on the bank or in a spot that safe direction to shoot. Or sometimes you can drive past grouse1/4 mile down the road to walk back.
Better to shut the engine down that way you can hear any traffic that may be coming and shoot in a safe direction ,no blind corners and such.
This is sort of what I plan to do. I have several areas marked on my GPS where I have seen them previously so my plan is to park a quarter mile down road from these spots and then do a slow road walk up to and past them and hope to get a few. I do not think I will be walking miles and miles on the road or so I hope.
If I had a spot where I had seen the grouse off the road on trails or into the trees I would much prefer to go there but the only spot I have seen grouse in this area is on/around the gravel road. I also know I do not have to wear orange but I plan to for visibility for other drivers for my own safety.
Thanks for the input all and any other suggestions let me know.
Post by: shotguunar on September 29, 2021, 01:31:19 PM
Post by: JRRJ2021 on September 29, 2021, 03:27:30 PM
don't have any idea where you are hunting but I am pretty sure it is not legal to fire any kind of firearm from a forest service road in okanogan county
I thought about that but the rules state: Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460): From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited.
Emphasis being Negligently. If I am being careful and not negligent I think I am okay. (also per definitions of "public Highway" it means any maintained public road of any service type so not actually a highway.)
Thank you for chiming in though as it made me double check what I had previously read.
Post by: CP on September 29, 2021, 03:50:14 PM
don't have any idea where you are hunting but I am pretty sure it is not legal to fire any kind of firearm from a forest service road in okanogan county
I thought about that but the rules state: Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460): From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited.
Emphasis being Negligently. If I am being careful and not negligent I think I am okay. (also per definitions of "public Highway" it means any maintained public road of any service type so not actually a highway.)
Thank you for chiming in though as it made me double check what I had previously read.
FS roads are under Federal jurisdiction in addition to the RCWs. I'm pretty sure you need to step off the road before you dispatch the grouse.
Post by: bobcat on September 29, 2021, 04:16:35 PM
Post by: MADMAX on September 29, 2021, 04:54:52 PM
Just step off the road when the bird flys up in a tree and drop him with a .410 or 20
Post by: Igor on September 29, 2021, 05:34:42 PM
Jeez
Just step off the road when the bird flys up in a tree and drop him with a .410 or 20
You certainly know how to ruin a perfectly good multi-page thread...................
Post by: MADMAX on September 29, 2021, 05:35:52 PM
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 06, 2021, 07:19:12 AM
Post by: 509 on October 21, 2021, 05:37:14 PM
don't have any idea where you are hunting but I am pretty sure it is not legal to fire any kind of firearm from a forest service road in okanogan county
I thought about that but the rules state: Negligently discharging a firearm (RCW 77.15.460): From, across, or along the maintained portion of any public highway, regardless of surface, or from within a moving vehicle or moving off-road vehicle is prohibited.
Emphasis being Negligently. If I am being careful and not negligent I think I am okay. (also per definitions of "public Highway" it means any maintained public road of any service type so not actually a highway.)
Thank you for chiming in though as it made me double check what I had previously read.
Next time your on a National Forest and see a National Forest Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) ask them this question. LEO's have guns, and they are probably the only people that can answer you question.
Forest Service roads are NOT PUBLIC ROADS according to the state of Washington. Public roads under Washington code refers to "gas tax supported" roads. Which NFS roads ARE NOT.
However, it talks about a public highway, which makes me think that INCLUDES Forest Service roads.
Each National Forest in addition to the CRF's has local regulations.
Yeah, you want to ask a LEO...it is clear as mud.
Post by: optic2 on October 22, 2021, 02:15:00 AM
Hello all,
I am going to try Grouse hunting on a forest service road this coming weekend. I have read a lot on here and other resources about hunting and I have seen Grouse in the area I will be in (along with some rabbits). My question is how odd will it be for others driving on the road to see me walking down the side of it in hunter orange with a bag and my shotgun being carried? The road is not super busy but sees a few cars an hour. I am not worried about other hunters in the area but there are others who use the road as well.
Any thoughts or comments on whether this is common or not or things I should watch out for/do or not do is appreciated.
Thank you
I wouldn't worry about it. I hunt elk on the coast and have walked down HWY 101 with my rifle in hand and had the sheriff and state troopers drive right by me and I'd give them a wave.
Post by: JRRJ2021 on October 22, 2021, 03:41:51 PM
I talked a few weeks back with Forest service Law Enforcement and they said as long as I am obeying state and local laws I am okay. hunting along the road safely, on foot, being aware of people and vehicles in the area etc. is all okay. Target shooting from or across the road is strictly prohibited but I should be just fine with what I was planning. I did go up before deer season started and managed to get 2 grouse. 1 from the road and 1 from an off road trail. missed getting shots on a few others that flushed as I was walking too ( did not take the shots at all.)
it is a lot of fun and I am definitely going to keep doing it. Also pretty tasty.
Post by: Platensek-po on October 22, 2021, 03:51:26 PM
Thanks all.
I talked a few weeks back with Forest service Law Enforcement and they said as long as I am obeying state and local laws I am okay. hunting along the road safely, on foot, being aware of people and vehicles in the area etc. is all okay. Target shooting from or across the road is strictly prohibited but I should be just fine with what I was planning. I did go up before deer season started and managed to get 2 grouse. 1 from the road and 1 from an off road trail. missed getting shots on a few others that flushed as I was walking too ( did not take the shots at all.)
it is a lot of fun and I am definitely going to keep doing it. Also pretty tasty.
Right on man!!!
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 29, 2021, 10:46:22 AM
Hit the side branch (4 #d) roads as these birds do not want to hear/see any cars along a main, maintained F.S. road.
Get OUT of that truck, don't be lazy and really hunt to find these birds, climb over hill & dale & clearcuts.
It's fun and good execise!
Post by: h20hunter on October 29, 2021, 10:51:35 AM
The exact wording....page 53, right hand column.
"Negligently shoot a firearm from, across, or along the maintained part of any public highway."
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 29, 2021, 02:59:35 PM
If it's maintained by the State or a County within' this state of WA. Don't go road hunting! get out of the truck, get some exursize!!! :IBCOOL: :hello: :yeah:
Post by: h20hunter on October 29, 2021, 03:02:58 PM
Post by: CP on October 29, 2021, 03:10:06 PM
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.460
(2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a loaded firearm if:
(a) The person negligently discharges a firearm from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway; or
Post by: MIKEXRAY on October 31, 2021, 09:11:26 AM
Post by: KP-Skagit on October 31, 2021, 09:31:09 AM
If the intent was no shooting from a road then the law would say so plainly. Adding the word negligent indicates there are acceptable manners to shoot from the road.
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 31, 2021, 11:36:01 PM
Post by: h20hunter on November 01, 2021, 06:37:43 AM
Post by: Bob33 on November 01, 2021, 07:06:30 AM
https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml
The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on November 02, 2021, 06:01:54 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 02, 2021, 07:23:37 AM
Post by: Ironhead on November 02, 2021, 08:51:26 AM
Well tell have hard"it" is then.Your going to need another cup of coffee! 8)
Post by: Daman9091233 on November 02, 2021, 09:54:30 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 02, 2021, 10:09:14 AM
National Forest Service regulations are more restrictive than Washington's "negligently" WAC and do not allow any shooting from or across a road.
https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml
The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person
Thanks Bob. I was looking for that. Some also prohibit hunting foxes - interesting to know.
Post by: Dave Workman on June 29, 2022, 08:02:54 AM
National Forest Service regulations are more restrictive than Washington's "negligently" WAC and do not allow any shooting from or across a road.
https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml
The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person
Maybe we ought to revive this conversation. I don't shoot down, across or along any road, even an old logging road where traffic may not be an issue. I was told at a very young age this just isn't done, but there is nothing that says you can't step off a road and pop a dumb grouse, FAIK.
Some years back, I did a story on this and spoke to game agencies in several western states, learning in the process that -- generally speaking -- if you get off the traveled portion of a roadway, (i.e. cross the ditch or climb the shoulder ) you are typically good to go.
ALWAYS use your best judgment!
Post by: Oldguy on June 29, 2022, 08:56:52 AM
Post by: KFhunter on June 29, 2022, 09:01:41 AM
Post by: Stein on June 29, 2022, 09:10:21 AM
I would have no problem shooting a grouse while standing on a gravel road in WA if it was a safe shot to take.
Post by: Bob33 on June 29, 2022, 09:47:56 AM
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting
Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Check your local ranger district for more information about local restriction. It is prohibited to shoot:
In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Into or within a cave.
Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.
Post by: Stein on June 29, 2022, 10:45:14 AM
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hunting
Post by: KFhunter on June 29, 2022, 11:50:22 AM
Post by: Alchase on June 29, 2022, 12:11:26 PM
Think of how many deer or elk are taken every years on gated roads, let alone grouse. :dunno:
Post by: bigtex on June 30, 2022, 04:21:55 AM
The US Forest Service prohibits shooting on or access their roads. There is no "negligently" clause.:yeah:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting
Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Check your local ranger district for more information about local restriction. It is prohibited to shoot:
In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Into or within a cave.
Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.
Bob is correct. Applies to all shooting, doesn't matter if it's target shooting or hunting.
Here's the actual reg 36 CFR 261.10
The following are prohibited
(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:
(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
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Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 30, 2022, 05:25:34 AM
Post by: MIKEXRAY on June 30, 2022, 09:17:01 AM
Post by: bigtex on June 30, 2022, 09:35:55 AM
What about under BPA powerlines where the property is USFS and has a powerline road? We have idiots that continually shoot on them near us and its quite annoying.Look at a forest map. If it has a USFS road number the reg applies.
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Post by: hunter399 on June 30, 2022, 09:58:34 AM
Since we all are Karen ,safety Sally these days.
I figured most on here don't want to do that.
I guess we should just wear hunter orange for all hunting.
Archery,muzzleloader,rifle,grouse,bear,
You know the WHOLE gambit.
Then we will just say no shooting unless you a 1/2 mile from any open road.
Let's just make it a mile,why not right.
Oh wait there's more.
Every hunter has to wear a GPS location device that allows all hunters to know your location at all times.
Slippery slope these safety rules can become.
Great day all.
Stay safe,and use a little common sense goes a long ways.
Post by: Alchase on June 30, 2022, 10:02:36 AM
What about under BPA powerlines where the property is USFS and has a powerline road? We have idiots that continually shoot on them near us and its quite annoying.Look at a forest map. If it has a USFS road number the reg applies.
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Bigtex, are gated and closed roads included?
Post by: bigtex on June 30, 2022, 10:26:29 AM
By the letter of the law yes. The reg applies on every numbered USFS road.What about under BPA powerlines where the property is USFS and has a powerline road? We have idiots that continually shoot on them near us and its quite annoying.Look at a forest map. If it has a USFS road number the reg applies.
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Bigtex, are gated and closed roads included?
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Post by: Stein on June 30, 2022, 11:27:45 AM
Sounds like you just have to step off the road to be legal, not clear any right of way or specific distance.
The CFR defines a FS road as any road not under the jurisdiction of another entity (state, county, etc). By that definition, it could be more broad than numbered roads. The definition of forest road is basically anything the FS deems a road which makes it tough to figure out if you are legal or not.
Quote
Forest road or trail. A road or trail wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and development of its resources.
Post by: Alchase on June 30, 2022, 12:18:00 PM
By the letter of the law yes. The reg applies on every numbered USFS road.What about under BPA powerlines where the property is USFS and has a powerline road? We have idiots that continually shoot on them near us and its quite annoying.Look at a forest map. If it has a USFS road number the reg applies.
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Bigtex, are gated and closed roads included?
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Thank you
Post by: Dave Workman on July 02, 2022, 05:17:18 PM
Look at the information we've just shared. Way to go!
Post by: Northcascadeshunter on September 15, 2022, 10:33:59 PM
I would probably try to find roads that are gated or blocked. There should be plenty of options. I just don't enjoy hunting very much if vehicles are driving by regularly. Besides any grouse along a road that's commonly driven by other hunters are going to be shot before you even get a chance.:yeah:
I find that regular vehicle traffic tends to at the least bump birds further off ther road/trail. One of my favorite spots is always trash if the gates open but a few weeks after they close it in fall it's stellar. Happy hunting!