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Car shining a spotlight into the woods???

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GregBickal

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So my daughter and I were glassing deer from the road (like we do every night), and a car drives by and when they get past us a ways, I see a light shining into the woods. A bright light. Kinda like what the cops use, but I looked at the car again and it was no cop. I should have gotten a licence plate.

What were they trying to do?
 
I wouldn't jump to conclusions right away....as I I have been known to turn my truck sideways on a gravel road to get a better look of bucks that ran in front of me. Maybe they were scouting at night? Now if they had a weapon in there car, they are either looking to poach or just not using there heads, as I believe a Sheriff or DNR agent could nab them for trying to spotlight. I think that if they have no means of taking an animal, read as no weapons, then they are within the law. I could be wrong.
 
Shining any artifical light on game is a NO-NO, even if it's your headlights...even though, I've been guilty of trying for a better look a few times.

You're right you should've got a plate number and considered it strike one against them. If you start seeing them each night I'd be calling the local DNR officer. I've got mine on speed-dial #6.
 
yes it is, I stand corrected.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Hunting by Artificial Light
Sights that project a light beam, including laser
sights, are not legal for hunting. You cannot cast
the rays of a spotlight, headlight or other artificial
light on a highway or in a field, woodland or forest
for the purpose of spotting, locating, taking or
attempting to take or hunt a bird or animal, while
having in possession or control, either singly or
as one of a group of persons, any firearm, bow or
other device capable of killing or taking a bird or
animal. This rule does not apply to hunting raccoons
or other furbearing animals when they are
treed with the aid of dogs.
This rule also does not apply to deer being
taken by or under the control of a local government
body within its corporate limits pursuant to
an approved special deer population control plan. </div></div>
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 180class</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Perfectly legal. </div></div>

yep
 
I have spent a lot of time spotlighting deer, espcially during the rut. Before trail cameras, it was one of the best ways to inventory bucks in a hunting area. Not everyone is a fan of it but I am not ashamed of it. It's great entertainment and my kids and I have all had a good time going out in the evenings and seeing all the animals. It is amazing the animals you will see with a spotlight, not just deer.

As long as the person doesn't have a weapon in the vehicle there's no law being broken. In Minnesota it is different, there are certain days and hours you can spotlight. Leve it to MN to make it so complicated.
 
Remember that a knife constitues a "weapon".

If I am incorrect PLEASE corrrect me if I'm wrong. Not worth losing your vehicle over.

The 'Bonker
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fishbonker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remember that a knife constitues a "weapon".

If I am incorrect PLEASE corrrect me if I'm wrong. Not worth losing your vehicle over.

The 'Bonker </div></div>


Here's Iowa Code:
- 724.4. Carrying weapons.
1. Except as provided in this section, a person who goes
armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the
person... commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
2. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about
the person, if the person uses the knife in the commission
of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
3. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about
the person, if the person does not use the knife in the
commission of a crime:
a. If the knife has a blade exceeding eight inches in length,
commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
b. If the knife has a blade exceeding five inches in length
but not exceeding eight inches in length, commits a
serious misdemeanor.
4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the
following:
a. A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon in the
person's own dwelling or place of business...
b-d. [officials]
h. A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing,
while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
i. [valid permit]
- 724.1. Offensive Weapons... 5. A ballistic knife. A
ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade which
is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, elastic
material, or compressed gas... Section 724.3. Any
person... who knowingly possesses an offensive weapon
commits a class "D" felony... (Also see Section 724.4.
carrying weapons.)
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: IowaRobinhoodh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing, while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing. </div></div>

724.4h

There my friends, lies the rub. If you have a weapon (knife) in your possession while spotlighting, even though spotlighting is legal and carrying a knife (weapon) for hunting is legal, it is illegal to carry a knife (weapon) if you are shinning a light on game.

Like I said, be very very careful. I have heard that a lone round of ammunition could also cost you your vehicle.

The 'Bonker
 
Very, very true Bonker. Some guys south of me had no gun in the vehicle, but has some spend rounds from shooting earlier in the day, and they got in alot of trouble over that deal.
 
I think as a general rule if you are spotlighting you best have no knife, gun (empty or otherwise) bow (arrows or none) or any spent rounds. In my opinion spent rounds/broadheads etc could be evidence you ditched the gun/bow after shooting. Go ahead and spotlight as long as your vehicle and person don't contain ANY evidence of hunting whatsoever. Otherwise, it's best to resist the urge of shining
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: IowaRobinhood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think as a general rule if you are spotlighting you best have no knife, gun (empty or otherwise) bow (arrows or none) or any spent rounds. In my opinion spent rounds/broadheads etc could be evidence you ditched the gun/bow after shooting. Go ahead and spotlight as long as your vehicle and person don't contain ANY evidence of hunting whatsoever. Otherwise, it's best to resist the urge of shining </div></div>

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I think we have all been guilty of shining our lights into trees or fields at one time or another. It is curiosity more than anything when you are driving along and catch a glimpse of a deer and you shine your lights to see if you can view them. I would agree that I would not even attempt to do that with any sort of weapon in the vehicle.
 
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