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just because someone shines does not mean they poach.
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Of course not and I'm not implying that such is the case.
The hard facts are that a few "thieves" are stealing a resource that is very very important to everyone of us...and they are using legal shining to "rob" us
I know we've talked about the this many times and while I would prefer not to enter in to arguments with my friends, I feel we have to do something...to call for a change that will help law enforcement better deal with this issue.
That may mean some sacrifice from honest law abiding sportsmen who enjoy recreational shining.
Saying that "it's not a problem" or expecting officers to sort thru untold numbers of legal shiners to catch the bad guys isn't going to cut it anymore.
I did some searching to see what other states use in regards to dealing with shining. Look this over and see if we can find comprimise to allow some recreational shining but curtail it during those times when it's easiest for poachers to rob us.
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It is illegal to use an artificial light, including vehicle headlights, to locate wild animals at any time
during November and all other days of the year between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
It is illegal to use an artificial light on a highway or in a field, woodland or forest while having in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile.
Exception: This prohibition does not apply to pistols carried under the authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exemption from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. This does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
An artificial light may be used from November 1-30 on property you own or property owned by a member of your immediate family if you do not have in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile.
A deer hunter may use an artificial light one hour before and one hour after shooting hours while carrying an unloaded firearm or bow and arrow when traveling on foot to or from their hunting location.
See Nighttime Raccoon and Predator Hunting for artificial light regulations when hunting raccoon, opossum, fox and coyote at night.
Persons not possessing a firearm or bow and arrow while traveling on foot may use lights during dog training or field trials to follow dogs chasing raccoon, opossum or fox. A lighted pin sight on a bow or a scope with illuminated cross hairs may be used to hunt game during legal hunting hours.
Note: If you are using an artificial light to locate game, you must immediately stop your vehicle when signaled by a uniformed officer or marked patrol vehicle.
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Give me your thoughts on this. I don't expect all to agree and some will stubbornly insist on the status quo...but I'm not going to settle for that anymore.......