Hunting with a light is illegal in missouri right????

Tyler Burgin

Tyler Burgin

New member
Ran into a guy at the grocery store this morning who saw my camo and started making conversation about coyote hunting. Hes an air force guy who has been stationed here for a year. Never met him before but he said he kills coyotes all the time calling around here and he perfers a red lense...... I asked what time he prefers to call, just trying to clarify what I am hearing, and he claims its best around midnight. Now Im almost positive hes hunting illegally now and just want to make sure Im not missing out on the opportunity to hunt at night here in missouri
 
Should clarify. Hunting at night is not illegal. Hunting at night with a light is so you have to have the perfect evil of snow and a full moon to give it a shot. The red lense comment is why Im assuming hes using a light.
 
Tyler, unless there has been a recent change, it is illegal to hunt with an artificial light with the exception of Coon hunting...You can't use night vision or any other optical enhancement with the exception of a straight rifle scope..
 
No use of artificial light unless treed with the aid of dogs. So even while coon hunting you cant just go walk around in the woods shining a light into a tree looking for them.
 
If I read the law right, landowners may spotlight on their
own property. Which is good as I have lights on chargers and
near doors at all times.

Artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green frogs, or to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs. Using lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code. This rule does not apply to landowners on their property.
 
I knew we weren't allowed to Hunt Coyotes/Predators using any type of light at night but I thought night vision scopes were allowed since Your not casting a beam of light?

I hunted a few times this year under a full moon and with a light snow covering but nothing came in close so I didn't get to shoot anything!

From what I've read the Red or Green lights work really well...shame we can't use them here in Missouri?
 
Tyler,
Did you let him know that he is breaking the law? He might be ignorant of the laws here. Not an excuse, but just may need some guidance.
 
Here is a summary of night hunting and use of night vision in Missouri according to my research:

Night Hunting: Allowed, artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green frogs, or to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs. Using lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code. This rule does not apply to landowners on their property.
Night Vision: Not Allowed, per mdconline website night vision and thermal imagery equipment may not be possessed while in the possession of any firearm, bow or other implement whereby wildlife could be taken.
Website: www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/
Phone: 573-751-4115

So it looks like you can use artificial light if you are on your own property and use of night vision or other enhancing technology is strictly forbidden. That said, I suggest you talk to your local game warden before venturing out with an artifical light on your own property. Kevin
 
I told him the last time I read on the subject it was illegal and he may want to check into it. He said he couldn't find it in the game book so it must be legal
 
Originally Posted By: HTRN57Night Hunting: Allowed, artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green frogs, or to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs. Using lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code. This rule does not apply to landowners on their property.
Night Vision: Not Allowed, per mdconline website night vision and thermal imagery equipment may not be possessed while in the possession of any firearm, bow or other implement whereby wildlife could be taken.
Website: www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/
Phone: 573-751-4115



If you can get your hounds to tree a coyote, you're good to go with it!
wink.gif
 
I would double check with your local agent before venturing out onto your own property with a light just to be safe. Or better yet, just call the office in Jefferson City.
 
Originally Posted By: kingalwSo landowners in MO can use a light to kill coyote's at night?


I would give that a big NEGATIVE....


Originally Posted By: Missouri Game LawUsing lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code. This rule does not apply to landowners on their property.


My take on that liberal interpretation of statute on their website is - Missouri Landowners may use a light to search for, spot, illuminate, harass, or disturb wildlife. As in chase them from their fields or yards. I believe they have unintentionally rolled 2 related sections of the state game law into one paragraph there in such manner that it causes reason for doubt, but I don't believe they give landowners free reign with gun and spolight in the pickup on their own property. Just ain't happening!!
 


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