need info on WI NIGHT HUNTING

NDAR15MAN

NDAR15MAN

Member
FOLKS.. I moved to WI last spring. can some one in the know tell me what the law is regarding hunting coyotes / fox at night ? the hunting rule book is very tough to interpet.

i read the WI HUNTING rule book as you can hunt with a hand held type light and shoot with aid of light at point of kill.

what does that mean ? i guess like coon hunters who's dog trees a raccoon and you shoot the coon when it is treed by dog ( shine light on coon up in tree and take the shot ).

so does this mean that i can call a coyote in at night and then turn a light ( gun mounted light on coyote then shoot coyote ? ).

also what is the law on night vision usage to hunt coyotes and fox ? i think u can use night vision but no laser or beam can be used to see coyote. you cannot scan for a coyote or fox ?

looking forward to your info. marty
 
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Marty,

Here is our website listing regarding night hunting and use of night vision for WI:

Wisconsin

Night Hunting: Allowed, a flashlight may be used: 1) while shooting coyote, raccoon, fox, or unprotected species at the point of kill while hunting on foot, or 2) to find your way. Lights may not be used to shine or search for these animals. Flashlight is generally defined as a battery operated light designed to be carried and held by hand. Some areas may prohibit shining by local ordinance. Check with local Sheriff’s department or township officials for local shining restrictions.
Night Vision: Allowed, not listed as a prohibited device in the 2010 WI Small Game Hunting Regulations booklet. Per State regulations, the night vision device can also be aided with any light that is not visible light. Therefore infrared (IR) light emitting night vision scopes or devices are legal for use in WI. Above information verified by the Wisconsin DNR Law Enforcement 5/2012.
Website: www.dnr.state.wi.us
Phone: 608-266-2621

Kevin
 
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HTRN.. So you would say or interpet WI law as " you can hunt with night vision " ? I was wondering if you have made any NV sales to hunters in WI ? thanks . md
 
Originally Posted By: mrdHTRN.. So you would say or interpet WI law as " you can hunt with night vision " ? I was wondering if you have made any NV sales to hunters in WI ? thanks . md

I will have to do some research on your WI sales question and get back with you on it. I inquired about WI Night Hunting and Night Vision legality before I applied for a Wolf permit in WI (by the way I donated 10 to the state this year as I did not draw a permit). It seems pretty clear to me what is leagal and what is not legal in the State of WI. Here is the email response I received from P Scott Loomas, Wildlife Regulations Policy Specialist in May 2012 (see credentials below if you need to call for any recent changes since then):

"Our laws on the use of lights for hunting have not changed lately, although there has been some discussion. Currently, a light may only be used at the point of kill and may not be used for shining or scanning for game. Night vision gear that does not cast a visible beam of light is legal for use. We anticipate that hunting at night for wolves will be allowed only after the close of our traditional November 9-day firearm deer season. Here is our current law:


(4) SHINING WILD ANIMALS WHILE HUNTING OR POSSESSING

WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) Prohibition. No person may use or possess

with intent to use a light for shining wild animals while the

person is hunting or in possession of a firearm, bow and arrow or

crossbow.

(b) Exceptions. This subsection does not apply:

1. To a peace officer on official business, an employee of the

department on official business or a person authorized by the

department to conduct a game census.

2. To a person who possesses a flashlight or who uses a flashlight

at the point of kill while hunting on foot for wolves or for raccoons,

foxes, coyotes, or other unprotected animals during the

open season for the animals hunted.

3. To a person who possesses or uses a light while using a bow

and arrow or crossbow for taking rough fish.

4. To the holder of a Class C permit issued under s. 29.193 (2)

(c) 4. who uses a laser sighting device while hunting with a firearm,

bow and arrow, or crossbow.



P Scott Loomans
Wildlife Regulations Policy Specialist
Bureau of Wildlife Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(() phone: (608) 267-2452
(() fax: (608) 267-7857
(+) e-mail: scott.loomans@wisconsin.gov

 
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HTRN... I have a WI game warden that lives in town and i think i might go talk to him about what is legal on NV. he might not stand by his answer ?

i might send the top WI DNR MAN A CERTIFED LETTER with the specs , brand, etc of the NV I am going to use and try to make him make a decsion on the record.

once again thanks from all of us new NV guys for all your help on this web site. marty
 
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Wisconsin regs always said no use of IR (infra red) light with nightvision
only ambient light from the moon..etc.

I just went through the small game regs for this year and cannot
find that anymore. They don't even mention nightvision
now.
 


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