WI Night Hunters

Y

yotebang

New member
Shining
It is illegal to:
• use or possess with intent to use, a light (including vehicle headlights or laser sights
on firearms, bows, and crossbows) for shining any wild animal while hunting or in
possession of a firearm, bow, or crossbow. Note: Visually handicapped hunters with a
Class C Disabled Permit may use a laser sight for hunting.
• use or possess with intent to use, whether or not in possession of a firearm, bow, or
crossbow, a light for shining wild animals (including vehicle headlights) between
the hours of 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. from September 15 through December 31.
Note: Some areas may prohibit shining by local ordinance. Check with local sheriff’s
department or township officials for local shining restrictions.
Exceptions: Aflashlight 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.
Flashlight means a battery operated light designed to be carried and held by hand.

I've tried contacting my local warden, to see how she will interpret this for me. As far as I'm concerned, shine away. The only time I cannot is during the period of Sept 15-Dec 31. The "point of kill" is the exception IN THIS PERIOD ONLY. That's my take, let's hope this warden gives me a call back sooner rather than later so I'm not caught doing anything "wrong".
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It's just the goofiest thing though. How can they have the 1st bulletin state "you cannot shine at all anytime" and then back it up with the 2nd saying "only during this period". What a crock.

Ryan
 
I'm no expert but you may want to reread the regulations before you shine away. Shining/scanning are completely different than “point of kill”. Shining or scanning are used to search or find an animal in the dark, while "point of kill" refers to turning on a light to make a safe shot. The exceptions in the regulations go for both bulleted points. The first bullet says everything you need to know. You can never shine while in possession of a firearm, bow, or crossbow. That's from a vehicle or standing in a field. If you don't possess a firearm, bow, or crossbow you can shine your little heart out as long as you don't do it between the hours of 10pm-7am from Sept 15 to Dec 31. I would hate to see you get into any kind of trouble.
 
Ryan,

I just posted an interpretation of the shining laws in WI on this forum a couple of weeks ago. I was looking to get a wolf permit in WI and hunt with infrared (IR) aided night vision which is why I did the research. Look in the topics from a couple of weeks ago on this forum and you should be able to find it. As far as I know the interpretaiton is official from those (Scott Loomans) in the know in WI and I inluded their titles and contact information in the post if you want to contact them yourself.

In general it is illegal to shine any artificial light in pursuit of any wild animal in WI no matter what time you intend to do it. This includes using IR light with NV systems (although use of non-IR aided NV systems is legal). You can use a flashlight and IR device to find your way around or observe the animal once it is taken (point of kill). However, using the light in any manner whatsoever to spot or locate (shine) is illegal. The official did inform me that this would be discussed at the upcoming constitutional congress. If you want to get the laws changed I suggest you get involved by gathering as many sportsmen as possible and attend the meeting to voice your opinions.

Kevin
 
Guys,
I was being moderately sarcastic. I'm just frustrated is all.
Mdogger- it actually states no one with or without a firearm may shine/scan. I'm not going to actually go out there and do something illegal, but thank you for your concern!
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Kevin- Thanks for the heads up and sorry for reposting on this topic. I didn't see yours first! Something has to be done. Hunting at night with a light would be extremely beneficial to the coyote hunters of Wisconsin, in my opinion.
 
I had a discussion with my local Warden. He said look at as if you where coon hunting, as the same laws apply. Your coon hound is barking up a tree. You would then turn your light on and strart looking (shining, scanning etc.)up in the tree. This would be justified as point of kill. This is consider "point of kill" not observing the dead animal later. He said, as far as he is concerned, if I can justify turning the light on, go ahead. What one consider justifyable is another topic. He said, if I have a coyote howl back at me, I could go ahead and put the light on. I have to be able to justy that I know a coyote is there, just like the coon dog barking up a tree. Now, your warden may say something different and may have a different ideas of what is justifyable.
 
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Laws written that are very confusing and ambiguous and left up to each individual game warden to interpret them in different manners are really not good laws and should be changed. It is the A-hole warden that will interpret it to their satisfaction and confiscate all of your guns and equipment, fine you, and take your hunting rights away. If I lived in WI I would contact Scott Loomans (I believe the spelling is correct) get him on your side and get the law changed. I can't figure out why the authorities want you shooting at critters in the dark with no lights.....seems kinda dangerous to me. I hope to draw a wolf tag next year (already got a 10.00 priority no draw) and travel to WI for some night vision wolf hunting. Hope I can use IR lights by then......so good luck getting them changed. Kevin
 
Sagitarius is right. You do not have to wait until the animal is dead. You cannot use artificial light to "scan" the area but the tree would be the "point of kill".

When I hunt coyotes at night I do not "scan". If I see or hear one coming in, I light him up to make sure it is a target animal prior to taking the shot.

WE have been working on being allowed to scan. It is legal in 33 states, but not Wisconsin. Been at this topic for around 10 years now. There is already a Resolution that has passed through the Conservation Congress process anabling us to use lights to "scan" under certain criteria that clearly define the light user as a predator hunter.

If you are unsure, check with your local Warden. If it is being interpreted as anything BUT "point of kill", please post here and I will be in tough with Madison promptly.

Moosetrot
 
Take a look at the "Great White North Forum". I bumped the discussion about the Wisconsin Light Law. It'll give you guys a lot of background on the issue.

Moosetrot
 


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