introducing new hunters

[schwinger]

So I have buddy who wants to try deer hunting, he is my pheasant hunting partner so he not new to hunting in general just deer hunting. I am heading out this weekend likely by myself and so I thought I would let him tag along to see what he thinks. He won't be carrying a gun but I was thinking of setting up 2 stands right next to eachother so we can chat a bit and I can show him the ropes. Does he need a license if he is not carrying a gun.

I am confused by the regulations - It says anyone "taking" game must possess a license. It then defines "taking" as attempting to take deer, driving, spotting or otherwise assisting another in taking deer.

I suppose this situation could be seen as either spotting or otherwise assisting but that is not the intent, anyone have any thoughts on this? I am just trying to introduce him to deer hunting.

[JohnWester]

he does not need a license.  let him shoot with a camera.

[Mayfly]

If that were me I would not have hom buy a license. I have brought my brother before and he didnt buy a license. As long as they are not assisting in the taking of game you are ok. He can't make a drive for you etc...

[22lex]

So I have buddy who wants to try deer hunting, he is my pheasant hunting partner so he not new to hunting in general just deer hunting. I am heading out this weekend likely by myself and so I thought I would let him tag along to see what he thinks. He won't be carrying a gun but I was thinking of setting up 2 stands right next to eachother so we can chat a bit and I can show him the ropes. Does he need a license if he is not carrying a gun.

I am confused by the regulations - It says anyone "taking" game must possess a license. It then defines "taking" as attempting to take deer, driving, spotting or otherwise assisting another in taking deer.

I suppose this situation could be seen as either spotting or otherwise assisting but that is not the intent, anyone have any thoughts on this? I am just trying to introduce him to deer hunting.

There are hundreds of hunters double tree-standing across the state for the chance at videoing a kill for thier own archives, or to share with family members. Although probably a high percentage of those video cameramen do have a license, I don't think people have actually looked at the rules as thoroughly before they hit the woods.

I don't think you are doing anything wrong, and I have also done the same as you a few years back when I took my brother-in-law to video my deer hunt. I think the DNR would be hard pressed to prove that your friend was sitting there to spot deer, or assisting you with the hunt if for some reason you were questioned and told them the truth. Taking deer is not what your friend is intending to do, that should be all you need to tell the officer if anything would arise.

Probably a better question for a CO to get the ''correct" answer as I am just giving you an opinion.

Alex

[schwinger]

Thanks, that is what I am thinking as well.

I suppose it could be one of those situations that is up to the discretion of the officer. I just think it would be foolish to spend the money on a license with 0 intent of taking a deer.

Thanks again.

[tom fellegy]

give the dnr in st paul a call. they will give you a answer..............tom fellegy

[Auggie]

If that were me I would not have hom buy a license. I have brought my brother before and he didnt buy a license. As long as they are not assisting in the taking of game you are ok. He can't make a drive for you etc...

He can't make a drive, but no law states that you can't go for a walk in the woods during deer season or sit in a stand during season. As long as no firearm or other weapon is in his possession, I bet you would be hard pressed to find a warden that would even try and write a ticket for something.

[CampYJewel]

Yea the right answer is to call but really how can you "take" a deer without a gun?  Are you going to rope it and hot tie it??

We have all kinds of people who do drives with us who do not have licenses, they also do not carry guns, or have any intention of "taking" a deer.  They are just there to help out the licensed hunters there to "take" a deer.  We have never had a problem with it and we have been checked by the DNR.  

It would be the same if you wanted to go and "watch" someone fishing.  As long as you do not have another line in the water besides the two you can with your license.  

[stevejedlenski]

what i would say, if you are in doubt, look at the rules yourself. only you can make the call of what to do so dont take someones word for it. i have seen many times where bad or completely wrong advice is given. so look yourself and if you still have questions you need to go to a co or someone in st paul.... never take a buddys advice on a law unless you really trust that person knows what they are talking about.

in my experience people dont know the laws very well.

[schwinger]

Jewel, what you are doing is actually written right in the regs as a no, no. Not scolding just pointing out thats its different.

"I am confused by the regulations - It says anyone "taking" game must possess a license. It then defines "taking" as attempting to take deer, driving, spotting or otherwise assisting another in taking deer. "

I did finally get to talk to a guy at work here that acutally hunts with some CO's and he talked to one of them for me. They said it is essentially legal but could easily become illegal. Such as - My buddy sees a deer that I did not see and points it out, that could be considered spotting. Of course this means the DNR would have to be watching me which could happen, but then again I may win the lottery too. I'm not going to worry about it anymore. Thanks.

[CampYJewel]

Well I guess it's not the first thing I have done that is illegal

That just seems really wierd that you can't, but then we don't make the laws!!

Thanks for the heads up but I am sure nothing will change