Sorry Osky, I didn't mean to come off as offensive.

Steve

I also read you cannot use a flashlight to walk into the woods.

Show your source.

"Lots of states have laws that seem strange if you come from somewhere else (or even if you live there, sometimes) some that you would never think to check on if you grew up somewhere it was common practice and never debated. For example, I think you've hunted Montona, did you know it is illegal to use a two way radio in Montana while hunting? Or I grew up on the West Coast, where I bobcat hunted at night, oftentimes going out after work and such. I had never heard of not being able to and had hunted in Idaho for several years, before I moved and it wasn't until after I was living here I found out that while there are no hunting hours, you can't hunt bobcats with an artificial light, in fact many of the western states that are known for lion hunting are that way, the outfitters got those laws passed eons ago because they were afraid locals would be out lion hunting at all hours and claim they were bobcat hunting, and they didn't want the competition. Game cameras, thermals, and to a lesser extent long range equipment (rangefinders, long range scopes, etc.) are the current hot button issues being debated and outlawed or attempted to be outlawed or limited in many of the western states by the more regulation crowd.


.[/quote]

That’s one thing I’ve never looked for when hunting other states. And WHY would anyone think to look for it? Just curious where it’s listed for states? Never seen it when looking over regs for seasons and limits for turkeys. Never seen it when buying licenses or tags. Never knew it was a thing to process a scanner, lol. Do these states outlaw range finders as well? If so I’m double guilty. I’ve taken my scanner to every state I’ve been to since I’ve had it. Mainly just to scan ahead and make sure I don’t walk into a moose or some other big critter. Then again, don’t think I’ve ever seen another GW in another state except Florida and Kansas. [/quote]

Sorry that post didn't come out clear, it was in reply to Wannabe's post that is quoted at the bottom.

Although not in Missouri, I've had a game warden tell me it is illegal to use a flashlight to walk in with, Swamp. I told him to write me up, and I'd see him in court. He didn't, so I assume he knew he didn't have a leg to stand on. Not all game wardens are as even handed as you, some like to throw their weight around.

Unfortunately & sadly, you are correct. Here in Georgia, DNR has hired folks that have no business working in any law enforcement.....and absolutely not working wildlife law enforcement. Many today don't even hunt, fish, or trap.....zero vested interest in the job.

So what did you search Swamp?? Guess instead of searching for hunting regs, seasons, or limits; you just typed in thermals? Again, who would ever think to do that? And why, lol? Especially if you’re not hunting with a thermal and turkey hunting at that, lol. Of course I haven’t hunted Misery so maybe that’s what pops up when you Google turkey hunting regs or seasons?

I read the complete hunting regulations for Missouri annually before I go there. States have different regs (as we all know) and without doing the research there isn't a better way to know the details.

For the screenshot above that I posted I Googled specifically about thermal optics in Missouri during turkey season. But, I already knew they couldn't be possessed while hunting deer or turkeys from reading the regs a few years ago.

If the info is not specifically in that state's regs and doesn't pop up during a Google search then a quick call to that state's DNR LE office is easy. With the advancements in thermal and NV tech and the prices dropping, many states are trying to address what those optics are being used for. I'm sure many states are still way behind on this, but better legal than losing the optic and $$.

I used my RixK3 this past deer season to scan foodplots as I was approaching the stand so I wouldn't spook deer. Also used it to scan for deer at dark so I could slip out undetected. Not sure how long Georgia will allow this technology to be used while hunting big game (deer, bear, turkey) as it is much too easy to be abused.

Thermal and night vision are illegal for hunting ANY WILDLIFE in Oregon! Game or non game! I got around that while working for wildlife services but am now officially retired!

It says no artificial light in addition to night vision and thermal. Flashlights are artificial light.

Again, the thought has never crossed my mind to even look that up, lol. Now if I was heading out of state to thermal hunt, yeah, I’d make sure they had a season and when it was. All I’ve ever looked up was seasons, licenses needed, limits, and if coyotes were in season incase I called one up.

I did the same thing. I liked my K-3 until I looked through the Titan 6 and sold the K-3 and bought the Titan-6. Love the Titan-6. Things are so much clearer and while I'm pretty good at positively id'ing targets it's definitely quicker with the Titan-6.

$1500 more for the Titan.

Finding all the regulations can be difficult for many hunters. Here in New Mexico the specific restrictions are lumped under the "Manner and Method Rule" and not with the individual species rules. As an example, every non-resident turkey hunter I've spoken to the last few years was unaware that state law prohibits discharge of a firearm within 150 yards of a building (not just a dwelling) on private land even if you are on public land at the time. That gobbler may be on the same public side of the fence as you and still illegal to harvest with a firearm. Applies to all species and firearm discharge. Most of the rules are listed on a separate page in the annual hunting proclamation but I bet most folks just reference the particular species page that they are interested in. Last game warden I spoke to about the issue of thermals and night vision said they are currently legal here since they do not project light. All protected species, including furbearers, have restricted shooting hours, (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset). Only exception is raccoons and animals in traps. Over the years I have actually enlightened multiple wildlife officers as to what their own regulations were.