9 replies to this topic

[mtn dog]

I recently emailed Northern Enforcement District Chief Michael Carion, asking for clarification on a seeming error or contradiction that appeared in a December 2009 DFG Q&A column wherein the DFG writer stated that weapons-mounted lights were allowed. http://californiaout...ss.com/2009/12/Chief Carion just sent me this reply:Well, I finally had a chance to get to look at this and yes, it is a mess!There is a contradiction in the article and there is a mistake!The Fish and Game Code generally prohibits the use of lights and night vision equipment. It also prohibits the use of lights unless 'Hand Held"; however, there is an exception under 2005(d)(4)" for uses the Commission may authorize in regulation."The FGC regulations (Title 14) allows for lights in Zone 1(264( b )) and Zone 2 (264 ( c )). In these areas ONLY, the use of ANY light and ANY voltage may be used provided the deer season is not open and the light is not used from a vehicle that has the motor running, or is on a public road or highway. In these areas and under those conditions, the light may also be "weapon mounted" since it does not prohibit this system.In all other areas, the lights must be 9 volt or smaller and HAND HELD or WORN ON THE HEAD. The person MUST be on foot, must have self contained batteries, cannot be used from a vehicle. The only exception is with written permission of a landowner under depredation and requires DFG notification.I hope that clarifies the issue.Sorry about the confusion!Michael P. CarionLaw Enforcement DivisionNorthern Enforcement District Chief530-225-2361Fax (530) 225-2117(EDIT: At 4:20 PM I received an email from DFG Biologist C. Wilson indicating that she has corrected the error in her online Q&A column. So if you click the above link you will NOT see the wrong wording.)

[camopaint]

You need to get this in writing, on official letterhead for the first guy that gets nailed for a weapon mounted light to show in court.

[homemade]

well that looks like maybe what 5 or 10 people in the whole state that might get to use it legally.

[High Lonesome]

Just off the top of anyone's head where are Zones 1 and 2?

[mtn dog]

Just off the top of anyone's head where are Zones 1 and 2?

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/download regs pdf and go to page 9

[FresnoHunter]

Nice post Mtn Dog. This seems to be in conflict with previous posters on this website. Glad to see some clarification on a subject that some had trouble comprehending.

[CA Desert Dog]

"In all other areas, the lights must be 9 volt or smaller and HAND HELD or WORN ON THE HEAD. The person MUST be on foot, must have self contained batteries, cannot be used from a vehicle."Is this something new? Since when are 12-volt lights illegal in "all" areas. Also, most predator hunters have had no issues lighting out of their vehicles as long as the vehicle is not moving and the shooter is on the ground. If I am wrong on this, there are a lot of predator hunters that have been and are misinformed too. I know there are some 6-volt areas, 9-volt areas and what I thought were 12-volt areas. I guess it's back to reading the ever evolving DFG regulations. Why is it that hunters in this state always seem to have their nards in a vise? If it's not one thing, it's another.

[tawnoper]

Is this something new? Since when are 12-volt lights illegal in "all" areas.

They are not illegal in "all" areas.I think what John was saying was "he" uses a 6v to be sure he is compliant throughout the state.Personally, IMO if you hunt areas off the beaten path in areas within the 12v boundry you will have little to no issues when it comes to what light you use (I never had). When you start trying to color too close to the lines (i.e. thinking you are legal to hunt most anywhere with a 6v) be prepared to explain youself to the local sheriff. I'd rather hunt somewhere and enjoy myself than spend half the night trying to explain how you are "within the law" because you are using a 6v light (which most game wardens seem to care less about). We are fortunate in Calif that we are allowed to night hunt. The regulations are really not that complicated but it seems a lot of people try reading too much into things.

[mtn dog]

I guess it's back to reading the ever evolving DFG regulations.

It will give you something to do until the weather clears, the remodeling is complete and you can hunt again. Heck, you might have time to memorize the entire code book, all volumes. The whole 6, 9, or 12 volt thing, while still the law, doesn't make much sense anymore with the availability of high lumen LED lights. Honestly, even though I make sure I'm legal, I'm always uncomfortable when I'm out there swinging a light. There is a saying, "When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras." When DFG wardens see spotlights, especially the airborne wardens, they think 'poachers', not coyote hunters. Watching that "Wild Justice" show makes it look like wardens instantly start salivating for an arrest whenever they see a spotlight's beam. They will come check you out like moths to a flame. That's a P.I.T.A. and a waste of a stand and valuable hunting time. I hate poachers and don't want to be treated like one.

[shooter93]

we have one warden up here so not to bad, i usually tell him im going out that night and what area, but some of you have alot of them to worry about. especailly the young new guys, i dont like pouchers, and dont like cheaters in the coyote contest.