12 replies to this topic

[mtburt]

Hello All,I have a question. I recently moved California but haven't met many hunters out here. I'm looking to go out hunting for cottain-tails and was hoping to bring a buddy of mine along. He doesn't have a hunting license and wouldn't have a gun with him...basically he's just coming along for the hike. I can't see that being a problem but I wanted to be sure rather than risk him getting a ticket for hunting without a license (or anything else). Thanks in advance...By the way, we're looking at going out to Putah Creek. Does anyone know if that's a good spot for rabbit?Cheers,-mtburt

[1shot_1kill]

As long as he doesn't have a gun on him he should be fine... ( Oh yeah you shouldn't of moved here...lol) Dam commies are over running this state.

[mtburt]

Thanks! That's what I figured, but figured I would check. Especially considering all the rules out here.

[DirtyDave]

It is not Illegal to accompany a friend. You are allowed to have friends, and your friends are allowed to be your friend. DFG cant tell you that you can only hang out/hike with friends that are licensed hunters.It is not illegal to carry a gun either. Your friend can carry a gun and walk around with you in the wilderness without a hunting lic. As long as he is not shooting any animals, then he is not hunting.

[mtn dog]

It is not Illegal to accompany a friend. You are allowed to have friends, and your friends are allowed to be your friend. DFG cant tell you that you can only hang out/hike with friends that are licensed hunters.It is not illegal to carry a gun either. Your friend can carry a gun and walk around with you in the wilderness without a hunting lic. As long as he is not shooting any animals, then he is not hunting.

Interesting theory, DD. And in a perfect theoretical world, the game warden will just take his word for it that he is merely an armed hiker accompanying a licensed hunter and does not fall under any interpretation of DFG Code, Section 86. "Take" means hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.You don't have to pull the trigger to be 'hunting'. I'd tell this friend to either bring a camera instead of his rifle or buy a darned license to support the sport or stay home.

[ShooterJohn]

Mtn dog is correct.

Q: Who needs a hunting license?A: A California hunting license is required for any person taking birds or mammals. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show them on request. Fish and Game Code, Section 86 defines “taking” as hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.

[BearWhoHunts]

I love bringing my non hunter friends. We call them the bird dogs. On big game hunts they carry walkie talkies, binos, snacks/water, and a camera - they are pretty damn useful. On bird/ small game hunts they are the flushers/ retrievers and always take care of camp. A lot of them are fishermen as well so they round out our camp meals for us and give us something to do during the hot of the day! Welcome to the Bay Area and good luck finding hunting buddies. We are around but are usually stealthy and wearing our urban camo (street clothes).

[ShooterJohn]

Your thrashers could be cited for doing what they are doing as that's pursuing or even harassing game.

[Thumper Dunker]

Your thrashers could be cited for doing what they are doing as that's pursuing or even harassing game.

Ditto flushing and retreving is helping you hunt.

[mtburt]

Interesting theory, DD. And in a perfect theoretical world, the game warden will just take his word for it that he is merely an armed hiker accompanying a licensed hunter and does not fall under any interpretation of DFG Code, Section 86. "Take" means hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.You don't have to pull the trigger to be 'hunting'. I'd tell this friend to either bring a camera instead of his rifle or buy a darned license to support the sport or stay home.

My friend would be more than happy to buy a license if it was just a matter of cost (Heck I'd probably buy one for him, if that was the problem). But he's not sure about going through the hunter's ed classes before he knows if he has any interest in hunting. I guess I'll suggest that he bring a camera to tag along...then after a few trips maybe getting the hunter safety/license will be an easier sell.

[Bisley]

My friend would be more than happy to buy a license if it was just a matter of cost (Heck I'd probably buy one for him, if that was the problem). But he's not sure about going through the hunter's ed classes before he knows if he has any interest in hunting.

A $30, eight hours class (where he may learn some interesting stuff), and a $50 license is a much smaller price to pay to be perfectly legal than any other option. Plus they could then carry whatever they want and do whatever they want, like flush, retrieve, and even hunt if so desired.

[fishandhunt4ever]

Take em' out, show them how much fun it is hunting, then go to hand him/her the rifle, and then stop and say, "Wait, you don't have a hunting license, I can't let you shoot". Then I bet they get their license by the next outting.

[mtburt]

Take em' out, show them how much fun it is hunting, then go to hand him/her the rifle, and then stop and say, "Wait, you don't have a hunting license, I can't let you shoot". Then I bet they get their license by the next outting.

That is a great suggestion! I think that would be the perfect level of motivation!