Is Spotlighting Deer Illegal?-Bowarchery.com

Introduction for Is Spotlighting Deer Illegal

Hunters who use a bow and arrow want to meet the legal requirements of the state that they select. Many ask the question, “Is spotlighting deer illegal?” There is no simple answer to this question. It all depends on the circumstances, such as the time of the year that you are hunting.This article will explains about Is Spotlighting Deer Illegal for your guide and references.

Make sure that you check the details regarding each situation carefully before you go out at night. Even if you are just looking around, you can get yourself into trouble if you accidentally meet the requirements for illegal spotlighting of deer. You are not always allowed to shine a light during the night while you are hunting deer.

Spotlighting involves using illumination devices while hunting deer. In most areas, this is prohibited. It is restricted to protect the animals and it is unsafe for the hunters who are involved. The safety issue is the major reason why it is illegal.

Why do Hunters Use Spotlighting?

Hunters use spotlighting because they want to make the most of all the time they have available. Deer are animals which often move around at night, not just during the day. This means that they are often as active at night as much as during the day, if they are looking for food. This time provides a better opportunity for hunters to potentially get one.

People do not have excellent night vision. They use a light to be better able to see any deer which may be in a particular area at night. Simply shining a light is not illegal. The definition or description of illegal activity covers specific circumstances in Pennsylvania and other states.

Can you Spotlight Deer During Archery Season?

You are usually allowed to spotlight deer during archery seasons. This is typically the only time during which spotlighting deer is not considered illegal. If you are using a bow and arrow, you can spotlight between sunrise and 11 p.m.

Archers are free to use a light while they hunt, as long as it is during archery season. If an archer tries to use a spotlight to hunt deer during the general firearms season, that would be considered illegal. It is also unlawful on the Sunday during the general firearms season for deer.

Can you Spotlight Deer while Carrying a Bow and Arrow?
You are not always allowed to spotlight deer while carrying a bow and arrow, during certain seasons. You are not always allowed to shine a light in an area where you suspect deer to be, while you have arrows or a bow on your person, or in a vehicle with you. The same applies to other weapons.

For example, if you have a rifle and turn a light on in the area where deer have been seen, that is illegal. An exception is made for individuals who have a license or permit for carrying firearms. The weapon they have with them should be the same type that is covered by their license.

Most people with a permit to carry will find that their permit does not cover sports firearms. This means that if you have a sports firearm with you and have a light on, your activity is likely to be regarded as illegal. Your permit would not cover that specific type of firearm.

Can You Spotlight Deer During Firearms Seasons?

A hunter is not permitted to spotlight deer during firearms seasons. This restriction is usually in place to prevent poaching. The regular firearms season for deer does not give unlimited freedom to hunters and attempts are made to preserve the number of deer and ensure that everyone can hunt in a safe environment. Hunters are restricted from spotlighting during the following times:
Days separating the seasons
The regular firearms seasons
The extended firearms season

Can you Shine a Light on a Building?

You can use lights freely in a recreational manner in many areas. This is usually allowed up to certain times of the night. For example, in Pennsylvania you are allowed to use a spotlight in a recreational manner up to 11 p.m. After that time, recreational use of lights is not allowed.

You cannot shine a spotlight on a building. You should not shine a spotlight on a farm animal, even on your own farm. You are not allowed to shine a spotlight on a barn.

Is it Illegal to Shine a Light on Deer Using Headlights?

It is illegal to spotlight deer using headlights on your car. You cannot spotlight deer by using the lights on a van, truck or motorbike. All of these forms of lights are prohibited.

Simply having your lights on while you are driving is not illegal. It is illegal to intentionally use those lights to view wildlife. If an officer decides that you were trying to use the lights on your motorbike or van to detect wildlife, that would be illegal.

Always Check the Rules

Sometimes it may seem like a good idea to go hunting and you may break the rules without being aware that you are doing so. Many officers will use their discretion, but it is always important to protect yourself. Be diligent with checking the laws against spotting to ensure that you do not do anything unlawful while you are hunting.

Laws against spotting are in place to help prevent poaching. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has checks and balances in place and is keenly aware of what is happening in the state during firearms season. Spotting in certain seasons has been illegal since 1987, so hunters cannot claim that it is a new law and they were unaware.

Wildlife Conservation officers are constantly looking out for hunters. They will stop someone who appears to be looking for deer to shoot in the dark, or who may have already shot deer in the dark. Harsh penalties exist for those who break the law.

Conclusion

Illegal spotlighting of deer leads to a fine. Archers should note that if they spotlight deer after hours during archery season, they will also be fined. If you have a firearm with you during a season when it is illegal to spotlight deer, you can be fined, even if your weapon is not loaded. Fines are higher for having a loaded weapon with you.