Four minutes after "dark", what would you do?

[BrandonA]

Good Call... it could have been a Game Warden in a buck suit seeing if you would play by the rules or not.

That would be a dumb Game Warden

[Todd-ty729]

This thread and the one where the Taxi thought a deer had been taken with a gun have led me to conclude that there are a lot of folks on here that need to have a drink!

If the OP thought he was past legal shooting light and decided to not take the shot then good for him.

I would not have ever thought for a moment to think poorly of him if he decided different. Too many variables involved to worry about 4 minutes. I am not sure where you draw the line but most of us can probably figure out if there is enough light to take a good shot. Heck sunset will vary depending on longitude. Sunset in Houston is different than sunset in the hill country.

I guess poaching is a proper term but it sure does sound harsh! I always thought of poaching as hunting on land that was not yours to hunt on. I guess we learn something new all the time.

[theboydoutdoors]

I usually head for camp at sunset, so never really have to worry about 30 minutes after rules. But you did good following them.

[12thman]

WOW, this really got some discussion going. I think there are good arguments on both sids but for me I think it is my responsibility to know when legal hunting is over. I could have made a good shot on this buck but I knew it was after the "legal" time so I didn't. Hopefully I will get another chance but I won't regret the decision. At the same time, it is similar to shooting a buck that is 12 7/8". I think the intent also plays into it. If I really beleived the deer was 13" I would not feel guilty but we be much more cautious the next time. If I knew it was under and took it anyway, then it is illegal. I knew what time it was so I knew I couldn't take the shot. Hopefully the guns don't get him this weekend.

[Bruiser]

For the record, Cotton is a LEO. And he's absolutly right. 30 minute after sunset is the line. Not 34 minutes after... High horse. Give me a break.

It's real easy to get the sunrise/sunset data for everywhere in the US.

http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astron...rs-one-year-us

That would be incorrect as well.

Legal Shooting Hours for all Game Animals and Nonmigratory Game Birds: from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For information on sunrise/sunset hours, please look at: http://www.sunrisesunset.com/usa/Texas.asp.

[walker1983]

If its light enought to see my pins and identify my tarket, I would take the shot.....

I guess i have always gone by the hunt till it gets dark, then get out of the blind rule...

[Mccraw23]

you did the right thing.......you will get another shot! God has a way of taken care of people that do the right thing! god bless you...