Bow Light While WT hunting.

[SwampRabbit]

Probably should just call the GW and ask, but, I'm stuck in a meeting:

It dawned on me the other day that I have been shooting my bow for months now with my bow light installed. I had plans on hunting hog at night and only ended up with one opprotunity to do so.

Now, I already know you are not allowed to hunt deer with a light, but you can hunt hogs with it. The question is, am I allowed to have my bow light attached to my bow while I am hunting WT during the day, even if I never turn it on.

I'd rather not have to take it off because 1) I know I shoot differently between the two setups because of the weight distribution and 2) I'd like to have the option that while I am sitting in the stand, if, after 30 mins after sunlight passes, I can stay there for a little longer to see if the hogs come in. I've thought maybe I could just unplug the switch on the riser from the bow during shooting hours and only re-attach it after shooting hours; but would that be enough, and is it even an issue in the first place?

[afishinman14]

I believe you cannot have one on you at all while whitetail hunting. I interpret this as not even having one after dark. Because how is the Game Warden going to verify you weren't targeting whitetail after dark? IF I WAS GOING TO TRY IT, I would definitely call him beforehand and let him know.

But I know I saw something in the hunting regulations handbook about having lights during any whitetail season. Only thing you can have is a light for your pins.

Could be wrong

[rossivey]

I've always thought of it like this: If you aren't using it to hunt WT at night, then it should be ok to have it in your possession. I've been spotlighting during deer season but never used it to shoot at deer. Same can be said about a handgun during archery but I know what that discussion holds. I'd say it was alright but I'd talk to the GW just to make sure.

Here's what is on the TPWD website

Artificial light

Artificial light of any form that casts or reflects a beam of light onto or otherwise illuminates a game animal or bird may not be used as an aid to hunt, except battery-powered scoping devices that project a light or dot only inside the scope; pin sight lights on archery equipment; or laser sighting devices used by legally blind hunters, or hunters who have a documented permanent physical disability that prevents them from using traditional firearm sighting devices.

Non-protected nongame animals and fur-bearing animals may be hunted at night with the aid of an artificial light on private property. If hunting at night, please make a courtesy telephone call to your local game warden.

[Boomer57]

GW says you can have bow lite mounted during season, just don't use it. But he did say having it on bow could get you into a lengthily conversation with any GW.
It IS ILLEGAL to have a site or targeting lite that projects a beam of light used to target a WT. so a flood light type devise is ok.

[Brandon1574]

the game warden I spoke to said you can have it while hunting hogs at night but if he sees you with it during deer season its pretty much going to be up to the warden if he believes you. He suggested not having it on during season unless you are on private land.

[rossivey]

Be sure and check with YOUR local GW. I've seen different responses by two many different GWs to know that whichever one you're dealing with is the one you need to ask.

[ATControlFreak]

I spoke with my GW about this very thing earlier in the week. He basically said that he allowed it unless I came dragging a freshly killed deer out of the woods WAY after dark! Then I would have to answer some questions. Like the previous posts have stated, just contact your GW and ask first. As long as you are up front with him/her and have not used it for killing deer after hours, you should be fine.

[SwampRabbit]

I spoke with my GW about this very thing earlier in the week. He basically said that he allowed it unless I came dragging a freshly killed deer out of the woods WAY after dark! Then I would have to answer some questions. Like the previous posts have stated, just contact your GW and ask first. As long as you are up front with him/her and have not used it for killing deer after hours, you should be fine.

would that be our Leon county Game Warden?

[Brazos Hunter]

Take the batteries out and do not have them on you and you will be okay. If you have batteries on your person though, and you get stopped, you are s@rewed!

[BubbaHFD]

This is a good question since I was wanting to put a bow light on my bow for the same reason. Ill be checking with my local GW as well. Thank you sir for throwing that question out there.

[DasBoot]

You're not using it to AID in the hunting of a GAME animal. It doesn't say you can't be in possession of it while hunting a game animal. I do not see how any game warden would have a leg to stand on to find a violation if you say you're hunting hogs after dark.

I always have a Hawglite while hunting and I will as long as the law stays the same.

[westtexducks]

I wouldn't be worried about it, especially since that light is useless during the day when you are hunting deer anyways. Do you get a ticket for having a spotlight in the truck, or get a ticket for having a gun to kill varmints when doing a deer count for MLD properties? No, otherwise they would be able to right you a ticket for being in the stand before shooting hours since there is the possibility of you shooting a deer outside legal hours.

[super_dave]

I would see it as if it were like the spotlight rule. Not illegal to hunt hogs with one on private property, but it sure will save you a lot of headache and question answering.

[afishinman14]

I wouldn't be worried about it, especially since that light is useless during the day when you are hunting deer anyways.

Yes it is useless during the day. That is the reason a game warden may suspect you are using it to hunt deer at NIGHT. Which is illegal.

Although it may be legal to have it for hogs, it can be suspicious to a game warden. And you may save you some headache leaving it at home. I personally wait until Jan/Feb to hunt hogs at night. Pick my battles.

[wyliescrib]

i think not only issues with the state but the pope and young guys wont allow it...