Very good question.

I'll check but I know you don't have to case your bow, that law changed a couple of years ago!!

Bird Hunt Dog,

I agree but in WI if it is not ENCLOSED in the case when in the truck it is a violation. And I am with you rybohunter. I think it is absurd but that is the way the law reads.

As for the lee way on time that is strickly a warden thing. If you have been breaking other laws he will write you up for 1 minute. It you did nothing else he MAY only give you a warning. Guess it depends on how things went with his wife the night before.

so what else defines poaching in your opinion?

Poaching is the illegal killing, or attempted killing of wildlife.

Am I a poacher. I turkey hunted this past weekend with my 870. I crow hunted with the same shotgun yesterday. I started unloading after a few minutes of fast and furious crow shooting and four shells came out. Apparently, I have been hunting all year without a plug, which is illiegal. I had no idea because I hadn't tried to put more than three shells in the gun. I for the lofe of me still can't remember when I would have taken that plug out. However, I was still breaking the law. Am I a poacher?

I certainly don't consider myself a poacher, however by most of your definitions I am a poacher.

How many of you have never broken a game law?

If anyone has any question's on whether they are poaching or not. Ask yourself would you be willing to go to the local game warden (within 24 hours after the kill) and proclaim to them, the real truth, on the full story of the kill including the correct time, place, and equipment used. If you have to lie to tell the story to them because the real truth would get you introuble with the law, then you are poaching!!!

Technically, I guess so.
Isn't it your responsibility to know what equipment you are using?
I think you would be responsibly to follow the game laws of your state which would include proper firearm requirements.
Would a game warden write you up for it? I have no idea.
Would I consider you a bad person, or less of a hunter, of course not.

I don't know about your State, but you don't have to leave your stand by a certain time here. But, you better not shoot if it's after legal shooting hours.

Most States use the official sunrise/sunset tables. In Oklahoma, legal shooting hours varies by species. For deer, it's half hour before sunrise, to half hour after sunset. But you can sit in your stand all night if you want.

I agree with most here, and so does the law. Any violation of law while in the pursuit of game is considered "poaching". As sportsmen, we should all be adamently against any activity that sheds a bad light on us. Remember, it's not the anti hunters we should fear, it's the non-hunting citizens in this country that make up the majority. Most have no opinion either way about the subject. It is they who will be deciding our future. Anything we do to give them a poor impression of us can affect how they vote, and ultimately, whether or not we can continue to enjoy our sport.

If you're not conscientious enough to know and follow the laws, you have no business being in the field.