Fireworks?
 

I was wondering about the legality of using fireworks to aid in deer drives. My dad said he used to do it when he was younger, so probably 30 or so years ago, and i thought this would be a fun way to get some deer movin on our property, being that we had 11 hunters hunting 4 days and i shot the only deer and half the guys didnt see a thing. we have many marshes and swamps on the property that are most likely providing enough cover the deer dont have to move during daylight, and walks through these areas havent produced. He mentioned it may be illegal, and i checked the regs, but they didnt offer any information, but are also not a complete list of laws. There wouldnt be a fire danger as i'd be lighting them off in a tin can to add some bang, but id still worry about getting fined, so most likely wont do it, that is unless somebody can provide some concrete evidence that it is indeed legal. thanks alot.

RE: Fireworks?
 

don't feel bad. We had 5 guys in our hunting group in NC Wis--two shots on two does, that's all we had a chance at for three days! We did a couple of drives and the only deer we saw were after we all went back to our blinds/stands.

To answer your question: why wouldn't you just bang a shot into a tree or ground when everybody was in place? Seems to accomplish the same thing without the legal issue.

RE: Fireworks?
 

thats an option, but ive had deer in sight not react to a shot that was 50 yards away, and was thinking deer that were bedded might not react any more readily. also, firecrackers dont send bullets whizzing around, id say it would be safer.

RE: Fireworks?
 

I've heard stories of deer drives with old timers banging on pots and pans , but not fireworks. I wouldn't use either method, but that just me.

RE: Fireworks?
 

Yeah, so maybe drop a pack of black cats on the ground--nice way to signal the party that you're ready for the drive. Just be prepared for your DNR truck to show up and inspect weapons for autos. ; )

RE: Fireworks?
 

Ya I agree with TRYKONOISSEURI wouldnt do anything... Just hunt you dont need to do weird crap like that.

RE: Fireworks?
 

I agree its wierd, and ive heard of pots and pans also, but we havent had any luck just hunting, and with only 1 deer on the meat pole we are a little desperate. Ive heard stories of guys jumping deer that are holding tight only 10 yards from them, because the stuff is so thick, as it is on our property. we know the deer are there, i am just looking for a way to get them moving. the rut is over and the bucks are holding tight w/ their does, i thought a firecrackers in the swamps or in the thick spruce stands in the marsh would kick them up and was mainly wondering if anybody knew for sure whether or not it was legal.

RE: Fireworks?
 

Havn't done it in a long time, but you can take a few pennies and put them in a can or other metal object and it will dang sure get them out of the beds if you go throught the woods shaking them.

RE: Fireworks?
 

Ive heard pots, pans and horns being used on deer drives.

I also know someone who hunts with a group of guys every year andthey use "bird bangers" all the time. the ones that when fired from a flare gun sort of deal whistle for about 75 yards or so then give a real loud report. dont know how legal it is,, but I do know they use them...

RE: Fireworks?
 

If you're worried about the legality of using fireworks for deer drives, here's your answer. Any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal in WI. Pretty much the only things that are legal are sparklers, smoke bombs, and the cone fountains. I don't think those will be too effective for driving deer.

Don't ask me how those places can sell all the fire crackers and bottle rockets. The only way they can be legally used is if you have a permit from the local city/town for a fireworks display. (Maybe that's your in!)