RE: spotlighting
 

I can understand the safety aspect of shooting while spotlighting on private land, but what if you're not armed? It would be a way to take a count if you're trying to gather a buck/doe ratio.

In Georgia, it is illegal to shine and a light. It's disturbing the wildlife. My great uncle got ticketed on his own land when he was shining a spot light through his fields. He was only checking on one of his cows. This cow was near to having a calf. After he didn't see her near the house or barn he was riding through his field. It just so happened that the game warden road by and ticketed him for disturbing the wildlife. He pleaded his case though it did no good.:(

Why is it legal to hunt coyote, racoon, etc. at night with lights (even though there is a light restriction)? Couldn't this be considered disturbing the wildlife? A group of guys with dogs going about through the woods or gun fire, all this sounds like it would disturb other wildlife as well!

I don't understand, maybe someone could shine a little light my way?

David

RE: spotlighting
 

I can't believe someone on this board has to ask way spotlighting is wrong.Give me a break man,have you ever heard of shooting fish in a barrel.You want to get meat that easy then go to the store!

RE: spotlighting
 

I think its all about safety. The thing about disturbing the wildlife is not about "disturbing" them. You see, when you hold a large light (over 6 volts), the deer's pupils shrink as someone mentioned before. The deer runs out of the field into the woods with tiny pupils, therefore no night vision. This is dangerous to the deer. It is running but cant see where it is going. This goes for any nocturnal animal. Try holding a light in your eyes then running through the woods. By the way, I do a lot of hunting in on the west side of Taylor County past Butler. You familiar with the area?

RE: spotlighting
 

Sorry, that last question about hunting near Butler was too davidhardegree. My bad

RE: spotlighting
 

I guess I am just in a argumentative mood today but the, its just to easy to be hunting with a light, is a crock. I hunt my own property and it is an almost guaranteed that I go to my stand on opening day and in a few hours I will score a buck. Should I wear some bells to make it more sporting. Secondly if you are shooting down at all the shot isn’t going to far and third when a deer is standing there it is very unlikely that some bystander is wandering about without spooking him. I took a peek down the orchard from my porch a few nights ago with a million candle power light and two deer were about 150 yards out and spooked immediately so I am not sure just how easy night hunting is. And how do all the its to easy guys know this unless you have tried it???

RE: spotlighting
 

I have heard of special instances where farmers with crop damage permits were allowed to spotlight to help thin the population quicker. In states where spotlighting is legal to view game, it can be a fun way to get out and see deer you may not see during daylight hours. Shooting deer while spotlighting unless for legal population control mentioned above, does not seem very sporting to me.

RE: spotlighting
 

Thats about as dumb a question as if its okay to be poaching[:@] Haven't you ever been four wheeling at night? You can drive right up on deer. Spotlighting is unethical, and it pisses off the real hunters who pay good money and spend there time to search out a good buck all year to not get a chance at it because some yahoo shot it at night! And that its on your land crap is just that. Unless you own alot of land its a good bet that the deer are on other land also. The rules are in place for a reason. Crap like that is what will take away our rights to hunt.

RE: spotlighting
 

Yeah, I know about where this is. Not too far from where I'm at, I believe. I know a couple of folks who used to teach out there.

RE: spotlighting
 

woody, trac, I can do without the personal attacks. I don't spotlight and don't ever plan to, even if it was legal. I simply posed a question to get y'all thinking about the ways in which we persue game and why.
What about hunting over bait? Should food plots be considered baiting? Aren't scent-lures a type of bait? To guys in shotgun-only states, do you consider using centerfire rifles unsportsmanlike?

RE: spotlighting
 

I'm with you Tomshatme it is all a matter of personnel preference where to draw the line. I don't particulary like all the my way or the highway or you are a bad guy because it isn't my way attitudes often shown here.