Another question for boehr...predators and centerfires

[Pat Eddinger]

boehr,
I had a customer in here this morning that is set up for Coyote hunting over bait.Just to be sure his bait wasn't out of line legaly,he called one of the local C.O's and explained and was given the green light.He also say's that he was told that he could use his 22-250 at night,as long as firesrm deer season wasn't open.I told the guy to call the C.O. back to get a clarification,but he was adamant that he was told it was OK.What gives?Did I miss something in the rules that allows the use of a centerfire at night?Heck I have been using a .22LR instead of the .223 and hate it.It would be nice,but I don't need a ticket either.If time allows I can still get ahold of the guy before he heads out to hunt.Thanks!Pat

[yoda]

The way I read it your right Pat, Centerfire Rifles for night time hunting of predators is a BIG No No, Shotguns and Rimfire only.. If this is changed GREAT, I know of a few spots when the big lakes freeze that the coyotes run, night time hunting them there with a centerfire would be Fantastic....

[Pat Eddinger]

Yoda,
Amen Brother!Not to mention putting the caller on shore and zapping from a Johnboat 100yds out!Eveything fun is illeagal!HA!HA!
I gotta get a positive yes or no and call the guy or he's toast!Good guy,just stubborn.
Thanks man!Pat

[boehr]

There is no change Pat, you can not use a centerfire rifle at night. Starting today, you can use one during the day for coyote hunting but not at night. Page 46 in the digest is correct. I suspect some confusion between daytime and nightime hunting exsists in that conversation

[Pat Eddinger]

Thanks boehr,
I figured there was no way the rules folks would change something mid season,and I know that Paul wouldn't give bum scoop.I'll give the guy a holler at home and remind him again.Then my conscience is clear.
Could you provide some insight as to why this rule exists?Most of the midnight "trophy hunting" that goes on is done with a rimfire.I honestly would rather have folks busting coyotes with .223's and highly frangible bullets than with the rimfies that ricochet badly,and everyone could hear that a shot was taken.My first thought when I hear a .22LR at night is someone is shooting deer again.Is it supposed to be a safety thing?A noise thing?Thanks again!Pat

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I would just like some clarification on a subject. Am I allowed to use my centerfire rifle to hunt predators during daylight hours, even in zone 3? I know this topic came up earlier in the year. I have a 6.5 x55 Swede that I am just itching to bust a coyote with. I would just like some verification so I am not in violation of any laws. Thanks.

[boehr]

Pat, I can only give you a guess about using a centerfire at night. That would be because one may or may not be able to see beyond their target and maybe be shooting towards something they can't see.

16 gauge...Yes you can use your centerfire in the shotgun zone for rabbit hunting, coyote hunting, whatever, during daylight hours and outside the period of Nov 10 thru Nov 30. Just remember the population in Zone 3, the urban sprawl, and you are ultimately responsible for where the bullet stops.

[Pat Eddinger]

boehr,
Thanks for the guess.I never though about that possibility.I know where the bad angles are where I hunt locally,but never considered a guy coming in from outside the area and not knowing the same.Still put in a word for the use of the 17Rem for me if ya get a chance will ya!The sound of .22's whirring off in the dark bothers me.
Cheers!Pat