Don't Carry while you Bowhunt

[safetreehunt]

I just came from a meeting tonite at the OCSC where a DNR officer explained in no uncertain terms that, while bow hunting, if you carry your pistol with your CPL/CCW you are in violation of carrying a weapon while bow hunting.

This essentially makes the entire state a "shall not carry" zone while you are carrying your bow to hunt with.

We have asked the officer and DNR representative Tim Paine to get this information out over the major networks like WJR, Free Press and news, etc. and they said they would address the issue.

No matter what you have heard, the CO considers it a violation at this time and has been instructed this way by his superiors as of today. Unless you want to be the one to "test" the law. Don't take your pistol afield.

[Swamp Monster]

This has always been the case. And each year at this time the topic gets revisited. It's surprising how many folks do not or did no realize this.

[Banditto]

I agree with SM.

[safetreehunt]

I agree that this has always been the case. However, recently there has been a lot of discussion over the affect of Michigan's new CCW law as it affects the right of an individual to carry, even while bow hunting.

Apparently, even the State AG, Mike Cox, has agreed that the state law that gives you the right to carry, except in designated no carry zones listed in the statute, supercedes the DNR language against carrying any firearm while bowhunting. It still doesn't mean you can use it to shoot animals, of course.

This has been discussed at length in several forums and TV shows and many CCW holders have been under the impression that now it is OK.

Unfortunately all of the discussion is only opinion until some lucky fellow gets to test the law. My point is, unless you've got the cash to do this, know what you are getting into if you carry while bowhunting.

[Bean Counter]

September 30, 2004

MCRGO secures DNR compliance to new CPL law while afield or hunting.

Michigan Public Act 129 of 2004 amended Act 451 to allow Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to carry a pistol, either open or concealed, in any area frequented by wild animals. You still need the proper hunting license to hunt wild animals. One of the features of this change is to allow Archery Deer Hunters with CPL's to retain their pistol while hunting. Of course, taking a deer with a firearm in Archery only season will get you a citation.

The companion bill, Public Act 130, prohibited the DNR from issuing directives about CPL on land they control. This was because DNR decided to limit CPL in State Parks even though the State law was silent on those areas.

There was a dispute about what the act meant, with DNR Law Enforcement asserting that you still couldn't carry. This came to a head last week as the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) contacted the Attorney General's office to resolve the issue between the DNR and the Legislature. The Attorney General's office issued the informal letter ruling in favor of the CPL holders on the 28th.

An E-Mail from Chief Marble explaining the ruling allowing CPL while bow hunting was sent by Lt. David Purol to all DNR Law Enforcement staff this morning. If confronted by a Conservation Officer (CO) while carrying a concealed pistol in conformity with a CPL. a bow hunter should request that the CO check with Lt. Purol of the DNR's law enforcement division before issuing a citation.

More information about Michigan Gun Laws are available at www.mcrgo.org