Spotlighting Coyotes

[jsirwin]

For as long as I have been interested in hunting, I have been told that spotlighting is illegal. Well, I did my own research with State and County codes and ordinances. Made some phone calls, and it turns out they were wrong. We can spotlight coons, coyotes, red fox, and striped skunk.
Does anyone have any recommended equipment (spotlight candle power, scope mounted lights, night vision goggles/monocular)?

[jsirwin]

I guess this does not interest anyone? Okay, has anyone ever spotlighted coyotes???

[SteveCraig]

I've done a fair amount of night calling, but actually going out to shine for coyotes.........havent done that.
Used to spotlight coons at certain times of the season though.

[lb]

This link might get you started. LB

www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000003

[SteveCraig]

Leonard is one of the finest night callers anywhere.

You would do well to listen to anything he says or direction he points you to.

[edge]

I call at night,with a shotgun,but pretty much just cast light high at likely entry points.............I am a much better shot with a shotgun at night than a rifle.....LOL!

Edge

[jsirwin]

Thanks for the link, very useful. Only one problem, in utah, the way the law is stated, the person who is doing the shooting also has to be the one controlling the light, so I most certainly would have a better time being scope mounted. Already have an illuminated recticle, so thats not an issue.

[edge]

For a scope mounted light,I like the optronics.NOT the big one,the small one,from cabelas for about a hundred bucks.It has a velcro flipper switch that I velcro to the forearm of the 22Mag;very handy.
I didnt use it for yotes much,mostly for beaver control work,but I can vouch for the stoutness of the light and the conditions in which it will function.If equipment can withstand me,it can withstand aanything.

Edge

[mat]

one thing i have had trouble with in this state is one officer telling you one thing and one telling you another. just a idea is to get the name and badge# of the officer that told you it was ok. also you might ask for a refrance to the law in the county ordinance. just curious but what county are you in?

[reb8600]

I assume you are talking about the laws in Utah. I have done quite a bit of research on it. Most counties do not have an ordinance that allow it. The ones that do you have to contact the sheriff. The sheriff does not have to let you do it. In fact most counties the sheriff will not allow it. I would suggest you call and talk to the sheriff and make sure. Just because there is an ordinance that says you can does not mean you can just go do it.

[SteveCraig]

Welcome reb8600 and matt to the CRU predator forum.

[lb]

I really shouldn't get very far into applicable laws, but......
we should be concerned with those laws that PROHIBIT certain activities, rather than statutes, (or officials) that "allow" these activities.

In fact, I have found that one of the most unreliable sources of information about night hunting is Law Enforcement and/or Fish and Game people, in the field, or by contacting them by telephone. They will all (freely) offer advice, and, it pains me to admit; they are frequently wrong.

Read the Fish and Game Codes, that is where you will find the answers.

By the way, I don't like the term used in this thread. "Spotlighting" rabbits, deer or anything else is usually frowned upon, whereas night hunting predators with a light is often allowed and legal: as in, not specifically prohibited.

Good hunting. LB

[reb8600]

The fish and game laws here refer to the state laws which state the counties have their own ordinances. I have copies of a lot of the ordinances and called the sheriffs in those counties. Most of them no longer issue permits. They had to many people shooting cattle. I did find a few that would.

[mostinterestingmanintheworld]

Sounds like it was the same as it was 30 years ago when I was there.

Whereabouts in Utah are you from?

Joel

[jsirwin]

Washington county is where I am located. Spotlighting (under state regulations) is legal for Coyote, red fox, striped skunk, and racoon (notice it does not say jackrabbit). It is written that it is ultimately up to county code and ordinance for it to be legal or not. 23-13-17 if you want to look it up. I did some extensive reading. Washington county only has reference to discharging a firearm in the Redcliffs reserve (from what I can find). Beyond finding any references, I called Washington county administration who told me as long as I was not in (list of city limits were given) I would be fine. If you call their sheriff's dispatch, the dispatcher will take it upon themselves to make things up like "you can only shoot from sunrise to sunset" The only other party I am concerned about would be the game warden, thinking I was up to something else.

Yes, the optronics look very nice.

[reb8600]

jsirwin said:

It is written that it is ultimately up to county code and ordinance for it to be legal or not. 23-13-17 if you want to look it up. I did some extensive reading. Washington county only has reference to discharging a firearm in the Redcliffs reserve (from what I can find). Beyond finding any references, I called Washington county administration who told me as long as I was not in (list of city limits were given) I would be fine. If you call their sheriff's dispatch, the dispatcher will take it upon themselves to make things up like "you can only shoot from sunrise to sunset" The only other party I am concerned about would be the game warden, thinking I was up to something else.
.

I am familiar with 23-13-17
I would not trust a dispatcher they do not know the laws. It says you can spotlight where a county ordinance does allow it. If they dont have one then you cant. Here is a portion of it.

23-13-17. Spotlighting of coyote, red fox, striped skunk, and raccoon -- County ordinances - Permits.

(1) Spotlighting may be used to hunt coyote, red fox, striped skunk, or raccoon where allowed by a county ordinance enacted pursuant to this section.
(2) The ordinance shall provide that:
(a) any artificial light used to spotlight coyote, red fox, striped skunk, or raccoon must be carried by the hunter;
(b) a motor vehicle headlight or light attached to or powered by a motor vehicle may not be used to spotlight the animal; and
(c) while hunting with the use of an artificial light, the hunter may not occupy or operate any motor vehicle.
(7) The requirement that a county ordinance must be enacted before a person may use spotlighting to hunt coyote, red fox, striped skunk, or raccoon does not apply to:
(a) a person or his agent who is lawfully acting to protect his crops or domestic animals from predation by those animals; or
(b) an animal damage control agent acting in his official capacity under a memorandum of agreement with the division.

[jsirwin]

I was most concerned with #7.