Float hunting regs

[fishermatt]

a buddy and I were in a slough that had some vegetation but also some open water. we were using oars to sneak up on ducks, and had shot a couple. when we got to shore the CO gave us the 3rd degree about how what we were doing was illegal because we weren't partially concealed.... He found some lead shot in my buddy's shell box (d'oh!) so he got a ticket for that, but we did not get aticket for the open water shooting. If he hadn't found anything else to write us up for he may have done it for that, because he was determined to get us for something.... I think a river must be viewed differently than a lake.

[oilguy]

Goldy, no, the CO was in Ottertail County,
Im hunting in northeast MT (waterfowl Nirvana!) Havn't seen another waterfowl hunter in 2 weeks. I did find 2 empty shell casings by one WPA. Wicked snowstorm last 18 hours. Massive swan movement yesterday afternoon. majority of ducks in these parts are locals up to yesterday. Too dangerous to go out today. Don't think any birds will be left after this one. On the bright side, it's heading toward home.
I'm about ready to head that way too.

[Nels]

Well,
while I was hunting pheasants in SD last weekend,I found out one of the guys in our group is a CO up by Bemidji. I asked him about float hunting down a creek or river, and he gave the answer that Oilguy did- That if you would be able to shoot across the river (bank to bank)and kill a bird, then you could float hunt it, without being in a natural cover of vegetation.

[This message has been edited by Nels (edited 12-04-2003).]