Big Game Regs Questions

[fishermn]

I have a couple questions about DNR regulations that I dont think are very clear, and I would like to hear how others interpret these...

1. The use of walkie talkies for communication while hunting. The DNR regulations state "Using walkie talkies, cell phones, or other radio equipment to take

big game or small game is unlawful."

Does this mean its illegal to posses such items while hunting? Or only to activly use them in pursing your game?? Personally I know a lot of people that use them to communicate info such as when they are heading in to the shack, and other stuff that is not specifically related to pursuing big game.

2. Feeding Deer. The regs state that "No person may place or use bait for the purpose of taking deer."

How many of you out there feed deer in the off season? (In areas where you hunt or reasonably near to where you hunt) Is it illegal only if you are hunting near an active food pile? Would it be legal to feed to within say a week of season?

Just for clarity, the DNR's definition of taking is: “Taking” means pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping,

snaring, angling, spearing, or netting wild animals; or placing, setting,

drawing, or using a net, trap, or other device to take wild animals. Taking

also includes attempting to take wild animals or assisting another person

in taking wild animals.

[Jmnhunter]

hey fishermn, I believe the radios can be used as long as you aren't saying "Jim, theres a huge 8-pointer heading right your way!", but as means for communicating its fine, the DNR will trace your calls

As for the baiting, I think you can hunt a trail leading to feeders at a certain yardage, not for sure though, might have to call on that one.

-good hunting

[Mark Christianson]

As far as the bait thing goes, I asked a CO I know about this last year.

Where I live, there are lots of deer. I like to have them come up to the house where we can see them, so I have a feeder.

My lot is 1/4 mile deep, so where I bow hunt, I can barely even see the house.

I asked the CO about when I feed deer behind the house, and I am back hunting a 1/4 mile away; would that be baiting?

He flat out told me that even though I cannot see that feeder, and that I may not even be hunting a trail that leads to that feeder; he still feels that it is artificially holding deer closer to my home.

His words were, "Wait until you are done hunting at home, and then start feeding deer."

He never gave me a concrete answer as to how he would approach my specific situation.

I just choose not to even get close to crossing that line.

[ironranger420]

Use this link. Send the DNR the same question via this HSOforum. They get back to you usually the same day. This way you can rest assured that what you are doing has been "pre-approved" by the DNR.

www.dnr.state.mn.us/contact/index.html

[echotrail]

Our group (5) uses radios. We are in our 50's and 60's and are hunting 1 to 2 miles apart from each other. On the hour we just whisper "Hi" to let everyone else no there are no medical problems or if we need help dragging a deer. We will tell the others if we are going back to camp or to another area out of radio range.