Gun & Bow in Same Stand

[Jig4All]

This may seem like a frivolous question but I have been unable to locate this answer on the DNR HSOforum. Is it legal to have your bow and your gun in your stand at the same time during the Minnesota Season? For instance during early doe season can I have my 30-06 and by Commander in the same tree so I have options? Thanks.

[Powerstroke]

As long as you have a legal license for each weapon and they are both open to hunting at the time it is perfectly legal.

Your example for the early doe season applies as does having your bow with you during the firearms season. As long as you ahve the proper licenses for both then I say "why not?".

[TrophyEyes]

I am 99% sure it is illegal, other than bear hunting in MN. It was illegal a few years ago when I checked last. I would suggest asking the DNR or looking at the regs. I would not do it though.

[Powerstroke]

I am also 99% sure but I wouldn't take my word as gospel. There are many strange rules in the regs. The best and only way to get the right answer is to contact the DNR or your local conservation officer.

[96trigger]

I asked this question awhile back, I wanted to bow hunt, but I also had a turkey license. They told me no. I don't know what they would say about it if you were hunting the same game animal. Call the CO and let us know, but I'm pretty sure that it is not legal. We did have this discussion at length about handguns on another forum, I was surprised to find out that you could carry both as long as it was legal caliber or you had the proper permit.

[sodajerk]

Near the top of page 58 of the 2007 Hunting and Trapping Laws booklet, it says: "Except for bears, a person may not take big game by archery while in possession of a firearm." So, the answer to your question is no, unless you're bowhunting bears, in which case the possession of a gun is legal for your protection in case the bear has an averse reaction to your attack upon its personal space.

However, I do know for sure that you can have more than one gun or bow with you at a time. That is, you can carry as many different guns or bows (e.g.- a shotgun and a handgun, or four shotguns and eight handguns, or three Mathews and two Hoyts ) with you as you want as long as they are all legal for the game you're hunting.

[caseymcq]

Check out page 58 of the hunting regs. Forth bullet down:

Except for bears, a person may not take big game by archery while in possession of a firearm.

[USPENAMC]

the way i understood it was... if you are in season for both you can but you cannot have a firearm in possesion before FIREARMS OPENER. do you get me?

you can only use a bow up until the november opener. During the opener and while firearm season is open you can probably have both if you have a license for both.

once the firearm season ends you can no longer have a firearm with you (bear is the exception)(it has to be the same game animal too) you cant go out duck hunting with your shotgun and have your bow in case a deer runs by he he he

what do you all think???

[Jig4All]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I would ask the DNR. During firearems season I'm positive you can use a bow. Doesnt make sense you couldnt have a gun also. During firearm season.

[TrophyEyes]

You can Bow hunt during Firearms season, however you have to be wearing Blaze orange and you cannot have two different "Tools" in the same stand as far as I know.

[UMDSportsman]

along the same lines, how about if you have 2 people in a stand 1 with a gun, 1 with a bow? i know i saw it on a hunting video once, just curious.

[TrophyEyes]

That would be legal if it was the proper season and they both had the relevant licenses.