State Hunting Laws

West Virginia Hunting Laws

West Virginia Hunting Laws

West Virginia hunting has made some minor changes this season. They have
recently extended “antler less” deer hunting, which now begins in September for
both archery, and muzzleloader hunting. This decision was made due to two
reasons, first being the roughest times of winter affecting these hunters’
season, and for the rapid increase in deer population within the region.

Like every other state, there are different licenses for
different game. The main licenses held by hunters in the state of West Virginia
are classes A, X, and XJ. A being Buck only gun season, X being Bow, buck only,
and muzzleloader, while XJ is Junior bow, buck-only, and muzzleloader. There
are certain additions needed when hunting for bears, coyotes, antler less deer,
or other West Virginia hunting game.

Any person born on, or prior to January 1, 1975 must present
a certificate of satisfactory completion of a Hunter Education Course in order
to be issued a hunting license or a stamp. A person is not eligible to hunt
unless they have the proper licenses, a photo ID, and a proof of hunter safety
certification if required.

West Virginia has a point system set up for hunting
violations in order to prevent reckless or negligent acts. Persons found guilty
of either shooting a human or livestock automatically have their license
revoked for five years. The highest amount of points one could accumulate is
ten points, before their license is suspended for a total of two years. Points
are removed after the second year of revocation or upon renewal of license.

Like any other state, West Virginia land regulations are
designed in order to prevent recklessness, protect the interest and safety of
others, along with preventing intent of unethical conducts. It is illegal to
hunt in state parks, safety zones in state forests, and or wildlife management
areas. Without the permission of the landowner, it is prohibited to shoot,
hunt, or trap upon the fenced or posted grounds of another person. It is
illegal to hunt with a fully automatic firearm, or carry and uncased or loaded
gun after 5 am on Sunday in counties which prohibit Sunday hunting, except at a
regularly used firearm range, or except as provided in the trapping
regulations.

For any further questions regarding West Virginia hunting or
hunting on specific West Virginia land, there are many contacts who are readily
available to assist you. You can either go on www.wvhunt.com or contact (304)
558-2758.

New Jersey Hunting Laws

New Jersey Hunting Laws

One of the first steps in being able to hunt or trap in any state, is to obtain a hunting license. There are a few things to consider before obtaining a license for New Jersey hunting. For example, in the state of New Jersey there are actually many different kinds of hunting licenses that you may be eligible to apply for before setting out on your hunting trip.

These licenses include: residential licenses, licenses for men and woman who serve or have served in the armed forces, non-residential (if you are not from New Jersey but plan to engage in New Jersey hunting), a license that will allow you to hunt for just one day, and there are also special licenses for under aged individuals (youth licenses).

When applying for a license, there are usually fees that need to be paid, which vary according to the type of license that you wish to apply for. In New Jersey, it is also required that you complete the NJ Child Support Certification Process in order to apply for a license to go on a hunting trip.

New Jersey hunting also requires that you obtain permits/license that will allow you to hunt specific animals and also to carry certain firepower and/or weapons. Some of the animals that require special permits in order to hunt them in New Jersey include:  wild turkey, deer, waterfowl/migratory birds, and other game animals. Along with the permits to hunt specific animals, you will also need permits/licenses for specific guns. When hunting specific animals, you will actually need to apply for a rifle permit.

In New Jersey, a rifle permit is required in order to hunt deer, coyote, and smaller game animals (i.e. squirrels, woodchucks, etc.). Aside from rifles, you will also need a license to use a bow and arrow. There are also fees that have to be paid when obtaining a weapon or game permit/license. The fees usually coincide with the hunting license that you apply for.

When New Jersey hunting, it is also important to understand how to properly tag/stamp and animal before your hunting trip. Each animal may have their own unique stamp that you will have to apply for. For example; waterfowl, duck, deer, pheasant/quail, etc. Stamp fees differ according to whichever animal you choose to hunt/trap while on your hunting trip.

For any information regarding special licenses, which areas are permitted for hunting, or any additional questions you may have before your hunting trip in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact New Jersey lawyers.

New York Hunting Laws

New York Hunting Laws

New York hunting is one of the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the empire state. In New York a hunter is offered a wide variety of wildlife to trap, including bears, turkeys, deer and more. Most of New York hunting grounds are private which keep them easy to regulate.
Additionally New York hunting can be conducted in Wildlife Management Areas, some parks, and on property that is owned by a New York citizen with permission of the proper individuals.  About seven hundred thousand New York residence and fifty thousand tourists hunt on state grounds throughout each year. Each hunter is required to report their harvest, or the animals that they have caught.
Hunting regulation helps to not only preserve the wildlife, but to also provide support to the wildlife conservation of the state, and also provide economic relief to the the state of New York. This support is given economically by fees associated with the New York hunting licenses, taxes, ammunition fees, and federal aid for the Wildlife restoration program. 
Providing a New York hunting license is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental conservation. The goal of this department is to regulate the supply and demand of the wildlife, and to regulate how people hunt. This is extremely important because the taking of too many animals can lead to their demise. Additionally this department uses the funds received when people acquire a New York hunting license to gather data and statistics needed for effective wildlife research and restoration.
A New York hunting license is given through three sub divisions or departments known as the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, and the Division of Forest Protection. This division of authority keeps New York hunting regulated and organized. Much like the breakdown of government, this keeps the checks and balances of hunting in the state. 
A New York hunting licence can be given in different forms including; recreational marine, fishing, hunting, trapping, hunting, lifetime sporting, and patriot plan sporting.
A special New York hunting license is given in the event that a hunter is requesting the use of a hunting guide, or they are attempting to trap a  very rare or almost extinct animal. For example when a hunter desires a guide, or someone who shows or instructs hunters to fish and hunt certain things. This is usually used by tourists who do not know the regulations of the state or those that are hunting for the first time. This department is regulated by the New York state Forest Rangers, and a New York hunting licence is issued by them as well.
In the case of special hunting circumstances like black bear hunting, crocodile hunting, or any dead endangered species, a special New York hunting license is needed. Additionally New York hunting laws require those needing a license to liberate fish or wildlife, a falconry license, dangerous wildlife license, or others a special license is issued as well. The regulations of New York hunting are extensive and with good reason.
Hunting is done as recreation, however it is important to the wildlife, as well as the citizens of New York that it not be abused. The requirement of a New York hunting license makes it hard for people to abuse these laws. 

North Carolina Hunting Laws

North Carolina Hunting Laws

North Carolina hunting offers some exciting and unique opportunities to hunt in the state. Many residents and tourists hunt much of the wild life including, bears, deer, wild boar, turkeys, wild turkey, squirrels, birds, migratory birds, swans, and other excited wildlife. Mainly people are regulated by the the North Carolina wildlife Resources Commission. Many of the hunting laws of the state regulate the amount of a specific animal that can be hunted.

North Carolina honors all Federal hunting laws that override state laws. Mainly this is in respect to migratory birds, and other federally controlled wildlife. Hunting laws in North Carolina prohibit any person from taking migratory birds with the use of any shot gun bigger than a ten gauge, which includes;rifles, swivel guns, shot guns and more. North Carolina hunting prohibits that hunters conceal any migratory bird in a car, boat, under water device, or aircraft. North Carolina law also prohibits the use of any animal sounds or calls for commercial use or to the benefit of any human.

A hunter may not take a bird or game that exists within a baiting zone or a place which will attract other wildlife. Additionally game and migratory birds are not allowed to be captured during off seasons or periods in which a person has reached their bag limits.

Hunting laws require every hunter keep a bag limit of all they hunt which limits the amount that they hunt each day. One of the rarest of the birds is the Swan. This waterfowl can not be hunted by everyone. In North Carolina hunting drawings are done at random and hunters are only allowed to hunt one single swan ever in their life.These laws protect the animals from being coerced into unlawful hunting in the state.

Hunting laws on big game like bears, deer, boar, turkeys, etc… are a little more lenient but not much more. North Carolina hunting prohibits any the taking of any cubs or female bears with cubs. The use of bait to coerce bears is prohibited as well, including, salt licks, grain, fruit, sugar, sugar based products or materials, small animals, or animal parts. Additionally hunting laws prohibit that hunters place any food next to an area where bears are frequently resting that may be processed with any of these ingredients.

The most important of the bear restrictions is hunting on on bear sanctuaries. Each county in North Carolina houses a sanctuary for these animals. Bears are only allowed to be hunted during hunting season that includes both Western and Eastern season. Deer are another animal regulated  within North Carolina hunting.

North Carlina only permits that up to six deer are hunted at a time, which creates another bag limit within hunting laws of the state. Hunting laws outline specific seasons when it is permitted to hunt these wild animals, including; Eastern, Central, Northwestern, and western deer seasons. They are each broken down by gun, bow and arrow, and muzzle loader.

Hunting laws in North Carolina are used to solely regulate the extinction of the animals. Although it is a sport widely used by citizens within the state and abroad, it is more important that the animal be the main focus over the human hunter themselves. 

 

North Dakota Hunting Laws

North Dakota Hunting Laws

North Dakota hunting is a recreational activity that many residence as well as non-residence engage in every year. Many people interested in hunting move to North Dakota to hunt a wide variety of animals. Hunting in North Dakota is extremely popular and offers one of the widest ranges of animals when compared to other states in the United States.

Hunters can seek big game such as,deer, pronghorn, moose,elk, big horn sheep, mountain lions, prairie dogs, rabbits,skunks, gophers, coyote, and fox. Hunting in North Dakota for small game like,grouse, drove, crane, pheasant, snipe, woodchuck, squirrel, and Hungarian Partridge is engaged in frequently as well. Some waterfowl are allowed to be hunted in the state like, geese, duck, coots, mergansers, and swan.

Each category in North Dakota law on hunting offers specific laws and regulations to each. Generally speaking hunting in North Dakota is regulated through a series of different licenses and education courses. People born after nineteen sixty one need to complete a certified hunter education course and show a proof of education certificate in order to receive a licence to participate in North Dakota hunting. People born during or before nineteen sixty one do not need to attend this education course, however, they may have to go through other procedures when trying to hunt in anther states.

These two laws are specifically for those that are residence of North Dakota. Those that were not born before nineteen sixty one, haven't completed a certified hunter education course, and are under the age of sixteen may be issued an apprentice hunter validation. An apprentice hunter validation is only issued for one year, and allows the hunter to hunt small game and deer when joined by an adult. North Dakota hunting is regulated in a way that ensures the safety of the person hunting and those around them. If a young hunter does not know the proper way to hunt, they can hurt someone around them.

North Dakota hunting requires a specific license for a fish, hunting, and forbear certifications that cost one dollar, small game licences that are six dollars, and small game and habitat licenses for residents of the state. Non residents are required to pay more.

Hunting in North Dakota requires that residents pay additional fees if they seek combination licenses that cost about thirty two dollars all together. Fees also exist for those that wish to purchase crane permits, pronghorn bow licenses, youth pronghorn bow licenses, deer bow licenses and more. North Dakota hunting is very regulated so that the game and fish department know what is being hunted. Hunting in North Dakota for big game offers an opportunity for the hunter to donate to the homeless through the sportsmen hunger program.

This program offers the opportunity to join North Dakotas poverty fighting program. This aspect of the game and fish department showcases that North Dakota hunting is used both as recreation and a means to fight poverty. The safety of both the animals and people are very important in North Dakota.

 

Michigan Hunting Laws

Michigan Hunting Laws

As is the case in most every state, you must have a Michigan hunting license prior to partaking in any hunting activities. The minimum age for any type of license is 10, and that is for Gamebird Hunting Preserve.

There are special rules for youth hunters. While they can be licensed as early as the age of 10, hunters must be still be at least 12 years of age in order to hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm. Hunters aged 12 to 13 may hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm only on private land, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program. Nonresidents under the age 17 may purchase resident and junior licenses. 

In addition, junior archery deer hunting, junior combination deer, junior small game, and junior fur harvester licenses are available to both resident and nonresident hunters, ages 10 to 16, and also grant them the same privileges as the adult licenses. There are a number of rules that must be known following license. It is illegal to hunt or pursue wild animals or birds from a motorized vehicle or any type as well as from a sailboat.

You may not set fires to drive out game. You may not buy or sell game, except as provided by trapping rules or captive wildlife permit. Hunting under the influence of alcohol or any drugs or other substances of the like is strictly prohibited as it put's yourself as well as other at a great risk. In terms of firearms, you may not us cartridges containing a tracer or explosive bullets. Usage of a silencer is also prohibited. Dogs are expressly forbidden from being used while hunting in the state of Michigan. The only exception for usage of dogs would be in order to detect wounded deer.

Specifications exist, however, none of the persons may carry a firearm or bow and arrow, and the dog may not constantly barks while tracking is also forbidden. One other item may be held during night-tracking, and that is an artificial light. You may not harm or harass a bear or deer that is in a body of water, as well as cannot kill or wound an animal without reasonably attempting to retrieve the carcass and add it to your daily bag.

Reptiles and amphibians are also not to be shot at with a firearm of any kind. In terms of possession of wild animals, it is illegal to possess a bat or skunk in Michigan. As float hunting seems to be a popular option amidst the great lakes, there is also regulation stated as opposed to a lack thereof in other states.

Float hunters must obtain permission to enter lands protected by the recreational trespass law. They may, however float hunt public lands open to hunting, so be aware of your location. Hunter harassment is also forbidden and should be reported as soon as the violation occurs. No one individual's hunting experience should ever be interfered with lacking just cause.

If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Michigan lawyers.

Minnesota Hunting Laws

Minnesota Hunting Laws

In order to hunt in Minnesota, there are a variety of licenses that you can choose from depending on who you are and what you plan to hunt. Curiously enough, despite the range of ages specified in the varying licenses seeming to go from 10 to infinity, there exists a lifetime license for a child as young as 3 years of age. Payments are accumulated per category, however. These include fishing at $227, small game at $217, Sports at $357, and Deer with firearms or archery at $337. These are, of course, for youth taking Minnesota as their legal residence. 
As always, prices for nonresidents are increased by good amounts. Individuals may not buy, sell, transport, or possess protected wild animals without a license unless otherwise specified. On border waters of adjacent states, etc., a Minnesota hunting license will only allow you to take wild animals on the Minnesota side of the border.
Purchasing a license does not guarantee possession for the life of the license, however. An individual convicted of 2 or more violations under a small game or trapping license within a 3-year period may have their small game hunting or trapping privileges revoked for one whole year. This can increase to 3 years or more depending on the violations and the frequency at which they occur. 
There are also strict regulations when it comes to use of firearms. Minnesota gun rights include no permit, registration or licensing required to purchase, own, or carry shotguns or rifles. Permits are required only to purchase and carry handguns. In terms of hunting regulations, a person may not transport a firearm on a motor vehicle unless it is unloaded, cased, or unloaded in a closed trunk. An archery bow or crossbow may not be transported, likewise, unless the bow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.
Individuals 18 and older may carry a handgun in the woods and fields or on waters to hunt or shoot targets. Those under 18 may also do so if under the supervision of a parent or guardian, and if they meet specific fire safety requirements. No person is allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the time beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after the close of the season within an area where deer may be legally taken by firearms.
Though there are lists specifying the protection of certain animals, there also exists animals whom Minnesota does not protect. These include weasels, coyotes, gophers, porcupines, striped skunks, and all other mammals for which there are no closed seasons or other protection. They may be taken in any way except for use of artificial lights, a motor vehicle, or poisons not in accordance with label regulations of the state Department of Agriculture and federal Environmental Protection Agency. Awareness of the multitude of rules and regulations set forth by the state on Minnesota is vital to a successful hunting season.

Mississippi Hunting Laws

Mississippi Hunting Laws

Like every state, Mississippi hunting is regulated by an organization that sets the rules for hunting. This organization is called the Department of Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. These Mississippi hunting laws can change depending on what type of animal one is hunting. For instance, Mississippi duck hunting has the same regulations as Mississippi deer hunting.

If one is between the ages of 16 and 64 years old, they must have a hunting license to legally catch animals. The exception to that Mississippi law on hunting is if one is hunting on their own property. Even individuals who visit Mississippi are legally required to have a Mississippi hunting license, if they are over the age of 17.

An officially disabled person is not required to have a Mississippi hunting license, but they have to carry a copy that Social Services released to the disabled person, declaring them officially disabled. Individuals who do not are likely to get into legal trouble. If a person gets their Mississippi hunting license in an illegal manner, then they may be ordered to spend up to a year in jail as well pay a fine of $2,000.

Mississippi hunting laws vary depending on what type of animal one is hunting. Beavers, raccoons and foxes cannot only be hunted at night. Mississippi duck hunting requires strict regulations about how many ducks are allowed to be killed each day. According to Mississippi duck hunting laws, an individual can bag six ducks per day, and those are broken down into the type of duck. For instance, one must not kill more than four mallards in one day, and no more than two female mallards are allowed to be killed.

Mississippi hunting laws require an individual to hunt only in particular places. No one is allowed to hunt near any public streets, highways or thruways. Different guns are required for different types of animals when hunting, according to Mississippi hunting laws. Smaller animals require guns such as a .22 hand gun. When hunting a bigger animal, like a deer, a larger single or double-barreled rifle is permitted. Certain clothes must be worn while hunting deer. During open gun season, to avoid accidents, individuals must wear neon orange vests during times like open gun seasons, unless they are on their own property.

There are many complicated rules and regulations when it comes to Mississippi hunting laws. Before one begins to hunt, they should check with the Department of Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks so that they are aware of every rule, no matter how small.

Missouri Hunting Laws

Missouri Hunting Laws

Almost every type of hunting activity requires some sort of a Missouri hunting license. They will also need a Missouri hunting permit. While Missouri residents can legally obtain everything they need to hunt without much cost, out of state residents will have to pay a higher price to obtain a Missouri hunting license.

Requirements may vary to obtain a Missouri hunting license depending on what type of animal one wishes to hunt. There are very specific Missouri laws when it comes to obtaining a Missouri hunting license. Even the hunting of frogs requires a particular Missouri hunting license. When obtaining a Missouri hunting license, one should check with the Missouri Department of Conservation. They will have information on every rule and regulation that is required to get a particular Missouri hunting license.

There is a requirement that is state wide. Any person born after the year 1966 has to take and pass a Missouri hunting safety class. No one can obtain a Missouri hunting license without one. The Missouri hunting certification test contains a written part. This stage of obtaining a Missouri hunting license can be done on the Internet or in person. If one passes that that test, they are then allowed to take the field test.  The certificate that is given to the individual once they pass the test, an individual is required to take a field course on hunting safety. Once a person has completed these successfully, he may purchase a state hunting license.

One may want to buy a lifetime Missouri hunting license. A lifetime Missouri hunting license will save money for individuals who are frequent hunters. A lifetime Missouri hunting license will also eliminate excess paperwork. Like other Missouri hunting licenses, a lifetime one can be obtained at the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Missouri Department of Conservation has its headquarters located in Jefferson City, Missouri and is the only place where one can obtain a specialized Missouri hunting permit. As in many states, anyone with a Missouri hunting license must wear a bright orange vest when hunting.

In Missouri, the safety of the hunter is very important. This is why there are so many steps that must be taken to acquire a Missouri hunting license. Once a Missouri hunting license is obtained, then it is transferable amongst most states in America, although a new state license will have to be purchased after proving certification.

Montana Hunting Laws

Montana Hunting Laws

Montana hunting laws are the same for residents and non-residents alike. A popular animal to hunt in Montana is elk. Participators in Montana elk hunting, as well as other types of hunting, must follow a set of guidelines and rules before one is allowed to legally hunt in that state.

For an individual to be given the legal right to participate in Montana hunting, they must first get a Montana wildlife conservation license. A social security card is necessary for obtaining the conservation license that is needed for Montana elk hunting, as well as any other type of hunting. Since residents and non-residents of Montana must abide by the same hunting rules. Under most circumstances, an individual is only allowed to buy one Montana hunting license a year. Sometimes, Montana elk hunting licenses can be bought more than once.

Younger children are allowed to obtain certain types of Montana hunting licenses as long as they meet some requirements. If a child is 12 or will turn 12 while their license is being processed, they can legally purchase several different types of Montana hunting licenses. A Montana elk hunting license can be purchased, as well as a black bear Montana hunting licenses and two different types of deer hunting licenses.

Montana hunting is only legal for children under the age of 14 if they are accompanied by a qualified safety instructor, a parent or guardian, or an individual that has the parents' permission to take the child hunting.

Once an individual obtains a Montana hunting license, they have to carry it with them at all times when they hunt. Individuals can not lend their license to anyone else. As with most states, neon orange clothing is required, as well as time restrictions on when an individual is allowed to hunt, due to safety reasons.

Larger animals can be hunted between a half hour before sun rise until a half hour before sunset. A Montana hunting license does not entitle an individual to participate in party hunting, or an the action of several individuals shooting at the same animal. Each individual with a Montana hunting license has to shoot their own animal.

While obtaining a Montana hunting license can be complicated, knowing specific rules and regulations can help make the process much easier. One should keep the age of the individual in mind, as well as the various rules that accompany the ability to legally hunt in Montana. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Montana lawyers.

 

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