So. Carolina DNR Decoy

[BillJ]

I posted this for several reasons. Our hunting rules and regulations are pretty fair IMO. DNR sets traps as in this case which I mentioned and my run in with Tatum. Accused me of all kinds of things while I was simply sitting in my truck watching doves come in to feed. As mentioned, he’s a bad actor. I never filed a complaint and I should have because of the way he acted.
Guy in video said he knew it was fake. Their goal was to tow his truck and get a known local hunter. They have too much power and no respect for hunters

 

[dryhumor]

Please explain your position here.

The point of placing a decoy is to catch a criminal in the act. Which requires a conscious decision. The guy claiming to have just left his hunt, traveling back home, saw deer and took a look. I’ve watched a few decoy vids through the decades, and have seen many slow, maybe stop, not many shoot; but when they do the wardens move in. The guy made the statement that he had heard a decoy was in the area. That would imply curiosity rather than intent, even though shining is prohibited except under certain conditions.

Say the guy was pulled over, and a conversation ensued. There’s an opportunity there to remind someone of the rules. Sometimes a conversation can accomplish more than hammering someone. I’d have given him a little benefit of doubt, but I’d also reminded him those rule books are free everywhere they sell licenses and he needs to make sure he reads and understands the rules.

As far as a loaded rifle, coming from a hunt, when you point out to someone that the loaded rifle could be seen as night hunting and may lead to forfeiture of the rifle, the vehicle, and hunting privileges, it can become that lesson of a teaching moment.

If I was DNR, and went through the effort of placing a decoy, I’d put my efforts into mitigating night hunting or poaching. Both of which are serious violations.

 

[dryhumor]

I posted this for several reasons. Our Hinting laws are pretty fair IMO. DNR sets traps as in this case which I mentioned and my run in with Tatum. Accused me of all kinds of things while I was simple sitting in my truck watching doves come in to feed. As mentioned he’s a bad actor. I never filed a complaint and I should have because of the way he acted.
Guy in video said he knew it was fake. Their goal was to tow his truck and get a known local hunter. They have too much power and no respect for hunters

There’s good and bad everywhere. Anytime I’ve interacted with DNR in the field they’ve been pretty helpful and reasonable. If someone is not doing a good job, feedback to the supervisor from the hunters may be only time they ever hear about it. Until there’s a “film at 11 moment…”

 

[J.d. Popkes]

The point of placing a decoy is to catch a criminal in the act. Which requires a conscious decision. The guy claiming to have just left his hunt, traveling back home, saw deer and took a look. I’ve watched a few decoy vids through the decades, and have seen many slow, maybe stop, not many shoot; but when they do the wardens move in. The guy made the statement that he had heard a decoy was in the area. That would imply curiosity rather than intent, even though shining is prohibited except under certain conditions.

Say the guy was pulled over, and a conversation ensued. There’s an opportunity there to remind someone of the rules. Sometimes a conversation can accomplish more than hammering someone. I’d have given him a little benefit of doubt, but I’d also reminded him those rule books are free everywhere they sell licenses and he needs to make sure he reads and understands the rules.

As far as a loaded rifle, coming from a hunt, when you point out to someone that the loaded rifle could be seen as night hunting and may lead to forfeiture of the rifle, the vehicle, and hunting privileges, it can become that lesson of a teaching moment.

If I was DNR, and went through the effort of placing a decoy, I’d put my efforts into mitigating night hunting or poaching. Both of which are serious violations.

My position is:

He committed zero crimes so you can’t pull him over and you don’t have any right then to search him or his vehicle so you don’t know if that rifle is loaded and you also are not then in a position to give a training seminar on safety because the stop was illegal. Period.

But it’s accepted all the time.

I’m not a constitutional scholar, but isn’t that a fourth amendment violation? Is that the correct amendment? Please advise.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

As far as a loaded rifle, coming from a hunt, when you point out to someone that the loaded rifle could be seen as night hunting and may lead to forfeiture of the rifle, the vehicle, and hunting privileges, it can become that lesson of a teaching moment.

“Could be seen as” is not breaking a law.

This kind of logic “ could be seen as” a tyrannical constitutional violation in my opinion

Seizing of a rifle and vehicle and hunting rights, my God!!!!

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Here is the law regarding your question:
Transportation of firearms
Is it true that firearms no longer have to be unloaded or in a case if in or on a vehicle?

The new change made under the concealed carry legislation that took effect on Nov. 1, 2011, was the elimination of the requirement to unload or case a handgun before it is placed, possessed or transported in or on a vehicle, boat, snowmobile or ATV. Handguns can also be loaded while inside or on a vehicle.

More recent legislation has relaxed the laws for transporting other types of firearms, but there is a difference between the laws for handguns and other types of firearms. Effective Nov. 19, 2011, long guns, such as rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders, will no longer have to be in a case in order to place them in or on a vehicle, or to transport them unloaded in or on a vehicle. A loaded firearm, other than a handgun, can only be placed or possessed on the top or exterior of a vehicle which is stationary. Additionally, it is important to be aware that unlike handguns, it remains illegal to actually load any long guns (rifles, shotguns & muzzleloaders) while the firearm or person loading it is still in the vehicle. All long guns must be outside a motorized vehicle before a person may load the firearm. Once loaded, a long gun can be set down on a stationary vehicle, but must be unloaded before the firearm is placed inside or transported in or on the vehicle. Long guns must also be unloaded before they may be placed, possessed or transported in a motor boat with the motor running.

What state is this?!?!

 

[timeout]

What state is this?!?!

Wisconsin. A question that I would like to ask is whether a loaded magazine in a rifle, but no cartridge in the chamber, is legal.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Wisconsin. A question that I would like to ask is whether a loaded magazine in a rifle, but no cartridge in the chamber, is legal.

I had to look

Key Wyoming Rules & Recommendations:

• Legality: Carrying a loaded firearm (including rifles) in a vehicle is generally permitted for legal gun owners, thanks to Wyoming's Constitutional Carry.
• Hunting Safety: The Wyoming Game & Fish advises against a round in the chamber when in the vehicle to prevent accidental shootings, despite the legal allowance.
• Secure Storage: Keep firearms secured in the vehicle, out of public view, especially when unattended; the trunk is recommended for smash-and-grab prevention.
• No Shooting From Vehicle: It is illegal to shoot any wildlife from a motorized vehicle (except for specific predator control situations with permits).
• Traffic Stops: No law requires you to tell an officer you have a gun unless asked, but disclosing it calmly can help.
• Prohibited Areas: Remember carry is still prohibited in schools, some government facilities, and athletic events.

 

[topclass2017]

We need more rules and laws everywhere. Ive heard people say, there oughta be a law against that. There probably is if you look. Doug

your comment points to an unfortunate reality, that there are too many people that believe there needs to be more/stricter rules on much of our lives. Like so often, and in other instances as well, (think zoning, driving, food safety, etc) what is needed is enforcement of the existing rules along with elimination of those that are obsolete or untenable. Rules should be transparent and obvious in their intended purpose, not cloaked in regulatory obfuscation that leads to a call to promulgate more rules to explain or implement those in existence.

 

[timeout]

I posted this for several reasons. Our Hinting laws are pretty fair IMO. DNR sets traps as in this case which I mentioned and my run in with Tatum. Accused me of all kinds of things while I was simple sitting in my truck watching doves come in to feed. As mentioned he’s a bad actor. I never filed a complaint and I should have because of the way he acted.
Guy in video said he knew it was fake. Their goal was to tow his truck and get a known local hunter. They have too much power and no respect for hunters

I'm going to flamed for this, but I consider the decoy deer thing borderline entrapment. Makes me no difference, because I'm not going to shoot out of my truck at anything middle of the night.

 

[dryhumor]

My position is:

He committed zero crimes so you can’t pull him over and you don’t have any right then to search him or his vehicle so you don’t know if that rifle is loaded and you also are not then in a position to give a training seminar on safety because the stop was illegal. Period.

But it’s accepted all the time.

I’m not a constitutional scholar, but isn’t that a fourth amendment violation? Is that the correct amendment? Please advise.

I’m not a constitutional scholar either.

The warden evidently used the rule for shining and or hunting from a road, for reasoning to pull the guy over. Both of which are violations under state statutes under hunting regulations.

 

[dryhumor]

What state is this?!?!

South Carolina

 

[J.d. Popkes]

South Carolina

Unreal. I’m sure it’s a good state with good people. But I can’t see a scenario where I’d be within 1500 miles of there. “Yall” need to rethink your laws.

 

[dryhumor]

Unreal. I’m sure it’s a good state with good people. But I can’t see a scenario where I’d be within 1500 miles of there. “Yall” need to rethink your laws.

I would agree. Some of the rules are specifically ambiguous. Or ambiguously specific…

I get the loaded rifle in the vehicle point. But truly, unless you fire the rifle at game, you aren’t hunting if you are on a public road IMHO.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Apple/orange thing applies here. I’m getting learned up on my laws to be sure of what I assume.



Important Considerations:

• Traffic Stops: You aren't legally required to tell an officer you have a gun unless asked, but it's often recommended for safety.
• Prohibited Areas: Carrying is banned in schools, government buildings, athletic events, and other restricted zones, even with permits.
• Shooting from Vehicles: It's illegal to shoot wildlife (except predators) from a vehicle; you must be out of the vehicle.

In essence, while Wyoming law allows it, safe practices dictate keeping firearms unloaded in the chamber and stored securely when not in immediate use, particularly for hunting.

 

[timeout]

I had to look

Key Wyoming Rules & Recommendations:

• Legality: Carrying a loaded firearm (including rifles) in a vehicle is generally permitted for legal gun owners, thanks to Wyoming's Constitutional Carry.
• Hunting Safety: The Wyoming Game & Fish advises against a round in the chamber when in the vehicle to prevent accidental shootings, despite the legal allowance.
• Secure Storage: Keep firearms secured in the vehicle, out of public view, especially when unattended; the trunk is recommended for smash-and-grab prevention.
• No Shooting From Vehicle: It is illegal to shoot any wildlife from a motorized vehicle (except for specific predator control situations with permits).
• Traffic Stops: No law requires you to tell an officer you have a gun unless asked, but disclosing it calmly can help.
• Prohibited Areas: Remember carry is still prohibited in schools, some government facilities, and athletic events.

Thanks for posting this. I have hunted in Wyoming. One of our guys lived in WY. several years when he was younger. He told me that we could have a full magazine in the rifle, but not one in the chamber. We have mostly got too old to make the trip and camp out, so we likely won't be out there again. I do enjoy your state. If I were a young man I would consider making the move.

 

[SeabeeKen]

Sounds like they were desperate for an arrest and there were no other takers so they pushed the limits of the laws to do it. Seems like entrapment. I think had the rifle not been loaded nothing would have happened. From a safety viewpoint, what if he hit a bump and rifle discharged into a house and killed a kid

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Those fish cops are evil power tripping tyrants. They all need to be bound to the United States constitution like any other law enforcement agency. There’s probably plenty of good ones out there it’s just that I have never met one.


A tyrant is
an absolute ruler unrestrained by law, often a cruel, oppressive leader who seizes power unconstitutionally or maintains it through force, though in ancient Greece, the term initially described usurpers who could even be popular before becoming negative. Tyrants rule oppressively, using brutality or repression to control the populace, differing from a dictator who might be appointed by the people. The word comes from Greek tyrannos, meaning "lord" or "absolute ruler," possibly from an Anatolian source, and evolved to signify harsh, arbitrary power.

Characteristics & Actions

• Unchecked Power: Rules without legal or constitutional limits.
• Cruelty & Oppression: Uses power brutally and unfairly, often through fear and force.
• Usurpation: May seize power from a legitimate ruler.
• Repression: Resorts to harsh means to suppress opposition and maintain control.

Types & Examples (Historical Context)

• Ancient Greece: Early tyrants, like Cypselus of Corinth, seized power unconstitutionally, sometimes popularly, but the term quickly became negative.
• Modern Usage: Applies to any harsh, autocratic ruler, even figuratively to a boss or societal force.

 

[dellet]

Decoys have a long and “distinguished ” history with law enforcement. Fake hookers, fake old people, fake drug buyers, even fake terrorists. The method won’t change.

Had a customer who got ran through the wringer when he was found in a tree stand at night with a camera mounted on a rifle stock. Still pretty sure he posed as a fake hunter because the local wardens had made him mad. Guess it works both ways

 

[laangler]

The guy that was arrested has a YouTube channel and does predator hunting at night so that’s why he had night hunting equipment in his truck from what I thought I heard in the video. I would have liked to have heard what was said when the officers were muted.