An example of how the DNR does not make sense

Seems like I’m blogging about hunting lately. The other day I blogged about my frustration with the DNR and their regulations. Yesterday I blogged about coyotes near my hunting ground. Today I’m combining those two topics to give you an example of how the DNR does not make sense.

One rule is, at sundown, when most hunting hours end, you’re supposed to unload your weapon. Most hunters call it a day at sundown and will unload their weapons before they head in. If a DNR agent happens along and finds them with a loaded weapon, he’ll fine them and take their weapon as a prize.

You with me so far?

Okay, now coyote hunting is legal year-round, because coyote have been a problem. There have been reports of them chasing people, killing pets and livestock, and causing all sorts of damage. But not only is coyote hunting legal year-round, you can also hunt coyote at night, you just can’t use centerfire rifles when you do.

In order to hunt coyote legally, you need a Base/Small Game license. Every hunter has a Base/Small Game license, because you can’t purchase a Deer, Turkey or any other hunting license unless you first purchase a Base/Small Game license.

I’m not really interested in hunting coyote. I would only shoot a coyote if it was going to attack me or if it was causing some damage. But then, that’s why coyote hunting is legal year-round and why you can hunt coyote at night. Damage control.

So, when I finish hunting, I’d prefer to have my weapon loaded as I walk back to the house. I don’t want to  encounter a coyote pack and not have a loaded weapon.

According to the DNR, that is not legal. But according to the Base/Small Game license, it is legal. When I finish deer hunting, I could be coyote hunting, and therefore have my weapon loaded and ready.

I don’t see how a DNR agent would have grounds to fine me and take my weapon if I have a Base/Small Game license that allows me to hunt coyote at night.