Feral Hogs are getting out of hand

[snagged in outlet 3]

13 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

But if you are checking your livestock during the night

Is a night vision scope legal?

[fishinwrench]

What are the odds that a MDC agent is gonna be watching your farm at the time  that you dispatch a coyote ?

The fine is probably less than the cost of a cow, so do what you need to do.  We all prefer to stay on the right side of the rules but sometimes the rules don't fit the situation.  If God will forgive you for ANYTHING but a judge won't forgive you for stopping a destructive animal on your own property then somebody needs to drag the judge to church.....Or take the bible out of the courtroom.

[Devan S.]

https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/general-hunting-regulations

Artificial lights

Artificial lights may be used to hunt:

• bullfrogs
• green frogs
• raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs

Landowners and lessees may use artificial lights on their property, but while doing so may not be in possession of — or be in the company of someone who possesses — a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife.

Artificial lights may not be used to search for, spot, illuminate, harass, or disturb other wildlife than the above.

You may not possess night vision or thermal imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife.

 

[Devan S.]

I agree with Wrench.....the cost of the animals far out weighs the very minimal risk(unless your agent is your neighbor).

Another forum i frequent predator masters had a post about them catching people at night from the air looking for lights and following trucks. (not Missouri but another state).

I wish the state would at a minimum let us call and use shotgun or rimfire....Fox and Cats are considerably tougher to call in the daytime than the night.

[MOPanfisher]

If I had a problem I would be talking to the agent beforehand, assuming I didn't have a history of shooting deer illegally I suspect it could be worked out.  Heck you can get a permit to shoot deer at night during the summer.  On the flip side I would be willing to take it to the judge and explain.

[jdmidwest]

10 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

What are the odds that a MDC agent is gonna be watching your farm at the time  that you dispatch a coyote ?

The fine is probably less than the cost of a cow, so do what you need to do.  We all prefer to stay on the right side of the rules but sometimes the rules don't fit the situation.  If God will forgive you for ANYTHING but a judge won't forgive you for stopping a destructive animal on your own property then somebody needs to drag the judge to church.....Or take the bible out of the courtroom.

The odds are really slim.

Agents sit out at all hours of the night listening for a shot in the dark.  They know the problem areas.  They rely on tips and other intel.  They hear a shot and drive toward it, trying to catch them in the act.  And they are successful sometimes.

In all my years, I don't think a coyote has ever came close at night.  There has been times when a pack was howling in the fields and we tried to catch them out in the open, but never happened.

[fishinwrench]

I can't imagine an agent around here sitting in the dark listening for shots.   They might set up a decoy in a field and watch it, but running towards the sound of gunfire in the distance ?    I doubt it.

[fishinwrench]

Quote

Landowners and lessees may use artificial lights on their property, but while doing so may not be in possession of — or be in the company of someone who possesses — a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife.

That is rediculis.  Until an animal is dead on the ground no crime has been committed.  

So a man with a pistol on his hip can't have a flashlight in his hand ?

That's like saying you can't have a gun and a bottle of beer in the same house.

[Old plug]

MO pathfinder.... About 60 yrs agp I was hunting rabbots in the area that is now 6 Flags. We cane upbon a dead hog by a fence row. had tisk on him at least 6" long. What the heck was that. Nobady believed us. 

[MOPanfisher]

If you are asking me I guess I would have to be one of those who just nod and say hmmmm.