Pydpiper

When I bought my bow a couple months ago I spent a lot of time in the backyard practicing, since then I have found myself wandering off into the bush with my bow with no quiver, but often in camo.. The other day I was out there and was overwhelmed with guilt, thinking that if someone came across me the words "seriously, I'm not hunting" would sound pretty silly.. What is the laws perspective on that? I have proper permission to be where I am, and again, I have no arrows.

smokepolehall

If you have permission to be there thats all legal. I wouldn't worry about what people think! Only differance between us is i carry arrows and you don't.

Hotburn76

Well I understand what you are doing. I take a gun out with me every time I go out in the summer to scout and nothing but ground hog and yote season is in. But I take it for yotes and such. But up here in Ohio or DNR can be real hard on people at times, Sometimes I think they have the system that you are guilty until you can prove your innocence!

Pydpiper

Ididn't mention I do not have a hunting licence as of yet, get it in two weeks..
But would it still be legal if I had arrows?
I would like to do some practice shooting from my treestand..

Dnk

Using target tips and targets you are ok. I would suggest that you do not carry broadheads. Most but not all COs are outright jerks. They will gleefully charge you with any excuse. The will causually ask you questions without telling you that the questions are part of an investigation that may result in charges. I know because I used to work for the MNR as an Assistant Park Superintendant in the Espanola district and worked with some COs. I also have some friends in another close by district. One of them came right out and plainly said that they are disliked in their own office but other employees. In fact if a CO were to charge a MNR employee it would be like a prize. Most COs believe we are all guilty of breaking wildlife laws most of the time. What I say applies only to the Ontario MNR. In my hunts around NA (Alberta, Wyoming, NM and Colorado) I've found quite the opposite.
David, do not give those illigitmus' an excuse to enjoy themselves at your expense. Guilty or not you will end up spending valuable time and money defending yourself. Do not answer any questions you do not have to. I cannot stress enough the stupidity that can arise from contact from one of these people.

Pydpiper

That is some fine advice! Thank you.
It is very rare to see CO's out here, but I certainly don't want to be a target for anyone. My concern was more from a police perspective, I have to walk a short didtance from my house to access a spot I will be hunting next year, but frequent daily.

Dnk

Just keep it encased and all laws will be satisfied.

Pydpiper

Is the case required for daytime transport as well?
Where do I get the details on the laws?

Dnk

Encased when walking on a travelled part of any public roadway. I would guess the police would charge you for public endangerment depending on the mood of the cop. Most likely they would tell you to get back home and encase the sucker. I'll ask a buddy of mine that is a sarg of an ETF platoon. Its too bad but its all about the interpretation of the law by a cop at the time of contact. If you are in the sticks on a dirt road no one is going to say boo to you.

Pydpiper

Thanks Don, you don't have to ask, I will just cover all the bases and keep it concealed. I am in the sticks, and I know most patroling officers (all three) well enough that they know my intentions are good.
It's all about common sense I guess.. I am starting to realize people see "Hunters" not simply "other people"..