Larry Atherton
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Central Michigan
Posts: 6544 |
quote: Originally posted by buck brush
they are trying to give you a tickit, the law reads in Michigan if you are partacking in the hunt you need a license, partacking is if you are in the woods with a light.
Skip,
Partaking is not used in any text relating to taking raccoons, hunting with dogs, or use of lights.
I take great lengths to stay up on Michigan laws related to coon hunting or our dogs.
I could post all of the regulations related to hunting dogs, but all that would do is take up a lot of space with no real mention other than a owner of a dog hunting in Michigan requires a license. There are many more regulations of bear hunting with dogs.
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that Michigan Conservation Officers are given a large latitude to interpret our game laws.
All of the conservation officers I have spoken to say if you are not carrying a gun, do not shoot a coon out, do not carry the coon, do not lead a dog or otherwise handle a dog you are not required to have a license. I have never heard that if you carry a light you need a license. That would be just plain dumb. I would contend that if someone was given ticket because they accompanied hunters while carrying a light could easily be contested in court.
Here is just one part, but I suspect a judge shown this would throw the charge out.
6.3 Hunting with dogs, license requirement.
Sec 6.3 The following persons chasing or locating game with dogs during the open season for that game, except as provided in section 2.1a, shall have a current valid hunting license for the game being chased or located:
(a) Any person possessing a firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow.
(b) The owner, when present, of any dog chasing or locating bear or bobcat.
Yep, it doesn't even mention raccoons.
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Larry Atherton
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