Spotlights

[Travis Schallock 28]

What are the rules on using a spotlight to look at deer/animals? If a person wanted to check out what animals are coming out, and where, after dark, can you 'spotlight' them? Obviously you wouldn't have a gun, bow with you. But just to observe, not harass or bother them other than looking.

[Guest MNR]

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act states that you can not (between ½ hr after sunset to ½ hr before sunrise):

• Hunt wildlife

• have a firearm in your possession in an area usually inhabited by wildlife, unless the firearm is unloaded and encased

• Shine a light for the purpose of hunting.

The act goes on to say that “hunting” includes,

(a) lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of, pursuing, chasing or shooting at wildlife, whether or not the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed, or

( capturing or harassing wildlife,

BUT “hunting” does not include,

© trapping, or

(d) lying in wait for, searching for, being on the trail of or pursuing wildlife for a purpose other than attempting to kill, injure, capture or harass it, unless the wildlife is killed, injured, captured or harassed as a result.

possession of a firearm, trap, decoy or other hunting device, a ferret or a specially protected raptor or other bird of prey, is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the person was hunting. So even if the gun is in a case (as it should be after dark), if you're shining and you have the means, many Conservation Officers would charge you for night hunting.

So legally, you could be out after dark looking for deer, shining a big spot light into a field. (as long as you don’t have any firearms with you and the deer are not injured or harassed as a result of your activity)

However, even though it may be legal, it is still ill-advised. What would you do if you were a rural home owner and someone shone a light into your property or neighbour’s property? These activities are going to immediately raise suspicion that you are spotlighting deer or up to some other illegal activity. It will generate calls to the MNR and OPP from landowners in the area or anyone who happens to see you. Due to the serious safety concerns associated with night hunting, it will be investigated and you will be confronted (stopped, questioned and searched for firearms). It will unnecessarily upset local residents and generate additional workload for law enforcement personnel who could be doing other more productive activities.

My suggestion is that you leave the spotlight on the shelf at the hardware store. If you have permission from the property owner to access their land, buy a trail camera instead.