Does a non-hunting observer on a WY elk hunt need to purchase anything such as a license, conservation stamp, etc.?
I've purchased the applicable stamps, should the non-hunter as well?
Thanks!
What I want to know is why the heck WY G&F feels the need to continually change their damn website!? You could always call the local warden to get the most reliable answer. They've always been helpful when I called.
As far as the website, they just revamped it, again, based on input from users.
If it ain't broke fix it anyway?
Some years she buys a fishing license and fishes the creek by our camp---
So I say Nope
Good luck, Robb
I talked to the local division office before My non licensed buddy helped me and I helped him the fallowing year. Both times I was told that the non hunting partner did not need any licensing but could still help hunt.
I would call and verify as it has been a few years since we have drawn Wy.
You said: "Does it make a difference if he's hunting with us?"
and "My 36 year old brother's first hunt.".
If I was the game warden and you referred to your brothers activity as "hunting with you" or "his first hunt" then I'd get mighty suspicious that you were trying to pull a fast one.
Never refer to your brothers activity as hunting. You can refer to him as your pack mule or camp cook or cabin boy or whatever. But get the word "hunting" out of your vocabulary when speaking about what your brother is doing. You will alarm a CO if you in any way make him think your brother was hunting.
I'm just kidding...I think...hmm...user name of "Bake"....hmmm
I'm a lawyer, and I wouldn't quibble over that language :)
My brother will not be pursuing game with the intent to personally reduce that game to his possession.
My brother will be pursuing game (without a weapon, without personally operating a calling device), with the intent that I reduce that game to possession.
Is he hunting?
You all have me confused :)
The reason you haven't found any information in the regs concerning your brother tagging along on your hunt is because there's no regulation/policy/law against it. As long as he is not actually hunting an animal that requires a license to hunt, he can do anything his heart desires.
There is absolutely nothing that prohibits anyone from calling elk, glassing elk, etc. As a matter of fact, if he wants to tote a gun along for personal protection or predator hunting (which doesn't require a license), he is perfectly legal to do so. Heck, if he wanted to carry a bow and hunt blue grouse, as long as he had the required game bird and archery license, and conservation stamp, he could be standing right next to you, with bow in hand, when you shoot your elk and be perfectly legal. And yes, it's perfectly fine to say your brother's going hunting with you. ;-)
Best of luck and have fun!
That said, showing the game warden a copy of this thread probably won't help you much so I would still make the phone call to put your mind at ease.
Everybody I have ever talked to at the Wyoming DOW has been extremely helpful.
This issue comes up all the time when G&F visits our local archery club, The situation with Bake's brother is no different than when I kill my elk, then continue to go out and call for my buddy. At that point, I no longer have a valid license either. Doesn't matter, since I'm only calling, not hunting. Since I'm always ready to pop a few blue grouse, I've also been carrying my bow when my buddy popped an elk that I called in. Again, no problem, since I had my game bird license, archery license, and conservation stamp, and was no longer hunting elk. Now if his brother loses his mind when that bull comes barreling in, and he starts flinging arrows, that kinda changes things. lol!
As always, you can call (307) 777-4600 and ask G&F directly to put your mind at ease.
I'm with WYO 100%, this will never be an issue in Wyoming for the foreseeable future.
There's no regulation because people can hike all they want, they can play poker in camp and they can go to town to grab a beer and frolic a bit or just choose to stay in school. Heck, we could stay home and play chess on your computer. The Game and Fish won't have any issues with it.
But finally, because of the serious nature of the inquiry and besides a private residence somewhere, is there a place where hanging out with your buddy while he intends to legally shoot something is against the law without a permit?
Yep I knew the answer but does not do him any good coming from little old me:) Thanks for the accurate info.
Elkbreath,
I think it comes up more for us that don't live out west. In Ohio and Pa. for example, I can sit in a tree or blind without a license, but as soon as I assist in a hunt without one I would be breaking the law. Lets say I rattled antlers or assisted in a small "push" of a bedding thicket. I would need a valid hunting license. After I fill my deer or Turkey tag I can still assist for that species.
Makes it hard for us to feel OK helping without a license in hand.
So I assume the issue, theoretically, is that the 'hunter' must 'hunt' 100% self assisted, or only assisted by those who also intend to hunt with a license. Which takes the issue a step further from tags being issued as a means of logistically controlling a given herd with a given amount of kills for subsistence to one of the tag being about who and how the 'sport' is regulated.
Similar to how its illegal to use electronic communication to take your game here, but driving to the area is just fine.
Considering that someday I'm going to come hunt whitetails out there, that's good info.