Shining and Night Hunting

Shining

It is illegal to:

• Use or possess with intent to use, a light, including vehicle headlights, for shining any wild animal while hunting or in possession of a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow. This includes laser sights on firearms, bows and crossbows. Exceptions apply for Class C disabled permit holders and for hunting certain small game. See “Night Hunting” section below.
• Use or possess with intent to use, a light, including vehicle headlights, for shining wild animals between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 whether or not in possession of a firearm, bow or crossbow.

Note: Check with the local sheriff’s department or local officials for local shining restrictions.

Night Hunting

Unprotected species (as well as coyote, fox and raccoon) may be hunted without shooting hour restrictions except if hunting with a bow or crossbow during certain times of the year. If hunting for these species with a bow or crossbow during the bear and archery/crossbow deer seasons, shooting hours apply. Visit the Calculating Shooting Hours webpage for more information, as well as links to the base shooting hours for each species.

Use of lights: A flashlight or firearm-mounted light may be used at the point of kill while hunting on foot for coyote, raccoon, fox or unprotected species. Lights may not be used to shine for these animals while in possession of firearm, bow or crossbow.