Scouting Out of Season With a Gun

July 14, 2011

Question: Before deer season opens, I try to spend some weekends hiking through the areas I intend to hunt to scout for deer, learn their patterns, spot deer trails and become familiar with the land. I am aware that no guns are allowed to be carried during this time.

My question is in regard to protecting myself while scouting out these areas. I have spotted mountain lions a time or two and this worries me. What does DFG suggest I bring along to defend myself? Can I bring a handgun or are all guns prohibited? (Mariel)

Answer: Generally, Fish and Game laws do not prohibit carrying guns.  However, in some circumstances, such as during special archery seasons, while hunting big game under the authority of an archery-only tag, and while training hunting dogs in the field, the possession of firearms is prohibited.

According to retired DFG Capt. Phil Nelms, there are restrictions in the Penal Code that prohibit carrying firearms in certain areas, but these restrictions typically do not apply to persons who are legally hunting or fishing. And, even if the season is not open for deer in the area you are scouting, the season for nongame mammals and jackrabbits is open all year. As long as you are in an area where you have permission to be, you may carry a firearm. And, if the area is not closed to the discharge of firearms, the firearm may be loaded. Carrying concealed firearms is generally prohibited, although there are exceptions in the Penal Code.

Additional information regarding the laws for firearms is available from the California Department of Justice publication “Firearms Laws” available online at http://dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/ under the heading of “Helpful Information.”