northern cali-one of the best night ever!!

[foxcat]

does anybody know if it is illegal to accidently tree a bear out of season or mountain lion? what about both in one night along with a bobcat? i guess i should know the answer to this but to be honest i dont.

[BEAR HUNTER]

I imagine you could be cited. What I have always been told is if you INTENTIONALY turn out on an animal that you arnt legaly supposed to run then it is illegal. If you dont know for sure what you are running then accidentaly tree a NON TARGET animal you catch your dogs and go similiar to if you trap a non target animal while trapping. On the other side of the coin though the section says you are supposed to be in control of your dogs at ALL times, so I can imagine a warden especially in CA citing you. Hope that answers your question.

[foxcat]

When huntin varmants, unless its in the snow, i don't look for a track. Have you ever tried finding a fox track in the rocks? And even if there was a bear track coming down the cutbank it doesnt mean thats what your running. guess thats just the way it is, and it would be up to the warden to make a determinination.

[BEAR HUNTER]

Exactly. Its up to the warden in the field. All you can do is be respectful to them and see what happens. I dont worry about it too much.

[livetohunt]

I would say every time out it could be different and that is due to two words that a DFG love to use Interpretation and Discretion. I have found almost every time I have asked the DFG a question they tell me one or two things (Well thats up to the INTERPRETATION of the warden) or (Well thats at the DISCRETION of the warden). I know its BS we all know it. But will it stand up in court? I dont know.
I have only once treed an off game while out hunting and had a warden walk in to the tree. We were taking photos of the off game and half of my party was already walking out to the rigs when he came in. He did make a joke as to it not being a bobcat and I told him that we had started a bobcat and we were very shocked to not find one in the tree when we got there. All he said was that there were lots of these off game in the area and walked out after us. But that was many years ago with a warden that I had known very well and one that was not anti houndsmen in any way. With new wardens and 15 years later not sure how it would turn out. Let us know if you find out.