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Asking permission for spurs

Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson

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Oct 1, 2017
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swampsnyper said:
Look guys. I been noticing a lot of you writing and calling the authorities where you hunt for permission to use spurs. Bringing it to their attention may not be a good thing and they may make a specific law against them where they may not be one now. Just something to think about.
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Sometimes it's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission lol

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swampsnyper

swampsnyper

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Mar 10, 2015
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I’m not about breaking any laws. I feel if I’m questioned one day and there is no law against spurs, then I can make a good argument that it’s just a metal point being pushed against the tree by body weight the same as a lock-on and climber. If the officer doesn’t agree then I’ll just except my ticket. Ive wasted more money on hunting gadgets that don’t work. I never met an officer that wasn’t willing to hear me out.
 
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T.Clarke

T.Clarke

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Oct 10, 2017
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@swampsnyper I'm with you 100% on this. I dissect the rule book every season and follow accordingly, if nothing is specifically stated it can't be enforced. I also usually try to err on the side of what would be considered the intent of the law, in my experience that's what the officer/s do as well. I think a reasonable case can be made that spurs are not the same as screw in steps or bow hangers and cause no more damage than a climbing stand or some strap on steps.
 
flinginairos

flinginairos

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elk yinzer said:
I'm banking more of the fact that I've never seen a warden away from my truck. But then again, I don't use spurs, do I? Can't remember. Don't need to go around promoting every little detail.
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Spurs? What are spurs? I just sit on the ground officer...this pack on my back is for all my snacks!! :D
 
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BCHunter

BCHunter

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T.Clarke said:
nobody that I know of, my point was that they are specifically called out in the rule books, not spurs.
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Screw in bow holders and hooks aren't called out. Only thing that talks about penetrating the bark is for tree steps and stands:


Hunting platforms cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws, or bolts; however, a "T" bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used. A fall arrest system is recommended.


Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It is unlawful to use any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in the construction or affixing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.
 
Nutterbuster

Nutterbuster

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Oct 12, 2017
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Where the skys are so blue!
I think there's something to what you're saying. While it's unfortunate, WMA regulations in good ole 'Bama can be asinine. For example, my WMA says I can hunt hogs during squirrel season, but have to hunt them with 4 shot or a rimfire cartridge. o_O

Also, my Kestrel is illegal if you read the fine print, since we can't climb on WMA property without being attached to the tree with a TMA approved full body harness.

I can also catch, gut, and shove a bluegill on a treble to be eaten alive by a blue cat, but can't take the little fella home and keep him safe and snug in a fish tank. For his protection.

I could keep going, but the point is regulations are frequently not in my best interest, and often make 0 sense. No need to give them a chance to add another line of fine print to the rules they've made up for land we paid for.

I admit to writing one such letter. Well intentioned, harmless, and in good faith. Got myself the written permission I was after. But I've never seen a conservation officer braving the palmettos, and I'm inclined in the future to keep my head down and my mouth shut.
 
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Tapeworm

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Feb 19, 2018
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I’m staying quiet. Never had any officer analyze my tree setup anyway.

Someone on here already asked an officer in the north part of my state & was told ok since not a screw in step. So if asked I’m saying that verbal permission was given by an officer at state headquarters.



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pesqimon

pesqimon

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Apr 25, 2018
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Definitely a grey area in Massachusetts. I can't find anything in the regulations that explicitly forbid it.

Do spurs typically penetrate the bark? they'd have to , right?
 
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