being with a hunter but have no license myself?

**Pierce8468** · December 6th, 2016, 01:20 PM

Am I allowed to be out in the woods with a hunter if I do not have hunting license? If so am I allowed to carry a hand gun?

**daschnoz** · December 6th, 2016, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Pierce8468

Am I allowed to be out in the woods with a hunter if I do not have hunting license? If so am I allowed to carry a hand gun?

IMHO, I would say yes to both.

- You don't need a license to take a walk in the woods.
- If you don't have a hunting license and a "hunting legal" firearm, you're not hunting.
- In PA you are allowed to carry a firearm for personal defense.
:: THEREFORE ::
You are taking a walk in the woods while carrying your personal defense handgun.

Where this will get hairy is the fact that you're hanging around with a hunter, during a hunting season, and carrying your personal defense firearm.

Though you're technically NOT hunting, I would not be surprised if a WCO gives you shit. Be polite, respectful, and courteous. Answer their questions, but don't offer more information than is absolutely necessary - they'll try to trip you up. Many (not all, but many) let the authority go to their heads, and some are just downright assholes.

* * * * * WEAR ORANGE * * * * * If a WCO asks why you're wearing orange (in an attempt to prove that you are hunting), let him know that you're wearing it so you are seen by those who ARE hunting.

IANAL nor am I a WCO.

**bogey1** · December 6th, 2016, 01:48 PM

I think if you are participating in the hunt you need a license (dont quote me on that though).
As for the handgun, if you have a license to carry, yes, if not you have to open carry.

**streaker69** · December 6th, 2016, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by bogey1

I think if you are participating in the hunt you need a license (dont quote me on that though).
As for the handgun, if you have a license to carry, yes, if not you have to open carry.

Only if he walked to the hunting grounds. Hunting is not an exception to the conveyance law.

**bogey1** · December 6th, 2016, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by streaker69

Only if he walked to the hunting grounds. Hunting is not an exception to the conveyance law.

What do you mean? Hes not allowed to cc without a carry license.

Oh I got it. Driving in vehicle....

**gghbi** · December 6th, 2016, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by bogey1

I think if you are participating in the hunt you need a license (dont quote me on that though).
As for the handgun, if you have a license to carry, yes, if not you have to open carry.

This is correct! Many years ago, my brother and I would go out early for deer, and about mid morning my wife (who hates mornings) would come out and walk, unarmed, up to meet up with us, and in the process would often drive some deer up our way. We found out if she could be considered as driving the deer, she must be licensed, and she said if I am licensed, I am taking a gun too.

So we did the same thing, but with her gun handy for a number of years. It was surprising how many times she would come out about 10AM and when she hit the woods after crossing a field, something would be coming up the hill toward where we were. If he is 'shadowing' another hunter and not participating, a license is not required, but still a good idea. If the gun is a obviously not for hunting, it should not be a problem, but again if it is a 357 revolver for instance, you better have a license.

EDIT: see Daschnoz's comments on Blaze orange, I seem to remember there is a requirement for blaze orange for hikers during deer season, so it should not be an issue, but what he says is valid.

**Hammerdown** · December 6th, 2016, 03:09 PM

A Ruger 44mag with a 10" barrel and a scope would get you arrested, if its a Walther PPK that is not a handgun for hunting and would be Okay. 250sq. in. of orange on head, chest and back combo and stay with the licensed hunter you should be fine. Go to PA game commission website to confirm any question for sure.

**wis bang** · December 7th, 2016, 01:12 PM

look up mentored adult.

**Gyoas759** · December 8th, 2016, 10:02 PM

Read the page in the hunting manual on deer drives. Unlicensed individuals can participate if they wear orange and are in sight of a licensed hunter. The ratio of Unlicensed to licensed cannot exceed 1 to 1.