Question about carrying two weapons in MT

[rileybassman]

Hey all,

I haven't seen anything in the regs to make me think it is against the law... but wanted to see if anyone had any feedback or experience...

This is in MT:

I have a B tag that is open for rifle right now... but I also want to be able to archery hunt a bull while in the same unit (which is open for archery for brow tined bull)

So am I ok if I am wearing orange, and carrying a rifle and a bow? Fill the B tag with the rifle, and if I find a bull, fill the bull tag with a bow?

Thanks!

 

[Bubblehide]

I am not intimate with the MT regulations/laws. But my best educated guess is NO. Here in Ca, hunting is considered any act of being in pursuit of. As such, any action, including glassing while having a weapon in your possession, is considered being in pursuit of that game species. However, hunting with one weapon and leaving the other in camp is considered legal.

I don't know that the same applies, but I hope it helps.

 

[rileybassman]

I am not intimate with the MT regulations/laws. But my best educated guess is NO. Here in Ca, hunting is considered any act of being in pursuit of. As such, any action, including glassing while having a weapon in your possession, is considered being in pursuit of that game species. However, hunting with one weapon and leaving the other in camp is considered legal.

I don't know that the same applies, but I hope it helps.

Does that restrict carrying a handgun while bow hunting? Because here we can carry a sidearm while archery hunting for sure...

 

[Owenst7]

Have you called/emailed the DOW? Email would be prudent so you have something in writing.

 

[Bubblehide]

Does that restrict carrying a handgun while bow hunting? Because here we can carry a sidearm while archery hunting for sure...

Yes it does.

 

[rileybassman]

Just got off the phone with fish and game... and the gal said that it was legal in that unit as long as I had orange on - I expressed that I was worried it could look fishy if I was carrying out a bull while holding a bow and a rifle, but she said it was legal and any warden could tell the difference in the wound.

For what it's worth... kind of surprised honestly, but excited for this weekend

 

[rileybassman]

Have you called/emailed the DOW? Email would be prudent so you have something in writing.

not a bad idea to have it in writing... the fish and game officer I spoke to seemed solid that it was legal tho...

 

[Nick Muche]

No clue why you couldn't do what you have asked about...

 

[rileybassman]

No clue why you couldn't do what you have asked about...

That was my first thought... till I thought about all the idiots that would poke a rutting bull from 400 yards... go up and put an arrow through the heart, and carry it out... just wanted to make sure I was in the clear.

I'm from WA originally... and they have crazy rules there that I am used to so it crossed my mind that i better check before heading out this weekend.

 

[UtahJimmy]

I'd only want to carry one weapon personally, and it would be the bow (unless hunting in grizz country and I'd have my sidearm) . My reasoning being that I have plenty of time in MT to fill that B tag with my rifle. The rut is on, this cooldown should get them a little more active, and I just love talking to elk with my bow in hand!

Good luck!

 

[mtwarden]

yup- you're good to go I will add that it is very possible (make that very probable) that if you happen to bump into a warden out patrolling he might have a question or two- I know I certainly would

 

[muddydogs]

I am not intimate with the MT regulations/laws. But my best educated guess is NO. Here in Ca, hunting is considered any act of being in pursuit of. As such, any action, including glassing while having a weapon in your possession, is considered being in pursuit of that game species. However, hunting with one weapon and leaving the other in camp is considered legal.

I don't know that the same applies, but I hope it helps.

Montana and almost any or state isn't communist California so I would not compare what you can do in CA to anyplace else. Your statement about glassing just proves my point.

 

[rileybassman]

yup- you're good to go I will add that it is very possible (make that very probable) that if you happen to bump into a warden out patrolling he might have a question or two- I know I certainly would

Yea kinda what I figured. She seemed to act like it was normal so maybe there are other crazies like myself out there lol.

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[Stein]

Can't do it in WA either. I would agree to focus on the elk and I would leave the rifle behind. A b tag isn't hard to fill later after you are done with elk.


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[Sheepeater]

JUST FOR CLARITY. In Montana you may posses a handgun, concealed or not, while engaged in the lawful activity of hunting any species.

I agree that if you are found in possession of an elk rifle AND a bow you will have some explaining to do, but the explaining shouldn't last long once you produce the tag.