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Old September 17, 2019, 07:08 PM   #51
stagpanther
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Stag, dude, that's not what the law says. There's no legal 'presumption' that you're 'hunting' simply because you have a firearm on your person or within reach in your vehicle.
You're changing the narrative a bit to place the weapon in the process of transportation or personal possession on your property. What I'm saying is that the Maine IFW can--and have--make the assumption that if you're out in the woods, fields etc. with a large capacity magazine semi-auto, they can stop you right on the spot and ask you to prove that you were not actually hunting. Wander about with ANY KIND OF WEAPON on Sundays (no hunting in Maine) and they can make the same "prove you're not hunting" demand. What's more, they are empowered in Maine to make a warrantless search of your property if they have reasonable suspicion you're breaking hunting laws (i.e. tresspass/poaching).

From the 2019 2020 hunting law publication:

"Possession of Hunting Equipment on
Sunday: Possession of hunting equipment
in the fields and forests or on the waters
or ice of this state on Sunday is prima facie
evidence of a violation of Sunday hunting
law, unless the equipment is securely
wrapped in a complete cover, fastened in
a case, or carried in at least two separate
pieces in such a way that it cannot be fired
without the pieces being joined together
(for the purpose of this paragraph, a
firearm clip, magazine, or cylinder is not
considered a “piece”)."

Except for a concealed carry weapon--which must conform to laws--generally speaking (with special disability, military or LE exceptions or boats hunting for waterfowl) you are not allowed to have a loaded firearm within any kind of motorized vehicle either.
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Last edited by stagpanther; September 17, 2019 at 07:38 PM.
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Old September 17, 2019, 10:15 PM   #52
the possum
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I can't quote the chapter and verse, but have always been told Illinois is the same way. That is, game wardens have tremendous latitude to decide if you're really out plinking or poaching. I've always thought the game laws were un-American, because you're presumed guilty in so many instances.

Side note, I pulled one of my other farm guns today on 2 snakes in mom's back yard. Got one in the head, and grazed the other's neck as it slid away through the grass. I just had my pocket .380 today since we're chopping silage, which means I spent the whole day jumping off and on 4 tractors.
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Old October 12, 2019, 03:52 PM   #53
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I grew up on a 1200 acre farm and ranch, we had row crops and a couple hundred head of cattle. When I was growing up in the 70's and 80's, Dad pretty much always kept a .22 rifle in the trucks and a .357 revolver in the glove box. Sometimes had a shotgun with him too. These weren't for hunting but for shooting snakes and varmints. These days I often keep an AR15 with me even on a tractor for shooting coyotes and other critters. I'd say now days the AR15 is the most popular centerfire rifle on a farm or ranch. Of course a 22 rifle is still popular as well.
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Old October 14, 2019, 08:05 AM   #54
agtman
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I can't quote the chapter and verse, but have always been told Illinois is the same way. That is, game wardens have tremendous latitude to decide if you're really out plinking or poaching. I've always thought the game laws were un-American, because you're presumed guilty in so many instances.
Illinois = not a Free State.

Quote:
I grew up on a 1200 acre farm and ranch, we had row crops and a couple hundred head of cattle. When I was growing up in the 70's and 80's, Dad pretty much always kept a .22 rifle in the trucks and a .357 revolver in the glove box. Sometimes had a shotgun with him too. These weren't for hunting but for shooting snakes and varmints. These days I often keep an AR15 with me even on a tractor for shooting coyotes and other critters. I'd say now days the AR15 is the most popular centerfire rifle on a farm or ranch. Of course a 22 rifle is still popular as well.
La. = a Free State.

Easy-peasy ...
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Old October 14, 2019, 02:20 PM   #55
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When I lived back in NY, we didn't usually ride around with a firearm. There was a .22lr at the house in case something happened, a la a rabid racoon walking across the lawn.

In later years, we got some nuisance permits for deer and I know my brother would drive with a rifle in the cab. Used to be a mini-14, then he switched to a savage axis in .223 when he got it. Lots of deer meat in the family and friends' freezers year round because of that.
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Old October 15, 2019, 09:58 PM   #56
the possum
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Yeah, Illinois sucks. Believe me, I already knew that.

My uncle had a coyote within 20 yards of the tractor the other day, so I've been keeping my 7.62x39 pistol handy.
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Old October 16, 2019, 03:13 PM   #57
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I have about 10 rifles that I can use on my son's blueberry fields and wooded areas. In recent past, I've carried while walking or in the cab of my pickup one or more of the following rifles:

1. Most recent favorite: .17 HMR CZ455 fluted with 3-9X Bushnell Elite.

2. Previous favorite: .223 Rem, 700 SS Fluted Light Varmint with 3-9X Leupold.

3. If a combo situation coyote/deer season walkabout, a Tikka T3 Lite, .243 Win with a 3-9X Leupold.

The .17 HMR has been a really fun rifle/cartridge combo this summer/fall, getting critters out to about 200 yards, including eastern coyotes. Plus it's fun to shoot at a few targets of opportunity without hearing protection. It's just more capable than I thought it would be, given the light bullet, but trajectory is great out to 150 yards and it kills eastern coyotes well, even beyond 100 yards. I can carry a couple of 5-shot magazines and a box of 50 rounds and hardly tell they're they're.

It's also great for woodchucks around the house, seemingly putting critters down more effectively than the .22 Mag, IMHO.

It's also fun to pot some targets of opportunity on my field walks, like old metal signs I find on the property, cans and plastic bottles left by the field workers, and other things, including dark lichen patches on boulders, where safe to shoot them.

I don't feel like I'm wasting ammo when plinking, compared with the .223 and .243, since it costs less to shoot the rimfire and don't have to reload. I also find that the rifle is easy to carry and with the fluted barrel, holds very nicely for offhand shooting, sitting, or standing-leaning.
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Old October 17, 2019, 04:45 PM   #58
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Picher said: I have about 10 rifles that I can use on my son's blueberry fields and wooded areas. In recent past, I've carried while walking or in the cab of my pickup one or more of the following rifles:

1. Most recent favorite: .17 HMR CZ455 fluted with 3-9X Bushnell Elite.

2. Previous favorite: .223 Rem, 700 SS Fluted Light Varmint with 3-9X Leupold.

3. If a combo situation coyote/deer season walkabout, a Tikka T3 Lite, .243 Win with a 3-9X Leupold.
You sure?

Because - according to Stagpanther - you should be going to jail for the crime of 'presumptive hunting,' rather than predator-control or an enjoyable afternoon of simply plinking on your son's property.

I mean, it is Maine after all.
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Old October 21, 2019, 09:47 AM   #59
Picher
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I don't carry any rifles or shotguns in the vehicle on Sundays, but if I'm walking in the woods, will carry a loaded handgun, since we've seen several rabid animals and need to kill/bury them to prevent further infections. I don't shoot healthy animals with handguns very often and never on Sunday.
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Old October 21, 2019, 10:26 AM   #60
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Ayuh, Stag is correct, the Warden's here in Maine are pretty "By the book", zero tolerance for BS excuses. If you are out on your back 40 on Sunday, with a gun, you best have a target, earmuffs, and be in the right... actually target practicing. If you are truly target practicing, no worries! But if you took a pot shot at game and are trying to come up with an excuse, you WILL be in serious trouble. These Wardens up here have been known to hide in a tick infested patch of tall grass for 24 hours straight, at 20 degrees in the rain, just to catch someone in a lie. Tell the truth, do the right thing / obey the laws and you have nothing to fear. Poach Maine game out of season, after dark or on a Sunday, and you can lose your truck, gun, hunting privileges for years and end up incarcerated. No joke.
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Old October 21, 2019, 01:15 PM   #61
Picher
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I'm careful to not carry any rifles in the truck on Sunday, unless I'm going to my private shooting range in the blueberry field. A loaded handgun may accompany me when walking trails on Sunday, but I have a permit to carry concealed and do so when out for walks on the woods roads on Sundays, but feel kinda naked without a rifle. I've encountered several coyotes when walking and even though I'm a good shot with a handgun, feel under-gunned with a .22LR. Fortunately, I haven't seen a pack, but seen about 4 at a time on a field when they were feeding on blueberries in late summer.
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Old October 21, 2019, 04:38 PM   #62
agtman
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I'm careful to not carry any rifles in the truck on Sunday, unless I'm going to my private shooting range in the blueberry field. A loaded handgun may accompany me when walking trails on Sunday, but I have a permit to carry concealed and do so when out for walks on the woods roads on Sundays, but feel kinda naked without a rifle.
I hear ya. It's why I always have a center-fire rifle with me, or in the truck within reach.

Free States don't have screwy, backward 'Game Regulations,' by the way. Moving to one is always an option.

Quote:
I've encountered several coyotes when walking and even though I'm a good shot with a handgun, feel under-gunned with a .22LR. Fortunately, I haven't seen a pack, but seen about 4 at a time on a field when they were feeding on blueberries in late summer.
A good reason to live in a Free State with rational Game Regs. where you can carry a .223 rifle and shoot the Yotes on sight - even on Sundays. No bag limit on varmints or nuisance predators (e.g., hogs).

Last edited by agtman; October 21, 2019 at 05:15 PM.
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Old October 21, 2019, 04:46 PM   #63
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Originally Posted by Picher View Post
I'm careful to not carry any rifles in the truck on Sunday, unless I'm going to my private shooting range in the blueberry field. A loaded handgun may accompany me when walking trails on Sunday, but I have a permit to carry concealed and do so when out for walks on the woods roads on Sundays, but feel kinda naked without a rifle. I've encountered several coyotes when walking and even though I'm a good shot with a handgun, feel under-gunned with a .22LR. Fortunately, I haven't seen a pack, but seen about 4 at a time on a field when they were feeding on blueberries in late summer.
I learned something today. I had no idea that coyotes ate blueberries.
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Old October 21, 2019, 09:52 PM   #64
shurshot
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Agtman, Maine IS a "Free state", as is NH and Vermont. You may be unaware, but the entire northeast isn't run by left wing, anti gun, Socialist crooks, like some of our southern New England neighbors. More guns in Maine than people, and one of the safest States to live in. Go figure!
Maine is a Constitutional carry state. Switchblades are legal, as is THC and fireworks. There has always been a strong "Live and let live" philosophy in Maine.
Very pro gun states, Maine, NH and Vermont... hunting is deeply embedded in the culture of all 3. But as Hunting and fishing have always been a huge draw for tourists (Maine depends upon our Tourism economy), our fish, game and other natural resources are well protected by law, as they should be. Without strong Conservation laws, the hunting and quality of life wouldn't be half as good as it is. High taxes and long winters.... sure, but it's still a great State.
Maine is a Sportsmans paradise and has been long before the days of the railroads. Deer, Bear, Moose, Rabbits, Partridge, woodcock, fox, coyotes, geese, ducks, turkeys... Maine has tons of wild game.
No hunting on Sunday (handguns are allowed in the woods for self defense only), but coyotes, woodchucks, porcupine, red squirrels, etc. are open to hunting year round, no closed season or bag limits. Trapping is legal and licensed trappers are allowed to have a gun in the woods on a Sunday to dispatch game.
I would suggest Maine is indeed a "Free" state.

Last edited by shurshot; October 22, 2019 at 07:24 AM.
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Old October 22, 2019, 08:00 AM   #65
agtman
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* * * Maine is a Sportsmans paradise and has been long before the days of the railroads. Deer, Bear, Moose, Rabbits, Partridge, woodcock, fox, coyotes, geese, ducks, turkeys. Maine has tons of wild game. No hunting on Sunday (handguns are allowed in the woods for self defense only), but coyotes, woodchucks, porcupine, red squirrels, etc. are open to hunting year round, no closed season or bag limits. Trapping is legal and licensed trappers are allowed to have a gun in the woods on a Sunday to dispatch game.
I would suggest Maine is indeed a "Free" state.
Your description does make Maine sound attractive, and no doubt there's good hunting of all kinds to be had there.

But a Sunday hunting ban is pants-on-head retarded. I've done some really great Yote hunting early on Sunday mornings around here. My Yote rig is essentially a suppressed 18" barreled AR which I don't believe is legal in Maine anyway.

Sorry, it rates a semi-Free State at best.
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Old October 22, 2019, 08:24 AM   #66
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The Sunday hunting ban is an old New England Blue law that started with the Puritans in the 1600's. Never was changed. Gotta respect the Sabbath!
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Old October 22, 2019, 11:51 AM   #67
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The Sunday hunting ban is an old New England Blue law that started with the Puritans in the 1600's. Never was changed. Gotta respect the Sabbath!
Have no problem with that.
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Old October 23, 2019, 10:05 AM   #68
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Originally Posted by shurshot View Post
The Sunday hunting ban is an old New England Blue law that started with the Puritans in the 1600's. Never was changed. Gotta respect the Sabbath!
I feel about the hunting ban on Sunday the same way I felt when I could not buy some items on Sunday due to Blue Laws. I don't want to do it but I don't want to be told I can't because there is a law against it.
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Old October 23, 2019, 03:42 PM   #69
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I hear you. I hate to be told what I can and can't do either. Don't get me started on Agenda 21... .
But as far as the No Hunting on Sunday, since it goes so far back in history, at this point I hate to see it change.
Besides, come at least one Sunday every fall and it rarely fails, I spot a nice Buck or Boss doe in my backfield. Kind of a nice feeling watching them, knowing they get a day of peace and a chance to get a drink from my pond or graze in my field without fear. Almost like they sense that my .270 Remington is off duty that day. As I'm not starving, I'm fine with that.
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Old October 23, 2019, 09:14 PM   #70
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Reference blue laws and not hunting on Sundays and such, I hate it when folks try to shove their religious bias down my throat.
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Old October 24, 2019, 04:55 AM   #71
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Getting back to the OP's question;
My Grandfather always kept his .22 rifle loaded on the family farm, for varmints, pests, etc. My gun and property now. A Steven's semiautomatic, I believe it's a model 87, tube fed with a fixed 4X scope. I saw him drop a large aggressive Mastiff one day. Dog was ugly, had been chasing steers, killing chickens. 2 fast head shots.. that nasty beast never knew what hit him, dead in his tracks. Never underestimate what a well placed .22 LR can do.
For slaughtering beef critters, he used his S&W 39-2 9mm, stated it penetrated well with 124 hardball, which was his CCW gun / ammo choice in the 70's / 80's. He also had a Herter's .44 Magnum Powermag, but he said it was far too loud to shoot inside the barn, shook the rafters, etc. He sold that, but left me the S&W 9mm.

Last edited by shurshot; October 24, 2019 at 12:18 PM.
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Old October 24, 2019, 11:43 AM   #72
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When I was a kid we carried 22 my carry was a hex barrel leaver action Marlin NO scope had good eyes them Now it would be my short barrel AR with a red dot 10 round mag with an extra one on hand
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Old October 24, 2019, 03:48 PM   #73
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My dad carried various guns in his pickup through the years, depending I guess on his mood or what he had ammo for.

Lever-action 30-30 with side-mount scope
7.7 Jap that my uncle brought back from Okinawa as a war trophy
Single-shot 12 gauge "goose gun" with 36" (IIRC) barrel
Pump-action 16ga
Mossberg bolt-action .410 shotgun
.22 semi-auto rifle
.22Mag revolver

BTW, all these were destroyed in a house fire a few years after Dad passed away. <sad>
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Old October 25, 2019, 06:35 PM   #74
agtman
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My dad carried various guns in his pickup through the years, depending I guess on his mood or what he had ammo for.
Lever-action 30-30 with side-mount scope
7.7 Jap that my uncle brought back from Okinawa as a war trophy
Single-shot 12 gauge "goose gun" with 36" (IIRC) barrel
Pump-action 16ga
Mossberg bolt-action .410 shotgun
.22 semi-auto rifle
.22Mag revolver.
Good gawd, dude. Don't be caught with all those guns in your Dad's truck in Maine on a Sunday afternoon.

Why, just the cumulative firepower alone would create 'presumptive guilt' of poaching.
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Old October 25, 2019, 09:47 PM   #75
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I keep a plain Jane AK-47 behind the seat of my truck, mainly because I got it cheap and needed a truck gun. I keep 2 40 round magazines handy for varmits, 2 & 4 legged. When I'm doing things at my buddy's ranch or just knocking around outdoors, I keep my Model 65 .357 on me, mostly because it's reliable and it's stainless, so I don't have to worry much about the finish.
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