Camping in draw unit, hunting next door

[Bullshot]

Looking for thoughts on how much scrutiny and aggravation it would bring me to camp on NF in a LE unit but hunt in the general unit right next to it. The road to potential camp ends a hundred yards or so before the unit boundary.

 

[MTGomer]

I have done this with no problems.

 

[lastlight]

Dont think twice about it, I did it last weekend and killed a buck 50 yards on the right side of the boundary line of two LE units.

 

[MT_Chad]

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[SFC B]

The only thing I might do is to check with the DNR in the area to see what they would suggest to ensure they wouldn't think you were hunting on the wrong side of the boundary.....for instance weapon fully unloaded, bolt removed etc.....

 

[8andcounting]

The only thing I might do is to check with the DNR in the area to see what they would suggest to ensure they wouldn't think you were hunting on the wrong side of the boundary.....for instance weapon fully unloaded, bolt removed etc.....

I wouldn’t worry about that ... who cares what they think he has a right to camp there - as long as he is Not hunting in said unit then nothing to worry about

 

[SFC B]

Considering he would have to travel with a weapon and all of the equipment necessary to hunt from the LE entry area to the non-LE unit, then back into the LE unit at the end of the day and the DNR folks are the ones who interpret the regulations regarding what constitutes one "hunting" in the legal sense he definitely should care what they think. Getting guidance ahead of time is prudent and could save a lot of grief.

 

[rustednuts]

Carry the firearm unloaded in your vehicle and you’re fine... don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill

 

[cedahm]

Considering he would have to travel with a weapon and all of the equipment necessary to hunt from the LE entry area to the non-LE unit, then back into the LE unit at the end of the day and the DNR folks are the ones who interpret the regulations regarding what constitutes one "hunting" in the legal sense he definitely should care what they think. Getting guidance ahead of time is prudent and could save a lot of grief.

Having answered this same question a few times, I agree with @SFC B - I do this every year. Some days I walk right out from camp (about 1 mile inside the LE unit) into the OTC area, sometimes I drive, but either way I have my bow on my pack when on foot in the LE unit.

I talked to the local warden years ago (and still do) and he had no issue whatsoever, but was very pleased I even brought it up. Have since gotten a lot of good info from him (incl an intro to the Range manager which has been REALLY helpful since I can get solid intel on when and where the domestic stock are going to rotate). As a general rule, I think it's good to have a positive relationship with the staff in the area. What bad can come of talking to them?