Surrender or a Felony?

[VikingsGuy]

I have read that pronghorn will walk towards a piece of waving white cloth, thereby helping a hunter close distance. I have also read mixed information about whether this is permitted or not in WY. So, in WY, is use of "the white flag" while hunting antelope legal or not?

 

[MThuntr]

I can't/won't comment on the legalities of flagging in WY because I don't know. The best way to be in the know is to contact one of their officers/game wardens.

I can comment that antelope often do look your direction and can come in closer as long as they aren't spooked or pressured and don't see you as much as the flag.

 

[Gellar]

I can't/won't comment on the legalities of flagging in WY because I don't know. The best way to be in the know is to contact one of their officers/game wardens.

I can comment that antelope often do look your direction and can come in closer as long as they are spooked or pressured and don't see you as much as the flag.

100% agree! The only thing I would add is when you contact Wyoming fish and game contact the officer who is in charge of your hunt area. Get the info from the person who will be writing the ticket as officers interpret the law differently.

 

[wytex]

I see no reason why it would be illegal but have a email in to our warden.

 

[el unit]

100% agree! The only thing I would add is when you contact Wyoming fish and game contact the officer who is in charge of your hunt area. Get the info from the person who will be writing the ticket as officers interpret the law differently.

This is correct in ANY state. example: A game warden last year was fine when I asked him about a GoPro camera mounted to my bow, but told me I needed to ask the warden who operates the area I'd be hunting in.

 

[JM77]

You can't wave your hat at them either, they are big on writing you up on that one!:W:

 

[wytex]

Jm just curious if you someone who was cited and the fine upheld because this is the email I got back from the area warden: Jason Sherwood:

"It is legal. There isn't anything about it in the regulations, although safety might dictate using a fluorescent orange flag to avoid attracting the wrong attention from other hunters."

I also have an email in to Scott Talbott our Director and former warden. I'm pretty sure he will say the same, legal just like decoying.

 

[wytex]

Warden # 2 just answered my question about flagging with the same answer it is legal.
I have done it only accidentally, harvested a buck and was waving my hat to get the attention of my partner to bring the truck over, the entire herd I spooked starting running right at me and came within 50 yds.
Might not hurt to try it.

 

[jtm307]

I've done it. My friend was lying prone as the buck he was after strolled just beyond his range. I pulled a game bag out of my pack and started waving it to the buck. He saw it started walking back toward us.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Warden # 2 just answered my question about flagging with the same answer it is legal.
I have done it only accidentally, harvested a buck and was waving my hat to get the attention of my partner to bring the truck over, the entire herd I spooked starting running right at me and came within 50 yds.
Might not hurt to try it.

Wow - super helpful. Was just expecting general assumptions, not direct correspondence with Game & Fish. This forum is quite amazing.

 

[JohnCushman]

I shoot antelope every year doing it. We'll park in the open after getting dropped off in some cholla or sage and tie a walmart bag to the antenna of the truck and wait. More times than not, if you pattern the herds you can get them to walk right past you. Sometimes I will tie a handkercheif to my bow limb also. Flagging is an awesome technique, especially if they are rutting.

 

[wytex]

When you been proven wrong before, and I have, it makes sense to get the facts. Luckily we have a great relationship with our local warden and since I had the email addresses of those in the know why make assumptions.
Legality questions should be a matter of fact not speculation, I need to remind myself of that often.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Jm just curious if you someone who was cited and the fine upheld because this is the email I got back from the area warden: Jason Sherwood:

"It is legal. There isn't anything about it in the regulations, although safety might dictate using a fluorescent orange flag to avoid attracting the wrong attention from other hunters."

I also have an email in to Scott Talbott our Director and former warden. I'm pretty sure he will say the same, legal just like decoying.

I have a strong feeling that JM77 was posting a bit of sarcasm because flagging has been used for decades and has always been legal.

 

[wytex]

Lol, bet you're right. Sorry JM.

 

[JM77]

I have a strong feeling that JM77 was posting a bit of sarcasm because flagging has been used for decades and has always been legal.

Wow, I thought the emoji was a dead giveaway!! Thanks for the laugh today wytex!!

 

[Poke 'Em]

I'm just curious why there was doubt to its legality. What in the regs made you think it wasn't?

 

[wytex]

The joke went right over my head.:hump:

 

[jtm307]

I'm just curious why there was doubt to its legality. What in the regs made you think it wasn't?

While it's not specifically in the regs, I've heard some argue it's baiting big game. I don't think that would hold up in court if a Warden decided to go after someone with that logic. If flagging is baiting, so is using a cow call.

 

[VikingsGuy]

I'm just curious why there was doubt to its legality. What in the regs made you think it wasn't?

I have seen a number of posts on various forums referencing illegality in some state (even a chapter in a book did), so I thought I would ask about Wyoming.

 

[wytex]

That is why I went to the source for answers.
Wyoming has no specific laws on decoying and makes me wonder how some states can call it baiting. Must be in the language of the regs and their definition of "bait".
In states it is illegal how is using a decoy legal ?
Brings up an interesting issue, is it really illegal in any state or just conjecture by hunters. I would like to know, share some regs if anybody knows them.