10-16-2012, 10:14 AM
Road Hunting
Question: How
far off the road must one be to begin hunting/shoot an animal? I see
guys hunting ditches just off the road for pheasants all the time. Also,
what constitutes a "road" for this purpose? (Michael O., Woodland)
Answer:
There are several laws that apply to what you describe. Most counties
regulate the distance from a public roadway a firearm may be discharged
under a county ordinance. Many counties require 150 feet, but this is
highly variable and you would have to check with your county to find
out. It is always unlawful to negligently discharge a firearm, and
California Penal Code, section 374c prohibits the discharge of a firearm
from or upon a public road or highway. Fish and Game Code, section
3004(b) makes it unlawful to discharge a firearm or release an arrow or
crossbow bolt over or across any public road or other established way
open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner. Definitions for
road and roadway can be found in sections 527 and 530 of the California
Vehicle Code.
Question: How
far off the road must one be to begin hunting/shoot an animal? I see
guys hunting ditches just off the road for pheasants all the time. Also,
what constitutes a "road" for this purpose? (Michael O., Woodland)
Answer:
There are several laws that apply to what you describe. Most counties
regulate the distance from a public roadway a firearm may be discharged
under a county ordinance. Many counties require 150 feet, but this is
highly variable and you would have to check with your county to find
out. It is always unlawful to negligently discharge a firearm, and
California Penal Code, section 374c prohibits the discharge of a firearm
from or upon a public road or highway. Fish and Game Code, section
3004(b) makes it unlawful to discharge a firearm or release an arrow or
crossbow bolt over or across any public road or other established way
open to the public in an unsafe and reckless manner. Definitions for
road and roadway can be found in sections 527 and 530 of the California
Vehicle Code.