California headlamp/ flashlight hunting law question

[cambo0420]

Hey guys been using my streamlight headlamp that's pretty bright but has 3 settings been navigating when it's dark with it to get to a hunting spot early in the morning or to get back too camp. One of my buddies told me in California and a lot of western states you have too have a headlamp or flashlight that's a certain voltage or lumens for it to be legal or you can get a citation. Does anyone know what the law is? And also is this law because they don't want you spotlighting with it?

 

[wapitibob]

I have never heard of anyone getting hassled for hiking in or out with a headlamp.

 

[Bubblehide]

I am unable to cite the exact law at this time. But the lew you are referring to relates to night hunting use, coyote hunting in legal night hunting areas; as any other species would be illegal without a depredation permit. The last time I read the law, the limit was a 9 volt light, and mentioned nothing about lumens. I would imagine that if rifle hunting, if you removed your bolt and ammo, putting them both away inside your pack, you would technically be legal using any light of any voltage to say, go from camp to a hunting blind.

Edit addition: keep in mind that here in Ca, and in many states, if you are in a vehicle, and you turn your car toward a deer, to see it, see it better... with your headlights, and you have a gun in your vehicle, you are in violation. So it is highly likely a really good idea to not do the same with a headlamp or flashlight.

 

[RosinBag]

There is no such law pertaining to the original posters question. No limit on your light size for hiking.

If you are using it to spotlight game animals and shoot them, then it would be illegal. But as far as the original question, you are fine.

 

[Bubblehide]

There is no such law pertaining to the original posters question. No limit on your light size for hiking.

If you are using it to spotlight game animals and shoot them, then it would be illegal. But as far as the original question, you are fine.

If that is the case, and it very well may be, then the law has changed since the last time I read it. I really don't do any night coyote hunting, so I have not kept up on the regulation, and there was some discussion of changing it with the advent of LED lights.

 

[boom]

i cant imagine a law like that..

safety first no? i use the dimmest setting when i am hiking..just enough so i dont bust my ass. plus other hunters can see me and not shoot at the "noise".