ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING LAW EXPLAINED
10/19/2009
CHEYENNE?- For a number of years, Wyoming has had a law that prohibits the use of artificial light for hunting and fishing. But, the continuing development of lighted hunting and fishing equipment has given rise to numerous questions concerning Wyoming law and the use of lighted devices.
??????????????? To help answer these questions, the Game and Fish has produced a pamphlet to help clarify questions about the legality of various devices now on the market.
??????????????? Wyoming law states that "No person shall take any wildlife with the aid of or by using any artificial lighting device."? Following that law the Game and Fish Commission has established regulation to give clarification as to what is and isn't legal for taking wildlife.
??????????????? For hunting, Commission regulation states that "Artificial light means any man made light or lighting device which projects? a light visible? to the unaided eye outside of the device, or any battery powered? device that provides an enhanced ability to see in the dark."
Under this definition, devices that are allowed for hunting include the following:
·???????? fiber-optic and light gathering sights,
·???????? ?scopes with built in rangefinders,
·???????? ?battery powered scopes that use a lighted reticle or dot projected only within the scope
·???????? sights emitting natural light
·???????? battery powered bow pins
·???????? lighted arrow nocks
?
Devices that are prohibited for hunting include:
·???????? spotlights/handlights
·???????? laser sights – emitting visible light
·???????? night vision devices
·???????? infrared scopes
?
For fishing, Commission Regulation states: "No person shall use an artificial light with the sole purpose of aiding or attracting fish. No person shall use any device to physically extend an artificial light over the water to attract fish. . . . . .It is illegal to use artificial lighted hooked devices."
Under this definition, devices allowed for fishing include the following:
·???????? lighted strike indicators or bobbers
·???????? worms, baits and tackle chemically enhanced to produce light
·???????? lighted pole rod tip
?
Prohibited devices for fishing include:
·???????? fish finders or underwater cameras that produce artificial light (when used to attract and/or take fish)
·???????? battery powered light producing lures
·???????? submersible lights
???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
More information on lighting devices and questions can be obtained from the Game and Fish Web site
http://gf.state.wy.us?or by contacting Game and Fish headquarters in Cheyenne at (307) 777-4600 or the nearest Game and Fish regional office.
?(Contact: Al Langston (307) 777-4540)
-WGFD-
