New state laws will have an effect on the upcoming the gun deer hunt. The changes recently approved by the governor will make it easier on many hunters heading into the woods this weekend.
Tim Lawhern with the Department of Natural Resources says one of those will allow long barreled firearms to be transported uncased in a vehicle. Guns must be completely unloaded and cannot have loaded clips attached to them.
The law also allows loaded guns to be place on the exterior of the vehicle, such as on the hood or tailgate, as long as it is stationary.
Another new law allows hunters to shoot from a non-motorized vehicle. Lawhern says that will allow hunters to set up a blind on something like a hay wagon, which had previously required hunters to take extra steps. He says many people who wanted to hunt that way would have to take a wheel off of the wagon, so it would not count as a vehicle.
This will also be the first deer hunt where the state’s new concealed carry law will be in play. Lawhern says those with a permit will be able to carry a concealed firearm, much as they have been able to open carry a handgun in the past.
The new laws take effect on November 19th, the first day of the nine day gun deer hunt. Lawhern says wardens will be working to answer questions from hunters on how they apply to the season.
The DNR has also compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the laws, which is available on the agency’s website.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:04)