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Is shooting from a trailer that is not attached to a vehicle still considered shooting from a vehicle? Trailer in question is a 52' tractor trailer, not like a fifth wheel. What about a tractor that hasn't moved for who knows how many years? I have to assume that anything that can move under it's own power (regardless of if it actually can or not) is going to be considered a vehicle under the statute.
Don't know for sure without looking, but I believe you would be correct that if it can move under its own power, would be considered "vehicle". Now if it hasn't moved and unable to move for who knows how long, my guess is you wouldn't be ticketed for shooting from said "vehicle". A trailer un-attached to something that can move it wouldn't be a problem I'm sure.
I'd think that, unless you can find a specifically elucidated regulation, it would be up to the CPW/DOW officer who might see such a thing (assuming you are talking about hunting?), or, a cop if not hunting.
Seems like the sort of thing you should get an answer in writing.
Only care about hunting.
I have also wondered about this. I'd like to setup our shooting bunches on my flatbed trailer and move it around from spot to spot for shooting prairie dogs.
A trailer is a vehicle, it's just not a motor vehicle. I would go with checking with the proper department and getting an answer in writing as noted above, however I'd bet the answer will be it's not allowed.
Do prairie dogs and coyotes even count?
Since no one has asked, are we to assume this is a flatbed trailer? Are there any laws regarding stands and/or blinds for hunting?
It's actually a full length semi-truck trailer. The roof is like 10' high and the elevation is pretty sweet.
No. When you consider the item in question is or has been a non mobile permanent structure for ever. Secondly the question your asking is about a "permanent structure" on private property. Not on public land.,
Then you factor in the game warden must have permission to enter private property, or is suppose to be given permission prior to entering. What they do however is not always what the rules are.
Following up on the question. With the trailer being fixed structure, how many years not on the road? Realistically, what's the difference between using it as your shooting platform and say a tree stand.
I have been checked while hunting on private property a few times, they never asked permission to go on the property. But we could be seen from the road and that's why they came.Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
If you saw where he can shoot from, it's off the road a ways, not saying they don't use glass to see what's up. He could always make a camo net to resemble a rusty trailer, of reefer unit. No one would look twice.Quote:
Originally Posted by whitewalrus
Yeah, you can see from two miles away with good glass. The question is really just academic at this point as there are other structures that are just as tall, and in the area, no additional elevation is realistically needed.
If you take the wheels and hubs off mounting on blocks like a trailer park in the old days the it is no longer a vehicle, it is a storage shed.
Best bet is to ask the district wildlife manager for the area or send the CPW an email. They normally don't have any problem responding to these inquires. Otherwise you are just going to get a bunch of us saying that we *may* know some guy that shoots from theirs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
Guess he should invite me out there to get a better feel for the question then, would have to bring my hunting gear [Coffee]Quote:
Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo
I have seen them stick a spotting scope out the window of the truck to get a better look at people out in fields.
I was always under the impression that game wardens can enter private property for game related matters. That's what I was told anyway.
I was also told that "road hunting" (shooting from a vehicle) is legal on private property.
Best to check first though. Maybe I talk to dumbasses.
Your last statement could be true even if you talk to the King’s Game warde.... err, DOW.
If you shoot from a trailer......
......you might be a redneck.
What's the difference from these?
https://i.imgur.com/qgsPYAM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Q6GeNgS.jpg
I'd agree. No one is poaching from the road when it's a trailer that's half a mile away from the nearest road and hasn't moved in ten years.
The DOW does not utilize any common sense during enforcement nor understand the difference between probable cause, reasonable suspension and a stiff breeze across their wangs.
Do nothing to provoke them or attract attention
I talked extensively with several DOW officers about this very subject last year. You can shoot from a trailer of any kind as long as its not hooked to a vehicle. I was researching the rules and regs on shooting from a high rack in a pickup bed (like you can in Texas). The answer i got was "are you shooting from a motorized vehicle?" The officer then offered up info that shooting from a trailer detached from the pickup was legal, but it must be detached. I night hunt coyotes, on private ground, from a elevated shooting platform on a utility trailer. I call the DOW officer assigned to my area (99) every other Friday to inform him that i will be out night hunting this weekend. I've been doing this for just about a year now and haven't had a problem yet.
Excellent, thanks for the information! That's pretty much exactly my situation, assuming I ever actually go out and shoot.
Great info. I have wanted to shoot from my flatbed to gain a little elevation and have a nice level surface.