Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001
For more information:  Dave McCrea, 773-4243

TWO-WAY RADIOS AND CELLULAR PHONES PROHIBITED WHEN HUNTING IN OR ON MOTOR VEHICLES

PIERRE – State Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding hunters that two-way radios and cellular telephones may not be used by sportsmen for the purpose of hunting big game, small game or migratory waterfowl while in or on any motor vehicle.

Law Enforcement Specialist Dave McCrea said the revised ruling includes "or on" a motor vehicle to cover those situations where the hunter is using the communication device astride an all-terrain vehicle or similar device or where a hunter is not physically within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 

"The use of cellular phones by hunters has been well documented, and since they have largely replaced two-way radios, cellular phones were added to the list of prohibited communication devices last year," McCrea explained. "It is a case of the rule keeping pace with changes in technology."

McCrea noted that there are exceptions. "Using two-way radios or cell phones is not prohibited while in or on a motor vehicle when hunting predators and varmints," he said. "That includes species such as coyotes, skunks, fox, etc." Additionally, hunters can use the communication devices when on foot. The rationale of ‘fair chase’ is violated when incorporating the use of cellular phones with a motor vehicle to hunt game animals," he said, "but using these electronic communication devices when on foot maintains the element of fair chase and is a permissible method of hunting."

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