[JEB]

with deer season on its way along with my 21st b-day right before that, i am reminded of an occasion last deer season on a particularly cold day when one of the members of our hunting party let out a small shiver and asked if anyone happened to have a flask with them. none of us did but it got me thinking...would it even be legal to carry alcohol on ones person when activly engaged in hunting? and if you were able to have it with you, could you find yourself in legal trouble for consuming small amounts of it even if you remain under the legal limit? at that time i will also have my ccw permit and dont know if the consumption of small ammounts of alcohol will have any legal impact on my ability to legaly carry a handgun, again i will be remaining under the legal limit at all times.

[LeonCarr]

Guns and alcohol don't mix...period.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Tully M. Pick]

Getting drunk and shooting doesn't mix, having a drink won't be the death of you, nor will you magically lose all control over your firearm because you took a slug from your flask. Check your local laws, but I'm pretty sure you'll be safe.

[bigfatdave]

Guns and alcohol don't mix...periodGuns and impairment of any kind don't mix...period

Take a few chemical warmers, or a thermos of hot cocoa. Consultation of Iowa law would yield a definitive answer as to the legality of the occasional nip while hunting, but it sets a bad precedent. I'm sure just about every drunk driver who got into a wreck would have claimed to be unimpaired before they got behind the wheel.

[John Peddie]

On a par with a pilot taking a slug while at the controls.

Don't even think about it.

[KenWP]

Booze dosn't really warm you when it's cold. It just makes the blood flow faster and you loose more body heat and will get colder then you started out in the first place. We had all these guys used to truck hunt all day around home with a bottle or a case of beer. Really want one of those guys walking behind me with a gun.

[OurSafeHome.net]

Consuming alcohol will make you become hypothermic faster than you would if you abstained.

So will drinking coffee.

Hot chocolate is best.

Dan "Steely-Eyed-Barrel-Chested-Two-Fisted-Running-Nosed-Arctic-Warrior" Nafe
(Years and years of cold-weather training and deployments in the Marines)

[revals]

I like a thermos full of either hot beef or chicken broth.

[Robert Wilson]

If you tend to fall over and lose all control of your bodily functions after taking a drink, you probably should not do it around guns. If you can take a drink with no significant effect, then it's hard to think of a reason to tell you not to.

[moosehunt]

Amen, Brother! I think we have either a lot of goodie goodies here or a lot of hypocrits (likely)! If a guy likes a nip or two, it ain't going to hurt a thing. I don't, but I damn sure do enjoy a few beers if I come in at lunch, and in 50+ years, I'm pretty damn confident that no harm has been rought! I suggest that some of you get off your high horses and be realistic! That is NOT to condone excessive drinking while hunting/shooting.

[PT1911]

drinking alcohol vasodilates giving an immediate warming affect, but because more blood is allowed to the surface of the dermis, more blood is cooled and thus, when circulated from distal to proximal (extremities to core) it results in greater loss of heat than if you had not consumed the alcohol.


with all that said.. it isnt a good idea to drink while shooting, hunting, etc however I cannot imagine having it on your person would be any more illegal than having a six pack in the car. CCP do specify their being void in the presence of alcohol but hunting isnt exactly concealed carry.

[jim in Anchorage]

I can hardly think of anything more embarrassing then to carry a hip flask while hunting. Isn't the idea to be as alert as possible?

[deacon8]

As you can see by reading these posts, it's up to you. As long as you don't get too "hammed" up, you'll be fine. It's a personal decision and it should be made my you. Right now, the vote seems to be 50/50. In these situations, I say, "To hell with it."

Personally, I couldn't care less about your decision to booze or not...as long as I don't get shot. Point being- it's a free country, do what you want.

[deacon8]

Also, I just noticed something. When did a "small chill" turn in to hypothermia??? If the issue was really life or death cold weather survival, I think he would just bring something warmer next year. haha.

[bootless]

If there is any doubt don't do it. Can't you just wait till after the hunt. Many enjoy a drink around the campfire after a hunt. Its just something more to carry and it will not improve any of your hunting/shooting abilities

[bswiv]

53 years old. Like a good glass of Scotch now and again. Had one last night. Hunted all my life. NEVER have taken a drink until the guns were stowed.

Those who say you may be within the law in doing so with moderation may, depending on where you are, be correct. That said it's to be remembered that having a "right" to do something does not mean that excersing that right in some situations is either smart or proper.

And this too........... What level of respect and concern for others in the woods does it show if you drink and therefor impair your jusdgment to some extent?

Leave it at the camp for later..............

[FuzzyBunny]

It might come in handy in some cases.

If your buddy twists an ankle and has to be carried out.
Topical disinfectant.
151 rum is a good firestarter.

I avoid it when handling firearms though.
I do keep a small 6oz bottle in my med box.
I refuse to shoot or hunt with folks who have been drinking even though I do drink when the time is right.

[EatBugs]

My hunting buddy and I like a couple two three brandys at night ... Although during the hunting season we switch to wine in the evening hours after the hunt.... easier on us in the mornings if we accidentally overdo it a bit.

I personally would not take alcohol into the field with me but might take a bit to the camp for later...just don't overdo it .... I refuse to drink anywhere near large amounts while on vacations because you have limited and expensive time and I don't want to waste a vacation or hunting day with a hangover... learned that lesson in Key West bar hoppin with a bunch of international travelers I met at the youth hostel. had only 3 days and two nights... the only whole day was wasted nursing a really bad hangover...

[earlthegoat2]

If you really dont want to think about it too deeply it is an OK idea.

But I would defnitely think about it deeply.

[MCgunner]

I've never liked liquor, not much of a wine drinker, and don't drink a lot of beer anymore. When I do have a beer, it sure ain't when I'm handling guns or driving! Dumb, dumb, dumb. If ya wanna warm up, I suggest a coffee thermos.

[kanook]

every year hunters get shot accidently. it would not look good if you had a little nip on your breath and this happened to you. I'm not implying that you are careless, just saying that accidents happen and it would suck to have them imply that intoxication was the cause.

[natman]

I enjoy a drink now and then, but absolutely not while hunting. Once the guns have been wiped down and put away, fine. Even worse for the poor excuse of keeping warm, since it's counterproductive. One exception: if you've just come out of the cold to somewhere warm and you want to take the chill off, great.

Once the guns have been put away.

[3pairs12]

All it takes is one accident and then they see the hip flask on you, guess where you will be. My guess is you will end up as somebody's prey. Depending on your wieght it does not take much to be over the legal limit for even driving and depending on your state laws regarding firearms and alcohol the legal limit can be significantly less. Don't forget that accidents do happen every year in the woods, and if I had to explain some accident I would much rather be 100% sober than the alternative. Whether you think you are impaired and the law thinks you are impaired are often two very different amounts of alcohol needed. I vote stay away from it until the evening at camp and then make up for it there.

[jimmyraythomason]

BAD idea,all the way around!

[jmorris]

As other have said above liquor ultimately won’t warm you up but a cold beer come dove season…

[JEB]

the thermos of coffee would be preferred but my pockets just arent that big, and because of the seriously thick brush i have to push through it is impossible to wear any sort of pack. the only things that go with me into the woods are those items that can be stashed in my pockets.
i am in no way advocating getting hammered or even drinking while hunting, i was only curious as to the legality of my above question, more for the sake of conversation really. i am asking this here because i have been unable to find any sort of answer in my hunting regulations handbook or on the internet.

[41magsnub]

I'll take a drink or two fishing, but never hunting.

[Skoghund]

When i lived in England it was the done thing to have your hip flask with you on driven pheasant days. Most hip flasks don't hold enough to do any harm.
I still have my Ostrich skin covered glass hip flask somewhere.
Never use it here in Sweden though. Letting a Swede sniff you flask is like letting a child loose in a chocolate shop:)
Mind you might get it out for our driven day we will have at my place this year. Sloe gin mmm ;)

[chas08]

I carry a flask in my blind bag, filled with a fine Canadian blend. My waterfowl partner and I will enjoy an after action toast mixed with our remaining coffee to celebrate a limit, or a fine morning out. Becoming impaired never happens, thats not the objective. It's more for symbolism and tradition. And to celebrate those that have passed on, who've influenced our love for the outdoors. I've never worried about the legality of it. I do know in regards to carring a concealed weapon, in Texas, there is no permissible blood/alchohol content. Anyone who hunts drunk, is a fool. Anyone who hunts with a drunk, is a bigger fool.

[Tim the student]

I think its a bad idea, especially if you are near other hunters. It might be ok if you go out in the morning, come in, have one VERY LIGHT drink, wait a couple hours, and go back out in the afternoon, but even then, I think it's an accident waiting to happen.


Think what happens if you are in an accident and you have a bit of booze in you. Usually you will get screwed royally.

Now think what will happen if you have an ND or worse. It's not worth it, IMO.

As others have noted, alcohol will speed frostbite and hypothermia, not prevent it. The "upside" is that you won't know until later, because you feel fine.

Last but not least, if you get cold in Iowa deer hunting, dress warmer, or go be a driver - you and I both know you will get plenty warm that way. The basic key is not to sweat, and then stop. Take a day pack and layer your clothing as needed or use a couple thick zip up sweatshirts. One of those little foam stadium cushions will do wonders if you are blocking and sitting, as will a nice thick Hawkeye hat with the funny ball on top that you can take on and off as needed.

[1/4MOA]

doesnt alcohol make your blood thiner. I could be wrong on that but in the case that i am right....... thinner blood makes you colder. think of someone that has poor circulation due to diabetes or possible a blood clot in the leg (my father was the proven factor in this case) his extremities stayed cold even when it was warm. BUT... ill be the first to say that a stiff concoction of Mt. Dew and Seagrams 7 warms me right up. Why is that? Ahh heck, maybe my first asumption is incorrect and i'm just wasting my breath. But in all seriousness, drinking and shooting, hunting, etc. dont mix to me. But do agree with 41magsnub its ok to drink and fish. Just dont play captain on the vessel that day. let your buddy drive.

[MCgunner]

Alcohol dilates the corpuscles in the skin giving you the feeling of warmth. Problem is, it then radiates the heat of that blood to the environment, so you are actually losing heat. That's not a good thing. Coffee or hot cocoa will warm your innards and you won't lose heat from it.

Maybe we have some GPs here to verify this. I just know what I've heard and it makes sense to me. :D

[Nicodemus38]

getting caught with a gun while drunk will most likely get your concealed pistol permit taken away from you. in some jurisdictions youll be quilty of various infractions in the misdemeanor family. in michigan i remember reading of people getting charged with "discharge of a firearm while intoxicated".

its not smart period. booze makes people get dumb, and when they get dumb they do stupid things.

[bejay]

would just check your local laws about your concealed carry and alcohol but if your not carring concealed while hunting dont really see how it would apply, and dont really see any harm in it while it may be frowned upon by some, if your responsible about it your not really going to drink enough to really impair you.
but you know I always see alot more deer after the first 12 pack.

[3pairs12]

if your not carring concealed while hunting dont really see how it would apply,
It applys becuase he still would be in possesion of a firearm while hunting.

but you know I always see alot more deer after the first 12 pack.

I hope you are just watching animals and not hunting!

[shaggy430]

I'll take a drink or two fishing, but never hunting.

I think this says it best.

[MCgunner]

but you know I always see alot more deer after the first 12 pack.

Yeah, but how do you know which one to shoot and which one isn't real? :D

I don't drink while fishing, either. There was a time, but older is wiser I guess. It's hot and I'd like a beer, but either I'm operating a boat or I drove to get there or both. Water, cokes, gatorade are fine. I mean, one beer ain't much, but still, as little as I drink anymore, I don't like even one if I'm running the boat or have to drive home.

I probably shouldn't drink a beer when I'm mowing the grass on my little lawn tractor, but I've been known to do that. :D Ain't like I'm going to hurt anyone or can't handle the reaction time at 2 MPH from one beer. I ain't THAT paranoid, just don't wanna drink if I'm going to be driving or running the boat.

[Norinco982lover]

I won't hunt, go to the range, or allow you in my house if you have been drinking, period. I have loaded firearms at all of those places and I DO NOT want you near them if you have been knocking back some of grandpa's old cough syrup.

~Norinco

[MCgunner]

Well, one good reason I don't drink much anymore, not away from home, anyway, is that I carry CCW and, well, that ain't wise to do and drink. I don't go to bars, never was the type. I drink a beer now and then around the house and when company is around, that's about it. If I ever DID get in a shooting and had only drank one beer, it still wouldn't look good to the grand jury.

[bearmgc]

What others have said. Additionally, if there's alcohol in the group and God forbid, an accident/ND and someone's hurt, the legal and litigation consequences could be catastrophic.

[Zoomer]

I ALWAYS carry a flask of Wild Turkey with me when hunting. It's ONLY for "desensitizing" the sniffer when I'm about to field dress or to "motivate" those that are about to help me drag one out of the woods.

The only time I'll take a swig with a loaded gun in my hand is on the last day of the season watching the sun set right before I call it another year........

[Art Eatman]

Seems to me that the whole deal revolves around "impaired judgement". To me, anybody whose judgement is impaired by one beer or one drink of whiskey has way too many problems, and "hadn't ever oughta" drink at all.

As has been noted above, "anti-freeze" ain't anti-freeze when you're talking about whiskey. So, that's certainly not any part of my thinking.

I figured out the whole drinking thing maybe a half-century back, particularly about impairment. Since I figure Impairment Is Bad, I guide myself accordingly, using a tad of common sense. Since a beer or two has never messed me up, I figure that a lunchtime beer and a sandwich at the truck when out in the field on a hunt isn't exactly any big deal.

But "really drinking" and messing with guns? Naw, that's terminal stoopid.

[Carl N. Brown]

Opening post: ....a particularly cold day when one of the members of our hunting party let out a small shiver and asked if anyone happened to have a flask with them....

On a cold day, "likker" will bring the blood to the skin and make you feel warm but the net result is you lose body heat faster if you are in the open. Mythbusters tested the "St Bernard with the brandy keg myth" and pretty much busted it.

Now, at the end of a cold day, a hot toddy by the roaring fireplace is a way to get the cheeks, fingers and toes warm quickly without a net loss of body warmth (after the guns are cleaned and cased). No way would I recommend drinking in the field to stay warm. You might end up numb enuf not to care that you are freezing to death.

[JEB]

...would it even be legal to carry alcohol on ones person when activly engaged in hunting? and if you were able to have it with you, could you find yourself in legal trouble for consuming small amounts of it even if you remain under the legal limit?

i am in no way advocating getting hammered or even drinking while hunting, i was only curious as to the legality of my above question...

i thought that this question was pretty clear when i posted it but i guess i need to clarify it further...i really dont care about people's opinions as to whether or not it is a good idea... is it legal

[BMF500]

...would it even be legal to carry alcohol on ones person when activly engaged in hunting? and if you were able to have it with you, could you find yourself in legal trouble for consuming small amounts of it even if you remain under the legal limit?

i am in no way advocating getting hammered or even drinking while hunting, i was only curious as to the legality of my above question...

i thought that this question was pretty clear when i posted it but i guess i need to clarify it further...i really dont care about people's opinions as to whether or not it is a good idea... is it legal
Consult a local lawer....

[Kurt S.]

Alcoholic beverage possession is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges while hunting. I think it is pretty much the same for Forest Service (Nat'l Forest) lands during hunting.

I don't know about Iowa, but in Kentucky it is governed by the general state law banning public consumption of alcohol. I asked this question of a game warden in KY a few years back, that was his answer.

Here in Texas, it is banned on all public hunting lands that I know of. Private leases are governed by club or ranch rules. I've never been on a lease that allowed you to have alcohol in the stands or on your person during legal hunting hours. I have also never been on one that forbid alcohol consumption at camp or bunkhouse after hours.

[Carl N. Brown]

Internet is a good place to solicit personal opinions, but the legal advice here is worth what you pay for it. :)

Call me a little 'a' anarchist, but what is good or bad is more important to me than what is legal or illegal.

[owen]

let me ask you this: Why do you want to carry the flask?

[JHK94]

Growing up, my dad and uncles always had a few beers (and smoked a pack of cigs) up in their deer stands. Usually got a deer, and everything was fine. Granted, they could have a few beers and not really feel it. This was private land, and I don't think they ever worried about the legality, though.

I for one think people are a little over sensitive when it comes to drinking...

[CoRoMo]

Layers not liquor.

It's a hunt, not a party.

[JHK94]

A party isn't the only time to drink alcohol.

[rondog]

Only 'round the camp after the day's hunting is done!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/dads%20hunting%20photos/Scan10003.jpg

[Tim the student]

i really dont care about people's opinions as to whether or not it is a good idea... is it legal

Have you called your Sherrif and the DNR? They might know.

[MCgunner]

A party isn't the only time to drink alcohol.

Yeah, I always get ripped before a long trip, makes the miles melt away. :rolleyes:

It might not be the "only time", but there are reasons NOT to drink. Like I said before, I don't drink away from home or if I'm going to be away from home since I carry CCW. If I had to shoot someone, I wouldn't want ANY alcohol in my system or on my breath when the cops come.

There are many reasons NOT to drink. Getting warm is one. You only kid yourself if you think a drink will warm you on a cold day. As mentioned, it is detrimental. Around the campfire is different.

And, Art, when I was in college, I was getting started with a 12 pack. Now days, I drink so little, I can feel it after only one beer if I haven't had anything to eat. I ain't sick, just don't drink much. I don't consider it a measure of manlihood like I once did. :D

[travellingJeff]

Like so many decisions in life, this one is ultimately in your hands. The price of freedom is the fact that you've got to be responsible for the actions you choose to undertake.

I've seen guys haul a six pack into the deer stand before. I don't particularly like that notion, but I don't like "sitting and waiting for a deer to shoot" either. I've seen experienced guides in Wyo and Colo take a little flask of brandy, estimated at about 6 fl oz, and have 2/3rds of it left at the end of the day. I'm sure that didn't hurt one thing.

I'm sure that no one here would recommend getting totally snozzered before going into the woods and I'm sure that not many would be too offended if you had a nip of Turky but weren't inebriated. If you feel that you can control your intake in moderate levels and not allow the ethanol to cloud your judgment or senses, and you feel that it would enhance the experience, then go for it. If, on the other hand, you're the guy that wakes up in a puddle of emesis every time you go out to the bar, perhaps you aren't mature enough for the combination of drinking and deadly weapons.

[Clipper]

...Well, I don't trust YOUR idea of 'how much I can handle'. I've seen too many dipsticks who were impared, that would swear they were sober as a judge. I wouldn't want to be in the same woods with 'em, and it would be worth the price of admission to see how having an open container and a loaded gun would go over with the DNR...

[MCgunner]

I've seen guys haul a six pack into the deer stand before. I don't particularly like that notion, but I don't like "sitting and waiting for a deer to shoot"

Well, even if it didn't impair me to drink a sixer on my stand, between the popping tops and my peeing off the stand, I'd be waiting a while to actually see a deer. LOL! Kinda stupid to drink if you wanna shoot something. Now, downing a beer or six while DOVE hunting won't scare the game, at least. After six, I'm not sure I could hit one, though.

[mbt2001]

I would call that high risk, low reward endeavor.

You risk a lot and get very little in return, so why engage? Drink if you want, but God help you if there is every any kind of problem, accident or whathaveyou and you get found with a flask...

[The_Dude]

"On a particularly cold day when one of the members of our hunting party let out a small shiver and asked if anyone happened to have a flask with them."

He should have dressed warmer. Even if it were legal you are actually allowing yourself to become colder consuming alcohol, as many others have said and can/will lead to bigger issues(hypothermia, forstbite, etc.).

You can't carry a pack you said due to terrain reasons.
Tie a thermos to your waist with coffee in it. 32ozs of coffee will do better than a few of whiskey.

So even if its legal its still not smart.

Its not illegal to drive with one eye shut but you don't do it when you have two workin ones.

[Loanshark]

If all you care about is the legalities, maybe you should consult a lawyer. I'll bet big buck$ he'll say "not a good idea"... That'd be enough for me. After the hunt GAME ON!!

In my state my understanding is if your have your ccw on you you're not to drink! Even if your not concealing I would expect there's little to keep this from being used against you, if there's an issue.

In the face of all of the potential problems, if you can't wait, I might ask if you have your drinking under control. Or the drink is in control of you..

Okay climbing off my high horse now. When I was 21, very few of my activities didn't include drinking. But I'm a bit smarter and more mature than I was then. I got lucky, many times i made decisions that could have changed my life and or others for the worse.

Is it worth it? Think BEFORE you drink!!!

[3pairs12]

I would call that high risk, low reward endeavor.

Ding, Ding, Ding I think this statement is a winner.

[a-sheepdog]

I won't touch an alcoholic beverage until I am done hunting and the firearms are put away. That is just the way it is at my camp. Drinking and firearms are not a good combination.

[JEB]

seems like a pretty unanamous vote for "no." i think i will still take the flask but leave it in the tool box of the truck. at the end of the hunt, an ice cold toast to the days events just might be in order. (or as an attempt to block out the smell of a gut-shot deer one of the other guys is cleaning)

[Tim the student]

Thought you just wanted legalities?

In any order, I am glad you won't be taking a sip while hunting. Seems like a good, mature decision to me.

[3pairs12]

I think that would be a good call JEB.

[nitetrane98]

Alcohol dilates the corpuscles in the skin giving you the feeling of warmth.

OMG please say it ain't so!!!! The red ones and the white ones? Dilated? Such a wealth of medical knowledge here.

I had absolutely no idea that so many people (and sadly so many men) agree with my ex and believe that a shot of whisky will make you totally lose control of mental and physical abilities.

[3pairs12]

I had absolutely no idea that so many people (and sadly so many men) agree with my ex and believe that a shot of whisky will make you totally lose control of mental and physical abilities.

Just becuase one shot of whiskey doesn't get you drunk is not a good enough of an excuse for me to carry a flask while in possesion of a loaded firearm. It is also illegal where I hunt, but wouldn't do it if it were.

[Arkel23]

Don't drink and hunt.
Don't drink and drive.
Drink and shoot?
You might not be alive. Just give them another reason to talk about banning SOME guns. "Man arrested for man-slaughter." "Early this morning a man shot another man while hunting."

[HB]

If I saw somebody take a swig when hunting with me, I would ask them to leave. If you can't go 5 hours without a drink, get some help.

[dubbleA]

If I saw somebody take a swig when hunting with me, I would ask them to leave. If you can't go 5 hours without a drink, get some help.


+1 Pretty much my thoughts too.

[4v50 Gary]

I'm old fashioned. Guns and alcohol don't mix.

[murdoc rose]

I agree booze and guns don't mix but i can't think of a time out hunting where booze wasn't at camp. So no need to carry a flask with you in the woods keep it in the truck for after your done with the day

[AKElroy]

Booze dosn't really warm you when it's cold. It just makes the blood flow faster and you loose more body heat and will get colder then you started out in the first place.

+1. I saw this tested on mythbusters, and the subject actually did get colder faster when drinking. Besides, being cold and miserable is what hunting is all about.

A few years back I was on a company sponsored hunt. Our host, whom I had never met, started drinking bloody mary's & boilermakers @ 5:30am for breakfast, and was thoroughly lit when driving us to our stands. Terrific hospitality.

[AKElroy]

Now, downing a beer or six while DOVE hunting won't scare the game, at least. After six, I'm not sure I could hit one, though.

Ain't the dove I'd be wanting you to mis---

[moooose102]

i do not know about the legal aspect in your state, but in my state, if a D.N.R. officer (or any law enforcement for that matter) catches you consuming, (or having consumed) alcohol while hunting, you are in serious legal trouble. and do not plan on hunting again for a long time. and rightfully so. even a bow and arrow do not mix with alcohol, but a gun and booze!?!?! no way, no how, do not pass go, do not collect $200.00, go directly to jail!!!!! do you know what they do to young men in prison???? JUST DON'T DO IT! if you are cold, you need hot coffee, not alcohol. didn't you know alcohol actually lowers your body temperature? making it easier to get hypothermic.

[rondog]

I'm not a hunter, and I don't really even qualify as a drinker, hardly touch the stuff. Now, cigars? Oh yeah. But what's a "DNR" officer? I can't figure that one out.

[natman]

But what's a "DNR" officer? I can't figure that one out.

Department of Natural Resources. What some states call Fish and Game Department.

[natman]

Alcohol dilates the corpuscles in the skin giving you the feeling of warmth.

OMG please say it ain't so!!!! The red ones and the white ones? Dilated? Such a wealth of medical knowledge here.

I had absolutely no idea that so many people (and sadly so many men) agree with my ex and believe that a shot of whisky will make you totally lose control of mental and physical abilities.

OK, so he said "corpuscles" when he meant "capillaries". Big deal.

Nobody said that a shot of whiskey makes you "totally lose control of mental and physical abilities." But it does impair them, if only slightly. Which mixed with guns is not a good thing.

The real problem is if one nip is OK, then another won't hurt, then another....

The only sure way to avoid the problem is to not drink at all until the guns are put away. I'll repeat:

If you can't go for a few hours during the day without a drink, it's a sign of a serious problem.

[mlaustin]

In California, if Fish and Game catch you drinking with guns on public land, it's really bad. I could find specific laws if you want. No guarantee as to other states though...I do live in CA :-/. I've been told, however, that it has nothing to do with your BAC, your "I swear, it was just for the end of the day!" stories, etc. Just that you have alcohol with you.

On private land, you can do whatever you want assuming you don't violate any other laws and the owner is okay with it, as far as I'm aware.

Also, just a note, from a bio major and EMT-2: Drinking to stay warm is a TERRIBLE idea. It's been mentioned here before, but the reason alcohol warms you up is by constricting your blood vessels. Frostbite happens a lot faster when you're drunk because it's harder for your body to push blood to the extremities.

Use the pocket space for those chemical hand warmer packets. $0.99 for two of them at my local REI and they stay good for hours. Drop them in your gloves or pockets or just make a fist around them, or tape them to the top of your socks (always worked for me when I went snow camping in the sierras). Just my $0.02.

[natman]

California Fish and Game Regulations, 550(b)(21):

"(21) Possession and use of Alcohol or other Controlled Substances. No person shall possess or use alcohol or other controlled substances while in the
field hunting or engaged in other authorized recreational activities on any State wildlife area or Federal wildlife refuge. For the purpose of this section, “in the field” is defined as all areas except checking stations and designated parking areas. The possession and/or use of controlled substances pursuant to 11550 of the Health and Safety Code are prohibited on all areas managed and/or controlled by the department."

So, yes, it IS illegal, on state or federal land. I wouldn't be at all surprised if there is a general prohibition as well.

[Sav .250]

You would never make it in our camp..........

[.38 Special]

Oh good grief. It's a sorry day when "zero tolerance" is celebrated by folks who pride themselves on being staunch defenders of liberty.

If you get drunk anytime you take a drink, then don't drink and handle firearms.

If you totally lack self control and can't take one drink without another, and another, and etc., then don't drink and handle firearms.

If, however, you are like the great majority of responsible adults, and can take a drink without getting drunk or desperately needing eight more, then do what you think is best. Zero tolerance is just a convenient excuse for not bothering to actually think about something.

[3pairs12]

Well .38 Special in many areas it is illegal to have both alcohol and firearms. Most often its one or the other. So being the responsible adult that I am I will actually think about it and not put the rest of my liberties at risk and leave the alcohol at home while hunting. Breaking the law is not a good start to changing it.

[Tim the student]

"zero tolerance"

Is what I have people that do not practice gun safety. Part of that includes not drinking with guns.

Just as I would have zero tolerance for anyone who pointed a gun at me, no matter how many people, or who, might had previously cleared it. You just don't know, so zero tolerance is the only safe policy.

[travellingJeff]

I might not agree with Tim the student's opinion regarding alcohol and firearms, but I do agree that their should be a ZERO TOLERANCE for safety violations.

The subjective issue here; does "one drink" equate to a safety violation. I can't really say either way. The one thing I can say, if you've had a half a drop of alcohol seven hours ago, but that flask is in your pocket, and you pull the trigger and kill a hunter or a hiker, you'll be in a gigantic world of doo-doo. It's hard to claim "accident" when you've got open containers of alcohol with you.

Personally, I've given up on the combination of "alcohol" and "cold weather physical exertion". In early fall, in temperate climates, I might bring something along to spice up my hot cider :)

[rondog]

Quote:
But what's a "DNR" officer? I can't figure that one out.

Department of Natural Resources. What some states call Fish and Game Department.

Oh for cryin' out loud! Now they gotta get all PC with that too? Like "Human Resources" is the fancy PC term for "Personnel Dept.", or "Sanitation Engineer" instead of Janitor. Barf.

Thanks for the info!

[stonecoldy]

Here's how our grouse camp goes:
Arrive early afternoon (the guys like me who have to drive 600 miles to find a sustaining population), shoot and dress-out several aspen, meet the other guys at camp late afternoon- bring out Black Jack and everyone enjoys a shot, not having been together since fish camp 4 months ago.
Get up the next morning, hunt until noon, find a small out-of-way tavern that serves decent food, have a beer with lunch. Lunch lasts at least an hour.
Walk up some coverts until late afternoon. Go out for a really good dinner (Prime rib if possible!), roll the dice box at a few bars for who wins the beer, go to bed.
Hunt the next morning, pack it up and head home.
So alcohol is part of our hunting ritual, but in moderation and not out in the field. Everyone involved follows this.
As .38 Special said, it's all about sef control, true with anything.

[w_houle]

I like a thermos full of either hot beef or chicken broth.
First time I read that as "I like a thermos full of ether..."
Well... personally I prefer chloroform, but... oh, not what you said.
Either you have a regular habit of imbibing small amounts of alcohol on a regular basis or not. If so then this is just a check of legality, if not, then all I can say is to let it go. The temperance movement has taken long strides to dry this country out, and there's no turning back. It'd be as good as asking about having a martini lunch: your boss will most likely frown upon such shenanigans!

[ranger335v]

Booze won't warm you. But, it can make you not give a dim about being cold!

[Tacbandit]

Once again...alcohol and firearms don't mix....Don't do it!!!