Is it illegal to drink alcohol while hunting?

Like many people in Michigan, you may participate in the hunting season with close friends and beloved family members. The feelings of kinship and camaraderie you enjoy often transform an already exciting exhibition into a memorable event.

You may enjoy camping, good food and booze as part of your hunting experience. While drinking alcohol certainly is not illegal, you should practice awareness and responsibility and understand what is and is not acceptable to stay in compliance with federally issued hunting regulations.

Avoiding trouble

Regardless of whether you are hunting or not, it is never okay to handle a firearm while under the influence. According to The Department of Natural Resources for the state of Michigan, you may face serious consequences if you violate regulations that prohibit you from hunting immediately after consuming alcohol. In fact, you could end up spending upwards of three months in jail or wind up paying a hefty fine. Repeat violations may create even more serious consequences and ultimately compromise your ability to hunt at all.

Not only can you face charges for operating a firearm while under the influence, but if caught, you may even face consequences simply for carrying a firearm while under the influence. As such, practice vigilance in deciding which activities to participate in so you can anticipate an exciting and successful hunt without compromising your safety or the well-being of the people in your group.

Facing violations

Hunting violations may create undue stress, but they certainly are not the end of the world. Your commitment to change your habits and implement boundaries to prevent repeat behavior may enable you to overcome your charges and continue to enjoy many more successful hunting seasons.