That is not the issue, bensdad. It is whether or not one can be in the woods with a firearm without a license. That said, I have to wonder about the socialist "regulation" in MN saying that one can't even accompany w/o a license. Just what might be considered accompany? If we drive out together and you wander off hunting deer, I wander off looking for mushrooms, how close are we "allowed" to be? As the morning progresses, our two paths unknowingly come close together. Does that mean me, with no license, am off to jail if a warden comes along? "OK, buddy! You're too close and I think you might be together. Let's go!" What if we meet for lunch out there in the wild woods? I really wonder if they could enforce barring one from being in the woods without a hunting license? Now if I'm assisting you in your hunt, I understand, but just being there enjoying the outdoors, happens to be in your pressence? I think not an enforceable crime! Or what about a situationwhere we didn't even start out together. You went deer hunting this AM, me, I went mushroom hunting. 11:45 AM and we bump into each other: "Hey, Bensdad, how are you? Long time no see! What have you been up too lately?" "Oh, not much. Just out looking for a buckskin this morning. I was just fixing to have a cup of coffee. Want one? I got plenty." "Sure, thanks." Now from behind a tree steps Joe G. Warden. "Hello, boys. Let's see your licenses. What? You don't have one? And you're out here with Bensdad? Let's go!"
Now, realistically, I see why MN might have such a rule, so that there really aren't two guys hunting on one license. And in reality, there aren't many situations where a guy would be with you and wouldn't be helping you hunt. But maybeso your cook or your girlfriend IS along purely for the outdoors (indeed, more of a hinderance than a help), or your young pup who is too young to legally poccess a license. Is it right that these folks are criminals because the haven't shelled out $50 (or whatever the local fee) for a license for something they aren't hunting, or in the one case, can't hunt?