What happens when you smoke weed before hunting? You get arrested. The end.

Granted, there are other things to consider about the effects of weed while hunting, but that’s not what inspired this post. Nor does Grand View Outdoors endorse smoking weed or any other substance while hunting. After all, there’s scent control to think about, people!

Instead, here’s a look at how one state handles hunters who smoke weed before hunting.

What Was the Hunter Charged With?

In northwest Ohio, Wildlife District Two, one deer hunter was charged with hunting while under the influence of a controlled substance last fall, according to the Norwalk Reflector. The hunter was recently found guilty in court.

What Was the Penalty?

The convicted hunter was ordered to pay over $1,100 in fines and court costs, required to complete a hunter safety course, complete two years of probation, and serve 180 days of suspended jail time.

How It Went Down

State Wildlife Officer Austin Dickinson observed a large group of hunters conducting a deer drive. Officer Dickinson was able to contact the group while they were walking back to their vehicles. While checking the hunters for hunting licenses and deer permits, Officer Dickinson noticed the smell of marijuana coming from one of the hunters and one of the vehicles. Officer Dickinson was able to locate the marijuana along with other drug paraphernalia. One of the hunters admitted to smoking marijuana prior to going hunting, along with possessing the marijuana.

BONUS: Deer Are Fond of Marijuana Too

Publications serving the cannabis community have written tips to help growers keep deer out of their marijuana plants.

Grasscity Magazine posted this:

“If your marijuana growth is in an open area, it should be fine. However, if it’s in a more rugged, wooded area, beware! You need to be vigilant for a deer problem that may put your crop in peril!

“It’s only then when trying to find out who destroyed your plants, does one discover a deer’s hoof tracks, deer droppings and the remnants of plants like leaves, buds and seedlings that they have left behind.”

As more states legalize marijuana, reports continue to surface about whitetail deer and their appetite for cannabis. In 2015, the U.S. News and  World Report posted a story about deer getting the munchies in Oregon that stated:

“The deer got by barbed-wire fencing a couple weeks ago and went through the hemp plants like high-powered mowers.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rrGvLq6XwA&feature=youtu.be