While it may or not be the true definition of hunting, it is widely accepted in Court that if your gun is loaded; you are hunting.

I don't think that you will ever beat that charge from the description of your activities, no matter your good intentions.

But, I would think that unless there is more to the story than what has been discussed, you should be able to appeal your loss of hunting privileges.

But, heck.....Troy has to keep me straight all the time. So, I very well could be confused on this, too!