hunting with a handgun

[WA hunter14]

how old do you have to be to hunt with a handgun in washington?

[Bob33]

There is no minimum age.

[Battle Ready]

hopefully old enough to make good decisions!

[WA hunter14]

what about on the way to hunting, is it legal for me to drive to my spots with the handgun in my truck(unloaded ofcourse)

[Battle Ready]

ammo and firearm must be kept seperate.

[WA hunter14]

what specifically does that mean, different bag? or not in the same truck?

[Battle Ready]

Same truck ok !

[Huntbear]

There is some specific exceptions to the laws in regards to handguns and people under the age of 21...  You really need to read the laws, and more specifically, those exceptions.... 

I would also contact WDFW and get a name, of the person you talked to, in case you are stopped and checked by a gamie having a bad day.

[bobcat]

what about on the way to hunting, is it legal for me to drive to my spots with the handgun in my truck(unloaded ofcourse)

The way I understand the law, you could actually carry your handgun in your vehicle, LOADED, and you would be 100% legal. As long as you are going to or coming from an "outdoor recreational activity."

[runamuk]

here is a link to the laws and the exception specific to children there are other exceptions as well

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41

RCW 9.41.042
Children — Permissible firearm possession.
   

RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii) shall not apply to any person under the age of eighteen years who is:

     (1) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course;

     (2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited;

     (3) Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group that uses firearms as a part of the performance;

     (4) Hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the person under Title 77 RCW;

     (5) In an area where the discharge of a firearm is permitted, is not trespassing, and the person either: (a) Is at least fourteen years of age, has been issued a hunter safety certificate, and is using a lawful firearm other than a pistol; or (b) is under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved for the purpose by the parent or guardian;

     (6) Traveling with any unloaded firearm in the person's possession to or from any activity described in subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section;

     (7) On real property under the control of his or her parent, other relative, or legal guardian and who has the permission of the parent or legal guardian to possess a firearm;

     ( At his or her residence and who, with the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian, possesses a firearm for the purpose of exercising the rights specified in RCW 9A.16.020(3); or

     (9) Is a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard, or organized reserves, when on duty.

[2003 c 53 § 27; 1999 c 143 § 2; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 403.]

Notes:
     Intent -- Effective date -- 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

     Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- 1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

     Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

[WA hunter14]

i asked the local game warden one time and he said he didnt know

[Bob33]

You don't need to ask anyone. You need to read the RCWs and WACs. The applicable one was been posted. It is legal.

[WA hunter14]

alright thanks everyone

[CAMPMEAT]

Call the WDFW only, to get the truth (?). Do not go by what others tell you, get it from the horses mouth.

[Battle Ready]

I dont know the law about loaded....even if it is legal (unless you have a concealed carry permit), and still its kinda dangerous having a loaded gun in the car. Why do FW check if your gun is loaded and write tickets to people who have loaded guns in their rig? Weird! the whole thing is weird because it seems like there is a TON of gray area when its hunting and not hunting..