bring pistol side arm when elk hunting???

[backwoods_boy]

all very good reasons.
thanks for the knowledge guys
GOSH I Love this site!
so glad i found it a few months back
its makin me a better hunter

[huntnphool]

This goes back to that thread about a side arm during archery.  I still rifle hunt for bear, but I switched to archery for deer and elk.......and it would sure be nice to carry a side arm...for the simple fact of all these posts.

I know Ray and the mods don't like self incrimination on the board but I can tell you I carry in plain site while archery elk hunting and there is no game cop going to make me change. Its my right, I have a permit and am responsible. When every crack producing thug or dope growing horticulturist out there is armed and ready to protect their "crop" I'm not going to be caught unprepared, period. They can right me all the citations they want I will go to court and pay it just like my no front license plate tickets. There are always guys like Pope willing to take my money and go argue my right in court over this BS.

By the way, I'm not speaking for Pope or suggesting he practices this kind of law, just speaking of attorneys in general

[Slider]

I personal think it's  that we are not allowed to carry in Archery Season. I'm with Huntnphool!!! Maybe we should all start packin in Archery Season!!! Until this wrong is righted!!!

[Nash]

Well huntnphool you insired me.  I have always wanted to but never did, I will be packing this year.  Too many crazies out there.

[huntnphool]

Well huntnphool you insired me.  I have always wanted to but never did, I will be packing this year.  Too many crazies out there.

Hey Nash, I said I would pay my citations and attorney fees, welcome to the site Make sure you say hello in the "Introductions" section.

[ShirtGuy77]

In case of a cougar or wolf (hunt Idaho) attack, I personally believe the agility factor with a pistol over a rifle makes me feel a little more secure.

[Bean Counter]

all very good reasons.
thanks for the knowledge guys
GOSH I Love this site!
so glad i found it a few months back
its makin me a better hunter

+1 

[Gutpile]

I like to carry most of the time for all of the what ifs out there. You just never know. I love to carry the .44 and load bird shot in the 1st chamber for that grouse who doesn't think I see him.

[rasbo]

i had a bear come at me while hiking in the dark to get to my deer hunting spot,shot the bear in the face about 3 feet off the end of my gun.the bear went over backwards and I fell backwards,in that short time I wondered why my 44 was,nt on my side.went and found my partner we tracked that bear a mile and half never found him.found teeth and either gums or tongue.note to self always carry the 44 and a change of underwear.

[Timberlineduke]

I always pack a side arm no matter what I'm doing outside, just to many varibles these days......plus if you get that trophy down on the ground....but not dead....you'll really be glad that you can put a .357 / .38 slug in him instead of a 30.06 slug......it will also go along ways with whoever does your mounting. 

[flashover52]

This will be my first time archery hunting for elk/deer in WA and I was a bit surprised that I can't carry a sidearm for protection. After stumbling onto a couple of grow sites last year during modern and finding a 15 passenger van with folks toting black plastic bags a mile down the road from where I parked......I think I'll appreciate knowing I could at least fight a fight. I drove past but then realized I had to turn around and drive back.....at which point all but one person and the bags had scattered.

As for this year, I talked my dad into flying out and getting a bear tag. He'll have the 300 handy and I might just have him tote my pistol until we get well past camp. Camp should be 4-5 miles from the nearest gate so heading in another 3-4 miles from there should get us well past any folks who will likely care.

[Nash]

flashover, I was in a similiar deal, thats the main reason I will be carrying this year, they will protect the crop and I have every intention of protecting myself.

[WonkyWapiti]

This is a law that is long overdue for being thrown out.  I can't even begin to count all of the outdoor marijuana grows and meth labs not to mention transient camps that I have come across while in the outdoors.  I have no problem with citizens lawfully armed with a sidearm while bow hunting. 

[Bscman]

I don't carry while archery hunting...but I've often felt compelled to.
I definitely agree the law needs to be DROPPED!

However, I do have a pistol holstered on my hip whenever I'm out hiking, fishing, or hunting during a modern firearm season. Sometimes it's only a 22lr, but that is better than nothing.

Looks alone are often a deterrant, and my 22lr looks like a 1911 in the holster. It'd make some noise for a distress signal, or just might supply enough food to save me in a survival situation. Besides, you can carry a couple hundred rounds in your pocket without trouble!

[WAcoueshunter]

I understand it's the law for archery and ML, but I still don't understand it...it's also illegal to hunt with a mechanical broadhead, but pretty sure it's not against the law to have one in your pack. 

Also kinda wonder how many game officers would cite someone for it, particularly in the more crime ridden areas.