Carrying a handgun while archery hunting

[lostbackpacker]

When I was archery hunting, i always carried.  did I always have a cpl? NO, but I carried anyways. 

[wildmanoutdoors]

When I was archery hunting, i always carried.  did I always have a cpl? NO, but I carried anyways.

Dont need a CPL when doing outdoor activities to carry concealed....

[bowhunterwa87]

If I remember right you must have a cpl in Washington. To possess a handgun WHILE bowhunting as of two years ago. Concealed or not.

[jackelope]

If I remember right you must have a cpl in Washington. To possess a handgun WHILE bowhunting as of two years ago. Concealed or not.

Completely the opposite. Actually you do not need a CPL to carry a handgun while engaged in any  legal outdoor activity. You can even carry it concealed. The law change that happened a couple years ago said it was now legal to carry a sidearm for personal protection while bowhunting or muzzleloader hunting. Before the law changed, it was illegal to carry while bowhunting or muzz hunting....period.

[CedarPants]

If I remember right you must have a cpl in Washington. To possess a handgun WHILE bowhunting as of two years ago. Concealed or not.

Completely the opposite. Actually you do not need a CPL to carry a handgun while engaged in any  legal outdoor activity. You can even carry it concealed. The law change that happened a couple years ago said it was now legal to carry a sidearm for personal protection while bowhunting or muzzleloader hunting. Before the law changed, it was illegal to carry while bowhunting or muzz hunting....period.

 

It was illegal to have one at all while bow hunting up until 2009.  In 2009 they changed it to say it was legal but only for those with a CPL.  Then they did away with the CPL requirement altogether shortly after that

[BowtechGigi]

My hubby and I are archery hunters and NEVER go without our sidearms. Too many weirdos and predators out there.

[Styles]

I wont step into the woods without my side arm!! Too many crazies, cougs, and wolves out there these days!! Plus most of the time I have my wife and little girls with me and I will protect them at all cost!!

[returnofsid]

Alot of you know my background and this is a serious question as to Ill only be archery hunting and this in fact will also be y first year out, hunting period... If you were in my shoes, unable to handle a sidear what would you do? I just want to hear what others have to say about it.

Being pretty new to this forum, I don't know your background, but I'm assuming it's similar to mine.  I'll also be out in the woods, with my bow, without the ability to carry a sidearm.  Much of my hunting will be in areas known for grizzly and wolves.  While sometimes I'll be with my son, who possesses a CPL and carries a .45, a lot of the time I'll be alone.  I suppose I should invest in some bear spray...lol.  I'm not at all concerned about a life threatening confrontation, with a 4 legged critter.

[coachcw]

for those who don't carry wait intill you have a grizz take an elk from you , man you feel tiny . I've never been worried about people or blackies in the woods . I've had two experiances one with a grizz and one with a cougar that followed me for about a half mile in the twilight . I feel better packing and with the wolves becoming more previlant it adds peace of mind to me.

[Styles]

for those who don't carry wait intill you have a grizz take an elk from you , man you feel tiny . I've never been worried about people or blackies in the woods . I've had two experiances one with a grizz and one with a cougar that followed me for about a half mile in the twilight . I feel better packing and with the wolves becoming more previlant it adds peace of mind to me.

Just like you coachcw, wife and I came face to face with a cougar at 10 yeards!! I was carrying but it wasnt very accessible, I have now changed how I carry my sidearm!! I now roll a thigh holster so I can retrieve it a lot quicker!! That was a reality check for sure!! They sure are sneaky!! hahaha

[hughjorgan]

for those who don't carry wait intill you have a grizz take an elk from you , man you feel tiny . I've never been worried about people or blackies in the woods . I've had two experiances one with a grizz and one with a cougar that followed me for about a half mile in the twilight . I feel better packing and with the wolves becoming more previlant it adds peace of mind to me.

You had a grizz take an elk from you in this state or while hunting another one?

[bullcrazy]

I do most of the time. But I think the only thing I am conserned with is the tweaker/weed growers put there... Some shady folks out there...

[getreal711]

i always carry when i am hunting or fishing after i came face to face with a cougar steelhead fishing by skykomish. He ran off prob not shaking as bad as I was. With only a fishing pole i was looking at taking a swim if needed. Now i am always armed.

[demontang]

I havr been carrying a kimber ultracarry but will have a xds this year. I see a 357 or 45 acp as enough for anything around here. I like the light weight ones so at the wnd of a long day I dont notice them

[runngun]

Alot of you know my background and this is a serious question as to Ill only be archery hunting and this in fact will also be y first year out, hunting period... If you were in my shoes, unable to handle a sidear what would you do? I just want to hear what others have to say about it.

Anytime I'm scouting or hunting I carry my fixed blade knife on my weak side hip. I used to carry bear spray on my right hip before the laws changed to allow carrying handguns while archery hunting. If you are worried about added protection, carry a large knife with easy access and/or bear spray for large critters. Don't let it stop you from going out. I am kinda surprised at how many people carry a sidearm for protection but don't carry the "10 essentials" or some other small kit with survival essentials.