Bear Tag needed to carry rifle?

[Go Blue]

My wife and I are going hunting and my father in law will be joining us.  He has no desire to actually kill a bear, he just enjoys scouting and being out in nature and seeing the wildlife.  He would however life to carry his rifle.  Will he need to purchase a bear tag in order to carry his rife while he is out hunting with us? He does have his hunting/fishing combo liscence.  My question is does he have to have his bear tag to carry a rifle during bear season or can he carry it to shoot coyote and go without a bear tag?

[Timberstalker]

What is a Hunting Fishing combo?

If he is intending on hunting a coyote, he has to either have a small game license or a big game license. (Deer, elk, bear or cougar).

Hope this helps.

[Watimberghost]

Nothing illegal about carrying a rifle in the woods, whether you have a license or not. But yes, if he wants to be able to shoot a coyote, either a small game or big game license is required.

[Go Blue]

Thank you very much guys.  I'll make sure he gets a small game liscense.

[Doublelunger]

I think the rules on carrying a gun change during deer and elk season. Shouldn't be a problem right now... at least that's how i understand it.

[bobcat]

 You don't need a small game license to hunt coyotes. You said he has a hunting license so that's good enough. However I will say I would be a little nervous if it were me, hunting with you while you're hunting bears. I think it might be best for him to just go ahead and purchase a bear tag, which is only $24.

[JakeLand]

You don't need a small game license to hunt coyotes. You said he has a hunting license so that's good enough. However I will say I would be a little nervous if it were me, hunting with you while you're hunting bears. I think it might be best for him to just go ahead and purchase a bear tag, which is only $24.

Yea this !! Will save a headache if you get checked

[Mudman]

Its not illegal to carry gun in the woods.  Anytime.  But if you are "hunting" be prepared to deal with the Warden not being happy.  If he is going on a hunt with you and wants to carry he should be tagged as he is a hunter if he has a gun right?  A sidearm would be better than rifle to explain protection purposes.

[biggfish]

The only hang up I can see is if you contact a game warden and tell him you're hunting bear and then everybody in the party has license and tag but one. Maybe if you your premise was to predator hunt and not specifically bear it would be easy to explain.

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[Ripper]

Are you talking about spring or Fall?  If it's spring he can't just go buy a spring bear tag. A couple of you have said just buy a tag, that's why I ask. He. Doesn't have to have a bear tag to carry a rifle with you, but just to be extra safe, call WDFW FOR  clarification.