Handgun laws in Washington

[MHutch]

Hey guys,
  I just moved here to Spokane from Kansas and I'm trying to do some hunting around the area.  After talking to several friends who hunt around the area I'm thinking about carrying my .357 on me when I hunt if its legal.  I am only 19 so I'm not sure on the laws regarding the carrying of handguns.  In my home state, you must be 21 and have a permit to carry concealed (I'm pretty sure that's the law in all states that allow CCW) but I can legally open carry my pistol when I'm out hunting.  I looked on the WDWF's website and a few other places but I can't find an answer to my question.  Do any of you guys know the specifics of the handgun laws in the state?  Can I legally carry a handgun in an open holster when I'm hunting on public land?

Thanks,
  Matt

[Rgrady35]

During modern rifle you can carry a sidearm. I believe if you are bow hunting you have to have a concealed permit, I could be wrong though. This is a great site, these people on here will let you know the particulars. Good Luck.

[Special T]

Since your new to this state buy/borrow the David Workman book on firearms laws in this state..  lots of usefull info he is a member of this sight maybee a pm  to him or someone with the current book can tell ya.. I think you have to be 21 to even buy the ammo for a pistol? i remeber bering cared for buying 22lr amo can you belive that 

[MHutch]

Its definitely 21 to purchase a pistol or ammo, but its only 18 to possess one so thats why I'm not completely sure.

[halflife65]

For archery:

a. It is unlawful for any person to carry or
have in his possession any firearm while in
the field archery hunting, during an archery
season specified for that area, except for
modern handguns carried for personal
protection if that person possesses a
concealed pistol license as defined by
RCW 9.41.070. Modern handguns cannot
be used to hunt big game or dispatch
wounded big game during an archery, big
game hunting season.

RCW 9.41.070 is the Concealed Pistol License (CPL) – which requires you to be 21 years of age.

If you're a rifle hunter, keep looking into it...hopefully, you can carry your pistol (although it probably isn't necessary if you have your rifle.)

[chrisb]

THey just changed the game laws this year. Archery hunters are now allowed to carry a sidearm for personal protection, given that they have a concealed weapons permit. If your hunting Mod Firearm then you should be able to carry openly without a permit but if your walking around the woods with a high powered rifle whats the point in carrying a handgun  

[MHutch]

Well I'm mainly gonna be hunting upland birds so I'll just have my shotgun.  I do carry a few slugs when I go bird hunting but the problem with that is, if I run into trouble I have to unload my shotgun and then reload it with the slugs and if I run into a situation where I need those slugs there's a chance I won't have the time to do that.  If worse comes to worse I could always pepper a bear/cougar with bird shot but that will probably just piss it off and possibly escalate the situation.  I just like the idea of having my pistol because its quick, I always have it even when I set my shotgun down, and if I get attacked by a mountain lion or something I can use it at point blank range much easier than a shotgun with a 28" barrel.

Thanks,
  Matt

[chrisb]

IMO I think your putting way to much stock into having a sidearm. if a cougar jumps on you (and my understanding is that they are more prone to do so from behind on a smaller target so you'd probably be sitting or squatting) your really not going to have the time to un holster that thing. I'd be more concerned with tweakers and big foot than cougs and bears.

[MHutch]

Ya, I suppose that is true.  And as far as tweekers, I think I can avoid them if I'm cautious.  So is there no reason to be worried about cougars really?  I've just talked to a few guys who have been stalked by cougars before and they kinda convinced me that cougars are something I should be concerned about.

[luvtohnt]

This is the best I can do for info pertaining to your situation. Taken from the RCW's or Revised Code of Washington since you are new to the state. Hope this helps. I know there is allot of leagal jargin in there but it isn't that difficult to sort through.

RCW 9.41.240
Possession of pistol by person from eighteen to twenty-one.  

Unless an exception under RCW 9.41.042, 9.41.050, or 9.41.060 applies, a person at least eighteen years of age, but less than twenty-one years of age, may possess a pistol only:

     (1) In the person's place of abode;

     (2) At the person's fixed place of business; or

     (3) On real property under his or her control.

RCW 9.41.042
Children — Permissible firearm possession.
 (4) Hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the person under Title 77 RCW;

(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;

RCW 9.41.060
Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
(8 Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;

[follow maggie]

It's very unusual for a cougar to attack a person.  But, if one decides he wants to, it's a done deal.  They're far quicker than you imagine and a pistol in the holster isn't worth anything.  I carry mine for 2 legged vermin.

[Bama76]

If attacked by Bear or Cat, index the weapon into the vitals and cut loose.  That will get his attention.  I was nearly attacked by a sow with cubs last spring and didn't have my revolver.  It was raining sideways and she was so close in the brush that my rifle would have been useless if she charged. 

Better to fight back then just die.  The good thing is that with adrenaline pumping, most people's sense of pain is dulled.  Keep cool and feed the weapon to your assailant barrel first.

[phishisgroovin]

I carry my 9mm even if i dont have a license to hunt.
CWP in pocket lol!

[PWN Kurt]

It looks like from the letter of the law you can open carry while hunting.  I wouldn't conceal carry at your age...

[turkey buster]

keep in mind that if you are bird hunting as you stated, during the modern fire arm season you cannot have a centerfire hand gun larger than 24 caliber,slugs,or buckshot on you while in the Field unless you have a valid big game license and tag