muzzleloading and small game

[J Snow73]

Was wondering if anyone can clear up muzzleloading rules for me and was curious if you can carry a shotgun or .22 pistol/ rifle while hunting for deer/elk. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Machias]

Nope

[FC]

All I see in the rules is that you can't use a modern handgun to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game, the only reference to small game that I see is: "Persons lawfully hunting small game with a double barrel shotgun may keep both barrels loaded." I don't see any reason not to keep a 22 for grouse handy, there is no muzzleloader only season for them.

[CP]

The text is not real clear but when I asked the WDFW the answer was no.  If you are hunting in a ML only season you may carry a modern handgun but you may not hunt with it.   No rifles or shotguns.

The text is:

... it is unlawful to participate (hunt) in a muzzleloading hunting season using a firearm that does not meet the following specifications for a muzzleloader. …

A modern handgun may be carried for personal protection. Modern handguns cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during a big game hunting season for muzzleloading firearms.

If you got cited a good lawyer could probably get you off but it isn’t worth the bother.

[J Snow73]

Ya thats how I'm reading it too, but it seems to me to be unclear. It also says you can carry a pistol for personal protection. I'm not sure if it is concealed/ open carry or both. Sure would hate to waste a muzzle shot on a grouse :chuckle:Maybe I'll call wdfw just to clear it up

[J Snow73]

Thanks CP ya i don't want to give any lawyer money for something like that

[bobcat]

Are you talking about carrying it in your vehicle or on your person while out hunting? If in the vehicle it's fine. You're not wanting to walk around carrying a muzzleloader for deer and elk, and a rifle or shotgun for grouse are you  

[bobcat]

Oh, and the handgun for protection can be concealed or not, it doesn't matter. You're legal either way. Open carry is always legal in this state, and while recreating in the outdoors you can carry a concealed weapon, no permit required.

[J Snow73]

I was curious on both options but was thinking about a .22 pistol while walking around, but I came to the conclusion that is a  

[BlackRidge]

Oh, and the handgun for protection can be concealed or not, it doesn't matter. You're legal either way. Open carry is always legal in this state, and while recreating in the outdoors you can carry a concealed weapon, no permit required.

Yup, its once you leave the recreational area that open-carry may get you in trouble with the 5-0. Even though its legal in WA, law enforcement has never been given a clear stance on it

[J Snow73]

Thanks Bobcat that actually helps alot. I didn't realize you can conceal carry in the woods w/o a permit.

[Curly]

Are you talking about carrying it in your vehicle or on your person while out hunting? If in the vehicle it's fine. You're not wanting to walk around carrying a muzzleloader for deer and elk, and a rifle or shotgun for grouse are you  

It may be fine to have a rifle or shotgun in the vehicle, but I bet a warden will ask you 20 questions and may even write you up.  I'd leave the shotgun and .22 rifle at home......   Carry a .357 or whatever for personal protection, but leave the .22 pistol at home too...    There's my 4 cents worth.

[bobcat]

Kinda silly you can't carry a .22 handgun for protection isn't it? Why should it be up to the state to decide what will work and what won't for a person's self defense while hunting? Maybe the only handgun you own is a .22.   

[J Snow73]

My thought exactly I believe a .22 can kill just the same 

[J Snow73]

Maybe I'll carry one muzzleloader w/ bird shot and another for the big guys Actually probly not just seems like to much work and confusion. My luck i'd forget which one had the shot in it and get an opportunity at a deer/elk and just end up pepperin it