Lighted Reticle Scopes

[Randall.Colvin]

Hello All,

I have been trying to find out if lighted reticle scopes are legal to hunt big game in Washington. I have looked at "Washington's 2011 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations" and have only found 2 references to legal optics. On page 70 of the guide it states:

"1.Hunting with artificial lights:Hunting big game with the aid of an artificial light or spotlight is prohibited." (Does this include lighted scopes?)

"12. Using night vision and laser sights:It is illegal to hunt deer or elk with the aid of infrared night vision equipment or with laser sights (not to include range finders) capable of projecting a beam onto the target, while in possession or control of a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow."

I just bought my first ever M1A Loaded and plan to hunt with it this year and I have a lighted scope on another rifle that I would like to use before I go and buy a new one. Can anyone shed a little knowledge on me on this subject.?

Tanks in advance.

[addicted]

those 2 rules do not prohibit the use of an iluminated reticle, other states have their law prohibiting ILLret written like "the use of an electronic scope" but those would be states very strict on night hunting. I've been out of state for a few years but so I'm not sure what sort of cockomany rules big brother has written up but they were legal when i left.

[MDGrand]

I have a Leupold VXR... I am pretty sure it is legal.. I know others that have illuminated reticles and its not an issue.

[Huntbear]

I have the Bushnell Elite w/ Firefly reticle.  Perfectly legal.

[wannabhntr]

Big Tex, can you answer this question?

[Come Get Some]

If you have one and if you are using it and you are contacted by a game warden Turn it off, If he looks thru your scope it wont be lighted
 Kinda of like having barbed hooks in your boat but not on the line?

[bobcat]

It's legal. Look in the reg's.

[Bob33]

They are entirely legal in Washington

 My personal opinion is that if it is so dark that a lighted reticle is required then it's too dark to shoot.

[JimmyHoffa]

They are entirely legal in Washington

 My personal opinion is that if it is so dark that a lighted reticle is required then it's too dark to shoot.

Some days it just doesn't get very light out, especially in 30 yr unthinned fir.

[Blacktail Sniper]

ZOMBIE THREAD....brought back to life!!!

[Ghost Hunter]

I have a Leupold scope with the Mil dot reticle.  Love it EXCEPT in low light or dark background situations during legal hunting hours.  Lit reticle would correct that.  Still have it, still use it.

[higunner]

100% legal

[TeacherMan]

Just got on to create this post lol. I'm looking at a Trijicon and wanted to know if it was legal. Got my answer it looks like! Thanks!

[b23]

I have NF scopes on nearly ever rifle I have and other than turning it on to know it works or letting someone who's never looked through a lighted reticle scope see it, I can't recall EVER turning it on.