Firsthand from WDFW on firearms while unlicensed

[phishisgroovin]

I just called enforcement officials from WDFW regarding an unlicensed person in the woods while a season is open & carrying a firearm for personal protection due to my nephew not being able to get into the feild testing towards his hunter safety or recieving the deferral in time.

They straight up told me this is an open carry state and as long as they are legal to own and posess a firearm, they are legal to open carry a loaded firearm on their hip or shoulder holster while out hunting with a licensed hunter as long as its soley for personal protection outside of any vehicle, or if they posess a concealed license that they are legal to carry any pistol both open or concealed legally while in the woods with a hunter in camp or on the trail for personal protection regardless of any open season or closed season both insode and outside of their vehicles.

Just passing the information i got from an enforcement officer first hand today..

[Wazukie]

That's pretty much what the law states 

[buglebuster]

What about walking around the woods with a rifle during a season without any license? Is there anything they can really do?

[jeepasaurusrex]

What about catch and release hunting. 


 

[Wazukie]

Catch and release is always a good idea, that way I can hunt all year long.

[FC]

What about walking around the woods with a rifle during a season without any license? Is there anything they can really do?

No and you can carry concealed without a permit when out hiking or any other "lawful outdoor activity" if I remember the verbage correctly.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060

( 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;

[cwuwildcat]

What about walking around the woods with a rifle during a season without any license? Is there anything they can really do?

They can hassle you a lot, but unless they see you shooting an animal, or suspect you have, you're nothing more than a well armed hiker.  You might get a ticket, but any attorney would point out that the authorities didn't catch you hunting, they caught you walking with a firearm.  Granted, it would look really suspicious, but tough nuts!

[CAMPMEAT]

First, how did you know they are unlicensed ? 2nd, we have the 2nd amendment right to carry a gun. A licensed hunter, out hunting ? There they go infringing on our rights again. Not giving you the business, but it's a typical response from a WDFW agent. I'm on your side, but geeze, the Game Dept just wants to catch somebody that is carrying a gun and write a ticket. Don't forget, the state is run by democraps and is down the toilet.

[FALFire]

Generally the first thing a Game Officer asks when they contact you is "Are you hunting or Are you fishing" If you say " NO" then they are pretty much left standing there with no grounds to ask you any further questions. If you are asked " Why are you carrying a pistol then? " Simply respond by saying "Because lawfully I can". They can ask for identification just to be certain you are not a convicted felon and that's about it. So be kind, show them your ID let them run your name and thank them for their concern and move on. If you are carrying a rifle and you are contacted regarding Hunting, you can simply state you are fearful of being attacked by Bigfoot or the drug cartel and you carry the rifle for self protection, there is really nothing they can do but perhaps think that you are a nut job and hope they can get out of the area in one piece. Just don't be a smart ass to them, be polite and courteous and thank them for their concern. They have to ask you if you are hunting or fishing so they can take the next step because they are fishing.

You do not need to have a hunting license to carry a firearm in the woods or desert as long as you are NOT pursuing any type of game animal or game bird.

Let them do their job, you be professional and they will likely return the favor.

[Lowedog]

You cannot be carrying a rifle that is .24 or larger caliber in an area that is open for deer or elk if you do not posses the corresponding license for whatever is open. 

I don't know if that pertains to someone who has no hunting license at all though.   

[cwuwildcat]

They can ask for identification just to be certain you are not a convicted felon and that's about it. So be kind, show them your ID let them run your name and thank them for their concern and move on.

They can ask, and you can refuse.  Remember, we aren't their subjects.  Unless you're suspected of having committed, or are about to commit a crime, you are under no obligation to provide id.  This isn't a police state, and it isn't a stop and ID.  They can't pull over cars just to make sure the driver has a license or insurance, and they can't make you give id just to see if you're a felon.

[FALFire]

They can ask for identification just to be certain you are not a convicted felon and that's about it. So be kind, show them your ID let them run your name and thank them for their concern and move on.

They can ask, and you can refuse.  Remember, we aren't their subjects.  Unless you're suspected of having committed, or are about to commit a crime, you are under no obligation to provide id.  This isn't a police state, and it isn't a stop and ID.  They can't pull over cars just to make sure the driver has a license or insurance, and they can't make you give id just to see if you're a felon.

That is why I stated "They can "ASK" I never said they can "DEMAND" to see your ID.

They will, however, ask for it, so be nice and show them, don't be a hard ass they are just doing their job. You don't make any friends when you become a flagrant azzho to LEO. You can deal with it properly and professionally without the " I know my RIGHTS" BS. You are not required to answer any incriminating questions, just be polite and think before you speak!

[FC]

I'm a bit confused, are you saying that stating "thanks I'm not hunting and unless you have some reason to detain me I am off to enjoy my day" is being an azzho to leo?

[pianoman9701]

You cannot be carrying a rifle that is .24 or larger caliber in an area that is open for deer or elk if you do not posses the corresponding license for whatever is open. 

I don't know if that pertains to someone who has no hunting license at all though.   

I think you're incorrect, Lowe. You can carry any legal firearm in the woods with you in WA at any time. License or not, it is legal to be armed in WA. Does this open you up to questioning by LE? Possibly. Do you have to cooperate with them if they ask you to show ID? No, but usually it's advisable to cooperate with a reasonable request from LE.

[FC]

You can "carry" a rifle of any legal caliber in the woods even during a big game season with or without a license but you may not "hunt" a species of small game such as coyotes with anything over 24 caliber during a modern firearm season.