Unlicensed Hunting Partner Questions

[edmondshunter]

Have a friend that is taking his safety class Aug.6th but would like to go out for bear on the 2nd with me.
 A.  Can he carry a back-up shotgun?
 B.  Does he have to wear Orange?
 C. Are we pushing the limits of the law?

[popeshawnpaul]

A.  No.
B.  No.
C.  Yes if you do either above...  Otherwise no.

[edmondshunter]

So no gun and no orange and he's cool?

[Slenk]

Your friend can get a license for an extra $20 for first time , and one time only with out the gun saftey . Can't remember what it's called but the program is there to introduce new hunters.
Slenk

[billythekidrock]

Your friend can get a license for an extra $20 for first time , and one time only with out the gun saftey . Can't remember what it's called but the program is there to introduce new hunters.
Slenk

Wouldn't he need a "sponsor" that would have to give up a tag? Not sure, but I thought I heard it like that. Anyone have any info?

[Slenk]

Not the way I was told . But I don't know . You know how the info from WDF&G is. We were looking into it for one of my grandsons . And were told that we just had to buy the license and tags and pay the $20.
Slenk

[huntnfmly]

He just has to go with someone who has had their lic. for a couple yrs.Nobody loses a tag

[billythekidrock]

Not the way I was told . But I don't know . You know how the info from WDF&G is. We were looking into it for one of my grandsons . And were told that we just had to buy the license and tags and pay the $20.
Slenk

You are probably right.

Here is a link to some info on the deferral. Seems vague, but it is a start. http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/deferral_info.pdf

[bobcat]

I don't see why he couldn't carry a shotgun, even without a hunting license. As long as he does not shoot a bear with it, he should be ok. I'd just tell the warden, if asked, that he is carrying it as a backup gun for you. And he doesn't have to wear orange since he is not a licensed hunter, but of course there is nothing that says he can't wear it. You being the licensed hunter don't need to wear orange either, for bear hunting it is not required.

[popeshawnpaul]

I'd charge him if he had a gun, regardless of what he said.  (criminals lie, trust me)  Backing up the hunter?  That's kind of ridiculous.  It's not like they are hunting cape buffalo.  I wouldn't buy it if I were a warden or juror.

[bobcat]

Yeah I figured you'd have a reason why it wouldn't be kosher. But I don't see why the friend couldn't carry an extra gun to help the licensed hunter. Just because he's holding a gun doesn't mean he's hunting. Can't I go for a hike in the woods in August with no intent to look for bears and carry any gun I want? Isn't that a right covered by the 2nd amendment? What if I want to go hiking and carry a 44 mag on my belt? Does that mean I am bear hunting? What if I was bear hunting and I wanted to carry a bow, in case I got a close shot opportunity, but I also wanted to have a rifle along in case I had to take a longer shot? Why couldn't a friend carry my rifle for me, even though he/she did not have a bear tag? Too many damn laws I guess. I can't wait to move out of this state. 

[ICEMAN]

I don't see why he couldn't carry a shotgun, even without a hunting license. As long as he does not shoot a bear with it, he should be ok. I'd just tell the warden, if asked, that he is carrying it as a backup gun for you. And he doesn't have to wear orange since he is not a licensed hunter, but of course there is nothing that says he can't wear it. You being the licensed hunter don't need to wear orange either, for bear hunting it is not required.

Agree.

Look, if someone went with me fishing and they just wanted to watch, they need no license. If they wanted a shotgun in the boat, that is ok. No different if they wanted to watch me call in a bear. They go with, they sit, they watch. They are not going to shoot a bear, unless they are charged by an aggresive bear, and then only in self defense. You could go and carry a sidearm, why not a shotgun? 


Also, bobcat, Seattle just got ranked the 2nd most restrictive Nanny State (City) in the country... I love this state, just hate most of the people in it....

http://reason.com/news/show/127481.html

[billythekidrock]

What if I was bear hunting and I wanted to carry a bow, in case I got a close shot opportunity, but I also wanted to have a rifle along in case I had to take a longer shot?

If there is an archery elk season going on and you have an archery elk tag in your pocket you don't want to pack both a bow and a rifle while bear hunting. We had this same discussion and were told it was a no-no that would result in a ticket.

[bobcat]

What if I was bear hunting and I wanted to carry a bow, in case I got a close shot opportunity, but I also wanted to have a rifle along in case I had to take a longer shot?

If there is an archery elk season going on and you have an archery elk tag in your pocket you don't want to pack both a bow and a rifle while bear hunting. We had this same discussion and were told it was a no-no that would result in a ticket.

What if it's in August (or September) before elk season opens?

[billythekidrock]

I don't see how they could say anything is wrong with that. Matter of fact a buddy I talked with last night is planning on doing that very thing on the 1st.