Unlicensed Hunting Partner Questions

[bobcat]

I'm not talking about during modern firearm deer or elk seasons.

These are just made up scenarios. I won't be contacting the WDFW because I don't really care what they say about it one way or the other.

I enjoy debating this stuff over and over. 

[bobcat]

I'm with popeshawnpaul on this one...it would look awefully suspicious to the warden!
I would question you without hesitation. If I saw it while in the woods, I'd probably report it. More often than not, activities like that are very shady--not on the up and up.

What would you report? That you saw two people walking in the woods, each carrying a gun, and you don't know if they both had all the proper licenses and tags?

If you're going to report stuff like that you're going to be making a lot of phone calls!

[Bscman]

If it helps, below is a question I asked last fall...accompanied with the response I got from WDFW.

My questions to WDFW:
Is it legal to hunt large game with a legal rifle as the primary, but
also carry a secondary firearm such as a shotgun for upland bird/grouse?
How might this be affected if you are hunting with a NON-hunting (non-license
carrying) friend? Is it legal for the party that is hunting to carry two
firearms, each suited for a particular task, while the second party is just
along to enjoy the experience?
(My fiance is the consideration here).

Response from Dennis Nicks, WDFW, Olympia
Yes, in accordance with the hunting season in question, a hunter may carry as many lawful firearms as he likes.  A shotgun must meet the specifications in WAC 232.12.047.  I recommend that you do not have a non-hunter accompanying you while you are hunting. They can wait in your vehicle or they can purchase the appropriate license and tag.  We have a pretty broad definition of hunting in Washington (see below) and the risk is that your “partner” could be charged with hunting without a license. DWN

RCW 77.08.010 (7) "To hunt" and its derivatives means an effort to kill, injure, capture, or harass a wild animal or wild bird.

What would you report? That you saw two people walking in the woods, each carrying a gun, and you don't know if they both had all the proper licenses and tags?

If you're going to report stuff like that you're going to be making a lot of phone calls!

Obviously not.
Have you never come across other hunters/outdoorsmen and chatted with them?
I'd find it suspicious when someone said "Yeah, my buddy has a license...but I'm just out with my rifle, tagging along, just for the experience."
 

[Curly]

I still say the non hunter accompanying you would not fit the "to hunt" definition.  But I can see how a warden or judge would say that the definition fits.

[bobcat]

Sure I've stopped and talked to other hunters but I don't normally question them as to what tags they have or don't have.

[Bscman]

Neither do I...but you can sure learn a lot about someone, and their intentions by just watching and listening. 

People offer up a lot of self-incriminating evidence  with little to no encouragement...ask any LEO!

[bobcat]

Maybe but I'm out there to hunt, not get somebody busted on some technicality.

I'll tell you what you do if you want to take your girlfriend along on a hunt, and you want her to carry one of your guns for you. Just take the gun from her when you are arriving back to your vehicle so that you have both guns. Then the warden can't say she was hunting since you have both guns. And we all know game wardens don't get out of their trucks so no worries. Besides you're not breaking the law anyway. They just think you are.

[Curly]

I recommend that you do not have a non-hunter accompanying you while you are hunting. They can wait in your vehicle or they can purchase the appropriate license and tag.

This quote kind of pisses me off, but I understand he has to say that.  As a kid I used to tag along with my dad and watch him hunt sometimes.  That is a good way to get non-hunters into the sport........let them go along with you to watch.....

[Houndhunter]

all you have to say is that your carry a fire arm for your own protection while out in the woods, and your good. you dont have to anwser all there bull$#$% Q's. thats one thing i hate about gameys they always try to make you say your doing somthin wrong when your perfectly legally

[WDFW-SUX]

The whole thing is stupid.  Who cares if they do everything except shoot.  I bet calling an elk for someone  without having a hunting licence is illegal too

[bobcat]

all you have to say is that your carry a fire arm for your own protection while out in the woods, and your good. you dont have to anwser all there bull$#$% Q's. thats one thing i hate about gameys they always try to make you say your doing somthin wrong when your perfectly legally

Exactly! Finally someone who gets it!

I have to say though that I personally have never had a problem with a game warden. I just don't see why some think it's illegal to carry a gun in the woods.

[Curly]

The whole thing is stupid.  Who cares if they do everything except shoot.  I bet calling an elk for someone  without having a hunting licence is illegal too

According to the definition that the WDFW warden tried to use, I guess it could be illegal.

[Bscman]

According to the definition that the WDFW warden tried to use, I guess it could be illegal.

Ding Ding Ding...
I'm not arguing that any of it is illegal...simply that it will raise a LOT of suspicion.
Personally, I'd rather just avoid the hassle all together.

As for my lady...she has her license this year, so it's no long of any concern.

[bucklucky]

All I was saying is its not worth the money you would have to put out to clear your name. My buddy went throught this same kind of thing. All charges were dropped, but he spent alot of money. Thats all. Wether we think it right or wrong its what the warden puts in the paperwork that is what  matters. Chance it if you want, but I wont. Cant afford too.

[popeshawnpaul]

It's well worth the money Bucklucky...   

(in my analagous scenario with my brother, it was the early 90's and the current rules about a .24 or greater rifle weren't in effect)