Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Little Dave on September 12, 2008, 04:05:32 AM

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Title: Self defense vs. Cheating
Post by: Little Dave on September 12, 2008, 04:05:32 AM

WAcoueshunter asked regarding carring a sidearm: "I understand it's the law for archery and ML, but I still don't understand it..."
The point was missed in the other thread.  I was talking to a friend about this the other day who remembers the original debate.  It was enacted in an attempt to reduce cheating.  After shooting the elk, the poacher will place an arrow in the wound to disguise the act as a lawful kill.

When the law was debated, the conclusion was that some hunters might cheat and thus take advantage of a more difficult shot.  Therefore, it must have been determined that the biological imbalance caused by excess game taken in the archery and muzzleloader seasons because of cheating is more significant to the state than personal self defense.  Also, conveniently as an omission, the state did not recognize a need to be liable for costs incurred to the estate of the citizen when lack of self defense results in loss of income, injury, or death.

Now, this reasoning was obviously wrong, but it stands for now.  The right answer is actually that self defense is more important.  In my case, I may not carry a gun.  If I should die under these circumstances, I will expect my wife to sue the State for damages citing the Second Amendment, probably set up a class action suit and get even more.  Sometimes money motivates a change in the law more than matters of personal safety.  Today is a very good day to ask for a personal written response from your state senator and two state representatives about their continued support of this law.  It is a matter of trust that the state is not investing in these citizens.

Will the law magically evaporate and go away?  No.  Only about 1% of the people in the state (or fewer) have any reason to know that the law even exists.  Want it to go away?  You will have to write a letter.

So, how do you write this letter?  Usually takes about five minutes and can be done on the Internet.  Use this web address...
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx
Then pick one of the three legislators and write a short, polite, sincere letter.

Title: Re: Self defense vs. Cheating
Post by: fishing is for fools on September 12, 2008, 10:03:55 AM

if you are getting close enough to shoot it with a pistol you should just use the bow.  i know if i had to choose between a bow or a pistol the bow will do more damage

Title: Re: Self defense vs. Cheating
Post by: Curly on September 12, 2008, 10:34:45 AM

It is a stupid law to restrict archery hunters and ML hunters to not allow them to carry a sidearm.  The law makers assume that the handgun is for illegaly taking of game.......hence you're assumed guilty if you carry.

It is similar to the game warden saying that two guys can't go hunting together.....one archery hunting for deer or elk, and the other bear or cougar hunting with modern rifle.  The assumption is that they are guilty.

Title: Re: Self defense vs. Cheating
Post by: SpearitLake on September 12, 2008, 10:41:03 AM

Well unless you had a Scoped .460 S&W pistol. This combination will effectively dispatch Deer & Elk size game in excess of 200 yards. The only draw back I see for someone doing so illeaglly is the report of this pistol. When touching off a round this 5 1/2 pounder sounds like a Belted Magnum Rifle's report, and during Archery Season one would think that this just might draw a little unwanted attention :)