Post by: Elk4me on November 01, 2008, 07:54:47 AM
My e-mail sent to them 10/29/08:
5. Loaded firearms in a vehicle
It is illegal to carry, convey, transport,
possess, or control a loaded shotgun or rifle
in or on any motor vehicle. A rifle or shotgun
containing shells or cartridges in either the
chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloading
firearm that is loaded and capped or primed
is considered loaded.
The above is from the 2008 Hunting Regulations. I highlighted the area of great discussion in our hunting camp this year. One person said that in SW Washington last year that citations were handed out if a person had a detachable clip with cartridges in the clip but not in the firearm while in the vehicle. Is this an infraction? The rifle does not contain cartridges if the clip is not in the firearm, correct? I have been stopped and checked by numerous enforcement officers over the years and have never been asked to present my clip for inspection. They check for an empty chamber and that’s it. I thought I would take the question directly to the authority on the subject and present the answer to all concerned when I get your response. Thank you for your help in clearing this up.
The response I recieved 10/31/08:
Scott,
My name is Ted Holden. I am the Fish & Wildlife Sergeant in Lewis and Cowlitz Counties. I can not imagine anyone receiving a citation for having a clip loaded but not attached to or inserted into a firearm. The law is very clear as you quoted.."...in either the chamber or magazine..." There has been some confusion regarding Browning Semi-Auto rifles where the clip (magazine) stays attached to the floor plate when the floor plate of the magazine well is opened. In my mind this scenario, with the magazine (with shells inserted) is still attached to the gun may be interpreted as the firearm being loaded.
Sometimes these stories grow legs and can get along way from the truth.
So, in short, any magazine (clip) can be loaded as long as it is not inserted into or attached to the firearm.
I hope this settles any dispute around camp and I hope someone, hopefully you, won something on this bet !!
Let me know if I can help any further,
Sergeant Holden
BTW, this was CC'd by Officer Holden to about 25 WDFW Officers and WDFW employees.
Post by: Curly on November 01, 2008, 08:13:58 AM
Post by: WildlifeAssassin on November 01, 2008, 01:26:23 PM
Post by: demontang on November 01, 2008, 06:08:35 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on November 01, 2008, 06:20:51 PM
Quote
You can have a loaded detached magazine.
detached is the key.
Post by: Bofire on November 01, 2008, 07:30:38 PM
thanks Mr. Holden
Post by: high country on November 02, 2008, 07:17:56 AM
Post by: PA BEN on November 02, 2008, 08:46:38 AM
It is illegal to carry, convey, transport,
possess, or control a loaded shotgun or rifle
in or on any motor vehicle. A rifle or shotgun
containing shells or cartridges in either the
chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloading
firearm that is loaded and capped or primed
is considered loaded.
One more point that most people don't realise is, when you get back to your vehicle and you lay your loaded gun on the hood or tail gate or lean it on the tire, you're braking the law.
Post by: Elk4me on November 02, 2008, 05:24:42 PM
5. Loaded firearms in a vehicle
It is illegal to carry, convey, transport,
possess, or control a loaded shotgun or rifle
in or on any motor vehicle. A rifle or shotgun
containing shells or cartridges in either the
chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloading
firearm that is loaded and capped or primed
is considered loaded.
One more point that most people don't realise is, when you get back to your vehicle and you lay your loaded gun on the hood or tail gate or lean it on the tire, you're braking the law.
Good point. I have seen too many people do that and it could get expensive.
Post by: SCRUBS on November 02, 2008, 06:25:42 PM
5. Loaded firearms in a vehicle
It is illegal to carry, convey, transport,
possess, or control a loaded shotgun or rifle
in or on any motor vehicle. A rifle or shotgun
containing shells or cartridges in either the
chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloading
firearm that is loaded and capped or primed
is considered loaded.
One more point that most people don't realise is, when you get back to your vehicle and you lay your loaded gun on the hood or tail gate or lean it on the tire, you're braking the law.
Very good point.
I learned that lesson when i was a young hunter, one of our hunting partners leaned his gun between the cab and the bed of his truck, while we were eating lunch, a gamey showed up and gave him a ticket for it.
Post by: 12Gauge on November 02, 2008, 07:33:34 PM
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One more point that most people don't realise is, when you get back to your vehicle and you lay your loaded gun on the hood or tail gate or lean it on the tire, you're braking the law.A budy of mine did that (tail gate thing) 6 years ago and another friend picked up the rifle and it went off. Shot a hole through the cab, through the passenger seat, door panel and out the door, luckily the person who was the passenger not seated in his seat at the time. These days I no longer hunt with that guy.
Post by: bankwalker on November 02, 2008, 09:09:17 PM
Post by: PWN Kurt on November 05, 2008, 11:52:45 PM
Plus, I'd hate to see someone forget and drive off without their gun. It's best to get it in the case, unloaded.
Post by: deaddog on November 07, 2008, 11:52:43 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 07, 2008, 11:55:07 AM