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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 09:30:05 AM


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Title: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 09:30:05 AM
Hey folks,

Spent the weekend hiking capitol forest while scouting and ran across this guy twice on my way in and out.
Both times he had his rifle hanging out the window like so. While passing felt the need to duck.
He had a little girl in the back and another guy in the passenger side. all gave me the stare down, no nod or hello more like... " what are you doing in my woods"   this pissed me off pretty bad seeing as i already hate lazy road hunters but rifle out the window?  this Is illegal correct? i'm 99% positive.  Just irritating.  How should i handle the photos and video i have of him?
Am i making a bigger deal than it is? am i just over reacting?
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 22, 2018, 09:32:07 AM
Think it just did....
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Jake Dogfish on October 22, 2018, 09:34:25 AM
Wow!  :yike:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Timberstalker on October 22, 2018, 09:35:00 AM
DB
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2018, 09:39:33 AM
That's just plain weird. I'm not sure the photo shows an actual violation of the law. If the rifle was loaded, then yes of course it would be against the law. The way he's holding it certainly make you think that might be the case.

You could email it to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov

That's just ridiculous and if I was law enforcement I'd be watching that vehicle for any possible violations. I bet that's the type of "hunter" they could nail with one of those robotic deer.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: huntnphool on October 22, 2018, 09:44:13 AM
Sad the kid is learning how to "hunt" from this guy.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: trophyhunt on October 22, 2018, 09:44:35 AM
That's just plain weird. I'm not sure the photo shows an actual violation of the law. If the rifle was loaded, then yes of course it would be against the law. The way he's holding it certainly make you think that might be the case.

You could email it to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov

That's just ridiculous and if I was law enforcement I'd be watching that vehicle for any possible violations. I bet that's the type of "hunter" they could nail with one of those robotic deer.
:yeah:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: quadrafire on October 22, 2018, 09:50:18 AM
Sad the kid is learning how to "hunt" from this guy.
Same thing I was thinking
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2018, 09:52:09 AM
I should add that I would definitely report it. I probably would have done so right away if I had seen that. They could have at least talked to him and let him know it's not acceptable to drive around with a rifle out the window. Especially on public land!

But as another person said, by posting here you essentially have reported it, as WDFW law enforcement watch this site, and all social media sites. I'm pretty certain they've already seen this post.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: timberfaller on October 22, 2018, 09:53:54 AM
Yep!  Let a game warden visit him!  :tup:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 22, 2018, 09:55:34 AM
Is that a WA plate? Thought only guberment plates had the “c” on them.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bearpaw on October 22, 2018, 09:58:47 AM
That's just plain weird. I'm not sure the photo shows an actual violation of the law. If the rifle was loaded, then yes of course it would be against the law. The way he's holding it certainly make you think that might be the case.

You could email it to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov

That's just ridiculous and if I was law enforcement I'd be watching that vehicle for any possible violations. I bet that's the type of "hunter" they could nail with one of those robotic deer.
:yeah:

 :yeah:  x3
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 09:59:44 AM
That's just plain weird. I'm not sure the photo shows an actual violation of the law. If the rifle was loaded, then yes of course it would be against the law. The way he's holding it certainly make you think that might be the case.

You could email it to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov

That's just ridiculous and if I was law enforcement I'd be watching that vehicle for any possible violations. I bet that's the type of "hunter" they could nail with one of those robotic deer.


I have the first encounter  on camera. these were screen shots of said video. Whats scary is the second time his rifle was resting on the window!!!!! pointed at anyone passing!!! i had my camera in my bag for that one but when i came to a complete stop and tried to start a conversation he drove off.  never a fun feeling approaching a moron with a gun pointed at you. I will report to the email. thank you for the info.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2018, 10:03:55 AM
With the gun actually being pointed at people as he's driving down the road, that's certainly got to be in violation of some law, no doubt. It's scary that there are people like that out there, pretending to be hunters.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: BeerBugler on October 22, 2018, 10:04:35 AM
honestly I’m just trying to figure out WTF kind of tires those are! He wont be out there much longer either way.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 10:05:41 AM
thanks all! always hate wasting LEO's time with petty stuff. that's why I asked first.  it is sad that his kid is being dragged around and being taught this is normal.

It is a Washington plate. for the guy who asked.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 10:07:20 AM
 :chuckle:

honestly I’m just trying to figure out WTF kind of tires those are! He wont be out there much longer either way.

DIDNT EVEN NOTICE THEY LOOK AS BALD AS A BALD HEADED BEAR  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bornhunter on October 22, 2018, 10:11:56 AM
Absolutely report this. May fall under " reckless endangwrment" statute. Wdfw will definitely contact the guy. Looks like he is just an AH trying to intimidate others.  :stup:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: h20hunter on October 22, 2018, 10:12:55 AM
 :yeah:

Seems to be a bit of that going around.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: CaNINE on October 22, 2018, 10:18:45 AM
Surprised he's wearing orange.  Guess he knows some of the rules.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Evil_EdwardO on October 22, 2018, 10:19:09 AM
Is that a WA plate? Thought only guberment plates had the “c” on them.  :dunno:

Mine has a C and I don't have government plates.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: timberfaller on October 22, 2018, 10:20:03 AM
You got his license plate number,  take it to any game warden, They will see that he gets a nice little visit.

Stupidity needs confronted, its that simple.

Had a similar thing happen to me on Hwy 20 while checking out the ranch I worked. Grampa(grandson sitting next to him) was using his scope to glass deer across the highway in a pasture(no hunting signs). Came back a few minutes later HE did the same thing as I drove by, :bash: stopped and backed up and told him exactly what I thought!!

As all the game wardens I've worked with have told me, "all I need is a license plate number, we'll do the rest."
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 10:28:18 AM
You got his license plate number,  take it to any game warden, They will see that he gets a nice little visit.

Stupidity needs confronted, its that simple.

Had a similar thing happen to me on Hwy 20 while checking out the ranch I worked. Grampa(grandson sitting next to him) was using his scope to glass deer across the highway in a pasture(no hunting signs). Came back a few minutes later HE did the same thing as I drove by, :bash: stopped and backed up and told him exactly what I thought!!

As all the game wardens I've worked with have told me, "all I need is a license plate number, we'll do the rest."


Just emailed a report poaching email address that was listed in the replies.  i took a friend to hunters ed last year and the teacher was talking about all you need is a plate. said people can earn point for special draws too. not interested in that much just this guys attitude and over all demeanor was questionable and had me reaching for my pistol... which i did not like.  thanks to everyone who replied. i thought i was over reacting. 
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: chiwawadan on October 22, 2018, 10:45:38 AM
You got his license plate number,  take it to any game warden, They will see that he gets a nice little visit.

Stupidity needs confronted, its that simple.

Had a similar thing happen to me on Hwy 20 while checking out the ranch I worked. Grampa(grandson sitting next to him) was using his scope to glass deer across the highway in a pasture(no hunting signs). Came back a few minutes later HE did the same thing as I drove by, :bash: stopped and backed up and told him exactly what I thought!!

As all the game wardens I've worked with have told me, "all I need is a license plate number, we'll do the rest."


Just emailed a report poaching email address that was listed in the replies.  i took a friend to hunters ed last year and the teacher was talking about all you need is a plate. said people can earn point for special draws too. not interested in that much just this guys attitude and over all demeanor was questionable and had me reaching for my pistol... which i did not like.  thanks to everyone who replied. i thought i was over reacting.
When it comes to the inherent dangers of firearms, I don't think you can overreact. The "act as if all guns are loaded" rule is extremely valuable even though technically irrational. It's irrational because you can personally observe a round NOT entering the chamber as you push the bolt in. Even with that knowledge we follow the "act as if it is loaded" rule because an accident from not following the rule has an extremely high potential consequence while following the rule has almost no negative consequence.

The human mind is extremely imperfect and because of that, there is no reasonable excuse not to follow the rule, even when you've observed an empty chamber.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 10:50:49 AM
honestly I’m just trying to figure out WTF kind of tires those are! He wont be out there much longer either way.

I have a well tuned eye for tires. Brand of those tires is Willpop. They sometimes double as street slicks for broke teenagers drag racing. Pretty much a misapplication for logging roads, the life of the tire tends to be poor.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Buckmark on October 22, 2018, 10:57:38 AM
I have seen this exact same thing in East LA  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: DRobnsn on October 22, 2018, 11:02:48 AM
honestly I’m just trying to figure out WTF kind of tires those are! He wont be out there much longer either way.

I have a well tuned eye for tires. Brand of those tires is Willpop. They sometimes double as street slicks for broke teenagers drag racing. Pretty much a misapplication for logging roads, the life of the tire tends to be poor.

I have this exact same thing in East LA  :chuckle:


 :chuckle: Good thing I didn't have any coffee in my mouth when I read these!
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 22, 2018, 11:06:20 AM
Yikes.... that's something you don't see every day (gun hanging out the window, stagecoach "Wyatt Earp" style)...   :yike:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Britt-dog on October 22, 2018, 11:27:15 AM
Everything about that guy screams DB. He definitely needs a visit from the man. Though I don't think it will do much good.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: 724wd on October 22, 2018, 11:28:04 AM
Not as reliable as the Maypop brand of tires.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 11:35:08 AM
Not as reliable as the Maypop brand of tires.

Tires are very application specific. I have run a lot of Maypop brand tires. One set of 4 were on my Jeep Cherokee they were "Vintage" at 35 years old. You could almost see the air inside them.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: meatwhack on October 22, 2018, 11:37:52 AM
That is a hard corp road hunter or he’s having flashbacks of a convoy in a combat zone. Either way it’s strange and I’ve never seen something like that in the woods.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: gutsnthegrass on October 22, 2018, 11:39:59 AM
Come on guys, you're overreacting.  He's just glassing the clearcut :bash:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: meatwhack on October 22, 2018, 11:40:04 AM
He could be a disabled hunter also but still strange to be rolling around with your rifle out the window.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Special T on October 22, 2018, 11:52:00 AM
That is a hard corp road hunter or he’s having flashbacks of a convoy in a combat zone. Either way it’s strange and I’ve never seen something like that in the woods.

This is possibly why he is running Willpop tires. I have a friend that was in Brutis the Famed gun truck in Nam. He said it was important to run either Willpop or Maypops because the shell casing s would wedge themselves in the tread turning very nice tires into flat ones... perhaps he was making sure no ejected brass got caught in the tread hence the very specific application he was going for!
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: DRobnsn on October 22, 2018, 11:57:12 AM
That is a hard corp road hunter or he’s having flashbacks of a convoy in a combat zone. Either way it’s strange and I’ve never seen something like that in the woods.

This is possibly why he is running Willpop tires. I have a friend that was in Brutis the Famed gun truck in Nam. He said it was important to run either Willpop or Maypops because the shell casing s would wedge themselves in the tread turning very nice tires into flat ones... perhaps he was making sure no ejected brass got caught in the tread hence the very specific application he was going for!

 :lol4:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on October 22, 2018, 12:01:17 PM
Sad the kid is learning how to "hunt" from this guy.

They had their orange on.

/sarc
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Elkslayer on October 22, 2018, 12:02:15 PM
He could be a disabled hunter also but still strange to be rolling around with your rifle out the window.

I've seen the same thing not to far from my house. Complained to the game department and was told that disabled hunters can do this as they are allowed to shoot from their vehicles. Not sure if that's this guys deal or not though. I think they are supposed to have an orange disability placard displayed in the window.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on October 22, 2018, 12:05:02 PM
I hope that that is the case.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2018, 12:10:37 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: ThomMedic on October 22, 2018, 12:15:08 PM
I was in Capitol forest last Friday scouting. Lots of trucks ripping by. My budding echoed my thoughts remarking about their aggressive driving and unfriendliness. This was rather unusual as hunters are the most friendly of the various visitors up there. It was weird.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 22, 2018, 12:17:31 PM
He could be a disabled hunter also but still strange to be rolling around with your rifle out the window.

I've seen the same thing not to far from my house. Complained to the game department and was told that disabled hunters can do this as they are allowed to shoot from their vehicles. Not sure if that's this guys deal or not though. I think they are supposed to have an orange disability placard displayed in the window.

Changed that this year, the disabled hunter orange placard is going away as of Dec 31.  They also changed the rules and a disability status is no longer an automatic pass to shoot from a vehicle. 
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Elkslayer on October 22, 2018, 12:20:54 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.

I agree with you 100% That's exactly what I told the gamie, legal or not it's a safety issue and it's also not a good image.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: boneaddict on October 22, 2018, 12:32:36 PM
Let us know if you get any feedback
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: huntnphool on October 22, 2018, 12:32:58 PM
Not as reliable as the Maypop brand of tires.

 Still better than the Didpop’s, can’t tell you how many of those I’ve had in SE Montana.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: BD1 on October 22, 2018, 12:35:09 PM
Wouldn't that fall under "Distracted driver" laws? Seem like a rifle would be as hard as a cup of coffee to hold and drive with  :dunno: The whole situation seems insane and scary to me. Deliverance Part II  :yike: 
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: boneaddict on October 22, 2018, 12:43:03 PM
I was thinking of the whole road rage thing, brandishing a firearm as a form of intimidation. 
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: RockChuck on October 22, 2018, 12:44:06 PM
maybe I missed it but some keep saying he was driving with the rifle out the window? as  I read it appeared he was parked/sitting still with the rifle out the window (wrong either way)
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on October 22, 2018, 12:46:09 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.

It does in that disabled are allowed to shoot from vehicle, in certain instances, and the rifle was pointed to the sky.  I'm not saying I agree with the practice, and it could give pause to non-hunters.  But we simply don't know much, other than the pictures and the account.

I would have less of an issue if it were disabled, gun was unloaded, etc.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MarshallFamBam on October 22, 2018, 12:49:17 PM
That's a scary sight to behold. I have tried to stay away from capital forest as much as I can, event tho I live 5 min away from it. a few years ago I was shot towards on two different occasions. they were close enough to hear the bullet zip overhead. :yike:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2018, 01:09:49 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.

It does in that disabled are allowed to shoot from vehicle, in certain instances, and the rifle was pointed to the sky.  I'm not saying I agree with the practice, and it could give pause to non-hunters.  But we simply don't know much, other than the pictures and the account.

I would have less of an issue if it were disabled, gun was unloaded, etc.

Disabled hunter shouldn't be driving with their rifle half out the window. First, people don't know if it's loaded or unloaded. Second, there are a lot of people in Capitol Forest who are not hunters. I wouldn't want them seeing this and thinking it's normal. Even if someone is allowed to shoot from a vehicle, it must be off the road, and parked. So there's absolutely no reason to drive around like that with your gun ready to shoot in case a deer happens to step out in the road.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 22, 2018, 01:22:28 PM
Not saying the guy in the pic was doing anything wrong (although it has the initial appearance of doing so), but, I always think that a robo-deer, or, robo-elk is just what the doctor ordered for hunters who consistently bend or break established laws.  It just seems like folks who are willing to break some F&G rules/laws during daylight hours will eventually gravitate towards even worse transgressions... Enter robo-deer or robo-elk  :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: fishnfur on October 22, 2018, 01:31:46 PM
Sidebar:  When I see that robodeer,  is it legal to park, get out of the vehicle, circle around in the woods and send a load of lead into it's main circuit board??   :dunno:  I wonder if they're good on the BBQ?
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 22, 2018, 01:34:11 PM
Sidebar:  When I see that robodeer,  is it legal to park, get out of the vehicle, circle around in the woods and send a load of lead into it's main circuit board??   :dunno:  I wonder if they're good on the BBQ?

I would think that yes, on public land during legal shooting hours that if a person got out of the truck, walked off the road the correct distance, one could drop the robo critter w/o repercussions.  Can you imagine the F&G LEO's reaction when you started boning it out  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 02:17:49 PM
maybe I missed it but some keep saying he was driving with the rifle out the window? as  I read it appeared he was parked/sitting still with the rifle out the window (wrong either way)

He was driving both times. Not once stopped. even when i did and asked if he was ok/ "how are you doing? all good?" he kept driving.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: MrSmallington on October 22, 2018, 02:26:44 PM
Ok folks,

Update. Just got off the phone with a gamie who replied to my email  sent to reportpoacher email...

Seeing as this took place Saturday it seems like it is not being taken seriously.  He was nice, but seeing as the driver is not out there now... nothing he can do. This took place off D-1000 and a side road off D-100.
Both interactions he was driving and didnt wave nor stop when I tried to initiate a conversation the second time.
The gentlemen on the phone stated he will inform local officers and I might get another call.
He was also concerned and named some areas on the western side when I stated id have to look the road name I was on up.  Seems there is an issue in the forest they are already aware of.  I guess I learned to report even in when in doubt. this guy could have been caught in the act. i must say ive only been hunting 4 years and hunters are some of the most nicest people ive met. extremely helpful, calm, humorous they stop and chat... this dude looked at me like he wanted to beat my a@@ for being on the same road. fingers crossed he gets a knock on the door.   
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 02:36:05 PM
I always take the path of if in doubt, report it and let the guy/gal with the badge sort it out.  If it isn't worthy of investigation, they won't, so it's only a few seconds of their time to look through the reports coming in and figure out what needs to be looked at.  There are so few of them and so many acres and roads that I bet they really benefit from reports from the public.

That behavior is beyond just a potential hunting infraction, it is a huge public safety issue and paints all firearm sportsman in an ugly light.

Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: BeerBugler on October 22, 2018, 02:52:24 PM
See this all the time in the white river, except it’s before, during and after hunting season and all the trucks have a decal of a feather on the back window. Did this “gentlemen” happen to have said decal? If so, that makes it ok.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bigtex on October 22, 2018, 03:08:40 PM
Ok folks,

Update. Just got off the phone with a gamie who replied to my email  sent to reportpoacher email...

Seeing as this took place Saturday it seems like it is not being taken seriously.  He was nice, but seeing as the driver is not out there now... nothing he can do. This took place off D-1000 and a side road off D-100.
Both interactions he was driving and didnt wave nor stop when I tried to initiate a conversation the second time.
The gentlemen on the phone stated he will inform local officers and I might get another call.
He was also concerned and named some areas on the western side when I stated id have to look the road name I was on up.  Seems there is an issue in the forest they are already aware of.  I guess I learned to report even in when in doubt. this guy could have been caught in the act. i must say ive only been hunting 4 years and hunters are some of the most nicest people ive met. extremely helpful, calm, humorous they stop and chat... this dude looked at me like he wanted to beat my a@@ for being on the same road. fingers crossed he gets a knock on the door.
This is exactly what I would've said. If ever in doubt report it!

I'd rather get a call about something currently happening and having it actually be legal than hearing about it 48 hours later.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: RockChuck on October 22, 2018, 03:10:02 PM
maybe I missed it but some keep saying he was driving with the rifle out the window? as  I read it appeared he was parked/sitting still with the rifle out the window (wrong either way)

He was driving both times. Not once stopped. even when i did and asked if he was ok/ "how are you doing? all good?" he kept driving.


Wow! :yike: :bdid:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: emac on October 22, 2018, 04:22:42 PM
Sidebar:  When I see that robodeer,  is it legal to park, get out of the vehicle, circle around in the woods and send a load of lead into it's main circuit board??   :dunno:  I wonder if they're good on the BBQ?
I think the wardens would yell at you before you could shoot. Pat you on the back for doing it right and getting you outta there as quick as possible

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Stein on October 22, 2018, 04:29:49 PM
From what I have seen, wardens pick either private land or places closed to certain types of hunting and then set it up near a road.  I imagine they don't want people legally shooting a decoy.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Fl0und3rz on October 22, 2018, 08:44:24 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.

It does in that disabled are allowed to shoot from vehicle, in certain instances, and the rifle was pointed to the sky.  I'm not saying I agree with the practice, and it could give pause to non-hunters.  But we simply don't know much, other than the pictures and the account.

I would have less of an issue if it were disabled, gun was unloaded, etc.

Disabled hunter shouldn't be driving with their rifle half out the window. First, people don't know if it's loaded or unloaded. Second, there are a lot of people in Capitol Forest who are not hunters. I wouldn't want them seeing this and thinking it's normal. Even if someone is allowed to shoot from a vehicle, it must be off the road, and parked. So there's absolutely no reason to drive around like that with your gun ready to shoot in case a deer happens to step out in the road.

We can disagree, in part.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: jmscon on October 22, 2018, 08:47:31 PM
Even if this was legal I’m guessing a warden would still have a lot to say to a guy driving around like that.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 23, 2018, 02:56:06 PM
That's just plain weird. I'm not sure the photo shows an actual violation of the law. If the rifle was loaded, then yes of course it would be against the law. The way he's holding it certainly make you think that might be the case.

You could email it to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov

That's just ridiculous and if I was law enforcement I'd be watching that vehicle for any possible violations. I bet that's the type of "hunter" they could nail with one of those robotic deer.

An argument could be made that this was an act of menacing.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: Curly on October 23, 2018, 06:30:43 PM
I'm curious why the guy needs to be caught in the act when there is video evidence? Is it because the violation would depend on if the rifle was loaded?  Is it correct to assume no laws are broken if it wasn't losded? :dunno:
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: silverbullet6oh on October 23, 2018, 07:08:29 PM
I'm curious why the guy needs to be caught in the act when there is video evidence? Is it because the violation would depend on if the rifle was loaded?  Is it correct to assume no laws are broken if it wasn't losded? :dunno:

Based solely on the pictures provided, that would be correct. If the gun is unloaded, he has not broken the law.

His rifle, based on the pictures provided, is pointed up and the trajectory of the barrel (if a round were to be fired) is above the "picture taking persons" vehicle. Not pointed AT the person.  If that barrel was pointed further downward, and a vehicle passed by it, then that would be a violation based on RCW 9.41.230

Please keep in mind, I am not defending this guys actions, but what he has done is not unlawful. I personally think it is just impolite of him to have it out the window on side of passing vehicles.

- P
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: coachcw on October 23, 2018, 07:36:23 PM
He must be from south hill
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: KFhunter on October 23, 2018, 07:49:30 PM
Doesn't make any difference. Disabled or not. It's not safe to drive around with a rifle out the window, and it would be intimidating to anyone else driving or walking on the road. This is definitely not a normal practice for disabled hunters to drive around with their window down, with gun ready to shoot.

It does in that disabled are allowed to shoot from vehicle, in certain instances, and the rifle was pointed to the sky.  I'm not saying I agree with the practice, and it could give pause to non-hunters.  But we simply don't know much, other than the pictures and the account.

I would have less of an issue if it were disabled, gun was unloaded, etc.

It's not conclusive, but I don't see DP or DV license plates, nor do I see a placard hanging on the rearview mirror.





Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bigtex on October 23, 2018, 07:56:50 PM
I'm curious why the guy needs to be caught in the act when there is video evidence? Is it because the violation would depend on if the rifle was loaded?  Is it correct to assume no laws are broken if it wasn't losded? :dunno:
Was the gun loaded? Was it a real gun? (sounds funny but lawyers will bring it up) Where was it pointed?

WA also has a misdemeanor presence rule where officers cannot arrest (or cite for criminal charges) someone for misdemeanor offenses unless they view the offense (or another officer views the offense). So as a result the most an officer could do is refer charges to the prosecutor to see if there is enough probable cause to charge the individual, in comparison to handing the guy a citation with a court date.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bobcat on October 23, 2018, 08:16:39 PM
Bigtex-

If a law enforcement officer saw someone driving on public roads like this guy, with a rifle hanging out the window, would he be likely to be stopped? Would this be in violation of any laws, assuming the gun was not loaded?
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: KFhunter on October 23, 2018, 08:29:07 PM
Of course, WDFW can stop anyone suspected to be in the act of hunting.  I'm sure they'd come to a skidding halt pretty quickly if they come across a scene like this  :chuckle:



"Would this be in violation of any laws, assuming the gun was not loaded?" 
I'll defer to BT but my thinking is no, notwithstanding exigent circumstances IE: brandishing
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: bigtex on October 23, 2018, 08:47:22 PM
Bigtex-

If a law enforcement officer saw someone driving on public roads like this guy, with a rifle hanging out the window, would he be likely to be stopped? Would this be in violation of any laws, assuming the gun was not loaded?
Stopped sure. But the laws are actually kind of gray if it's a crime, there's a lot of "ifs" involved. The two main violations would be"

RCW 9.41.230
(a) Aims any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being


Of course this requires the individual to actually aim the gun at someone. In the photo it appears the muzzle is pointing up to the sky so this would be a hard one to prove. Also would have to prove the individual is actually "aiming" the gun, not simply pointing in a certain direction.

RCW 9.41.270
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.


So in this case you would have to prove:
a)the individual was displaying the firearm with intent to intimidate others, I'm just assuming that's probably not why he was doing this
OR
b)that the displaying the firearm warrants the alarm for the safety of other persons

While b may apply in the above I'll throw out a quick reply of what a average defense attorney would say. So if the individual is driving around with an unloaded gun (let's assume) with it's muzzle out the window pointing to the tree tops how does that cause someone to be concerned for their safety anymore than if they see someone stop their vehicle, exit with a rifle, load it and prepare to shoot a deer? You could make a case in both situations that the scenario causes someone to be concerned for their safety or not concerned for their safety. The big thing here is the guy was hunting, in the woods, in an open hunting area, with other armed hunters around. Change the scenario to the same individual driving around the Puyallup neighborhoods and the response would change.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: konradcountry on November 07, 2018, 02:02:44 PM
It's capitol forest.
Title: Re: Should this be reported?!
Post by: ctwiggs1 on November 07, 2018, 02:42:10 PM
I just caught up on this thread and I'm now laughing my butt off at how many directions it went :chuckle:

Maypop, willpop - you guys are hilarious.
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