Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: Randall.Colvin on June 15, 2011, 06:05:05 PM

Title: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Randall.Colvin on June 15, 2011, 06:05:05 PM: Hello All,

I have been trying to find out if lighted reticle scopes are legal to hunt big game in Washington. I have looked at "Washington's 2011 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations" and have only found 2 references to legal optics. On page 70 of the guide it states:

"1.Hunting with artificial lights:Hunting big game with the aid of an artificial light or spotlight is prohibited." (Does this include lighted scopes?)

"12. Using night vision and laser sights:It is illegal to hunt deer or elk with the aid of infrared night vision equipment or with laser sights (not to include range finders) capable of projecting a beam onto the target, while in possession or control of a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow."

I just bought my first ever M1A Loaded and plan to hunt with it this year and I have a lighted scope on another rifle that I would like to use before I go and buy a new one. Can anyone shed a little knowledge on me on this subject.?

Tanks in advance.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: addicted on June 15, 2011, 11:40:01 PM: those 2 rules do not prohibit the use of an iluminated reticle, other states have their law prohibiting ILLret written like "the use of an electronic scope" but those would be states very strict on night hunting. I've been out of state for a few years but so I'm not sure what sort of cockomany rules big brother has written up but they were legal when i left.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: MDGrand on June 16, 2011, 01:07:33 PM: I have a Leupold VXR... I am pretty sure it is legal.. I know others that have illuminated reticles and its not an issue.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Huntbear on June 17, 2011, 10:03:51 AM: I have the Bushnell Elite w/ Firefly reticle. Perfectly legal.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: wannabhntr on June 27, 2014, 06:46:02 PM: Big Tex, can you answer this question?
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Come Get Some on June 28, 2014, 07:03:46 AM: If you have one and if you are using it and you are contacted by a game warden Turn it off, If he looks thru your scope it wont be lighted :chuckle:
Kinda of like having barbed hooks in your boat but not on the line????
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 09:35:39 AM: It's legal. Look in the reg's.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Bob33 on June 28, 2014, 09:39:04 AM: They are entirely legal in Washington

My personal opinion is that if it is so dark that a lighted reticle is required then it's too dark to shoot.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: JimmyHoffa on June 28, 2014, 09:50:34 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on June 28, 2014, 09:39:04 AM
They are entirely legal in Washington

My personal opinion is that if it is so dark that a lighted reticle is required then it's too dark to shoot.
Some days it just doesn't get very light out, especially in 30 yr unthinned fir.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 07, 2014, 04:22:28 PM: ZOMBIE THREAD....brought back to life!!!
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: Ghost Hunter on September 27, 2014, 08:02:52 AM: I have a Leupold scope with the Mil dot reticle. Love it EXCEPT in low light or dark background situations during legal hunting hours. Lit reticle would correct that. Still have it, still use it.
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: higunner on October 19, 2014, 03:30:13 AM: 100% legal
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: TeacherMan on October 19, 2014, 12:55:23 PM: Just got on to create this post lol. I'm looking at a Trijicon and wanted to know if it was legal. Got my answer it looks like! Thanks!
Title: Re: Lighted Reticle Scopes
Post by: b23 on October 19, 2014, 01:31:52 PM: I have NF scopes on nearly ever rifle I have and other than turning it on to know it works or letting someone who's never looked through a lighted reticle scope see it, I can't recall EVER turning it on.