Camping in WA. Can I bring my rifle w/ me?

[Alan Smithiee]

the problem I have seen with WA is that some times they can be "creative" in what they say the law is, they also have some real boobytrap laws. so they can "gotcha" if they want. they seem to be quite good at tacking things onto other peices of legislation that affect legislation that don't mention the addmendment.

(IE: I'm not allowed to be in possessesion of a firearm in WA because I need a special permit, but I can't get the special permit because WA AG doesn't recognize the FBI/INS/ISP/County Sherrif as being competant athority to do a background check)

I'm waiting for WA to recognize ID CCW. then that is going to cause an interesting legal mess for WA.. got a lawyer on standby for that one!

 

[gehwehrnut]

According to packing.org, you can apply for a non-resident CCW in the state of WA.Look here

 

[Sunray]

"...either wolves or a mountain cat..." If only the coolers were opened and everything in it scattered all over creation it was most likely a skunk or raccoon. If the tent was shredded too, think bruin, not from Boston. And it means your camp was acting as bait. Too many good smells for Yogi to ignore.
Wolves won't bother you even if you're lucky enough to see one in the bush. There has never been a documented case of wild wolves attacking people. Not even little girls in red hoods going to grandma's house. Mountain lions don't eat garbage and will only bother you if you look and act like prey or bother them.
Mama bear will leave you alone if you leave her kid alone. Get between mama and junior and you have a serious scary situation. Otherwise just sit still and don't make any sudden or threatening movements. You pose no threat to mama, but she will teach you not to get between her and junior if you do.
Skunks and raccoons see your camp as a source of tasty easy to get food. Mind you, if you see a skunk in broad day light it's likely rabid. Head shots only. And not with a shotgun. A coon you can chase off with a flashlight.
There are very few wild beasties that want to have anything to do with you. To them you smell like trouble. Serious trouble. However, if your camp smells like food, you will be visited, but your lack of cleanliness is no reason to shoot a bear. It always amazes me the fear some of the poster on these and other forums have of bears. Wear a big jungle bell on your person and Yogi will know where you are and avoid you. Doesn't work so well when hunting though.

 

[Orthonym]

Wait a minute:

Don't people who ought to know (wildlife biologists and serious outdoors types) say that one should behave differently when accosted by brown vs.black bears? I.e., if the Grizz jumps you, you should play dead until she loses interest and goes away, and you might survive; if a black bear jumps you, you should put up a fight because it wants to EAT you! (Of course, some black bears are rather brown-looking. )

 

[Alan Smithiee]

gehwehrnut, I asked specificaly about that. and was told even if they issued me the CCW it would still be a felony because I don't have the Alien Firearm Permit .

(see. told you they could be sneaky)

 

[scotjute]

With grizzlies there are supposed to be two recommended courses of action :

First : Play dead. This is used when you have surprised a grizzly and are too close to attempt evasive action or fire a gun. They may bite you and shake you a time or two, but will usually leave you if you continue to play dead. Once the grizzly senses you are no longer a threat to him/her/cubs, they will lose interest and leave. However if you wriggle and scream while they are biting you, they will likely continue until you are limp and quiet.

Second : Fight like hell. This is used when you have been dragged out of your tent or sleeping bag, usually in the night. In this case the grizzly thinks you are food and is intent upon eating all or part of you. Playing dead will only get you eaten in this case. Fighting like a wildcat may still get you eaten, but occasionally people do survive the initial attack and run off or kill the bear.

 

[Miracle]

Please delete this post... it was made in error.

 

[jonn5335]

It is legal. I live in Wa and go everywhere with a gun or 2 or 3 just don't forget you're discovery pass

 

[Mainsail]

Here in Washington there are State Parks, National Parks, National Forests, and Wilderness Areas. Open handgun carry is legal in all of them. You DO NOT need a permit or license from any state to carry a handgun openly, whether you do so in Seattle or a Park. You DO need a license or compatible state's permit to carry a handgun loaded in your vehicle. There is nothing walking, running, crawling, or prowling the woods in Washington that requires a shotgun to kill it, except for maybe up along the Canadian border where grizzlies have been seen.