I'm going camping next weekend. Where we are camping is about 10 miles off any concrete road, and is pretty well isolated. I beleive it may be a state park, but am not entirely sure. What are the laws on bring a rifle out there? I've never brought any with me before. But the last time we went out there we had a scary situation.
Camping in WA. Can I bring my rifle w/ me?
- Thread starter Ari
- Start date
- Status
pale horse
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 216
Which park are you going to?
I would take a rifle and conseal my pistol that way I have one for mountian lion, tiggers and bears as well as 2 footers. I dont forsee there being a problem with you having one unless you are flashing around.
I would take a rifle and conseal my pistol that way I have one for mountian lion, tiggers and bears as well as 2 footers. I dont forsee there being a problem with you having one unless you are flashing around.
Sunray
Member
Are you allowed to carry in State Parks? What do you call a "scary situation"? And you'd still have to be justified if you decide to shoot anything or anybody. If you chose to carry anyway, carry a handgun. Less conspicuous. Only do so if it's legal where you're going and you have CYA yourself. No point in going to jail and/or being fined for a "scary situation".
By scary situation...
By scary situation, I was referring to Bears and wolves and other wild life that inhabit that park. Me and my buddy were fishing and had a bear and cub walk across the river from us less than 150 yards out. Next day, after coming back from the lake, our camp site was ran sacked by something, either wolves or a mountain cat. I'm not a trouble maker. I would only shoot if me or my party is in definate life or death situation, which I would gladly own up to at that point. Is it legal to carry in a State park? Don't know, which is why I posted this. Please read my first post.
thanks anyhow.
By scary situation, I was referring to Bears and wolves and other wild life that inhabit that park. Me and my buddy were fishing and had a bear and cub walk across the river from us less than 150 yards out. Next day, after coming back from the lake, our camp site was ran sacked by something, either wolves or a mountain cat. I'm not a trouble maker. I would only shoot if me or my party is in definate life or death situation, which I would gladly own up to at that point. Is it legal to carry in a State park? Don't know, which is why I posted this. Please read my first post.
thanks anyhow.
Shalako
Member
Try not to invite critters into your camp.
If you can, use a bear box or at least keep all food, toothpaste, deoderant, gum, etc in a special bag, then haul it all up into a tree. I'm all for taking rifles camping but there's no need having to shoot a critter that you just encouraged to visit by leaving goodies around.
But camping just wouldn't be any fun without some sorta gun!
If you can, use a bear box or at least keep all food, toothpaste, deoderant, gum, etc in a special bag, then haul it all up into a tree. I'm all for taking rifles camping but there's no need having to shoot a critter that you just encouraged to visit by leaving goodies around.
But camping just wouldn't be any fun without some sorta gun!
I'm by no means an expert, but might I suggest a shotgun if you are considering a long gun?
It just seems to me that if you had a mountain lion/bear/whatever charging you at anything faster than a walk, you'd have a much better chance of actually hitting it with a 12er.
It just seems to me that if you had a mountain lion/bear/whatever charging you at anything faster than a walk, you'd have a much better chance of actually hitting it with a 12er.
We try...
I have a 4x4 storage box that mounts to the top of my Cherokee when we go camping. When we are there, I usually take it off and place it at the camp site to be used as a food locker. We tie off all of our garbage a couple of yards away. I never knew about that tooth paste and deodorant, so I'll keep that in the food locker from now on as well. I'm probably one of the biggest animal lovers around. I would hate to have to do that. But if it means life or death... I'll see you in heaven mr. Bear.
I have a 4x4 storage box that mounts to the top of my Cherokee when we go camping. When we are there, I usually take it off and place it at the camp site to be used as a food locker. We tie off all of our garbage a couple of yards away. I never knew about that tooth paste and deodorant, so I'll keep that in the food locker from now on as well. I'm probably one of the biggest animal lovers around. I would hate to have to do that. But if it means life or death... I'll see you in heaven mr. Bear.
"I'm by no means an expert, but might I suggest a shotgun if you are considering a long gun?
That is exactly what I'm planning on taking along. 7 shot pump 12g w/ 5 slugs on the stock. I wouldn't even consider taking anything else.
That is exactly what I'm planning on taking along. 7 shot pump 12g w/ 5 slugs on the stock. I wouldn't even consider taking anything else.
Alan Smithiee
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 248
http://www.parks.wa.gov/
http://www.parks.wa.gov/contacts.asp
Information Center
Available to assist with questions regarding specific parks, overnight accommodations, recreation programs and seasonal park closures.
Phone: (360) 902-8844
E-mail: [email protected]
according to WA State parks information (which I just called), loaded firearms (long guns) are illegal in state parks. you may NOT discharge a firearm in, on or over any state park. (CCW is legal, but they had better not see it)
the person on the other end pointed out quite strongly that WA park rangers are armed.
you may want to contact them yourself for more info
http://www.parks.wa.gov/contacts.asp
Information Center
Available to assist with questions regarding specific parks, overnight accommodations, recreation programs and seasonal park closures.
Phone: (360) 902-8844
E-mail: [email protected]
according to WA State parks information (which I just called), loaded firearms (long guns) are illegal in state parks. you may NOT discharge a firearm in, on or over any state park. (CCW is legal, but they had better not see it)
the person on the other end pointed out quite strongly that WA park rangers are armed.
you may want to contact them yourself for more info
Alan Smithiee
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 248
no problem Ari. I've had my share of dealings with WA RE: firearms and they can be wierd. just doing my bit to help out.
HABU
Member
We got woovs in Washington?
Alan Smithiee
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 248
quote:I was referring to Bears and wolves and other wild life that inhabit that park.
We got woovs in Washington?
illegal immigrants from Canada and Idaho... they just don't seem to have an respect for States Rights or borders.
We got woovs in Washington?
illegal immigrants from Canada and Idaho... they just don't seem to have an respect for States Rights or borders.
gehwehrnut
Member
Hey, Nanaimo Barr, I'm new to this board (obviously) and was wondering where up here do you live? I'm in Post Falls.
Alan Smithiee
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 248
jeese! more and more of us all the time out here in the North Wet, and even the inland north wet! we're down Moscow/Pullman area.
gehwehrnut
Member
Yeah, I've seen a few Nor'westerners here on these boards. By the way, I'm not sure your tag-line is totally accurate anymore.
Hi Gang,
Here's a section of the Revised Code of Washington pertaining to the possession of arms. As I read it, State Park officials may not curb your right to possess firearms if you are hiking or camping, or "engaging" in other outdoor activities.
As a general rule, I would not display firearms if there are 100 other campsites right around you in a formal family camp setting. If you're hiking/camping deep within the woods, I'd have a rifle/shotgun with. Use your best judgement and your a$$ will follow. Mine does.
I've pasted the eighth provision to RCW 9.41.050 below.
"Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:
(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;"
Here's a section of the Revised Code of Washington pertaining to the possession of arms. As I read it, State Park officials may not curb your right to possess firearms if you are hiking or camping, or "engaging" in other outdoor activities.
As a general rule, I would not display firearms if there are 100 other campsites right around you in a formal family camp setting. If you're hiking/camping deep within the woods, I'd have a rifle/shotgun with. Use your best judgement and your a$$ will follow. Mine does.
I've pasted the eighth provision to RCW 9.41.050 below.
"Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:
(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;"
Alan Smithiee
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 248
hmmm,. nice and vaugly worded.. (so what else is new), what they told me was "loaded" and "you may not fire a bullet in, on or over any state park".
you may want to call and ask and then ask them for the specific part of the act they are quoteing. chapter and verse.
(really handy if you can be looking at the section online while they are trying to figure out what part they are quoteing)
it's that "considering all the attendant circumstances" part that worries me, WA is fond of "gotcha" laws.
and partly true Gehwehrnut, but there still are a few.. there have been some run ins localy...
you may want to call and ask and then ask them for the specific part of the act they are quoteing. chapter and verse.
(really handy if you can be looking at the section online while they are trying to figure out what part they are quoteing)
it's that "considering all the attendant circumstances" part that worries me, WA is fond of "gotcha" laws.
and partly true Gehwehrnut, but there still are a few.. there have been some run ins localy...
gehwehrnut
Member
Quote:and partly true Gehwehrnut, but there still are a few.. there have been some run ins localy...
Don't hear of much up here anymore, but that doesn't mean anything. I do know they aren't near as prevalent as they once were.
Don't hear of much up here anymore, but that doesn't mean anything. I do know they aren't near as prevalent as they once were.
Sent email to 'em, will post response
I sent this email to the address provided above. I'll let you know what response I receive! I'm hoping for some logic from them and not a canned, politically correct bear spray answer.
---------
Hello,
I plan to both hike and camp around remote areas of Washington State this summer, and am brushing-up on legalities associated with the carrying of firearms for bear/cougar/human protection in State Parks. I feel I understand the meaning of RCW 9.41.050 in this regard, but would appreciate your insights or take on this.
I've pasted the eighth provision to RCW 9.41.050 below.
"Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:
(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;"
Any insights over this as it pertains to hiking/camping in remote State Parks would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXX
I sent this email to the address provided above. I'll let you know what response I receive! I'm hoping for some logic from them and not a canned, politically correct bear spray answer.
---------
Hello,
I plan to both hike and camp around remote areas of Washington State this summer, and am brushing-up on legalities associated with the carrying of firearms for bear/cougar/human protection in State Parks. I feel I understand the meaning of RCW 9.41.050 in this regard, but would appreciate your insights or take on this.
I've pasted the eighth provision to RCW 9.41.050 below.
"Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:
(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;"
Any insights over this as it pertains to hiking/camping in remote State Parks would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXX
I understood it as...
My interpretation of that code was that I could legally bring a gun either hiking, camping, hunting or fishing. As long as those activities are not prohibited in the area and that I have a license for either hunting or fishing. And it would be strictly used for (except of course during hunting) self defense and just not out there plinking.
My interpretation of that code was that I could legally bring a gun either hiking, camping, hunting or fishing. As long as those activities are not prohibited in the area and that I have a license for either hunting or fishing. And it would be strictly used for (except of course during hunting) self defense and just not out there plinking.
- Status