Washington State Frequently Asked Questions About Open Carry

[PAhiker]

Hello, All... new menber here, first post

I have enjoyed reading this entire thread, and have found it to be VERY informative.
I am a PA resident, planning a backpacking trip with my son to North Cascades NP.
I wish to bring a pistol. Short of making a separate trip to WA to secure a permit, I believe this would be my sequence of compliance, correct me if I miss something.
1) Check in and declare my weapon for legal travel on the airplane.
2) Upon arrival in WA, retrieve my baggage and obtain a locker in which to store my weapon case during my stay and, at that point, begin OC.
3) Upon boarding a vehicle, (be it a rented car or public trans) stow the unloaded weapon (concealed) in my pack.
4) Upon exiting the vehicle at the trailhead, resume OC.
Reverse sequence for return home.

There is no reciprocity between PA and WA for my LTCF.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[FMCDH]

I have enjoyed reading this entire thread, and have found it to be VERY informative.
I am a PA resident, planning a backpacking trip with my son to North Cascades NP.
I wish to bring a pistol. Short of making a separate trip to WA to secure a permit, I believe this would be my sequence of compliance, correct me if I miss something.
1) Check in and declare my weapon for legal travel on the airplane.
2) Upon arrival in WA, retrieve my baggage and obtain a locker in which to store my weapon case during my stay and, at that point, begin OC.
3) Upon boarding a vehicle, (be it a rented car or public trans) stow the unloaded weapon (concealed) in my pack.
4) Upon exiting the vehicle at the trailhead, resume OC.
Reverse sequence for return home.

There is no reciprocity between PA and WA for my LTCF.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Welcome PAhiker.

Your PA LTCF is not recognized by Washington.

No permit is required to carry openly and loaded in Washington, except in or on a vehicle.
When you are OC in a vehicle, just make sure it is unloaded and clearly visible, or put it in a case, unloaded. It does NOT need to be locked.
Once you hit the trails, campsites, whatever, you may carry however you wish, as no permit is required to OC or CC while engaged in lawful outdoor activities. (RCW 9.41.060, Section 8)

See specifically...
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060

Your sequence of events looks fine.

 

[FMCDH]

There is no need to put it in a case in a vehicle. The ONLY requirements inside the occupied vehicle are unloaded and not concealed on the person.

Speaking of RCW 9.41.060:

Good detail.

I was considering an and/or type situation, that if he didn't feel comfortable wearing it, best practice would be to bag or case it.

 

[EMNofSeattle]

I have enjoyed reading this entire thread, and have found it to be VERY informative.
I am a PA resident, planning a backpacking trip with my son to North Cascades NP.
I wish to bring a pistol. Short of making a separate trip to WA to secure a permit, I believe this would be my sequence of compliance, correct me if I miss something.
1) Check in and declare my weapon for legal travel on the airplane.
2) Upon arrival in WA, retrieve my baggage and obtain a locker in which to store my weapon case during my stay and, at that point, begin OC.
3) Upon boarding a vehicle, (be it a rented car or public trans) stow the unloaded weapon (concealed) in my pack.
4) Upon exiting the vehicle at the trailhead, resume OC.
Reverse sequence for return home.

There is no reciprocity between PA and WA for my LTCF.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

If you can obtain a Florida CPL those ARE accepted here in Washington
http://www.atg.wa.gov/ConcealedWeapons/Reciprocity.aspx

I understand those are issued pretty much by mail. so if you can get one of those you can be good.

 

[BMWgunfighter]

Hey guys, first time poster, long time firearms enthusiast.

Anyways, it almost doesn't seem worth the trouble, (for me) to open carry in Washington if running errands or just visiting multiple stores over there. Being from Idaho I have it extremely easy over here as I don't have to ever take the gun off my hip OR unload it unless going to a few select places that I rarely, (if ever), frequent.

My wife and I are planning to go to Spokane today and I would really like to open carry but we plan on visiting quite a few places and for me to have to take the firearm off and put it in the trunk/ bug-out bag each time and then to return to the trunk and re-holster it seems like a hassle ...

Does anyone else do this and outside of a CPL IS it really worth the effort for me?

Thanks!

 

[Grapeshot]

Hey guys, first time poster, long time firearms enthusiast.

Anyways, it almost doesn't seem worth the trouble, (for me) to open carry in Washington if running errands or just visiting multiple stores over there. Being from Idaho I have it extremely easy over here as I don't have to ever take the gun off my hip OR unload it unless going to a few select places that I rarely, (if ever), frequent.

My wife and I are planning to go to Spokane today and I would really like to open carry but we plan on visiting quite a few places and for me to have to take the firearm off and put it in the trunk/ bug-out bag each time and then to return to the trunk and re-holster it seems like a hassle ...

Does anyone else do this and outside of a CPL IS it really worth the effort for me?

Thanks!

Welcome to OCDO, sir.

We stand together, especially to help our brothers and sisters who may live in less fortunate circumstances. <ducks and hides>

Indeed it may be a hassle and not w/o problems to arm & disarm, but as for me, I will afford myself the benefits as much as possible.

So is it worth it? Depends on what value you place on your wife's and your own safety/well being. Each one of us must make that decision independently.

 

[Grapeshot]

Why put the gun in trunk/bug-out bag each time? Most of us carried Israeli style before getting our CPLs. Inside the vehicle, gun in holster on belt, magazine in a pocket. Exit the vehicle, magazine in gun while never removing the gun from the holster. Of course you will have to rack the slide if you need to use the gun. Entering the vehicle again - put the magazine out of the gun with the gun still in the holster - or removing the gun just enough to remove the magazine if you need to. Magazine goes in pocket, gun stays in holster.

Good, but you have to clear the chambered round and a revolver would necessitate unholstering, right?

 

[EMNofSeattle]

Hey guys, first time poster, long time firearms enthusiast.

Anyways, it almost doesn't seem worth the trouble, (for me) to open carry in Washington if running errands or just visiting multiple stores over there. Being from Idaho I have it extremely easy over here as I don't have to ever take the gun off my hip OR unload it unless going to a few select places that I rarely, (if ever), frequent.

My wife and I are planning to go to Spokane today and I would really like to open carry but we plan on visiting quite a few places and for me to have to take the firearm off and put it in the trunk/ bug-out bag each time and then to return to the trunk and re-holster it seems like a hassle ...

Does anyone else do this and outside of a CPL IS it really worth the effort for me?

Thanks!

Well I think it's worth the hassle considering WA won't recognize ID permits and that's the most effective way to keep you and your loved ones safe while visiting. while I'm unaware of politics and open carry on the East side of WA, most Western WA police departments have been educated and with few exceptions will for the most part leave you alone while OCing, i'd have to imagine the more conservative east side would be OC friendly.

Also, for future reference, if you travel to WA regularly you should get a Washington CPL, they're shall issue to out of state visitors. bonus points is that Idaho accepts them too (Title 18.33 (g)) if I lived in Idaho and visited Washington regularly, i'd get a WA CPL

 

[BMWgunfighter]

Well, I followed what NavyLCDR said and it really wasn't bad at all! Stopped by Old Navy, TJ Maxx and Barnes & Noble and didn't get any hassle at all.

I really do want to get a Washington CPL but need to find the time to do it. Working roughly 30 miles from just Spokane itself and working 7:30-5 all week doesn't allow for much time to get over there. If anyone knows of an easier way I'm all ears!

Anyways, thanks for the help guys and glad to know that I can carry over there now with a little less trouble.

 

[Grapeshot]

Well, I followed what NavyLCDR said and it really wasn't bad at all! Stopped by Old Navy, TJ Maxx and Barnes & Noble and didn't get any hassle at all.

I really do want to get a Washington CPL but need to find the time to do it. Working roughly 30 miles from just Spokane itself and working 7:30-5 all week doesn't allow for much time to get over there. If anyone knows of an easier way I'm all ears!

Anyways, thanks for the help guys and glad to know that I can carry over there now with a little less trouble.

As a non-resident you may apply with any local law enforcement agency in Washington

http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconcealreq.html

 

[hermannr]

I have enjoyed reading this entire thread, and have found it to be VERY informative.
I am a PA resident, planning a backpacking trip with my son to North Cascades NP.
I wish to bring a pistol. Short of making a separate trip to WA to secure a permit, I believe this would be my sequence of compliance, correct me if I miss something.
1) Check in and declare my weapon for legal travel on the airplane.
2) Upon arrival in WA, retrieve my baggage and obtain a locker in which to store my weapon case during my stay and, at that point, begin OC.
3) Upon boarding a vehicle, (be it a rented car or public trans) stow the unloaded weapon (concealed) in my pack.
4) Upon exiting the vehicle at the trailhead, resume OC.
Reverse sequence for return home.

There is no reciprocity between PA and WA for my LTCF.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Pont 1: Yes.

Point 2: No need..you may open carry anywhere not listed as prohibited in RCW 9.41.300.

May I explain one thing. "Bars" have a sign that states "21 and over only". You may not carry (OC or CC) in a "bar". Restaraunt's that serve alcohol do not have this Over 21 restriction, you may carry into a restaraunt that serves, and you may inbibe..Same restriction as DWI for the amount you can drink. Personally, I have a beer with my meal when I go out to eat...that is not a problem. Some people think you should not drink at all when you carry...that is probably not a bad idea, but that is not what the law requires.

Ponit 3: Probably not. RCW 9.41.060(8) This exemption includes travel to and travel from, any outdoor recreational activity. You may OC or CC when using this exemption. Your back pack will be good witness to your intentions...you may stop on the way.

Point 4: I would OC all the time personally, (and do OC all the time), but there is no such restriction in RCW 9.41.060(8)

Enjoy the NCNP and be safe...Oh, you might want to leave your carry locked up (and out of sight) in your vehicle when you stop at the ranger station for your wilderness camping permits in Sedro-Woolley (if that is what you plan on doing). RCW 9.41.050

 

[EMNofSeattle]

Pont 1: Yes.

Point 2: No need..you may open carry anywhere not listed as prohibited in RCW 9.41.300.

Ponit 3: Probably not. RCW 9.41.060(8) This exemption includes travel to and travel from, any outdoor recreational activity. You may OC or CC when using this exemption. Your back pack will be good witness to your intentions...you may stop on the way.

Point 4: I would OC all the time personally, (and do OC all the time), but there is no such restriction in RCW 9.41.060(8)

Enjoy the NCNP and be safe...Oh, you might want to leave your carry locked up (and out of sight) in your vehicle when you stop at the ranger station for your wilderness camping permits in Sedro-Woolley (if that is what you plan on doing). RCW 9.41.050

except whether or not "it is reasonable to include you are engaged an in outdoor activity and/or traveling to and from a legitimate outdoor recreational area" is up to any police officers I'd exercise caution traveling on the freeway between Sea-Tac and Sedro Wooley. most cops in this area are not really anti, but just be careful transporting loaded in a vehicle. it has to be reasonable to conclude you're going to an outdoor recreation area, so being dressed in hiking clothes with all the maps and brochures of the forest you're going to, plus any reservations for campsites may well be a good idea...

 

[gogodawgs]

except whether or not "it is reasonable to include you are engaged an in outdoor activity and/or traveling to and from a legitimate outdoor recreational area" is up to any police officers I'd exercise caution traveling on the freeway between Sea-Tac and Sedro Wooley. most cops in this area are not really anti, but just be careful transporting loaded in a vehicle. it has to be reasonable to conclude you're going to an outdoor recreation area, so being dressed in hiking clothes with all the maps and brochures of the forest you're going to, plus any reservations for campsites may well be a good idea...

Why are you quoting something and HAVE IT COMPLETELY WRONG?

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;

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060

 

[EMNofSeattle]

Why are you quoting something and HAVE IT COMPLETELY WRONG?



http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060

I was trying to quote from memory. obviously not that good at it

 

[randian]

Would riding zip lines being a legitimate outdoor recreational activity? While not much like one of the listed activities in RCW 9.41.050, it is generally done outdoors in a forest setting and is arguably recreational. There seem to be many such companies offering this type of activity in Washington.

If only there were some major coaster parks in Washington. Riding roller coasters is a lawful outdoor activity after all

 

[EMNofSeattle]

Would riding zip lines being a legitimate outdoor recreational activity? While not much like one of the listed activities in RCW 9.41.050, it is generally done outdoors in a forest setting and is arguably recreational. There seem to be many such companies offering this type of activity in Washington.

If only there were some major coaster parks in Washington. Riding roller coasters is a lawful outdoor activity after all

Well wild waves, duh......

 

[Bill Starks]

From the AG's office....


Rob McKenna
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON
Olympia, WA 98504-0110

August 17, 2011


Bill Starks
RE: concealed / open carry RCW 9.41.060(8)



Dear Mr. Starks:
On behalf of the Department of Licensing, thank you for your email received August 6, 2011. I am responsible for firearm issues so your email was forwarded to me for response. In your request you asked for clarification regarding the definition of RCW 9.41.060(8) which is popularly known as the “hunting and fishing” exception to concealed carry requirements in Washington State. In your letter you ask if the exception in subsection 8 would apply if someone were to leave town to go hiking without a carry permit and carried concealed or had a loaded pistol in his or her vehicle.
The statute allows law enforcement latitude to evaluate each situation on a case by case basis. The scenario you portray could very well result in a finding of violation of the law. The case would turn on the credibility of the individual claiming the exception. The individual’s case would of course be stronger if he or she wore hiking gear and had hiking supplies, etc. The purpose of the law is to make personal protection available to outdoor enthusiasts, and not serve as an end run around the state’s regulation of firearms.

The Attorney General’s Office serves as a legal counsel to state agencies and certain elected officials and cannot, by law, provide legal advice to private citizens. It is, however, our policy to provide members of the public with information of a general nature whenever possible.


Sincerely,
SUSAN L. PIERINI

Assistant Attorney General

 

[Grapeshot]

From the AG's office....


Rob McKenna
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON
Olympia, WA 98504-0110

August 17, 2011

--snipped--

Well that was definitive - mildly sarcastic.

Dress the part, look the part and maybe the officer won't charge you and maybe you'll win in court.....or not. :banghead:

Would look to do some clean-up work on the laws pertaining to this.

 

[randian]

I see that the AG explicitly calls it the "hunting and fishing" exemption, even though hunting and fishing are but example activities in the statute itself. I can easily see being arrested by an officer who thinks "hunting and fishing" is more than just a shorthand reference to the statute.

 

[gogodawgs]

I see that the AG explicitly calls it the "hunting and fishing" exemption, even though hunting and fishing are but example activities in the statute itself. I can easily see being arrested by an officer who thinks "hunting and fishing" is more than just a shorthand reference to the statute.

If you can easily see.... then please find cases where this is the case. I sincerely doubt that you will.

I find this statute gives a reasonable person enough information to be legal.