How many are aware of this?

[Machias]

How many of you know that you are allowed to carry a concealed handgun in WA state without a concealed pistol license? I bet 95% of WA residents think if you carry a concealed handgun you must have a CPL. Well there are several, 10 to be exact, exceptions and the one that pertains to us is RCW 9.41.060, which reads: (#8 is the one that pertains to most of us):

RCW 9.41.060
Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.

The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:

(1) Marshals, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens or their deputies, or other law enforcement officers of this state or another state;

(2) Members of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or organized reserves, when on duty;

(3) Officers or employees of the United States duly authorized to carry a concealed pistol;

(4) Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms, or the agent or representative of the person, if possessing, using, or carrying a pistol in the usual or ordinary course of the business;

(5) Regularly enrolled members of any organization duly authorized to purchase or receive pistols from the United States or from this state;

(6) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of target shooting, when those members are at or are going to or from their places of target practice;

(7) Regularly enrolled members of clubs organized for the purpose of modern and antique firearm collecting, when those members are at or are going to or from their collector's gun shows and exhibits;

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;

(9) Any person while carrying a pistol unloaded and in a closed opaque case or secure wrapper; or

(10) Law enforcement officers retired for service or physical disabilities, except for those law enforcement officers retired because of mental or stress-related disabilities. This subsection applies only to a retired officer who has: (a) Obtained documentation from a law enforcement agency within Washington state from which he or she retired that is signed by the agency's chief law enforcement officer and that states that the retired officer was retired for service or physical disability; and (b) not been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a crime making him or her ineligible for a concealed pistol license.

[Bigfeet]

I knew about this law, but just found out about it about 3 months ago. I agree that probably 95% of the general population doesn't know about this.

[joshtee]

OK, so if you are just camping (no hunting license) you are legal?

[elkhuntress]

Wow! I had no clue! And here I am, just about to shell out the big bucks to be able to carry my pistol! Hmmm I think I may have to check into this a little bit more.......thanks for the insight

[FullCryHounds]

joshtee, as long as there is a season open, for example if coyotes are open year round like here in CO., yes, you could carry legally. As long as you were hunting for coyotes that day.

[George Streepy]

There doesn't have to be an open season, just outdoor activity. But be warned, the firearm has to be on your person. Not in the door pocket of your truck, on the console or whatever. There are some other definitions and such that every one should check out. You are better off paying the $60 to get your permit. Comes out to about $1 a month to carry a concealed weapon. Because you think you are legal doesn't keep you from being cited. Remember if cited, you loose even if you win.

[elkhuntress]

There doesn't have to be an open season, just outdoor activity. But be warned, the firearm has to be on your person. Not in the door pocket of your truck, on the console or whatever. There are some other definitions and such that every one should check out. You are better off paying the $60 to get your permit. Comes out to about $1 a month to carry a concealed weapon. Because you think you are legal doesn't keep you from being cited. Remember if cited, you loose even if you win.

Well said! And I think just to be on the safe side, I will in fact go ahead and get my permit, just so they cant really give me any crap about carrying my pistol