Under 21 Concealed Carry OK?

[kayak-man]

I couldn't find anything on this, and I was hoping you guys could me some advice.

I'm 20, and I live in Washington State. I'm planning on going fishing sometime in the next couple of weeks over in eastern Washington, preferably out in the boonies.

Washington state law (RCW 9.41.050, found at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050) says that you can not carry a concealed handgun unless you have a CWP, which you must be 21 to get. BUT, RCW 9.41.060 (found at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060) says that "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;"


As far as I can understand it, that means that as long as I am camping/fishing, or on my to or from camping/fishing, I do not need to have CWP or be 21 to carry concealed. I feel that if it was that simple, then I would have heard about earlier. I'm planning on calling the Wa DOJ and asking them about it, but does anybody have any ideas on what I can expect answer wise? Are there any preventative measures, such as carrying a copy of the law, that I could take in case I do interact with an LEO? Does anyone here have any experience with carrying under a law like this, or have any of the LEO's on here ever come across someone carrying without a license, but with a copy of the law as support?

I know I'm rambling a bit here guys, so thanks for your patience, and If you need to me clarify anything just ask.

Thanks a lot everyone

 

[Uncle Peter]

In Washington can you own a handgun under 21? That's the first problem I would see, But I don't live in Washington so I don't know the laws there.

 

[kayak-man]

As far as I know, I can own one, an FFL just can't sell me one. I would probably carry my Dad's S&W J-Frame.

 

[Salty1]

Being so close to 21 why would you even risk it?

 

[rhenriksen]

+1 - I don't think it's a wise tradeoff. If you wound up getting charged/convicted of breaking the laws, that'd throw a serious crimp in getting your CHL when you turn 21.

 

[Hanzo581]

"Owning" a pistol at 20 and carrying it on your person are two different things. I wouldn't take the risk.

 

[xcgates]

It certainly couldn't hurt to call the DOJ and see if you can find someone to clarify things. Nobody has every climbed up my backside for me trying to figure out laws/regs before I get into a deep pile of unsanitary material.

 

[KarenTOC]

If you decide not to carry concealed "just in case," and later find out it would have been ok, you'll regret your decision probably right up until your birthday.

If you decide to carry because you "think" it's ok, and you end up losing your right to carry concealed, you'll regret your decision probably right up until your deathday.

 

[NavyLCDR]

The statute says it's perfectly legal. Just make sure you are actually fishing or it is obvious you are going fishing. Also look at RCW 9.41.240.

 

[kayak-man]

I think I'm going to side with the majority on this one.

Probably a good thing, I'd hate for the J-Frame to fall out of my waiters.

Thanks for all the input!

 

[Prince Yamato]

It certainly couldn't hurt to call the DOJ and see if you can find someone to clarify things.

Exactly. Call the police. Ask. Make sure you get the name of the officer that answered your question and the time you called. You'll either get a "yes" or "no". 50% chance that you can do as you set out to do.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Exactly. Call the police. Ask. Make sure you get the name of the officer that answered your question and the time you called. You'll either get a "yes" or "no". 50% chance that you can do as you set out to do.

And a 50% percent he will get the wrong answer from the police. It is a very bad idea to seek legal advice from law enforcement. That is not what their job is. Some will go so far as to express their personal opinions whether or not they would like you to do or not do something under the color of law. The statute could not be any clearer. How hard is it to go with the clear, succinct, and specific words in the statute?

 

[Fish_Scientist]

As far as I know, I can own one, an FFL just can't sell me one.

I'd rather be sure than say the "as far as I know." Washington code is available online and a simple Google search suggests that under RCW 9.41.040(2)(iii) if you are older than 18 years of age (and meet all of the other criteria outlined in the WCA), you can possess a handgun.

Provided you meet those criteria, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to carry while you're fishing based upon the information you have provided.

All that being said, why don't you just open carry while you're in the field? Unless I'm missing something, why risk being arrested for concealed carry without a license?

I AM NOT A LAWYER. YOU ASSUME ALL LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS.

Fish

 

[NavyLCDR]

Unless I'm missing something, why risk being arrested for concealed carry without a license?

Then why write exceptions in the statutes that make it legal?

 

[TexasRifleman]

The statutes have been posted. That's about all we can do here on a discussion forum. Everyone has to decide for themselves what those mean.

Some believe they mean what they say, some don't. Probably won't ever be an agreement Thanks everyone for the input.