Washington Magazine Capacity for elk hunting

[NW Achilles]

Hey fellow community members. I've researched a bit and could only find answers from 5-10 years ago online. I am curious as to how many rounds I am legally allowed to carry in my magazine while elk hunting? Based on weight savings alone, I only plan to carry 5 rounds in my magazine however I would like to know. I am elk hunting this upcoming week with my .308 AR-10. Thank you!

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[solv3nt]

Hey fellow community members. I've researched a bit and could only find answers from 5-10 years ago online. I am curious as to how many rounds I am legally allowed to carry in my magazine while elk hunting? Based on weight savings alone, I only plan to carry 5 rounds in my magazine however I would like to know. I am elk hunting this upcoming week with my .308 AR-10. Thank you!

Have you read the hunting regulations?

 

[NW Achilles]

Have you read the hunting regulations?

I have. I did not see anything regarding magazine capacity. Did I overlook that information?

 

[solv3nt]

I have. I did not see anything regarding magazine capacity. Did I overlook that information?

In Oregon, not sure on Washington, there is a specific prohibition on ammo in a semi auto (five round magazine). I'm not sure on Washington. I would check the regulations over some random person in the interwebs.

The regulations tell you what you can't do, so if it's not in there, then there isn't a rule.

 

[NW Achilles]

In Oregon, not sure on Washington, there is a specific prohibition on ammo in a semi auto (five round magazine). I'm not sure on Washington. I would check the regulations over some random person in the interwebs.

The regulations tell you what you can't do, so if it's not in there, then there isn't a rule.

Gotcha. I figured if I didn't see it in the hunting regulations then I would be safe. Just wanted to make sure. Last year elk hunting, I was stopped by a game warden and he didn't ask about my magazine capacity, only what caliber I was using. I had a 20 round mag with only 5 bullets in it at the time, so I'm assuming it was fine.

 

[solv3nt]

Gotcha. I figured if I didn't see it in the hunting regulations then I would be safe. Just wanted to make sure. Last year elk hunting, I was stopped by a game warden and he didn't ask about my magazine capacity, only what caliber I was using. I had a 20 round mag with only 5 bullets in it at the time, so I'm assuming it was fine.

If there is a prohibition on magazine size, then you'll need to add a plug that prevents you from loading beyond the limit, only loading the maximum is not sufficient if there is more space to load more.

 

[Nosferatu]

No limit.

 

[No_Regerts]

Washington does not have a magazine capacity rule for big game. There is a minimum caliber rule. There is also a rule that you may not carry a rifle chambered in a cartridge .24 or greater in caliber during a big game season without a valid big game tag.

 

[NW Achilles]

Washington does not have a magazine capacity rule for big game. There is a minimum caliber rule. There is also a rule that you may not carry a rifle chambered in a cartridge .24 or greater in caliber during a big game season without a valid big game tag.

Thank you. Very helpful information

 

[No_Regerts]

Thank you. Very helpful information

My favorite coyote/kick around rifle is my 243. If I used it to hunt deer and tagged out, I couldn't use it for coyotes for the remainder of deer and elk seasons. So, the state has been getting me for a cougar tag that I have no intention of filling.

 

[NW Achilles]

My favorite coyote/kick around rifle is my 243. If I used it to hunt deer and tagged out, I couldn't use it for coyotes for the remainder of deer and elk seasons. So, the state has been getting me for a cougar tag that I have no intention of filling.

That's interesting. Good way of doing it though! So as long as you have that big game tag, you're good to go with that caliber then it sounds like: )

 

[No_Regerts]

That's interesting. Good way of doing it though! So as long as you have that big game tag, you're good to go with that caliber then it sounds like: )

That, or I should buy a 22 centerfire if some kind. Methinks a 22-250? Maybe a fast twist and Hornady 68gr boat-tail match would be similar to my 70gr Ballistic Tip load in my 243.....hmmm....

 

[Bobbygun]

That, or I should buy a 22 centerfire if some kind. Methinks a 22-250? Maybe a fast twist and Hornady 68gr boat-tail match would be similar to my 70gr Ballistic Tip load in my 243.....hmmm....

I'm thinking YOU need a .22 Creedmore!

 

[UnionMillsNW]

There is also a rule that you may not carry a rifle chambered in a cartridge .24 or greater in caliber during a big game season without a valid big game tag.

That is interesting. I guess I've always had tags in season. I also always camp with a rifle. I wonder if taking my Garand on a camping trip in WA without tags would be a violation and if that would conflict with the 2A Right to "Keep and bear arms" ?

 

[yfz450guy]

couldn't you use a 223 for yotes?

 

[No_Regerts]

That is interesting. I guess I've always had tags in season. I also always camp with a rifle. I wonder if taking my Garand on a camping trip in WA without tags would be a violation and if that would conflict with the 2A Right to "Keep and bear arms" ?

"Carry" as in carry in the field while hunting. The regs actually state "hunt with" rather than general carry.

 

[No_Regerts]

couldn't you use a 223 for yotes?

Sure could. I've done it quite a bit and it's kinder on fur. Since I don't collect fur, I tend to use faster/flatter cartridges. The 243 and 25-06 will exit at any angle with full expansion. I don't get as many spinners.

 

[Stomper]

That is interesting. I guess I've always had tags in season. I also always camp with a rifle. I wonder if taking my Garand on a camping trip in WA without tags would be a violation and if that would conflict with the 2A Right to "Keep and bear arms" ?

I believe that question was already answered in Oregon. ODFW has no authority (nor does the OSP) to restrict what caliber/type of PDW one carries while out in the field at any given time, regardless of any hunting season.

Just because one is out in nature while armed, does not always mean they're hunting.

 

[solv3nt]

I believe that question was already answered in Oregon. ODFW has no authority (nor does the OSP) to restrict what caliber/type of PDW one carries while out in the field at any given time, regardless of any hunting season.

Just because one is out in nature while armed, does not always mean they're hunting.

Be careful if you're in areas such as Mount Hood that are also closed to Target shooting. You may have a difficult time defending your protection vs you actively hunting or target shooting. As indicated in a previous post, a bear or cougar tag could remove any question to your business.

 

[Stomper]

Be careful if you're in areas such as Mount Hood that are also closed to Target shooting. You may have a difficult time defending your protection vs you actively hunting or target shooting. As indicated in a previous post, a bear or cougar tag could remove any question to your business.

You just have to remember to assert your right that the burden of proof is upon "them" that you are doing "something", not you having to prove that you're not doing something.