State law on magazing capacity while hunting?

I tried to locate information on Washington State's stance concerning hi-cap magazines while rifle hunting. All I could find was stuff concerning shotguns and plugs...

Anyone know if there's a magazine capacity law in our fine state?

There isn't a rifle magazine capacity restriction for big or small game.

Originally Posted By Phil_in_Seattle: There isn't a rifle magazine capacity restriction for big or small game.

Mucho gracias!

Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit)

Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit)

Have at it.
Fish & Wildlife Regulations & Seasons

Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit)

Been hottly debated for years...Like PIS says, find it.

Originally Posted By 1GUNRUNNER: Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit) Been hottly debated for years...Like PIS says, find it.

I thought I read somewhere that it was 5, but I havent been able to find it since.

I have found the information you are looking for in the booklet you can pick up at BiMart, Sportsmen's Whorehouse, etc., with the seasons and rules in it. I downloaded the booklet in PDF, searched for the word "magazine", and found nothing. It was in there for previous printings.

You may want to call the Vancouver WA DFW office to make sure about any questions you have before you run out and do something that gets you in trouble.

Last year when I thought I might want to hunt deer with my M1 Garand, and since there are no really good, dependable, 5 round enbloc clips, I called the fish and game guys and asked the question. They told me there is no restriction on magazine capacity. The 8 round enblocs are legal. I didn't ask about my 20 & 30 round mags for my AR15s but was told "no capacity constraints" so I believe them.

Originally Posted By support_six: Last year when I thought I might want to hunt deer with my M1 Garand, and since there are no really good, dependable, 5 round enbloc clips

Like These?

Originally Posted By YOPD: You may want to call the Vancouver WA DFW office to make sure about any questions you have before you run out and do something that gets you in trouble.

I may do just that!

I searched the site Phil posted earlier today. Couldn't find a dang thing about capacity.

Originally Posted By YOPD: I have found the information you are looking for in the booklet you can pick up at BiMart, Sportsmen's Whorehouse, etc., with the seasons and rules in it. I downloaded the booklet in PDF, searched for the word "magazine", and found nothing. It was in there for previous printings. You may want to call the Vancouver WA DFW office to make sure about any questions you have before you run out and do something that gets you in trouble.

I've looked all over the last couple Hunting reg booklets and have never been able to find anything regarding mag limits.

Originally Posted By Teleportgrend: I searched the site Phil posted earlier today. Couldn't find a dang thing about capacity.

Well, if it's gone, I can say with complete confidence that at one time, there definitely was a mag cap for hunting big game.

Used to be 5, if you need more than that mabe hunting is not something that you are good at.

Originally Posted By Dinothewap: Used to be 5, if you need more than that mabe hunting is not something that you are good at.

I just liked the idea of hunting with my AR this year....and was trying to avoid having to buy any more magazines.

Originally Posted By Teleportgrend: Originally Posted By Dinothewap: Used to be 5, if you need more than that mabe hunting is not something that you are good at. I just liked the idea of hunting with my AR this year....and was trying to avoid having to buy any more magazines.

I will send you a 5 round mag for your AR if you like. I have several.

Originally Posted By Dinothewap: I will send you a 5 round mag for your AR if you like. I have several.

I appriciate the offer, but I'm talking 6.8 SPC mags. I had two small cap magazines, but they were not feeding correctly. C-Products exchanged them both for free, but sent 25 rounders in return. I really can't complain.

I'll consider picking up a low-cap before next deer season, and maybe they'll have the bugs worked out by then (maybe they have the bugs worked out already).

The only hunting regulations in this state regarding magazine capacity have to do with shotguns and bird hunting. If hunting with an AR it may be a better idea to use a short mag. While there is no law against hunting with a high cap mag it tends to piss off other hunters and liberals alike.

Originally Posted By YOPD: Originally Posted By Teleportgrend: I searched the site Phil posted earlier today. Couldn't find a dang thing about capacity. Well, if it's gone, I can say with complete confidence that at one time, there definitely was a mag cap for hunting big game.

I've heard that before. It wasn't in there in 1996-1998 nor the past few times it was brought up in this forum. Not sure about before that or in between those times.

Are you guys thinking of deer hunting? As opposed to coyote hunting, there IS a min caliber restriction.


Copied from the 07 regs-

Modern Firearm Regulations Rifles—Elk, deer, and bear may be hunted with a minimum of 24 caliber (6mm) centerfire rifle. Cougar may be hunted with 22 caliber centerfire rifle. Rimfire rifles are not legal. Handguns must have minimum barrel length of 4 inches per manufacturers specification, and fire a minimum 24 caliber centerfire cartridge. Shotguns—Deer, bear, and cougar may be hunted with 20 gauge to 10 gauge shotguns shooting slugs or #1 or larger buckshot. Other big game may be hunted with a 10 or 12 gauge shotgun using slugs.

Additionally- for those that pack a .22 to dispatch game-

4. Dispatching wounded game A hunter can only use a hunting method that meets the equipment requirements of his/her tag to dispatch wounded game.

This was brought up in another thread, not the RCW, but close enough verbage.

5. Loaded firearms in a vehicle It is illegal to carry, convey, transport, possess, or control a loaded shotgun or rifle in or on any motor vehicle. A rifle or shotgun containing shells or cartridges in either the chamber or magazine, or a muzzleloading firearm that is loaded and capped or primed is considered loaded.

Originally Posted By 1GUNRUNNER: Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit) Been hottly debated for years...Like PIS says, find it.

Here's the three round rule, and a few others.

10. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods It is illegal to: a. Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. I assume this to mean, TWO in the magazine tube, ONE in the pipe for a total of THREE shells? b. Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol, except forest grouse. c. Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow & arrow. d. Hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge. e. Hunt wildlife with a crossbow except for hunters with disabilities with archery special use permits in compliance with WAC 232-12-054. f. Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.

Now......50BMG is smaller than 10Ga, isn't it?

Originally Posted By Dinothewap: Originally Posted By Teleportgrend: Originally Posted By Dinothewap: Used to be 5, if you need more than that mabe hunting is not something that you are good at. I just liked the idea of hunting with my AR this year....and was trying to avoid having to buy any more magazines. I will send you a 5 round mag for your AR if you like. I have several.

I'd be more than willing to take those from you.......

Originally Posted By Matt45: Originally Posted By 1GUNRUNNER: Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit) Been hottly debated for years...Like PIS says, find it. Here's the three round rule, and a few others. 10. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods It is illegal to: a. Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. I assume this to mean, TWO in the magazine tube, ONE in the pipe for a total of THREE shells? b. Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol, except forest grouse. c. Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow & arrow. d. Hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge. e. Hunt wildlife with a crossbow except for hunters with disabilities with archery special use permits in compliance with WAC 232-12-054. f. Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm. Now......50BMG is smaller than 10Ga, isn't it?

The 3 round rule is for shotguns and game birds. Hunting other species with a shotugn and there is no mag capacity limit

There is no mag capacity limit on rounds for rifle hunting.

Originally Posted By fishkiller98579: Originally Posted By support_six: Last year when I thought I might want to hunt deer with my M1 Garand, and since there are no really good, dependable, 5 round enbloc clips Like These?

Yup, I know they exist but never found a dependable one like my standard 8 round clips. There are also two and one round clips but those are not dependable either.

Originally Posted By support_six: Originally Posted By fishkiller98579: Originally Posted By support_six: Last year when I thought I might want to hunt deer with my M1 Garand, and since there are no really good, dependable, 5 round enbloc clips Like These? Yup, I know they exist but never found a dependable one like my standard 8 round clips. There are also two and one round clips but those are not dependable either.

How can a 1 round clip not be dependable?

Yep there used to be a 5+1 magazine restriction, but just like the handgun caliber restrictions, they are no more.

I too am very much considering getting a 6.8spc setup and hunting with it, i'll have to catch up with teleportgrend and try his out.......




It's funny how we went from severely restricted handgun calibers and power levels to now being able to legally hunt with a 4" .25acp. I guess at least now it is up to the individual hunter to know what he and his weapon are capable of.

Originally Posted By Kooter: Originally Posted By Matt45: Originally Posted By 1GUNRUNNER: Originally Posted By ThomasH: Hmm, I could have sworn that the mag capacity for big game was 3+1, and there was no limit for small game (varmit) Been hottly debated for years...Like PIS says, find it. Here's the three round rule, and a few others. 10. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods It is illegal to: a. Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells. I assume this to mean, TWO in the magazine tube, ONE in the pipe for a total of THREE shells? b. Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol, except forest grouse. c. Hunt game birds or game animals with anything other than a firearm, a bow and arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only be taken by angling, hand dip netting, gigging, and bow & arrow. d. Hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge. e. Hunt wildlife with a crossbow except for hunters with disabilities with archery special use permits in compliance with WAC 232-12-054. f. Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm. Now......50BMG is smaller than 10Ga, isn't it? The 3 round rule is for shotguns and game birds. Hunting other species with a shotugn and there is no mag capacity limit There is no mag capacity limit on rounds for rifle hunting.

SWEET! I'm getting a 100 round drum for hunting season!

While there are a number of items missing from the WDFW's latest version of their web pages, the rules are still in effect. Minimum caliber for deer from a rifle is .243/6MM developing a minimum of 1,000 ft/lbs of energy at 100 yards. Minimum round from a revolver = .41 Mag, from a semi auto pistol = 10MM. T/C Contender = .357 Mag. Wildcats need to meet these power levels, so the 6.8 SPC is fine on multiple counts.

This last year's hunter ed pamphlets have the information above. You gotta dig, but that info is still out there.

Mag capacity has gone by the wayside, since there was no way to limit tubular mag capacities of lever guns shooting acceptable rounds like the .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .454 Casull, and .45 LC.

I just purchased a few 5 and 10 and 20 round AR mags for my .458 Socom, as they make 2, 5, and 7 rounders for that gun. TG, you should choose that instead of your 6.8 if you are hunting the wet side.

Can't use the .25 acp, except for grouse, but I'm sure you were joking.

Originally Posted By AMESO: I just purchased a few 5 and 10 and 20 round AR mags for my .458 Socom, as they make 2, 5, and 7 rounders for that gun. TG, you should choose that instead of your 6.8 if you are hunting the wet side.

I appreciate that. I've never hunted the wet side successfully. Too many people driving around on opening morning. If you were hunting in the Klickatat would you still recommend the .458 over the 6.8?

I'm starting to feel like I should just stick with my .7mm Rem mag.

Naw...I'll grab a lower cap magazine, to help keep any F&G folks from having to research current laws while I wait.

Originally Posted By AMESO: Minimum caliber for deer from a rifle is .243/6MM developing a minimum of 1,000 ft/lbs of energy at 100 yards. Minimum round from a revolver = .41 Mag, from a semi auto pistol = 10MM. T/C Contender = .357 Mag. Can't use the .25 acp, except for grouse, but I'm sure you were joking.

Unless this is something new and you have insider info, I'm going to have to call BS on anything you say regarding the handgun calibers.

I believe in the past this may have been true, but that changed 5-10 years ago and has never been reinstated.

From the 2007 Washington Big Game Regs:

"Handguns must have minimum barrel length of 4 inches per manufacturers specification, and fire a minimum .24 caliber centerfire cartridge."

Therefore a 4" factory .25acp is legal for big game hunting in Washington. Now, i'll be the first to admit it should not be used, but the rules are the rules.

Originally Posted By Teleportgrend: Originally Posted By AMESO: I just purchased a few 5 and 10 and 20 round AR mags for my .458 Socom, as they make 2, 5, and 7 rounders for that gun. TG, you should choose that instead of your 6.8 if you are hunting the wet side. I appreciate that. I've never hunted the wet side successfully. Too many people driving around on opening morning. If you were hunting in the Klickatat would you still recommend the .458 over the 6.8? I'm starting to feel like I should just stick with my .7mm Rem mag. Naw...I'll grab a lower cap magazine, to help keep any F&G folks from having to research current laws while I wait.

I'd stick with the 6.8spc, for over on the dry side of the state. You may very well want to shoot out to 300yds and IMHO the 6.8spc beats the .458 at that distance. I've considered hunting with my .45/70, but feel limited to 200 yards max.

I searched thru the regs many times, and there are NO mag capacity limits for Rifle.

For deer season, I carried my FAL, last year, and was in a "no vehicles" area, when I heard tires crunching behind me,, looked around to see a pickup coming up the road.

I started getting pissed, cuz I was doing the work of walking, and here was some dumbass in a truck.

When they came alongside, it was the game warden, looking for quad/motorcycle riders to bust.

When he found out I had other guys in my party, up ahead of me, he said "I'll turn around & leave now, and by the way, I should card you"

So I showed my license, he said "Good Luck", turned around and left,

, and never said one word about the 20 rounder in my FAL.

Not every regulation is in the hunting regs, believe it or not. Been through hunter ed 5 times if you include Advanced Hunter Education for my Master Hunter certificate. I took two nephews and my two boys through the hunter ed classes over the year, and took it along side of them. Most recently this past summer. The information I am stating is in the current version hunter ed guide. So if that is insider info, then so be it.

I forgot, you can also hunt rabbits with your pea shooter.

I believe SteveMc's info to be correct.

Originally Posted By 1GUNRUNNER: I believe SteveMc's info to be correct.

It's in the regs, so I'm safe.

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