Eagle Chaplain wrote:
So that RCW hasn't existed for over 15 years.
Unfortunately the law still exists as 46.10.495 and reads the same.
Point 1
"nor shall any person carry any loaded weapon upon" sounds to me like you can't mount a gun to the snowmobile
If you're carrying a pistol on your person then it's upon you, and then you're upon the snowmobile. If it said "carry any loaded weapon
while upon" I'd say it's clear that you can't be armed. As it stands there is room for debate
Point 2
The RCW covering carrying in a vehicle say that it is legal with a CPL. Snowmobiles are by definition a vehicle. It's legal to carry "in" one. Not sure what better wording they could have used, obviously motorcycles also don't qualify as a vehicle you get "in" but the law still applies
Point 3
The other parts of 46.10.495(2) say:
"No person shall operate a snowmobile in such a way as to run down or harass deer, elk, or any wildlife, or any domestic animal"
"...nor hunt from, any snowmobile except by permit issued by the director of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.32.237."
It's pretty clear what the intent of the law is. If you're carrying a pistol for protection that's different from what this law is trying to stop