6.13 Transporting Firearms

It is against the law to transport loaded shotguns and rifles in a motor vehicle. When you are going to and returning from your hunting area, unload your gun and keep it in a case.

Each year some hunters shoot themselves or their hunting partners while inside a car, pick-up truck, or motor home. Such incidents are easy to avoid. Remember this simple safety rule: Unload firearms when not in use!

Typical Gun Cases

Padded, soft-sided case

Materials: Canvas, nylon, neoprene, polyester, and leather

Advantages:

Light, easy to handle and store
Many designs accommodate scoped rifles
Offered in camouflage
Waterproof and floating cases available for duck hunters
Less costly than hard cases

Disadvantage:

Less protection than hard-sided cases

Lockable, hard-sided case

Materials: Aluminum, composite (widely used by the U.S. military)

Advantages:

Lightweight but sturdy
Meets airline standards
Can include deep foam padding that holds firearm in place and cushions impact
Composite models can be molded to fit firearm
Available in waterproof models

Disadvantage:

Bulkier and costlier than soft-sided cases

Gun sock

Materials: Durable stretch fabric (polyester/acrylic) and soft pile materials

Advantages:

Lightweight protection from dust, dirt, and moisture
Offered in camouflage
Often used as a second case to carry a firearm from a vehicle into a hunting area

Disadvantage:

Minimal protection from elements or impact

Washington Department
of Fish & Wildlife

Course Overview

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Washington Hunting
Information

Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: May 9, 2008
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