I always carry a handgun when I am hunting. usually open, but concealed if it is smacking the buttstock.

I had one last year when I had my mountain lion encounter. I was archery hunting.

I have been checked several times by DOW and never had them say a thing to me about it.

Hunters are responsible to be ethical. I'm not sure what the law exactly is for carrying a firearm during archery or muzzleloader or rifle season and I honestly am not concerned about it. I will continue to carry because it is for my own safety. I am not going to take a big game animal with my sidearm but it will be there in case I need to protect myself against a lion or bear.