I'm planning on getting my Concealed permit in the next few months. I have a hiking/fishing trip coming up in a few weeks.
Since you are posting in the Washington subforum, I am assuming you are going to be hiking/fishing in Washington.
Can I open carry a loaded handgun while on the trail and camping without a concealed permit?
Yes. RCW 9.41.050 only prohibits concealing a handgun on the person without a license (and also prohibits keeping the gun loaded in a vehicle in any manner without a concealed pistol license (CPL)). Since only concealed on the person is prohibited, open carry is legal. The statute only addresses the gun being loaded in the vehicle, so loaded or not does not matter as far as open/concealed carry outside the vehicle is concerned.
Can I conceal the loaded gun while hiking in the woods?
Yes. RCW 9.41.060 provides an exception to RCW 9.41.050 for: "(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;"
Thus it is also legal to keep the gun loaded open or concealed in the vehicle without a CPL while directly enroute to/from the outdoor recreation area.
Am I able to target shoot anywhere on the hike as long as there is a backstop, 100 ft from trails/roads, etc..?
That depends entirely upon the location. State parks and National Parks - NO. Some locations are also prohibited by county ordinance. I would not chance it if you were not certain as to the legality of shooting at the location.
