RAYMOND — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has secured charges against a Raymond man for alleged firearm violations. The man was observed on a trail camera illegally hunting while possessing a firearm.

Tegan L. Tipler, 43, was captured on trail cameras over Sept. 12-13 and by officers on Sept. 15 allegedly accessing and hunting on a property on Kitchel Road, outside Raymond up in the Elk Creek area.

The camera showed him carrying a hunting bow and a .30-06 hunting rifle.

Tipler is a convicted felon with charges dating back to 1997. His most recent felony conviction was Sept. 20, 2019, when he was convicted of felony eluding law enforcement and was sentenced to 22 months in prison.

“Archery hunting for deer and elk is open in this area and requires an archery license and tag to do so,” WDFW Officer Lisa Ariss states in court records. “Tegan admitted to not having a valid hunting license for the 2024 season. In addition to this, [it is] not lawful to archery hunt while in possession of this type of firearm.”

Under Washington state law, it is unlawful to carry a firearm during an archery season other than a handgun for personal protection. Archery hunters commonly carry a sidearm, particularly a Glock 20 in 10mm for protection against dangerous game, such as bears or cougars.

According to court records, Tipler was caught twice by officers on Sept. 15 driving a vehicle even though he did not have a valid driver’s license. He was also located accessing the Elk Creek property that afternoon and was detained by officers.

Officers acquired a search warrant for his vehicle and found a loaded Remington model 783 .30-06 hunting rifle, 3.0-06 ammunition, and loose .22 long rifle ammunition inside a backpack.

Washington state law is strict when it comes to possession of a firearm, and it is unlawful to have a loaded firearm inside a vehicle except for a concealed pistol license holder who can possess a loaded handgun.

“Tegan was arrested and transported to the Cowlitz County Jail on an outstanding warrant for his arrest,” Ariss states in court records. “He was issued several sector citations for the above-mentioned crimes.”

The Pacific County Prosecutor’s Office filed three felony counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm against Tipler on Oct. 18. He was issued a summons on Oct. 18, and his arraignment is set for Nov. 15.