RE: Is a bow considered a firearm?
I believe WA diferentiates between the two as we have shotgun and bow only areas. But we can't carry firearms during bow season, as in a pistol for bear/cat protection, and that goes as far as no slingshots either. Can't have a wrist rocket to shoot grouse with.
Not that this has stopped me from carrying my .45 ACP, I'd rather eat the ticket than be eaten by a cougar.