I'm surprised no one has spoken up about the officer being incorrect about the law regarding loaded weapons. I guess I get roasted for not screaming at the guy as soon as he could hear me yet he gets a free pass for not knowing the law.
The trooper didn't come here and ask for an opinion and didn't infringe upon your right to carry so I'm not sure what you're looking for the forum to say.
The simple solution would be to hand him the permit and D.L. just as you did and say "My gun is in the trunk" or "My gun is on my hip."
As far as whether or not he is correct about the law, there is certainly a point of contention given that in general a police officer cannot search your trunk without a) probable cause b) inventory of your vehicle before towing it.
To many officers, the trunk doesn't matter to them personally unless there is some reason to believe they need to look there.
As far as his "free pass" goes, unless you simply wish to criticize an LEO, why do you care what we say about him?
Michael Brown