WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER

WSR 04-05-115

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed February 18, 2004, 10:18 a.m. ]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 04-01-187.

Title of Rule: WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas.

Purpose: To amend WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

Summary: Proposed amendments clear up some minor language anomalies for game management units (GMUs) closed to hunting.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed language reduces confusion and avoids unintentional violations.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Assistant Director, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule amendment clarifies that only elk are legal to be hunted by those holding a valid special permit for GMU 157. Other species are not available for hunting in this GMU.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Proposed amendments clear up some minor language anomalies for game management units (GMUs) closed to hunting.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Not hydraulics rules.

Hearing Location: Red Lion Hotel "At the Park," 303 West North River Drive, Spokane, WA 99201, phone (509) 326-8000, on April 2-3, 2004, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager by March 29, 2004, TDD (360) 902-2207 or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Wildlife Program April Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by March 12, 2004.

Date of Intended Adoption: April 2, 2004.

February 18, 2004

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 03-129, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03)

WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas.

RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED HUNTING AREAS.

These areas are closed by Fish and Wildlife Commission action. Other areas may be closed to hunting by local, state or federal regulations.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO HUNT EXCEPT WHERE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

1. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge: The southern part of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in Stevens County is closed to hunting and discharge of firearms except during the periods of April 15-May 15 and October 1-December 31. This closure is south of a boundary beginning at the west project boundary in Section 3, Township 34 N, R 40 EWM, then easterly along Road 1.0 (Bear Creek Road) to the intersection with Road 2.0 (Blacktail Mountain Road) in Section 2, then easterly along Road 2.0 to the easterly boundary in Section 8, Township 34 N, R 42 EWM.

The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge north of the preceding boundary is open to all legally established hunting seasons from April 15 to May 15 and September through December.

2. Parker Lake: All lands south of Ruby Creek Road (USFS Road 2489), north of Tacoma Creek Road (USFS Road 2389) and west of Bonneville Power Administration power lines are designated as "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of wild animals and wild birds year round. Both the Little Pend Oreille (1) and Parker Lake (2) closures were established to provide a protected area for the Air Force Military Survival Training Program.

3. Columbia River and all the islands in the river, and the Benton County shoreline below the high water mark, and any peninsula originating on the Benton County shoreline, between Vernita Bridge (Highway 24) downstream to the old Hanford townsite powerline crossing (wooden towers) in Section 24, T 13 N, R 27 E, is designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of wild animals and wild birds.

4. Green River (GMU 485): Except for special permit hunters, who may also take a black bear and/or cougar with the appropriate license/tag options, all lands within GMU 485 are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of big game by Department of Fish and Wildlife regulated hunters throughout the year. During the general westside elk season and general and late deer seasons, all lands within GMU 485 are also designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds). The City of Tacoma enforces trespass within GMU 485 on lands owned or controlled by the City during all times of the year.

5. McNeil Island: McNeil Island (part of GMU 652) is closed to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds) year around.

6. Loo-wit (GMU 522): Closed to hunting and trapping within GMU 522 (Loo-wit).

7. The Voice of America Dungeness Recreation Area County Park in Clallam County is closed to all hunting except Wednesdays, weekends, and holidays, from the first weekend in October to the end of January.

BIG GAME CLOSURES

1. Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties are closed to Columbian Whitetail Deer hunting.

2. Cathlamet: Beginning in the town of Skamokawa; then east along SR 4 to the Risk Road; then south and east along the Risk Road to Foster Road; then south along the Foster Road to the Elochoman River; then upstream along the Elochoman River to the Elochoman Valley Road (old SR 407); then west along the Elochoman Valley Road to SR 4; then east along SR 4 to SR 409; then south along SR 409 to the Cathlamet Channel of the Columbia River; then east along the north shore of the Cathlamet Channel to Cape Horn; then south in the Columbia River to the state line; then west along the state line to a point directly south of the mouth of Skamokawa Creek; then north on Skamokawa Creek to SR 4 and the point of beginning. This area is closed to all deer and elk hunting, to protect the Columbian Whitetail Deer.

3. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge: Except for Long Island, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all big game hunting.

4. Walla Walla Mill Creek Watershed (GMU 157): All lands in the Mill Creek Watershed are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds) except for the hunting of elk by the holders of GMU-157 holders of special elk permits during the established open season. This area is closed to motorized vehicles. Entry is allowed only by Forest Service permit for the duration of the hunt. Any entry into the Mill Creek Watershed at other times is prohibited.

5. Westport: Closed to hunting of all big game animals on that part of Westport Peninsula lying north of State Highway 105 from the west end of the Elk River Bridge and the Schafer Island Road to the ocean beach.

FIREARM RESTRICTION AREAS

The firearm restriction areas listed below have been established by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Centerfire and rimfire rifles are not legal for hunting in these areas.

In firearm restriction areas, hunters may hunt only during the season allowed by their tag. Archery tag holders may hunt during archery seasons with archery equipment. Muzzleloaders may hunt during muzzleloader seasons with muzzleloader equipment except in the GMU 652 restriction area outlined for King County. Modern firearm tag holders may hunt during modern firearm seasons with bows and arrows, muzzleloaders or revolver-type handguns meeting the equipment restrictions or legal shotguns firing slugs or buckshot.

COUNTY AREA

Clallam That portion of GMU 624 (Coyle) located within Clallam County.

Clark GMU 564 (Battleground)

That portion of GMU 554 in Clark County.

Cowlitz GMU 554 (Yale)
GMU 504 (Stella)
That portion of GMU 564 (Battleground) in Cowlitz County.

Grays Harbor That portion of GMU 658 (North River) beginning at Bay City; then west along Highway 105 to Twin Harbors State Park; then south along Highway 105 to Grayland Grocery; then east on Cranberry Road to Turkey Road; then east and north on Turkey Road to Bayview Logging Road; then north and east along Bayview Logging Road to Mallard Slough; then east and south along the Bayview Road to Andrews Creek; then north along main channel of Andrews Creek to Grays Harbor; then north and west along the main navigation channel to Bay City and point of beginning.

The Chehalis Valley restriction applies only during elk seasons:

That portion of GMU 660 (Minot Peak) described as follows: Beginning at Highway 12 and Highway 107 junction near Montesano; east and south on Highway 12 to Oakville; south on the Oakville-Brooklyn Road to a point one

mile west of South Bank Road; northwest along a line one mile southwest of the South Bank Road to Delzene Road; north along Delzene Road to South Bank Road; northwest along South Bank Road to Wakefield Road; north on Wakefield Road to the Chehalis River; west along the Chehalis River to Highway 107 bridge; north on Highway 107 to Highway 12 to the point of beginning.

Island That portion of GMU 410 (Island) located on Camano and Whidbey islands.

Jefferson Indian and Marrowstone islands.

King The area west of Highway 203 (Monroe-Fall City, Fall City-Preston Road) to Interstate 90 (I-90), I-90 to Highway 18, Highway 18 to Interstate 5 (I-5), I-5 to the Pierce-King County line; Vashon and Maury islands.

The following portion of GMU 652 (Puyallup): Beginning at the intersection of State Highway 410 and the southeast Mud Mountain Dam Road near the King/Pierce County line north of Buckley; then east along the southeast Mud Mountain Road to 284th Avenue Southeast; then north along 284th Avenue Southeast to State Highway 410; then west along Highway 410 to the point of the beginning. (This restriction includes high power rifles and muzzleloaders.)

Kitsap East of State Highway 16 originating at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Gorst, and east of Highway 3 to Newbury Hill Road, north of Newbury Hill Road and the Bremerton-Seabeck Highway to Big Beef Creek Bridge; all of Bainbridge Island, and Bangor Military Reservation.

Kittitas GMU 334 (Ellensburg) Closed to high power rifles during deer and elk seasons.

Mason GMU 633 (Mason Lake) south of Hammersley Inlet; and all of Harstene Island.

Pacific GMU 684 (Long Beach) west of Sand Ridge Road. The portion of GMU 658 (North River) south and west of State Highway 105 and Airport Road between Raymond and North River Bridge. GMU 681 between U.S. Highway 101, Chinook Valley Road and the Columbia River from Astoria-Megler bridge to the Wallacut River.

Pierce GMU 652 (Anderson and Ketron islands) limited to archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader. McNeil Island closed to hunting.

See GMU 652 restriction area outlined for King County.

GMU 627 (Kitsap) south of Highway 302 on the Longbranch Peninsula is a firearm restriction area.

Snohomish West of Highway 9.

Skagit Guemes Island and March Point north of State Highway 20.

Skamania That portion of GMU 564 (Battle Ground) in Skamania County.

Thurston GMU 666 (Deschutes) north of U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 5 between Oyster Bay and the mouth of the Nisqually River.

Whatcom Area west of I-5 and north of Bellingham city limits including Lummi Island and Point Roberts.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-28-248, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.655, 77.12.020. 02-11-069 (Order 02-98), § 232-28-248, filed 5/10/02, effective 6/10/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-248, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-28-248, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-10-102 (Order 99-40), § 232-28-248, filed 5/5/99, effective 6/5/99; 98-10-018 (Order 98-54), § 232-28-248, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98; 97-06-052 (Order 97-32), § 232-28-248, filed 2/27/97, effective 3/30/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040. 96-04-027, § 232-28-248, filed 2/1/96, effective 3/3/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 95-11-036, § 232-28-248, filed 5/10/95, effective 6/10/95; 95-03-038 (Order 94-150), § 232-28-248, filed 1/10/95, effective 2/10/95.]

Legislature

Code Reviser

Register

1.	Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge: The southern part of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in Stevens County is closed to hunting and discharge of firearms except during the periods of April 15-May 15 and October 1-December 31. This closure is south of a boundary beginning at the west project boundary in Section 3, Township 34 N, R 40 EWM, then easterly along Road 1.0 (Bear Creek Road) to the intersection with Road 2.0 (Blacktail Mountain Road) in Section 2, then easterly along Road 2.0 to the easterly boundary in Section 8, Township 34 N, R 42 EWM.
	The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge north of the preceding boundary is open to all legally established hunting seasons from April 15 to May 15 and September through December.
2.	Parker Lake: All lands south of Ruby Creek Road (USFS Road 2489), north of Tacoma Creek Road (USFS Road 2389) and west of Bonneville Power Administration power lines are designated as "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of wild animals and wild birds year round. Both the Little Pend Oreille (1) and Parker Lake (2) closures were established to provide a protected area for the Air Force Military Survival Training Program.
3.	Columbia River and all the islands in the river, and the Benton County shoreline below the high water mark, and any peninsula originating on the Benton County shoreline, between Vernita Bridge (Highway 24) downstream to the old Hanford townsite powerline crossing (wooden towers) in Section 24, T 13 N, R 27 E, is designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of wild animals and wild birds.
4.	Green River (GMU 485): Except for special permit hunters, who may also take a black bear and/or cougar with the appropriate license/tag options, all lands within GMU 485 are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of big game by Department of Fish and Wildlife regulated hunters throughout the year. During the general westside elk season and general and late deer seasons, all lands within GMU 485 are also designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds). The City of Tacoma enforces trespass within GMU 485 on lands owned or controlled by the City during all times of the year.
5.	McNeil Island: McNeil Island (part of GMU 652) is closed to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds) year around.
6.	Loo-wit (GMU 522): Closed to hunting and trapping within GMU 522 (Loo-wit).
7.	The Voice of America Dungeness Recreation Area County Park in Clallam County is closed to all hunting except Wednesdays, weekends, and holidays, from the first weekend in October to the end of January.

1.	Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties are closed to Columbian Whitetail Deer hunting.
2.	Cathlamet: Beginning in the town of Skamokawa; then east along SR 4 to the Risk Road; then south and east along the Risk Road to Foster Road; then south along the Foster Road to the Elochoman River; then upstream along the Elochoman River to the Elochoman Valley Road (old SR 407); then west along the Elochoman Valley Road to SR 4; then east along SR 4 to SR 409; then south along SR 409 to the Cathlamet Channel of the Columbia River; then east along the north shore of the Cathlamet Channel to Cape Horn; then south in the Columbia River to the state line; then west along the state line to a point directly south of the mouth of Skamokawa Creek; then north on Skamokawa Creek to SR 4 and the point of beginning. This area is closed to all deer and elk hunting, to protect the Columbian Whitetail Deer.
3.	Willapa National Wildlife Refuge: Except for Long Island, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all big game hunting.
4.	Walla Walla Mill Creek Watershed (GMU 157): All lands in the Mill Creek Watershed are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to the hunting of all wild animals (including wild birds) except for the hunting of elk by the holders of GMU-157 holders of special elk permits during the established open season. This area is closed to motorized vehicles. Entry is allowed only by Forest Service permit for the duration of the hunt. Any entry into the Mill Creek Watershed at other times is prohibited.
5.	Westport: Closed to hunting of all big game animals on that part of Westport Peninsula lying north of State Highway 105 from the west end of the Elk River Bridge and the Schafer Island Road to the ocean beach.

COUNTY	AREA
Clallam	That portion of GMU 624 (Coyle) located within Clallam County.
Clark	GMU 564 (Battleground)
	That portion of GMU 554 in Clark County.
Cowlitz	GMU 554 (Yale) GMU 504 (Stella) That portion of GMU 564 (Battleground) in Cowlitz County.
Grays Harbor	That portion of GMU 658 (North River) beginning at Bay City; then west along Highway 105 to Twin Harbors State Park; then south along Highway 105 to Grayland Grocery; then east on Cranberry Road to Turkey Road; then east and north on Turkey Road to Bayview Logging Road; then north and east along Bayview Logging Road to Mallard Slough; then east and south along the Bayview Road to Andrews Creek; then north along main channel of Andrews Creek to Grays Harbor; then north and west along the main navigation channel to Bay City and point of beginning.
	The Chehalis Valley restriction applies only during elk seasons:
	That portion of GMU 660 (Minot Peak) described as follows: Beginning at Highway 12 and Highway 107 junction near Montesano; east and south on Highway 12 to Oakville; south on the Oakville-Brooklyn Road to a point one
	mile west of South Bank Road; northwest along a line one mile southwest of the South Bank Road to Delzene Road; north along Delzene Road to South Bank Road; northwest along South Bank Road to Wakefield Road; north on Wakefield Road to the Chehalis River; west along the Chehalis River to Highway 107 bridge; north on Highway 107 to Highway 12 to the point of beginning.
Island	That portion of GMU 410 (Island) located on Camano and Whidbey islands.
Jefferson	Indian and Marrowstone islands.
King	The area west of Highway 203 (Monroe-Fall City, Fall City-Preston Road) to Interstate 90 (I-90), I-90 to Highway 18, Highway 18 to Interstate 5 (I-5), I-5 to the Pierce-King County line; Vashon and Maury islands.
	The following portion of GMU 652 (Puyallup): Beginning at the intersection of State Highway 410 and the southeast Mud Mountain Dam Road near the King/Pierce County line north of Buckley; then east along the southeast Mud Mountain Road to 284th Avenue Southeast; then north along 284th Avenue Southeast to State Highway 410; then west along Highway 410 to the point of the beginning. (This restriction includes high power rifles and muzzleloaders.)
Kitsap	East of State Highway 16 originating at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Gorst, and east of Highway 3 to Newbury Hill Road, north of Newbury Hill Road and the Bremerton-Seabeck Highway to Big Beef Creek Bridge; all of Bainbridge Island, and Bangor Military Reservation.
Kittitas	GMU 334 (Ellensburg) Closed to high power rifles during deer and elk seasons.
Mason	GMU 633 (Mason Lake) south of Hammersley Inlet; and all of Harstene Island.
Pacific	GMU 684 (Long Beach) west of Sand Ridge Road. The portion of GMU 658 (North River) south and west of State Highway 105 and Airport Road between Raymond and North River Bridge. GMU 681 between U.S. Highway 101, Chinook Valley Road and the Columbia River from Astoria-Megler bridge to the Wallacut River.
Pierce	GMU 652 (Anderson and Ketron islands) limited to archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader. McNeil Island closed to hunting.
	See GMU 652 restriction area outlined for King County.
	GMU 627 (Kitsap) south of Highway 302 on the Longbranch Peninsula is a firearm restriction area.
Snohomish	West of Highway 9.
Skagit	Guemes Island and March Point north of State Highway 20.
Skamania	That portion of GMU 564 (Battle Ground) in Skamania County.
Thurston	GMU 666 (Deschutes) north of U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 5 between Oyster Bay and the mouth of the Nisqually River.
Whatcom	Area west of I-5 and north of Bellingham city limits including Lummi Island and Point Roberts.

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