PROPOSED RULES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 11-06-058 and 11-10-083.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 232-12-243 Public safety cougar removals, 232-28-272 2009 Black bear and 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons and regulations, 232-28-287 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 Cougar permit seasons and regulations, and 232-28-435 2011-12 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations.
Hearing Location(s): Natural Resources Building, Conference Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, on August 5-6, 2011, at 8:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: August 5-6, 2011.
Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by Wednesday, July 13, 2011.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager by July 29, 2011, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 232-12-243 Public safety cougar removals, the purpose of the WAC is to identify when cougar management removals are warranted for the protection of public safety and private property. The proposed WAC amendments change the threshold for conducting a cougar management removal from "eleven confirmed human-cougar interactions per year, of which at least four must be confirmed human-cougar safety incidents or livestock/pet depredations," to "an annual or seasonal increase in confirmed human-cougar interactions above the 2008-2010 level." The proposed WAC amendments also extend the removal season from March 15 to March 31, authorize removals on an as-needed basis, and rename the program from "Public safety cougar removals" to "Cougar management removals."
WAC 232-28-272 2009 Black bear and 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons and regulations, the purpose of the proposed WAC amendments is to establish the 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons for hunting without the aid of dogs. The department is recommending changing the Oct. 29-Nov. 30 any-weapon general season to Oct. 15-Dec. 31. Data on cumulative harvest through the season suggests that the female harvest will likely be near the female harvest guideline for each zone by Dec. 31.
WAC 232-28-287 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 Cougar permit seasons and regulations, the purpose of the proposed WAC amendments is to establish the 2011-2012 cougar permit hunting seasons for hunting without the aid of dogs. The department is recommending adding a Jan. 1-Mar. 31 permit season in each of the five zones, with between twenty-forty permits issued per zone, depending on the size of the zone. The purpose of the permit season is to provide late-season opportunity when snow conditions are conducive for tracking and calling. Because the harvest success is less than one percent, the expected harvest is low.
WAC 232-28-435 2011-12 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, the new WAC specifies legal season dates, bag limits, and open areas to hunt waterfowl, coot, and snipe for the 2011-12 hunting season.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-12-243 Public safety cougar removals, the reason for the proposed changes is to make the removal threshold more responsive to any increases in confirmed human-cougar interactions and to perceptions of new threats posed by cougar.
WAC 232-28-272 2009 Black bear and 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons and regulations, the reason for the proposed changes is to achieve the female harvest guideline established in the game management plan.
WAC 232-28-287 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 Cougar permit seasons and regulations, the reason for the proposed changes is to manage the female harvest guideline established in the game management plan.
WAC 232-28-435 2011-12 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, waterfowl seasons and regulations are developed based on cooperative management programs among states of the Pacific Flyway and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, considering population status and other biological parameters. The rule establishes waterfowl seasons and regulations to provide recreational opportunity, control waterfowl damage, and conserve the waterfowl resources of Washington.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.32.070, 77.15.245.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.32.070, 77.15.245.
Rule is necessary because of federal law, C.F.R. Title 50, Part 20; Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Name of Proponent: Washington fish and wildlife commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Nate Pamplin, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2693; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2373.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules do not directly regulate small business.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These are not hydraulics rules.
June 17, 2011
Lori Preuss
Rules Coordinator
OTS-4019.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 08-197, filed 8/13/08,
effective 9/13/08)
WAC 232-12-243
((Public safety)) Cougar management
removals.
(1) Definitions:
As used in this section and in the context of ((public
safety)) cougar management removals, the following definitions
apply:
(a) "Confirmed" means qualified department staff is led to believe a cougar(s) was at the scene of the incident by interview of the complainant or observation of evidence at the scene.
(b) "Human-cougar safety incident" means aggressive or unusual behavior by a cougar which presents an actual or perceived threat to an individual.
(c) "Livestock or pet depredation" means incidents where livestock and/or pets are killed and/or injured by cougar.
(d) "Marginal cougar habitat" means those areas usually dominated by urban/suburban, developed lands with relatively high human densities.
(e) "Nuisance activity" means incidents associated with property disturbance, property damage, or livestock/pet harassment.
(f) "Preferred cougar habitat" means those areas usually dominated by rural, undeveloped lands with relatively low human densities.
(g) "Public safety need" means there exists a reasonable threat to human safety or property by one or more cougar, as indicated by the level of confirmed human-cougar safety incidents or livestock/pet depredations, and confirmed cougar sightings or nuisance activities.
(h) "Removal" means the act of killing one or more cougar with the aid of dogs.
(i) "Sighting" means a direct observation of one or more cougar, in urban or rural settings, near individuals or residences; typically more than chance observations.
(j) "Human-cougar interaction" means a human-cougar safety incident, livestock or pet depredation, cougar nuisance activity, or cougar sighting event.
(k) "Dog hunter" means a person that owns and hunts with dogs that are capable of detecting, tracking and treeing a cougar.
(2) ((Public safety)) Cougar management removal
authorization: The commission authorizes the director to
issue ((public safety)) cougar management removal permits
consistent with this rule. Prior to issuing ((public safety))
cougar management removal permits, the department shall use
other practical alternatives to address a public safety need,
including livestock or pet depredations. Other practical
alternatives may include, but are not limited to, general
cougar hunting seasons, general public information,
educational programs, information to recreational hunters,
cougar depredation/kill permits, and department capture and
relocation/euthanasia of specific cougars.
(3) ((Public safety)) Cougar management removal criteria:
(a) The commission determines that when the above
practical alternatives have been utilized within a game
management unit, ((eleven confirmed human-cougar interactions
per year, of which at least four must be confirmed
human-cougar safety incidents or livestock/pet depredations))
an annual or seasonal increase in confirmed human-cougar
interactions above the 2008-2010 level, therein
((demonstrating)) demonstrates that the practical alternatives
have been inadequate to address the public safety need. The
director then is authorized by the commission to remove one or
more cougar, with the aid of dogs, in a selected area of that
game management unit or nearby geographic area suitable for
the use of dogs. The commission authorizes the director to
remove one cougar per one hundred twenty square kilometers of
complaint area in preferred cougar habitat, and one cougar per
four hundred thirty square kilometers of complaint area in
marginal cougar habitat.
(b) If warranted by conditions of this rule, ((public
safety)) cougar management removal(s) will be conducted
annually between December 1st and March ((15th)) 31st in
selected areas of game management units designated by the
director to address a public safety need presented by one or
more cougar((, except in game management units in counties
where cougars will be removed to address public safety and
protection of property with pilot cougar hunting seasons with
the aid of dogs authorized under WAC 232-28-285)).
(c) The department shall not target more than one hundred nine cougar during a public safety cougar removal period unless otherwise authorized by the commission.
(4) ((Public safety)) Cougar management removal permit
issuance procedure.
(a) To participate in a ((public safety)) cougar
management removal, individuals must request that his/her name
be placed on a list of available participants (participant
list) by mailing their request to Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Enforcement Program - ((Public Safety))
Cougar Management Removal, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA
98501-1091. The request must include the individual's name,
address, phone number, and game management units being applied
for. Individuals may apply for no more than four game
management units. An individual's request to be placed on a
participant list for a removal period must be postmarked no
later than October 1, or be received at the department's
Olympia office no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 1, during
the year the removal period begins.
(b) To be eligible for a ((public safety)) cougar
management removal permit (permit), the participant must be a
Washington resident dog hunter who, at the time of application
for a permit, possesses a valid big game license with cougar
as a species option. The permit holder must use dogs while
participating in a ((public safety)) cougar management
removal.
(c) Individuals eligible for participation in a ((public
safety)) cougar management removal will be randomly selected
from the participant list. The department will issue a permit
to the person whose name is selected from the participant
list. Individuals selected will be notified by telephone or
mail. Individuals selected must contact the department's
enforcement program in Olympia and accept the ((public
safety)) cougar management removal permit within fifteen days
of being notified. Failure to contact the department will
result in forfeit of the permit and the individual will be
placed on the participant list for later selections. Permits
may not be sold or reassigned.
(d) Permit holders and all individuals who will accompany
the permit holder must complete the department's ((public
safety)) cougar management removal education course prior to
participating in a ((public safety)) cougar management
removal.
(5) ((Public safety)) Cougar management removals: Quota
system and participation in cougar removal.
(a) ((Public safety cougar)) This is a management removal
administrated by a WDFW designated coordinator. Permit
holders will be contacted on an as-needed basis to conducted
removals in portions of GMUs. Not all permit hunters will be
contacted in a given year.
(b) Cougar removals will be based on a quota system,
where permit holders may hunt cougar until the allotted
numbers of cougar have been killed from each game management
unit or March ((15)) 31, whichever is first.
(((b))) (c) Permit holders who harvest a cougar before
January 15 may continue hunting for a second cougar with dogs.
The permit holder must purchase an additional cougar
transport tag to hunt and harvest one additional cougar and
the permit holder will be issued a second permit. Permit
holders who harvest a cougar after January 15 are not eligible
to harvest a second cougar with dogs.
(((c))) (d) To verify if the cougar removal season is
open or closed in each game management unit, the permit
holders shall notify the department's enforcement program in
Olympia within twenty-four hours prior to exercising a public
safety cougar removal permit.
(((d))) (e) No more than four total individuals may
participate per ((public safety)) cougar management removal,
including the permit holder(s). Only the permit holder, whose
name appears on the permit, may take a cougar.
(((e))) (f) Hunters killing a cougar during a ((public
safety)) cougar management removal must notify the
department's enforcement program in Olympia within twenty-four
hours after harvesting the cougar.
(((f))) (g) The department reserves the right to
accompany permit holders while participating in a ((public
safety)) cougar management removal.
(6) ((Public safety)) Cougar management removal general
requirements.
(a) A valid big game hunting license which includes
cougar as a species option is required to hunt cougar. One
cougar transport tag is included with a big game license that
has cougar as a species option. A second cougar transport tag
must be purchased to take a second cougar. Individuals may
participate in multiple ((public safety)) cougar management
removals, but must purchase a cougar transport tag for each
cougar removed. Purchases in excess of two cougar transport
tags must be made at department offices.
(b) It is unlawful to kill or possess spotted cougar
kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted kittens. Individuals selected for a ((public safety)) cougar management
removal permit may take one cougar per permit.
(c) Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm,
archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting cougar. The
use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited except during a
((public safety)) cougar management removal.
(d) Any person who takes a cougar must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill (excluding legal state holidays) and provide the hunter's name, date and location of kill, and sex of animal. The raw pelt of a cougar must be sealed by an authorized department employee within seventy-two hours of the notification of kill. Any person who takes a cougar must present the cougar skull, in such a manner that teeth and biological samples can be extracted, to an authorized department employee at the time of sealing.
(e) The ((public safety)) cougar management removal
permit (permit) belongs to the state of Washington. The
permit holder may be required to return to or turn over to the
department the permit when, in the judgment of the department,
the permit holder violates any conditions of the permit,
violates trespass laws while acting under this permit, or
violates any other criminal law or hunting regulation of the
state while acting under this permit. If the permit holder is
required to return to or turn over to the department the
permit, the permit holder may request an appeal of that action
in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. Appeal request shall be
filed in writing and returned within twenty days of the date
of action and be addressed to WDFW Legal Services Office, 600
Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. 08-17-034 (Order 08-197), § 232-12-243, filed 8/13/08, effective 9/13/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 04-21-036 (Order 04-284), § 232-12-243, filed 10/14/04, effective 11/14/04; 03-17-037 (Order 03-186), § 232-12-243, filed 8/14/03, effective 9/14/03; 02-17-013 (Order 02-183), § 232-12-243, filed 8/9/02, effective 9/9/02; 01-20-011 (Order 01-198), § 232-12-243, filed 9/20/01, effective 10/21/01.]
OTS-4020.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 09-53, filed 4/15/09,
effective 5/16/09)
WAC 232-28-272
2009 Black bear and 2009-2010, 2010-2011,
and 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons and regulations.
2009 Fall Black Bear Seasons:
| Black Bear Management Unit | Season | Hunt Area |
| Coastal | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 501, 504, 506, 530, 601, 602, 603, 607-621, 636-651, 658-663, 672-684 |
| Puget Sound | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 407, 410, 454, 624, 627, 633, 652, 666, 667 |
| North Cascades | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 418-450, 460 |
| South Cascades | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 466, 485, 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654 |
| Okanogan | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 203, 209-243 |
| East Cascades | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 244-247, 249-251, 328, 329-368, 382, 388, 578 |
| Northeastern A | Sept. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 101-121, 204 |
| Northeastern B | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 124-130 |
| Blue Mountains | Sept. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 145-154, 162-186 |
| Columbia Basin | Aug. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMUs 133, 136, 139, 142, 248, 254, 260-290, 371-381 |
| Long Island | Sept. 1 - Nov. 15 | GMU 699 |
Area Restriction: Special deer permit required to hunt black
bear in GMU 485.
License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which
includes black bear as a species option, is required to hunt
black bear. One black bear transport tag is included with a
big game hunting license that has black bear as a species
option. A second black bear transport tag must be purchased
to take a second bear.
Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of hounds and bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.
Submitting Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must submit
the black bear premolar tooth located behind the canine tooth
of the upper jaw.
2009-2010 Cougar Seasons:
| Hunt Name | Hunt Area | Season | Special Restrictions |
| Coastal Puget Sound North Cascades Columbia Basin |
GMUs 136-142, 248, 254-290, 371-381, 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 460, 466, 485, 501, 504, 506, 530, 601-621, 636-651, 658-663, 672-684, 699, 407, 410, 454, 624-633, 652, 666 | Sept. 1-25 | Archery only |
| Sept. 26 - Oct. 16 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 17 - Mar. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| South Cascades Blue Mountains Kittitas-Yakima Spokane |
GMUs 124-133, 145-154, 162-186, 328-368, 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654, 667 | Sept. 1-25 | Archery only |
| Sept. 26 - Oct. 16 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 17 - Dec. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| Chelan Okanogan Okanogan-Ferry Stevens-Pend Oreille Klickitat |
GMUs 101, 105, 108-121, 203, 204, 209-242, 243-247, 249-251, 382, 388, 578 within Chelan, Ferry, Klickitat, Okanogan, Stevens, or Pend Oreille counties | Sept. 1-25 | Archery only |
| Sept. 26 - Oct. 16 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 31 - Nov. 30 | Any weapon |
| Hunt Name | Hunt Area | Season | Special Restrictions |
| Coastal Puget Sound North Cascades Columbia Basin |
GMUs 136-142, 248, 254-290, 371-381, 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 460, 466, 485, 501, 504, 506, 530, 601-621, 636-651, 658-663, 672-684, 699, 407, 410, 454, 624-633, 652, 666 | Sept. 1-24 | Archery only |
| Sept. 25 - Oct. 15 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 16 - Mar. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| South Cascades Blue Mountains Kittitas-Yakima Spokane |
GMUs 124-133, 145-154, 162-186, 328-368, 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654, 667 | Sept. 1-24 | Archery only |
| Sept. 25 - Oct. 15 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| Chelan Okanogan Okanogan-Ferry Stevens-Pend Oreille Klickitat |
GMUs 101, 105, 108-121, 203, 204, 209-242, 243-247, 249-251, 382, 388, 578 within Chelan, Ferry, Klickitat, Okanogan, Stevens, or Pend Oreille counties | Sept. 1-24 | Archery only |
| Sept. 25 - Oct. 15 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 31 - Nov. 30 | Any weapon |
| Hunt Name | Hunt Area | Season | Special Restrictions |
| Coastal Puget Sound North Cascades Columbia Basin |
GMUs 136-142, 248, 254-290, 371-381, 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 460, 466, 485, 501, 504, 506, 530, 601-621, 636-651, 658-663, 672-684, 699, 407, 410, 454, 624-633, 652, 666 | Sept. 1-23 | Archery only |
| Sept. 24 - Oct. 14 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 15 - Mar. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| South Cascades Blue Mountains Kittitas-Yakima Spokane |
GMUs 124-133, 145-154, 162-186, 328-368, 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654, 667 | Sept. 1-23 | Archery only |
| Sept. 24 - Oct. 14 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. 15 - Dec. 31 | Any weapon | ||
| Chelan Okanogan Okanogan-Ferry Stevens-Pend Oreille Klickitat |
GMUs 101, 105, 108-121, 203, 204, 209-242, 243-247, 249-251, 382, 388, 578 within Chelan, Ferry, Klickitat, Okanogan, Stevens, or Pend Oreille counties | Sept. 1-23 | Archery only |
| Sept. 24 - Oct. 14 | Muzzleloader only | ||
| Oct. (( |
Any weapon |
License Required: A valid big game hunting license which
includes cougar as a species option is required to hunt
cougar.
Bag Limit: One (1) cougar per license year excluding public
safety cougar removals. It is unlawful to kill or possess
spotted cougar kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted
kittens.
Area Restriction: Special deer permit required to hunt cougar
in GMU 485.
Tag Information: One cougar transport tag is included with a
big game license that has cougar as a species option.
Hunting Method: The use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited
except by a ((public safety cougar removal permit (WAC 232-12-243) or)) commission authorized ((hound)) permit (WAC
((232-28-285)) 232-12-243).
Cougar Pelt Sealing: Any person who takes a cougar must
comply with the sealing requirements in WAC 232-12-024.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-28-272, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. 08-17-034 (Order 08-197), § 232-28-272, filed 8/13/08, effective 9/13/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-28-272, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06; 04-21-036 (Order 04-284), § 232-28-272, filed 10/14/04, effective 11/14/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.12.020. 04-11-036 (Order 04-98), § 232-28-272, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-28-272, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03; 01-20-011 (Order 01-198), § 232-28-272, filed 9/20/01, effective 10/21/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-272, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 00-21-038 (Order 00-215), § 232-28-272, filed 10/12/00, effective 11/12/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-28-272, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-01-138 (Order 98-249), § 232-28-272, filed 12/22/98, effective 1/22/99; 98-10-008 (Order 98-57), § 232-28-272, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98.]
OTS-4021.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Orders 10-94 and 10-94A, filed
4/30/10 and 12/30/10, effective 5/31/10 and 1/30/11)
WAC 232-28-287
2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012
Cougar permit seasons and regulations.
It is unlawful to fail
to comply with the provisions below. Violators may be
punished under RCW 77.15.410, 77.15.245, and 77.15.280 (1)(c).
Who may apply: Anyone with a valid Washington big game
license, which includes cougar as a species option.
Hunt areas, permit levels, and season dates for each license
year:
| Hunt Name | Hunt Area | Permits | Season Datesa |
| South Cascades | GMUs 503, 505, 510-520, 524, 550-574, 653, 654, 667 | 40 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Blue Mountains | GMUs 145-154, 162-186 | 100 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Kittitas-Yakima | GMUs 328-368 | 30 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Spokane | GMUs 124-133 | 30 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Chelan | GMUs 243-247, 249-251 | 40 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Okanogan | GMUs 203, 209-242 | 40 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Okanogan-Ferry | GMUs 101, 105, 204 | 20 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Stevens-Pend Oreille | GMUs 108-121 | 30 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| Klickitat | GMUs 382, 388, 578 | 20 | Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 |
| aPermits are valid for the license year they are issued. | |||
Bag limit: One (1) cougar per license year, excluding public
safety cougar removals. It is unlawful to kill or possess
spotted cougar kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted
kittens.
License required: A valid big game hunting license, which
includes cougar as a species option, is required to hunt
cougar.
Tag information: One cougar transport tag is included with a
big game license that has cougar as a species option.
Hunting method: The use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited
except by a ((public safety cougar removal permit (WAC 232-12-243) or)) commission authorized ((hound)) permit (WAC
((232-28-285)) 232-12-243).
Cougar pelt sealing: Any person who takes a cougar must
comply with the sealing requirements in WAC 232-12-024.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, and 77.32.530. 10-10-061 and 11-02-044 (Orders 10-94 and 10-94A), § 232-28-287, filed 4/30/10 and 12/30/10, effective 5/31/10 and 1/30/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-28-287, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09.]
OTS-4016.2
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-435
2011-12 Migratory waterfowl seasons and
regulations.
DUCKS
Statewide
Oct. 15-19, 2011 and Oct. 22, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012; except
scaup season closed Oct. 15 - Nov. 4.
Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of
age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18
years old who is not hunting): Sept. 24-25, 2011.
Daily bag limit: 7 ducks, to include not more than 2 hen
mallard, 2 pintail, 3 scaup, 1 canvasback, and 2 redhead
statewide; and to include not more than 1 harlequin, 2 scoter,
2 long-tailed duck, and 2 goldeneye in Western Washington.
Possession limit: 14 ducks, to include not more than 4 hen
mallard, 4 pintail, 6 scaup, 2 canvasback, and 4 redhead
statewide; and to include not more than 1 harlequin, 4 scoter,
4 long-tailed duck, and 4 goldeneye in Western Washington.
Season limit: 1 harlequin in Western Washington.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT SEA DUCKS
Hunters must possess a special 2011-2012 hunting authorization
and harvest record card for sea ducks when hunting harlequin,
scoter, long-tailed duck, and goldeneye in Western Washington.
Hunters who did not possess a 2010-11 sea duck harvest record
card must submit an application form to WDFW. Immediately
after taking a sea duck into possession, hunters must record
in ink the information required on the harvest record card.
COOT (Mudhen)
Same areas, dates (including youth hunting weekend), and shooting hours as the general duck season.
Daily bag limit: 25 coots.
Possession limit: 25 coots.
SNIPE
Same areas, dates (except youth hunting weekend), and shooting
hours as the general duck season.
Daily bag limit: 8 snipe.
Possession limit: 16 snipe.
GEESE (except Brant)
Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of
age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18
years old who is not hunting): Sept. 24-25, 2011, statewide
except Western Washington Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B.
Daily bag limit: 4 Canada geese.
Possession limit: 8 Canada geese.
Western Washington Goose Seasons
Goose Management Area 1
Island, Skagit, Snohomish counties.
Oct. 15, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012 for snow, Ross', and blue geese.
Oct. 15-27, 2011 and Nov. 5, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012 for other geese (except Brant).
Daily bag limit: 4 geese.
Possession limit: 8 geese.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT SNOW GEESE
Hunters must purchase a special 2011-12 migratory bird hunting
authorization and harvest record card for snow geese when
hunting snow, Ross', and blue geese in Goose Management Area
1. Hunters who did not possess a 2010-11 snow goose harvest
record card must submit an application form to WDFW.
Immediately after taking a snow, Ross', or blue goose into
possession, hunters must record in ink the information
required on the harvest record card.
SNOW GOOSE QUALITY HUNTING PROGRAM IN GOOSE MANAGEMENT AREA 1
All hunters must obey posted signs regarding access
restrictions. Quality hunt units are not available for
commercial uses.
SKAGIT COUNTY SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm for the purpose of
hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved public road on
Fir Island in Skagit County or to discharge a firearm for the
purpose of hunting snow geese within 100 feet of any paved
public road in other areas of Skagit County.
It is unlawful to hunt snow geese on Fir Island, Skagit
County, inland of the surrounding dikes, unless each hunter
sets up a minimum of 24 snow goose decoys. Additionally, it
is unlawful to hunt snow geese over decoys unless the decoys
are set up in a realistic pattern, are under the immediate
control of the hunter, and are not left unattended. For the
purposes of this section, a "decoy" is defined as any
structure the size of or larger than a mallard duck decoy. A
violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400.
While hunting snow geese, if a hunter is convicted of (a)
trespass; (b) shooting from, across, or along the maintained
part of any public highway; (c) discharging a firearm for the
purpose of hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved
public road on Fir Island in Skagit County or discharging a
firearm within 100 feet of any paved public road for the
purpose of hunting snow geese in other areas of Skagit County;
(d) exceeding the daily bag limit for geese; or (e) violating
decoy requirements, authorization will be invalidated for the
remainder of the current snow goose season and an
authorization will not be issued for the subsequent snow goose
season.
Goose Management Area 2A
Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, and that part of Clark County
north of the Washougal River.
Open in all areas except Ridgefield NWR from 8 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only, Nov. 12-27,
2011 and Dec. 7, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012, except closed Dec. 25,
2011 and Jan. 1, 2012. Ridgefield NWR open from 8 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only, Nov. 12-26,
2011 and Dec. 8, 2011 - Jan. 28, 2012, except closed Nov. 24,
2011 and Dec. 25, 2011 and Jan. 1, 2012.
Bag limits for Goose Management Area 2A:
Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose.
Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose.
Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.
Goose Management Area 2B
Pacific County.
Open from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Wednesdays only,
Oct. 15, 2011 - Jan. 14, 2012.
Bag limits for Goose Management Area 2B:
Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose and 1 Aleutian goose.
Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose and 2 Aleutian geese.
Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.
Special Provisions for Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B:
A dusky Canada goose is defined as a dark-breasted (as shown
in the Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or less) Canada goose with
a culmen (bill) length of 40-50 mm.
The goose season for Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B will be
closed early if dusky Canada goose harvests exceed area quotas
which collectively total 40 geese. The fish and wildlife
commission has authorized the director to implement emergency
area closures in accordance with the following quotas: A
total of 40 duskys, to be distributed 5 for Zone 1 (Ridgefield
NWR); 5 for Zone 2 (Cowlitz County south of the Kalama River);
15 for Zone 3 (Clark County except Ridgefield NWR); 7 for Zone
4 (Cowlitz County north of the Kalama River and Wahkiakum
County); and 8 for Zone 5 (Pacific County). Quotas may be
shifted to other zones during the season to optimize use of
the statewide quota and minimize depredation.
Hunters must possess a special 2011-12 migratory bird hunting
authorization for Goose Management Area 2A/2B and daily goose
harvest record card when hunting geese in Goose Management
Areas 2A and 2B. New hunters and those who did not maintain a
valid 2010-11 authorization must review goose identification
training materials and score a minimum of 80% on a goose
identification test to receive authorization. Hunters who
fail a test must wait 28 days before retesting, and will not
be issued a reciprocal authorization until that time.
Immediately after taking any goose into possession, hunters
must record in ink the information required on the harvest
record card. Hunters must go directly to the nearest check
station and have geese tagged when leaving a hunt site, before
6:00 p.m. All geese shall be presented intact and fully
feathered at the check station. If a hunter takes the season
bag limit of one dusky Canada goose or does not comply with
requirements listed above regarding checking of birds and
recording harvest on the harvest record card, authorization
will be invalidated and the hunter will not be able to hunt
geese in Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B for the remainder of
the season and the special late goose season. It is unlawful
to fail to comply with all provisions listed above for Goose
Management Areas 2A and 2B.
Special Late Goose Season for Goose Management Area 2A:
Open to Washington department of fish and wildlife master
hunter program graduates and youth hunters (15 years of age or
under, who are accompanied by a master hunter) possessing a
valid 2011-12 southwest Washington goose hunting authorization
and harvest record card, in areas with goose damage in Goose
Management Area 2A on the following days, from 7:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.:
Saturdays and Wednesdays only, Feb. 4 - Mar. 7, 2012.
Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose.
Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky
Canada goose.
Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.
A dusky Canada goose is defined as a dark-breasted Canada
goose (as shown in the Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or less)
with a culmen (bill) length of 40-50 mm. A cackling goose is
defined as a goose with a culmen (bill) length of 32 mm or
less.
Hunters qualifying for the season will be placed on a list for
participation in this hunt. Washington department of fish and
wildlife will assist landowners with contacting qualified
hunters to participate in damage control hunts on specific
lands incurring goose damage. Participation in this hunt will
depend on the level of damage experienced by landowners. The
special late goose season will be closed by emergency action
if the harvest of dusky Canada geese exceeds 45 for the
regular and late seasons. All provisions listed above for
Goose Management Area 2A regarding authorization, harvest
reporting, and checking requirements also apply to the special
late season; except hunters must confirm their participation
at least 24 hours in advance by calling the goose hunting
hotline (listed on hunting authorization), and hunters must
check out by 5:00 p.m. on each hunt day regardless of success.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions listed
above for the special late season in Goose Management Area 2A.
Goose Management Area 3
Includes all parts of Western Washington not included in Goose
Management Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.
Oct. 15-27, 2011 and Nov. 5, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012.
Daily bag limit: 4 geese.
Possession limit: 8 geese.
Eastern Washington Goose Seasons
Goose Management Area 4
Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas,
Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla counties.
Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only during Oct. 15, 2011 - Jan. 22, 2012; Nov. 11, 24, and 25, 2011; Dec. 26, 27, 29, and
30, 2011; January 16, 2012; and every day Jan. 23-29, 2012.
Goose Management Area 5
Includes all parts of Eastern Washington not included in Goose
Management Area 4.
Oct. 15-19, 2011, every day from Oct. 22, 2011 - Jan. 29,
2012.
Bag limits for all Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas:
Daily bag limit: 4 geese.
Possession limit: 8 geese.
BRANT
Open in Skagit County only on the following dates:
Jan. 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28, and 29, 2012.
If the 2011-12 preseason brant population in Skagit County is
below 6,000 (as determined by the early January survey), the
brant season in Skagit County will be canceled.
Open in Pacific County only on the following dates:
Jan. 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 29, 2012.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT BRANT
Hunters must possess a special 2011-12 migratory bird hunting
authorization and harvest record card for brant when hunting
brant. Hunters who did not possess a 2010-11 brant harvest
record card must submit an application form to WDFW.
Immediately after taking a brant into possession, hunters must
record in ink the information required on the harvest record
card.
Bag limits for Skagit and Pacific counties:
Daily bag limit: 2 brant.
Possession limit: 4 brant.
SWANS
Season closed statewide.
MANDATORY REPORTING FOR MIGRATORY BIRD HARVEST RECORD CARDS
Hunters must report 2011-12 harvest information from
band-tailed pigeon harvest record cards to WDFW for receipt by
September 30, 2011, and harvest information from brant, sea
duck, and snow goose harvest record cards to WDFW for receipt
by February 15, 2012. Every person issued a migratory bird
hunting authorization and harvest record card must return the
entire card to the Washington department of fish and wildlife
or report the card information at the designated internet site
listed on the harvest record card. Any hunter failing to
report by the deadline will be in noncompliance of reporting
requirements. Hunters who have not reported hunting activity
by the reporting deadline for any harvest record card acquired
in 2011-12 will be required to pay a $10 administrative fee
before any new 2012-13 migratory bird authorization and
harvest record card will be issued. A hunter may only be
penalized a maximum of $10 during a license year.
FALCONRY SEASONS
DUCKS, COOTS, AND SNIPE (Falconry)
(Bag limits include geese and mourning doves.)
Oct. 15-19, 2011 and Oct. 22, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012 statewide.
Daily bag limit: 3, straight or mixed bag with geese and
mourning doves during established seasons.
Possession limit: 6, straight or mixed bag with geese and
mourning doves during established seasons.
GEESE (Falconry)
(Bag limits include ducks, coot, snipe, and mourning doves.)
Goose Management Area 1: Oct. 15, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012 for
snow, Ross', or blue geese. Oct. 15-27, 2011 and Nov. 5, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012 for other geese.
Goose Management Area 2A: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays
only, Nov. 12-27, 2011 and Dec. 7, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012.
Goose Management Area 2B: Saturdays and Wednesdays only, Oct.
15, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012.
Goose Management Areas 3, 4, and 5: Oct. 15-27, 2011 and Nov.
5, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012.
Daily bag limit for all areas: 3 geese (except brant),
straight or mixed bag with ducks, coots, snipe, and mourning
doves during established seasons.
Possession limit for all areas: 6 geese (except brant),
straight or mixed bag with ducks, coots, snipe, and mourning
doves during established seasons.
[]
OTS-4017.1
REPEALER
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 232-28-433 | 2009-10 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations. |
| WAC 232-28-434 | 2010-11 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations. |