PERMANENT RULES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose:
WAC 232-12-243 Cougar management removals.
Beginning in 2001, RCW 77.15.245 authorized the fish and wildlife commission to adopt rules for the use of dogs to hunt cougar in selected areas within a game management unit (GMU) to address a public safety need presented by one or more cougar. At that time, conditions that were identified as warranting the use of dogs within a game management unit included, but were not limited to, confirmed cougar/human safety incidents, confirmed cougar/livestock and cougar/pet depredations, and the number of cougar-capture attempts and relocations.
2001 also marked the peak in confirmed cougar complaints by the department. With the authority in RCW 77.15.245 and the level of complaints at the time, the fish and wildlife commission adopted WAC 232-28-272, which authorized the removal of cougars with dogs in GMUs with four or more confirmed human-cougar safety incidents or livestock/pet depredations per year and seven or more confirmed cougar sightings or nuisance activities per year. The criteria was later revised to eleven confirmed human-cougar interactions per year, of which at least four had to be confirmed human-cougar safety incidents or livestock/pet depredations. The criteria remained unchanged since that revision, though there were other WAC amendments to sections on bag limits, participation, etc.
From 2004-2010, SSB 6118, ESHB 1756, and ESHB 2438 authorized more liberal use of dogs to hunt cougar under what has been called the "pilot cougar program with the aid of dogs." The pilot program implemented hound hunting in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, Chelan, and Klickitat (under ESHB 2438 only) counties. These counties were therefore excluded from cougar removals under RCW 77.15.245. The pilot cougar program with the aid of dogs ended in March 2011.
Since 2001, all cougar hunting with the use of dogs (via RCW 77.15.245, SSB 6118, ESHB 1756, and ESHB 2438) has been implemented to address the goal of enhancing public safety and protection of personal property from threats by cougar. To achieve this goal, dog hunting seasons were implemented under two phases or objectives: (1) Potential benefits to public safety and personal property from using dog hunts to manage for a reduced cougar population, followed by (2) potential benefits to public safety and personal property from using dog hunts to manage for a stable cougar population at the lower level. The department implemented the use of dogs to achieve objective (1) from 2003-2008 and objective (2) from 2009 to current.
The merits of using dogs to hunt cougars to address either of these objectives have been widely debated and are contentious issues. There is no scientific literature that either supports or refutes either concept. So it is unknown if reported human-cougar conflicts will increase with the discontinuation of the pilot cougar program in the six counties. Confirmed cougar complaints have a human-dimensions component, and involve both the real event plus how an individual perceives the event as a threat or not a threat. How the department manages cougar, the types of seasons, the hunting method, etc. may therefore have implications to even confirmed complaint levels due to changes in an individual's perceptions.
The department wants to be responsive to any increases in confirmed cougar complaints. At the same time, the department doesn't want to be viewed as liberalizing season authorities under RCW 77.15.245 just because the pilot program ended. As such, individual amendments and the justification for the change are outlined in Changes Other Than Editing... below.
WAC 232-28-272 2009 Black bear and 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and
2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons and regulations.
These WAC amendments establish the 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons for hunting without the aid of dogs and prescribe a technique for achieving the female harvest guideline as redefined in recent technical workshops.
WAC 232-28-287 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 Cougar
permit seasons and regulations.
These WAC amendments establish the 2011-2012 cougar hunting seasons for hunting without the aid of dogs and prescribe a technique for achieving the female harvest guideline as redefined in recent technical workshops.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-12-243, 232-28-272, and 232-28-287.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.15.245.
Other Authority: ESHB 1756.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 11-13-089 on June 17, 2011.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version:
Changes, if any, from the text of the proposed rule and
reasons for difference:
WAC 232-12-243 Cougar management removals.
| • | Replace the term "public safety" with "management," so the name of the removal changes from "public safety cougar removal" to "cougar management removal." The amendment is only a name change and has no substantive changes to time, place, or manner of cougar removals. The reason for the change is because the department doesn't want a title of a rule to tie together the concepts of "public safety" with "cougar removal." There is no scientific literature supporting or refuting a cause-and-effect relationship between cougar removals and public safety. |
| • | Delete the definition of "marginal cougar habitat" and "preferred cougar habitat." The reason for the change is because research suggests the cougar density is very similar in various habitats and location in eastern and western Washington. |
| • | Change the definition of sighting from "means a direct observation of one or more cougar, in urban or rural settings, near individuals or residences; typically more than chance observations" to "means a confirmed direct observation of one or more cougar, in urban or rural settings, near individuals or residences; typically more than chance observations." The purpose of the change is to clarify that only confirmed sightings are used. |
| • | Change the definition of human-cougar interaction from "means a human-cougar safety incident, livestock or pet depredation, cougar nuisance activity, or cougar sighting event" to "means a confirmed human-cougar safety incident, confirmed livestock or pet depredation, confirmed cougar nuisance activity, or confirmed cougar sighting event." The purpose of the change is to clarify that only confirmed events are used to identify a human-cougar interaction. |
| • | Change the threshold for 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 "annual or seasonal increase in confirmed human-cougar interactions above the 2005-2010 level." The reason for the change is the status quo language is based on an analysis when complaint levels where at recorded highs. From 2008-2010 complaint levels have been at record lows. The department doesn't want to be in a situation where complaint levels would have to increase back to all-time highs before responding with management tools that are available. As such, the department recommended responding with removals when the confirmed complaint level exceeds the 2005-2010 level. The department's rationale was the five-year average incorporates more natural variability in complaint levels, while still being a good representation for the time period with overall low complaint levels. |
| • | Change the removal rate from "The commission authorizes the director to remove one cougar per one three 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" to "The commission authorizes the director to remove one cougar per three hundred square kilometers of complaint area." The reason for the change is to set the harvest level at approximately fourteen percent of the population. |
| • | Change the deadline for individuals requesting inclusion in the cougar management removal process from October 1 to October 15. The reason for the change is to allow for enough time to notify the public about potential cougar removals and how to request inclusion. |
| • | Under subsection [(5)](a), add "This is a management removal administrated by a WDFW designated coordinator. Permit holders will be contacted on an as-needed basis to conduct removals in portions of GMUs. Not all permit hunters will be contacted in a given year." The reason is for consistency between cougar management removals and damage hunts for other big game species, where areas are identified as potential removal areas as data is collected, but only if thresholds are exceeded or if the damage is not addressed by other means does an actual removal occur. For example with cougar, an area might be identified for a potential management removal because between January and July of a calendar year, complaint levels are beyond the five-year trend. However, if during the department's response to individual problem cougar incidents, the offending animal is captured, a cougar removal would likely not occur. If, on the other hand, complaint levels continued to increase and most attempts of capturing the offending animal failed, a cougar removal might occur. |
| • | Delete subsection (c). The reason for the change is permit hunter will be able to harvest one cougar while participating in a cougar management removal. |
| • | Delete the last four sentences for subsection [(6)](a). The reason for the change is a permit hunter will be able to harvest one cougar while participating in a cougar management removal. |
Changes, if any, from the text of the proposed rule and reasons for difference:
• None.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: August 19, 2011.
Miranda Wecker, Chair
Fish and Wildlife Commission
OTS-4019.2
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))) (e) "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))) (f) "Removal" means the act of killing one or
more cougar with the aid of dogs.
(((i))) (g) "Sighting" means a confirmed direct
observation of one or more cougar, in urban or rural settings,
near individuals or residences; typically more than chance
observations.
(((j))) (h) "Human-cougar interaction" means a confirmed
human-cougar safety incident, confirmed livestock or pet
depredation, confirmed cougar nuisance activity, or confirmed
cougar sighting event.
(((k))) (i) "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 2005-2010 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)) three 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 management
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)) 15, or be received at the
department's Olympia office no later than 5:00 p.m. on October
((1)) 15, 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 conduct
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) 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) 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 management removal permit.
(d) 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) 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) 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 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.]