WSR 15-04-090

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Filed February 2, 2015, 2:07 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 14-24-118 on December 3, 2014.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 232-12-005 Predatory birds, 232-12-024 Requirements for sealing of pelts and collection of biological information for river otter, cougar, lynx, and bobcat, 232-12-064 Live wildlife—Taking from the wild, importation, possession, transfer, and holding in captivity, 232-12-141 Wild animal trapping, 232-12-242 Hunting restrictions, 232-12-271 Criteria for planting aquatic plants and releasing wildlife, 232-12-288 Official hunting hours for big game animals, rabbits, hares, fox, and forest grouse, 232-28-342 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Small game and other wildlife seasons and rules, and 232-28-516 Trapping seasons and regulations.

Hearing Location(s): Civic Center, 411 South Balsam Street, Moses Lake, WA 98837, on March 20-21, 2015, at 8:00 a.m.

Date of Intended Adoption: On or after April 9, 2015.

Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, e-mail wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by February 24, 2015.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Tami Lininger by March 1, 2015, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 232-12-005, Eurasian collared doves are an exotic species whose numbers and distribution are believed to be increasing in Washington. They have already been added to the list of predatory birds which allows them to be hunted year round but they appear to continue to be expanding.

There has been some interest in being able to use Eurasian collared doves for falconry and dog training but current rules do not allow their use for these purposes. Changes proposed to these three rules would add this species to the lists of other species that can be used for these purposes.

WAC 232-12-024, a common complaint of trappers and hunters who harvest bobcat or river otter is that it can be difficult to make an appointment with a department [to] have pelts sealed as required. Under the current rule, only department employees can be authorized to seal pelts. The proposed change would allow the department to issue permits to other individuals to seal pelts. This change will make it easier for some to meet the sealing requirement and some employee time will be saved within the department that is now taken up by sealing pelts. Assuming this rule change is adopted, the department will develop criteria to select individuals outside the department who can be issued permits to seal pelts and reporting requirements that will be expected.

Wording changes are made in subsection (5) to update the legal forms of documentation that can be used when importing raw pelts of river otter into the state.

WAC 232-12-064, Eurasian collared doves are an exotic species whose numbers and distribution are believed to be increasing in Washington. They have already been added to the list of predatory birds which allows them to be hunted year round but they appear to continue to be expanding.

WAC 232-12-141, the proposed changes to this rule serve to simplify and clarify the rules for fur trapping:

•	The provisions regarding the use of body gripping traps are removed from this section as they restate trapping rules in RCW 77.15.194.
•	A clarification is made that the meat of animals classified as furbearers may be used as bait.

WAC 232-12-242, during the course of public meetings and other comment opportunities over the past summer individuals came forward requesting additional opportunity to hunt raccoons with dogs at night. Currently this type of hunting is restricted by this rule any time a modern firearm deer or elk season is open. The changes proposed would expand hunting opportunity by limiting the restriction to only deer and elk general seasons.

WAC 232-12-271, Eurasian collared doves are an exotic species whose numbers and distribution are believed to be increasing in Washington. They have already been added to the list of predatory birds which allows them to be hunted year round but they appear to continue to be expanding.

WAC 232-12-288, amendment of this rule is necessary to make the changes described for WAC 232-12-242. References to the exemption of bobcat and raccoon from hunting hours are removed and the rule title is changed to specify the game animals that the hunting hours apply to.

WAC 232-28-342, this proposal establishes dates, bag limits and other rules for small game and other wildlife hunting seasons for the next three years which are needed in order to maintain recreational hunting opportunities for the public. Recommended changes are based on harvest trends and public input received over the past three years and surveys conducted by the department. Many of the proposals represent no changes from prior years with the exception of calendar date adjustments.

Notable changes include:

•	Modifying the bag limit for forest grouse to include no more than three of any of the three species per day but retaining the daily bag limit of four.
•	Specifying that an adult must accompany youth hunters during the youth turkey season which addresses an inconsistency with other youth seasons.
•	Allowing the harvest of fox in GMUs 407 and 410.
•	Ending the eastern Washington pheasant season on the Martin Luther King Day holiday each year.
•	An increase in the mourning dove bag limit from ten to fifteen and increasing the season length by thirty days.

WAC 232-28-516, the proposal would continue the current trapping seasons for all furbearers with no changes except that the existing closure and bag limits in eastern Washington would be removed. The proposed change will allow expanded opportunity for harvest of river otter during the trapping season.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-12-005, Eurasian collared doves are considered an undesirable species and removal and use of these birds for falconry and dog training may help limit competition with native species and other potential impacts. Release of this species for these purposes would be allowed but this is not likely to cause further or more rapid expansion of their current range as most of the birds would be killed.

WAC 232-12-024, some agency staff time will be saved if individuals outside the department are authorized to seal pelts and customer satisfaction with the sealing process is likely to improve.

Updating the wording in subsection (5) will help reduce potential for future misunderstanding regarding acceptance of valid documentation of furs imported into the state.

WAC 232-12-064, Eurasian collared doves are considered an undesirable species and removal and use of these birds for falconry and dog training may help limit competition with native species and other potential impacts. Release of this species for these purposes would be allowed but this is not likely to cause further or more rapid expansion of their current range as most of the birds would be killed.

WAC 232-12-141, moving the portion of this rule pertaining to permitted uses of body gripping traps to the wildlife interaction rules will eliminate some confusion created by having it removed from the section pertaining to fur trapping.

The meat of furbearers is not included in rules pertaining to waste of game animals and is not commonly eaten. The use of beaver and other furbearer meat has traditionally been used by trappers as bait and the proposed change clarifies that it can continue to be used.

WAC 232-12-242, the rationale behind the current rule is that it reduces the potential for conflicts with deer and elk hunters and reduces the potential for hunters to pursue big game with dogs or at night using another form of hunting as a defense. Some concern has been voiced that this change could open the door to abuse. However, the primary time period this concern exists is during the general seasons when more hunting occurs.

WAC 232-12-271, Eurasian collared doves are considered an undesirable species and removal and use of these birds for falconry and dog training may help limit competition with native species and other potential impacts. Release of this species for these purposes would be allowed but this is not likely to cause further or more rapid expansion of their current range as most of the birds would be killed.

WAC 232-12-288, this change simplifies the hunting rules by removing a dual reference to the restriction on bobcat and raccoon hunting hours. The change to the rule title is necessary to allow night hunting for these two species at times during the hunting season when the restriction does not apply.

WAC 232-28-342, some hunters have expressed concern that the current bag limit for forest grouse is too high and concerns also exist, based on harvest trends, that grouse populations have declined. While hunting is not considered to be a major limiting factor of grouse populations, a somewhat more conservative harvest strategy is appropriate. The proposed split limit also will encourage hunters to learn to identify the various grouse species which will be a benefit when or if a more restrictive bag limit is needed to protect populations of one or more of the species.

Requiring an adult mentor during youth turkey seasons will help young hunters get a safe and successful start to their hunting experience.

Fox occurring in GMUs 407 and 410 are an introduced population and there is not a biological rationale to continue to prohibit harvest of this species in this area. The native cascades red fox, which is a species with depressed populations, does not occur in this vicinity and will not be affected by this proposal.

The change to the pheasant season to end on a holiday weekend will provide additional hunting opportunity without affecting populations as only males are allowed to be harvested.

Increases in mourning dove bag limits and season lengths are prescribed by the national mourning dove harvest strategy, adopted by the Pacific Flyway Council in 2013. Based on band returns, harvest rates of mourning doves are low and expanded seasons are sustainable. The harvest strategy relies on yearly monitoring of both harvest rate and population size. Should harvest rates increase to a level deemed harmful or population size declines below established thresholds, the strategy reduces harvest of mourning doves.

WAC 232-28-516, the changes to the river otter trapping season have been discussed for several years with members of the Washington State Trappers Association (WSTA) who have been advocating for the proposed change. Along much of the perimeter of the closure area as it is defined, it currently is legal to harvest river otter on one side of a river but not on the opposite shore which is a difficult situation that most current otter harvest is believed to consist primarily of incidental captures associated with beaver trapping. Under the current restrictions on trap types that are allowed for fur harvest, it is very difficult for a trapper to target river otter when trapping and the current bag limits in those parts of eastern Washington open to otter harvest appear to be having no effect as it is rare that a trapper reaches the annual limit of twelve. The department believes that the proposed change is reasonable given that statutory limits on trap types appear to be limiting otter harvest more than the current bag limit in most areas and a large harvest in the current closed area is not likely for the same reason.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240.

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

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: When filing the permanent rule-making order (CR-103P), the WAC sections containing rule amendments will be consolidated into two or three order typing service (OTS) documents.

Name of Proponent: Washington department of fish and wildlife, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Nate Pamplin, Natural Resource[s] Building, (360) 902-2515; and Enforcement: Steven Crown, Natural Resource[s] Building, (360) 902-2373.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules apply to recreational hunting and do not affect small business.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. This proposal does not involve hydraulics.

February 2, 2015

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 04-11-036, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04)

WAC 232-12-005 Predatory birds.

(1) HUNTING PREDATORY BIRDS:

(a) It is unlawful to hunt for or take predatory birds without a hunting license except as allowed under RCW 77.36.030.

(b) Crows and magpies: It is ((lawful)) permissible to take crows during established hunting seasons and crows or magpies when found committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance provided that none of the birds, or their plumage, be offered for sale.

(2) SALE OF PREDATORY BIRDS: It is ((lawful)) permissible to sell starlings, house sparrows, Eurasian collared doves, and rock doves for the purposes of falconry and lawful to sell rock doves and Eurasian collared doves for the purposes of bird dog training.

(3) POSSESSION OF PREDATORY BIRDS: It is ((lawful)) permissible to take from the wild and possess live starlings, house sparrows, Eurasian collared doves, and rock doves for purposes of falconry Eurasian collared doves and rock doves for purposes of bird dog training.

(4) RELEASE OF LIVE PREDATORY BIRDS: It is ((lawful, without a permit,)) permissible to release Eurasian collared doves and rock doves for the purposes of bird dog training or falconry without a permit.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-02-043, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13)

WAC 232-12-064 Live wildlife—Taking from the wild, importation, possession, transfer, and holding in captivity.

(1) It is unlawful to take live wildlife, wild birds, or game fish from the wild without a permit issued by the director except as otherwise provided by department rule. This subsection does not apply to starlings, house sparrows, Eurasian collared doves, and rock doves taken by falconers, or rock doves and Eurasian collared doves taken by bird dog trainers.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-12-027(1), 232-12-067, and subsections (3) and (4) of this section, and except as provided under subsection (7), (8), (9), or (10) of this section, it is unlawful to import into the state, hold, possess, propagate, offer for sale, sell, transfer, or release live specimens of or the gametes and/or embryos of the following species in the family Cervidae:

(3) It is unlawful to import into the state or to hold live wildlife taken, held, possessed, or transported contrary to federal or state law, local ordinance, or department rule. It is unlawful to import live wild animals, wild birds, or game fish without first presenting to the department the health certificate required by the Washington department of agriculture under WAC 16-54-180. However, raptors used for falconry or propagation may be imported if the importer has health certificates for the raptors. Importers must produce proof of lawful importation for inspection if asked to do so by a department employee.

(4) It is unlawful to possess or hold in captivity live wild animals, wild birds, or game fish unless lawfully acquired. Any person possessing or holding wild animals, wild birds, or game fish in captivity must provide proof of lawful acquisition and possession for inspection if asked to do so by a department employee. The proof must identify the wild animals', wild birds', or game fish's:

(a) Species;

(b) Age and sex;

(d) Receiving party's name;

(e) Source's name and address;

(f) Invoice/statement date; and

(g) Documentation of prior transfers.

(5) Live wild animals, wild birds, or game fish held in captivity, or their progeny or parts thereof, may not be sold or otherwise used commercially except as provided by department rule.

(6) It is unlawful to release wildlife from captivity except as provided in WAC 232-12-271. It is unlawful to release fish into any state waters, including private, natural, or man-made ponds, without first obtaining a fish planting permit. However, if a person catches game fish and keeps the fish alive on stringers, in live wells, or in other containers while fishing, he or she may release the fish back into the same waters that he or she caught the game fish in.

(7) Scientific research or display: The director may issue written authorization for a person to import into the state, hold, possess and propagate live specimens of wildlife listed in subsection (2) of this section, for scientific research or for display by zoos or aquariums who are accredited institutional members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), provided that the person:

(a) Confines the specimens to a secure facility;

(b) Does not transfer specimens to any other location within the state without the director's written authorization, and the specimens are transferred to other AZA-accredited facilities and transported by AZA-accredited institutional members or their authorized agents;

(c) Does not sell or otherwise dispose of specimens within the state, unless the director gives written approval to sell or dispose of the specimens;

(d) Keeps records on the specimens and make reports as the director requires; and

(e) Complies with the requirements in this section.

(8) Retention or disposal of existing specimens lawfully in captivity prior to June 20, 1992: A person who holds live Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer and black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer, and moose may retain the specimens of the wildlife the person lawfully possessed prior to June 20, 1992, and the lawful progeny of that wildlife, provided the person complies with the requirements of this section, and:

(a) Reports to the director, in writing, the species, number, and location of the specimens as required;

(b) Confines the specimens to a secure facility at the location reported, and the facility meets the requirements listed in WAC 232-12-063;

(c) Does not propagate live specimens except at AZA-accredited facilities with the director's written permission or as otherwise authorized in writing by the director;

(d) Does not release live specimens, except with the director's written permission;

(e) Does not sell or transfer live specimens, except:

(i) Live specimens in lawful possession prior to June 20, 1992, and their lawful progeny may be permanently removed from Washington state or transported directly to slaughter in accordance with applicable law;

(ii) Federally listed endangered or threatened species may be transferred to AZA-accredited facilities in compliance with federal law;

(iii) Live specimens may be moved to the new primary residence of the possessor with the director's written approval, provided all other requirements of this section are satisfied and the total number of locations where animals are held is not increased; and

(iv) AZA-accredited facilities may sell and/or transfer live specimens within the state with the written permission of the director.

(f) Live specimens must be neutered, physically separated by sex, and/or rendered infertile by means of contraception, except at AZA-accredited facilities with the director's written permission.

(9) Retention or disposal of existing specimens lawfully in captivity prior to February 13, 1993: A person holding live specimens of wildlife newly listed in subsection (2) of this section by operation of this rule (Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)), may retain the specimens of such wildlife the person lawfully possessed prior to February 13, 1993, provided:

(a) The person reports to the director in writing by March 31, 1993, and reports annually thereafter, or as otherwise required by the director, the species, number, and location of such specimens; and

(b) The person complies with subsection (8)(b) through (f) of this section and the other requirements of this section.

(10) The provisions of this section do not prohibit the importation, possession, propagation, sale, transfer, or release of live specimens of federally listed threatened or endangered species, their gametes or embryos, where in compliance with federal law.

(11) Escaped wildlife:

(a) Escaped wildlife is considered a public nuisance. The department or any peace officer may seize, capture, or destroy wildlife that have escaped the possessor's control. The former possessor is responsible for costs incurred by the department in recovering, maintaining, or disposing of such animals, as well as any damage to the state's wildlife or habitat.

(b) Possessors must report escaped wildlife to the department immediately.

(12) Testing specimens:

(a) If the director issues a permit to allow any member of the Genus Cervus, identified in subsection (2) of this section, then prior to the animal's entry into Washington state, the person must submit records of genetic tests conducted by a professionally recognized laboratory to identify red deer genetic influence. Red deer genetic influence is genetic material from any member of any subspecies, race, or species of the elk-red deer-wapiti complex Cervus elaphus not indigenous to the state of Washington. Upon examination by department biologists, animals deemed to exhibit behavioral (vocalization), morphological (size, rump patch, color), or biochemical indications of such influence (hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase, transferrin and post-transferrin, or others to be developed) may not be imported.

(b) A person currently holding any member of the genus Cervus elaphus identified in subsection (2) of this section must immediately submit to the director records of genetic tests conducted by a professionally recognized laboratory to identify red deer genetic influence, as defined in (a) of this subsection, for each individual cervid. Genetic testing will be at the possessor's expense. Any animals identified as red deer or having nonindigenous genetic influence must be destroyed, removed from the state, or neutered immediately.

(c) The director may require wildlife listed in subsection (2) of this section that are lawfully held in captivity to be tested for brucellosis (Brucella abortus), tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis), meningeal worm (Paralophostrongylus tenuis), and muscle worm (Elaphostrongylus cervis) in accordance with the procedures specified in department of agriculture WAC 16-54-180. The director may also require testing for other diseases or parasites determined to pose a risk to wildlife. Results of those tests must be filed with the director as required.

(13) Reporting:

(a) A person holding wildlife listed in subsection (2) of this section in captivity must submit a completed report no later than March 30, 1993, and then no later than January 31 of each year, or as otherwise required by the director, on a form provided by the department.

(b) Persons possessing wildlife listed in subsection (2) of this section must notify the director within 10 days of any change of such persons' address and/or location of the holding facility.

(14) Inspection: All holding facilities for captive wildlife located in the state are subject to inspection, conducted at a reasonable time, for compliance with the provisions of this section.

(15) Notification and disposition of diseased animals:

(a) Any person who has reason to believe that wildlife being held pursuant to this rule have contracted or been exposed to a dangerous or communicable disease or parasite must notify the department immediately.

(b) Upon reason to believe that wildlife held pursuant to this rule have contracted or been exposed to a dangerous or contagious disease or parasite, the director may order inspection of such animals by a licensed, accredited veterinarian, certified fish pathologist, or inspection agent. Inspection will be at the possessor's expense.

(c) The director will determine when destruction of wildlife or quarantine, disinfection, or sterilization of facilities is required at any facility holding wildlife pursuant to this rule. If the director determines that destruction of wildlife or quarantine, disinfection, or sterilization of facilities is required, he or she will issue a written order to the possessor describing the procedure to be followed and the time period for carrying out such actions. The destruction of wildlife or quarantine, disinfection, or sterilization of facilities will be at the possessor's expense.

(16) Quarantine area:

(a) Facilities holding wildlife listed in subsection (2) of this section must have an approved quarantine facility within its exterior boundary or submit an action plan to the director that guarantees access to an approved quarantine facility within the state of Washington.

(i) An approved quarantine facility is one that meets criteria set by the Washington department of agriculture in chapter 16-54 WAC.

(ii) The quarantine area must meet the tests of isolation, separate feed and water, escape security, and allowances for the humane holding and care of its occupants for extended periods of time.

(b) If quarantine becomes necessary, the possessor of any wildlife requiring quarantine must provide an on-site quarantine facility or make arrangements at the possessor's expense to transport his or her wildlife to an approved quarantine facility.

(17) Seizure:

(a) The department may seize any unlawfully possessed wildlife.

(b) The cost of any seizure or holding of wildlife may be charged to the possessor of the wildlife.

(18) Violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 77.15.750, Unlawful use of a department permit—Penalty.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 04-11-036, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04)

WAC 232-12-271 Criteria for planting aquatic plants and releasing wildlife.

(1) Release by persons other than the director. It is unlawful for persons other than the director to plant aquatic plants or release any species, subspecies, or hybrids of animals which do not already exist in the wild in Washington. If such species, subspecies, or hybrid does already exist in the wild in Washington, it may be released within its established range by persons other than the director, but only after obtaining a permit from the director.

(a) Application for a permit must be made on a form provided by the department. It must be submitted at least thirty days prior to acquisition of the wildlife or aquatic plants intended for release or planting, and must provide all information indicated.

(b) Permits will only be issued if the director determines there will be no adverse impact on the wildlife or wildlife habitat of the state.

(c) Each permit shall require that at least thirty days prior to planting or release of wildlife or aquatic plants they must be made available for inspection by the director. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to show that the wildlife will not pose a disease threat. If the director is not satisfied that the wildlife or aquatic plants do not pose a disease threat, they shall not be released or planted in the state. Director approval for release or planting may be withdrawn for cause.

(d) Each permit shall require that an applicant intending to release wildlife in the state shall report immediately to the director the outbreak of any disease among the wildlife intended to be released. If the director determines that such outbreak presents a threat to the wildlife of the state, the director may immediately order such action as necessary including quarantine or destruction of stock, sterilization of enclosures and facilities, cessation of activities, and disposal of wildlife in a manner satisfactory to the director.

(e) Each permit shall require that wildlife to be released shall not be branded, tattooed, tagged, fin clipped or otherwise marked for identification without approval of the director or as required in WAC 232-12-044.

(f) Legally acquired pheasant of the genus Phasianus; gray partridge of the genus Perdix; chukar of the genus Alectoris; quail of the genus Callipepla and Colinus; and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) may be released without a permit for purposes of dog training, and hunting pursuant to WAC 232-12-044. Game birds of these species released for these purposes must be purchased from facilities that have been inspected by a certified veterinarian within the past twelve months. Rock doves and Eurasian collared doves may be released without a permit for purposes of bird dog training.

(2) Release by the director. The director may plant aquatic plants or release animal species, subspecies, or hybrids which have been planted or released previously in Washington if they do not pose a disease threat and if planting or release will not cause adverse impact on the wildlife or wildlife habitat of the state. Before releasing any species, subspecies, or hybrid of animal not already existing in the wild in Washington, the director shall report to the commission on the planned release, stating the basis for determining that the planned release fulfills the criteria set forth herein. The director may release nonnative species, subspecies, or hybrids not previously released in Washington only if the director in his or her sole discretion has determined that:

(a) There is no reasonable expectation of adverse impact on the wildlife or wildlife habitat of the state and there is an adequate plan for evaluating such impact following the release;

(b) The commission has classified the species, subspecies, or hybrids to be released pursuant to RCW 77.12.020;

(d) The nonnative species, subspecies, or hybrids to be released are free of exotic pathogens;

(e) The release serves the public interest.

(3) This section does not apply to release of classified or unclassified fish or shellfish by persons who have caught or taken the fish or shellfish, provided the fish or shellfish are released into the water or on the tidelands at the approximate location where taken, except that fishing contest participants may release fish at a contest-designated location in the same body of water from which the fish were taken.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 06-11-032, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06)

WAC 232-12-024 Requirements for sealing of pelts and collection of biological information for river otter, cougar, lynx, and bobcat.

(1) It is unlawful to possess river otter, cougar, lynx, or bobcat taken in Washington without a department identification seal which has been attached to the raw pelt, on or off the carcass, prior to the pelt sealing deadline.

(2) ((Any river otter, cougar, or bobcat raw pelt must be presented by the person harvesting the animal, in such a manner that teeth and biological samples can be extracted, to an authorized department employee for sealing.

(3))) The raw pelt of a bobcat or river otter must be ((sealed by)) presented to an authorized department employee, or authorized individual under permit with the department, for sealing within 20 days after the close of the appropriate hunting or trapping season in which it was killed.

(((4))) (3) Any person who takes a cougar without the use of dogs must notify the department within 72 hours of kill (excluding legal state holidays) and provide the hunter's name, date and location of kill, and sex of animal. Any person who takes a cougar with the use of dogs must notify the department within 24 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)) presented to an authorized department employee for sealing within five days 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.

(((5))) (4) It is unlawful to transport or cause the transport out of Washington a raw pelt of river otter, cougar, lynx, or bobcat taken in Washington without a department seal attached to the pelt.

(((6))) (5) The raw pelt of a river otter, cougar, lynx, or bobcat taken outside Washington and imported into the state must be identified by a tag ((and/or)), seal ((from the)) or permit consistent with federal, state or country of origin laws and be accompanied by an invoice ((or)), declaration or permit specifying the number of pelts in the shipment.

(((7))) (6) It is unlawful to possess an unlocked, broken, or otherwise open department seal for river otter, cougar, lynx, or bobcat unless the seal wire or band has been cut through and removed from a pelt that has been received and invoiced by a licensed taxidermist or fur dealer for processing or removed from a pelt that has been processed, except that individuals authorized by the department to seal pelts may possess open, unbroken seals.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 01-10-048, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01)

WAC 232-12-141 Wild animal trapping.

(1) The trapping season authorizes the taking of furbearing animals for their hides and pelts only. Furbearers may not be taken from the wild and held alive for sale or personal use without a special permit ((pursuant to WAC 232-12-064)) from the director.

(2) Any wildlife trapped for which the season is not open shall be released unharmed. Any wildlife that cannot be released unharmed must be left in the trap, and the department of fish and wildlife must be notified immediately.

(3) Lawfully trapped wild animals must be lethally dispatched or immediately released. A firearm may be used to dispatch trapped animals.

(4) It is unlawful to trap for wild animals:

(a) With body-gripping traps((, EXCEPT as provided for in subsection (b).

(b) Conibear-type traps in water, nonstrangling foot snares, and padded foot-hold traps may be used for the following purposes with a permit issued by the director:

(i) To protect public health and safety, in consultation with the department of social and health services or the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(ii) To abate damages caused to private property, domestic animals, livestock or timber, that cannot be reasonably abated by nonlethal control tools. Any person requesting a damage control permit must apply in writing, stating the threat or damages, the nonlethal control methods attempted or why they cannot be applied, and agree to use the above traps for no more than thirty days under the permit granted.

(iii) To protect threatened or endangered species, if such traps are used by department employees or agents.

(iv) To conduct wildlife research, EXCEPT that Conibear-type traps are prohibited for this purpose.

(c))) without a special permit from the director.

(b) Unless kill traps are checked and animals removed within seventy-two hours.

(((d))) (c) Unless animals captured in restraining traps (any nonkilling set) are removed within twenty-four hours of capture.

(((e))) (d) Using game birds, game fish or game animals for bait, except nonedible parts of game birds, game fish or game animals may be used as bait.

(((f))) For purposes of this section, the meat of animals classified as furbearing animals in WAC 232-12-007 is not considered edible.

(e) Within thirty feet of any exposed meat bait or nonedible game parts which are visible to flying raptors.

(5) Game bird feathers may be used as an attractor.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-10-019, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14)

WAC 232-12-242 Hunting restrictions.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife during any modern firearm deer or elk season with any firearm 240 caliber or larger, or containing slugs or buckshot, unless the hunter has a valid license, permits and tags for modern firearm deer or elk seasons are in his or her possession.

(a) This subsection does not apply to people hunting bear, cougar, mountain goat, mountain sheep, or turkey.

(b) A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 or 77.15.430, depending on the circumstances of the violation.

(2)(a) It is unlawful to hunt any wildlife at night or wild animals, except rabbits and hares, with dogs (hounds) during the month((s)) of ((September,)) October((,)) or November ((in any area open to a)) during the dates established for eastern and western Washington modern firearm deer or elk general seasons. During the modern firearm deer and elk general seasons the hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.430, Unlawful hunting of wild animals—Penalty.

(b) It is unlawful to use hounds to hunt black bear, cougar (EXCEPT as pursuant to RCW 77.15.245), coyote, and bobcat year-round. A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty, or RCW 77.15.430, depending on the circumstances of the violation.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-02-043, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13)

WAC 232-12-288 Official hunting hours for big game animals, rabbits, hares, fox, and forest grouse.

(1) The following tables show the lawful hunting hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset) for big game animals, rabbits, hares, fox, and forest grouse (ruffed, blue, spruce) during established seasons.

(2) Exception((s:

(a) Bobcat and raccoon are exempt from hunting hour restrictions during established bobcat and raccoon seasons. However, when the area is open to modern firearm hunting of deer or elk, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

(b))): Hunting hours for falconry seasons (except for migratory game bird seasons) are exempt from these hunting hours, except on designated pheasant release sites.

(3) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON SUNDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Sun.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 8	6:00	8:15	5:45	8:00
Mon.	Sept. 9	-	Sun.	Sept. 15	6:10	8:00	6:00	7:45
Mon.	Sept. 16	-	Sun.	Sept. 22	6:20	7:45	6:10	7:30
Mon.	Sept. 23	-	Sun.	Sept. 29	6:30	7:30	6:20	7:15
Mon.	Sept. 30	-	Sun.	Oct. 6	6:40	7:15	6:30	7:05
Mon.	Oct. 7	-	Sun.	Oct. 13	6:50	7:00	6:40	6:50
Mon.	Oct. 14	-	Sun.	Oct. 20	7:00	6:50	6:50	6:35
Mon.	Oct. 21	-	Sun.	Oct. 27	7:10	6:35	7:00	6:25
Mon.	Oct. 28	-	Sat.	Nov. 2	7:20	6:25	7:10	6:20
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 3	6:20	5:25	6:10	5:20
Mon.	Nov. 4	-	Sun.	Nov. 10	6:30	5:15	6:20	5:00
Mon.	Nov. 11	-	Sun.	Nov. 17	6:40	5:05	6:30	4:50
Mon.	Nov. 18	-	Sun.	Nov. 24	6:50	4:55	6:40	4:45
Mon.	Nov. 25	-	Sun.	Dec. 1	7:00	4:50	6:50	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 2	-	Sun.	Dec. 8	7:10	4:50	7:00	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 9	-	Sun.	Dec. 15	7:15	4:50	7:05	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 16	-	Sun.	Dec. 22	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 23	-	Sun.	Dec. 29	7:25	4:55	7:10	4:45
Mon.	Dec. 30	-	Sun.	Jan. 5	7:25	5:00	7:15	4:45
Mon.	Jan. 6	-	Sun.	Jan. 12	7:25	5:05	7:15	4:55
Mon.	Jan. 13	-	Sun.	Jan. 19	7:20	5:15	7:10	5:05
Mon.	Jan. 20	-	Sun.	Jan. 26	7:15	5:25	7:05	5:15
Mon.	Jan. 27	-	Fri.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:35	7:00	5:25

(4) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON MONDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Mon.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 7	6:00	8:15	5:50	8:00
Mon.	Sept. 8	-	Sun.	Sept. 14	6:10	8:00	6:00	7:50
Mon.	Sept. 15	-	Sun.	Sept. 21	6:20	7:45	6:10	7:35
Mon.	Sept. 22	-	Sun.	Sept. 28	6:30	7:30	6:15	7:20
Mon.	Sept. 29	-	Sun.	Oct. 5	6:40	7:15	6:30	7:05
Mon.	Oct. 6	-	Sun.	Oct. 12	6:50	7:00	6:40	6:55
Mon.	Oct. 13	-	Sun.	Oct. 19	7:00	6:50	6:50	6:40
Mon.	Oct. 20	-	Sun.	Oct. 26	7:10	6:40	7:00	6:25
Mon.	Oct. 27	-	Sat.	Nov. 1	7:20	6:25	7:15	6:15
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 2	6:20	5:25	6:10	5:15
Mon.	Nov. 3	-	Sun.	Nov. 9	6:30	5:15	6:20	5:00
Mon.	Nov. 10	-	Sun.	Nov. 16	6:40	5:05	6:30	4:55
Mon.	Nov. 17	-	Sun.	Nov. 23	6:50	5:00	6:40	4:45
Mon.	Nov. 24	-	Sun.	Nov. 30	7:00	4:50	6:50	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 1	-	Sun.	Dec. 7	7:10	4:50	7:00	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 8	-	Sun.	Dec. 14	7:15	4:50	7:05	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 15	-	Sun.	Dec. 21	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 22	-	Sun.	Dec. 28	7:25	4:55	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 29	-	Sun.	Jan. 4	7:25	5:00	7:15	4:45
Mon.	Jan. 5	-	Sun.	Jan. 11	7:25	5:05	7:15	4:55
Mon.	Jan. 12	-	Sun.	Jan. 18	7:25	5:15	7:10	5:05
Mon.	Jan. 19	-	Sun.	Jan. 25	7:20	5:25	7:05	5:15
Mon.	Jan. 26	-	Fri.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:30	7:00	5:25

(5) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON TUESDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Tues.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 6	6:00	8:15	5:50	8:05
Mon.	Sept. 7	-	Sun.	Sept. 13	6:10	8:05	6:00	7:50
Mon.	Sept. 14	-	Sun.	Sept. 20	6:20	7:50	6:05	7:35
Mon.	Sept. 21	-	Sun.	Sept. 27	6:30	7:35	6:15	7:20
Mon.	Sept. 28	-	Sun.	Oct. 4	6:40	7:20	6:25	7:05
Mon.	Oct. 5	-	Sun.	Oct. 11	6:45	7:05	6:35	6:55
Mon.	Oct. 12	-	Sun.	Oct. 18	6:55	6:50	6:45	6:40
Mon.	Oct. 19	-	Sun.	Oct. 25	7:05	6:40	6:55	6:30
Mon.	Oct. 26	-	Sat.	Oct. 31	7:20	6:25	7:05	6:15
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 1	6:20	5:25	6:05	5:15
Mon.	Nov. 2	-	Sun.	Nov. 8	6:30	5:15	6:15	5:05
Mon.	Nov. 9	-	Sun.	Nov. 15	6:40	5:05	6:30	4:55
Mon.	Nov. 16	-	Sun.	Nov. 22	6:50	5:00	6:40	4:45
Mon.	Nov. 23	-	Sun.	Nov. 29	7:00	4:55	6:50	4:40
Mon.	Nov. 30	-	Sun.	Dec. 6	7:10	4:50	6:55	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 7	-	Sun.	Dec. 13	7:15	4:50	7:05	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 14	-	Sun.	Dec. 20	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 21	-	Sun.	Dec. 27	7:25	4:50	7:15	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 28	-	Sun.	Jan. 3	7:30	5:00	7:15	4:45
Mon.	Jan. 4	-	Sun.	Jan. 10	7:25	5:05	7:15	4:55
Mon.	Jan. 11	-	Sun.	Jan. 17	7:25	5:15	7:10	5:00
Mon.	Jan. 18	-	Sun.	Jan. 24	7:20	5:25	7:05	5:10
Mon.	Jan. 25	-	Sat.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:30	7:00	5:20

(6) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Wed.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 5	6:00	8:15	5:50	8:05
Mon.	Sept. 6	-	Sun.	Sept. 12	6:10	8:05	5:55	7:50
Mon.	Sept. 13	-	Sun.	Sept. 19	6:15	7:50	6:05	7:40
Mon.	Sept. 20	-	Sun.	Sept. 26	6:25	7:35	6:15	7:25
Mon.	Sept. 27	-	Sun.	Oct. 3	6:35	7:20	6:25	7:10
Mon.	Oct. 4	-	Sun.	Oct. 10	6:45	7:10	6:35	6:55
Mon.	Oct. 11	-	Sun.	Oct. 17	6:55	6:55	6:45	6:40
Mon.	Oct. 18	-	Sun.	Oct. 24	7:05	6:40	6:55	6:30
Mon.	Oct. 25	-	Sun.	Oct. 31	7:15	6:30	7:05	6:15
Mon.	Nov. 1	-	Sat.	Nov. 6	7:25	6:20	7:15	6:05
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 7	6:25	5:20	6:15	5:05
Mon.	Nov. 8	-	Sun.	Nov. 14	6:40	5:10	6:25	4:55
Mon.	Nov. 15	-	Sun.	Nov. 21	6:50	5:00	6:35	4:50
Mon.	Nov. 22	-	Sun.	Nov. 28	7:00	4:55	6:45	4:40
Mon.	Nov. 29	-	Sun.	Dec. 5	7:05	4:50	6:55	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 6	-	Sun.	Dec. 12	7:15	4:50	7:05	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 13	-	Sun.	Dec. 19	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 20	-	Sun.	Dec. 26	7:25	4:50	7:15	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 27	-	Sun.	Jan. 2	7:25	4:55	7:15	4:45
Mon.	Jan. 3	-	Sun.	Jan. 9	7:25	5:05	7:15	4:50
Mon.	Jan. 10	-	Sun.	Jan. 16	7:25	5:10	7:10	5:00
Mon.	Jan. 17	-	Sun.	Jan. 23	7:20	5:20	7:10	5:10
Mon.	Jan. 24	-	Mon.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:30	7:00	5:20

(7) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON THURSDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Thurs.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 4	6:00	8:15	5:45	8:05
Mon.	Sept. 5	-	Sun.	Sept.11	6:05	8:05	5:55	7:55
Mon.	Sept. 12	-	Sun.	Sept. 18	6:15	7:50	6:05	7:40
Mon.	Sept. 19	-	Sun.	Sept. 25	6:25	7:40	6:10	7:25
Mon.	Sept. 26	-	Sun.	Oct. 2	6:35	7:25	6:25	7:10
Mon.	Oct. 3	-	Sun.	Oct. 9	6:45	7:10	6:35	6:55
Mon.	Oct. 10	-	Sun.	Oct. 16	6:55	7:05	6:40	6:45
Mon.	Oct. 17	-	Sun.	Oct. 23	7:05	6:40	6:55	6:30
Mon.	Oct. 24	-	Sun.	Oct. 30	7:15	6:30	7:00	6:20
Mon.	Oct. 31	-	Sat.	Nov. 5	7:25	6:20	7:15	6:05
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 6	6:25	5:20	6:15	5:05
Mon.	Nov. 7	-	Sun.	Nov. 13	6:35	5:10	6:25	4:55
Mon.	Nov. 14	-	Sun.	Nov. 20	6:45	5:00	6:35	4:50
Mon.	Nov. 21	-	Sun.	Nov. 27	6:55	4:55	6:45	4:40
Mon.	Nov. 28	-	Sun.	Dec. 4	7:05	4:50	6:55	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 5	-	Sun.	Dec. 11	7:15	4:50	7:00	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 12	-	Sun.	Dec. 18	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 19	-	Sun.	Dec. 25	7:25	4:50	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 26	-	Sun.	Jan. 1	7:25	4:55	7:15	4:45
Mon.	Jan. 2	-	Sun.	Jan. 8	7:25	5:00	7:15	4:50
Mon.	Jan. 9	-	Sun.	Jan. 15	7:25	5:10	7:10	5:00
Mon.	Jan. 16	-	Sun.	Jan. 22	7:20	5:20	7:10	5:10
Mon.	Jan. 23	-	Sun.	Jan. 29	7:15	5:30	7:00	5:20
Mon.	Jan. 30	-	Tues.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:35	6:55	5:25

(8) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON FRIDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Fri.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 3	6:00	8:20	5:45	8:05
Mon.	Sept. 4	-	Sun.	Sept. 10	6:05	8:10	5:55	7:55
Mon.	Sept. 11	-	Sun.	Sept. 17	6:15	7:55	6:05	7:40
Mon.	Sept. 18	-	Sun.	Sept. 24	6:25	7:40	6:10	7:30
Mon.	Sept. 25	-	Sun.	Oct. 1	6:35	7:25	6:20	7:15
Mon.	Oct. 2	-	Sun.	Oct. 8	6:45	7:10	6:30	7:00
Mon.	Oct. 9	-	Sun.	Oct. 15	6:55	6:55	6:40	6:45
Mon.	Oct. 16	-	Sun.	Oct. 22	7:05	6:45	6:50	6:30
Mon.	Oct. 23	-	Sun.	Oct. 29	7:10	6:35	7:00	6:20
Mon.	Oct. 30	-	Sat.	Nov. 4	7:25	6:20	7:10	6:10
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 5	6:25	5:20	6:10	5:10
Mon.	Nov. 6	-	Sun.	Nov. 12	6:35	5:10	6:25	5:00
Mon.	Nov. 13	-	Sun.	Nov. 19	6:45	5:00	6:35	4:50
Mon.	Nov. 20	-	Sun.	Nov. 26	6:55	4:55	6:45	4:45
Mon.	Nov. 27	-	Sun.	Dec. 3	7:05	4:50	6:55	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 4	-	Sun.	Dec. 10	7:15	4:50	7:00	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 11	-	Sun.	Dec. 17	7:20	4:50	7:10	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 18	-	Sun.	Dec. 24	7:25	4:50	7:10	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 25	-	Sun.	Dec. 31	7:25	4:55	7:15	4:40
Mon.	Jan. 1	-	Sun.	Jan. 7	7:30	5:00	7:15	4:50
Mon.	Jan. 8	-	Sun.	Jan. 14	7:25	5:10	7:15	5:00
Mon.	Jan. 15	-	Sun.	Jan. 21	7:20	5:20	7:10	5:10
Mon.	Jan. 22	-	Sun.	Jan. 28	7:15	5:30	7:00	5:20
Mon.	Jan. 29	-	Wed.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:35	6:55	5:20

(9) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

WHEN THE SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31 PERIOD BEGINS ON SATURDAY


					Western Washington from A.M. to P.M.		Eastern Washington from A.M. to P.M.
Dates (Inclusive)
Daylight Savings Time
Sat.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 2	6:00	8:20	5:45	8:10
Mon.	Sept. 3	-	Sun.	Sept. 9	6:05	8:10	5:50	8:00
Mon.	Sept. 10	-	Sun.	Sept. 16	6:15	7:55	6:00	7:45
Mon.	Sept. 17	-	Sun.	Sept. 23	6:20	7:40	6:10	7:30
Mon.	Sept. 24	-	Sun.	Sept. 30	6:30	7:25	6:20	7:15
Mon.	Oct. 1	-	Sun.	Oct. 7	6:40	7:15	6:30	7:00
Mon.	Oct. 8	-	Sun.	Oct. 14	6:50	7:00	6:40	6:45
Mon.	Oct. 15	-	Sun.	Oct. 21	7:00	6:45	6:50	6:35
Mon.	Oct. 22	-	Sun.	Oct. 28	7:10	6:35	7:00	6:20
Mon.	Oct. 29	-	Sat.	Nov. 3	7:20	6:20	7:10	6:10
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Nov. 4	6:20	5:20	6:10	5:10
Mon.	Nov. 5	-	Sun.	Nov. 11	6:35	5:10	6:20	5:00
Mon.	Nov. 12	-	Sun.	Nov. 18	6:45	5:05	6:30	4:50
Mon.	Nov. 19	-	Sun.	Nov. 25	6:55	4:55	6:40	4:45
Mon.	Nov. 26	-	Sun.	Dec. 2	7:05	4:50	6:50	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 3	-	Sun.	Dec. 9	7:10	4:50	7:00	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 10	-	Sun.	Dec. 16	7:20	4:50	7:05	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 17	-	Sun.	Dec. 23	7:25	4:50	7:10	4:35
Mon.	Dec. 24	-	Sun.	Dec. 30	7:25	4:55	7:15	4:40
Mon.	Dec. 31	-	Sun.	Jan. 6	7:25	5:00	7:15	4:50
Mon.	Jan. 7	-	Sun.	Jan. 13	7:25	5:10	7:15	4:55
Mon.	Jan. 14	-	Sun.	Jan. 20	7:20	5:15	7:10	5:05
Mon.	Jan. 21	-	Sun.	Jan. 27	7:15	5:25	7:05	5:15
Mon.	Jan. 28	-	Thur.	Jan. 31	7:10	5:35	7:00	5:25

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-10-019, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14)

WAC 232-28-342 ((2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15)) 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations.

Hunters must comply with the bag, possession, and season limits described in this section. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of RCW 77.15.245, 77.15.400, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted and the circumstances of the violation.

STATEWIDE SEASONS:

(1) FOREST GROUSE (BLUE, RUFFED, AND SPRUCE)

(a) BAG DAILY((AND POSSESSION))((S)): 4 grouse per day, ((straight or mixed bag, with a total of 12 grouse in possession at any time.

(b))) to include not more than 3 Blue Grouse, 3 Spruce Grouse, and 3 Ruffed Grouse.

(b) POSSESSION LIMIT: 12 grouse, to include not more than 9 Blue Grouse, 9 Spruce Grouse, and 9 Ruffed Grouse.

(2) BOBCAT

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.

(b) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Mar. 15((, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)) during the current license year.

(3) RACCOON

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide, EXCEPT closed on Long Island within Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

(4) FOX

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide, EXCEPT closed within the exterior boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests ((and GMUs 407 and 410)).

(ii) Sept. 1, 2013 - Mar. 15, 2014; and

(iii) Sept. 1, 2014 - Mar. 15, 2015)) during the current license year.

(5) COYOTE

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(d) RESTRICTION: It is unlawful to hunt coyote with dogs.

(6) COTTONTAIL RABBIT AND SNOWSHOE HARE (OR WASHINGTON HARE)

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 5 cottontails or snowshoe hares per day, with a total of 15 in possession at any time, straight or mixed bag.

(b) SEASON DATES: (((i))) Sept. 1((, 2012)) - Mar. 15((, 2013;

(ii) Sept. 1, 2013 - Mar. 15, 2014; and

(iii) Sept. 1, 2014 - Mar. 15, 2015)) during the current license year.

(7) CROWS

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.

(b) SEASON DATES: (((i))) Sept. 1((, 2012)) - Dec. 31((, 2012;

(ii) Sept. 1, 2013 - Dec. 31, 2013; and

(iii) Sept. 1, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2014)) during the current license year.

(8) JACKRABBIT:

Closed statewide.

(9) PTARMIGAN, SAGE, AND SHARP-TAILED GROUSE:

Closed statewide.

(10) WILD TURKEY:

(a) YOUTH SEASON: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.

(ii) SEASON DATES:

(A) April ((7-8, 2012)) 4-5, 2015;

(B) April ((6-7, 2013)) 2-3, 2016;

(D) April ((4-5, 2015)) 7-8, 2018.

(b) SPRING SEASON

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.

(ii) SEASON DATES: (((A))) April 15 - May 31((, 2012;

(B) April 15 - May 31, 2013;

(D) April 15 - May 31, 2015)) during the current license year.

(iii) BAG LIMIT: The combined spring/youth season limit is 3 birds. Only 2 turkeys may be killed in Eastern Washington, except only one (1) may be killed in Chelan, Kittitas, or Yakima counties. One (1) turkey may be killed per year in Western Washington outside of Klickitat County. Two (2) turkeys may be killed in Klickitat County.

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Beardless only.

(ii) LEGAL HUNTER: Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag.

(iii) OPEN AREA: GMUs 105-142.

(iv) SEASON DATES:

(A) Sept. 22 - Oct. 12, 2012;

(B) Sept. 21 - Oct. 11, 2013; and

(v) BAG LIMIT: Two (2) beardless turkeys (in addition to other fall turkey harvest).

(d))) EARLY FALL GENERAL SEASON

(i) ((LEGAL BIRD: Either sex.

(ii))) LEGAL HUNTER: Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag.

(((iii))) (ii) OPEN AREA: GMUs 101((, 124-142, 145))-154((,)) and 162-186.

(((iv))) (iii) SEASON DATES:

(A) Sept. ((22)) 19 - Oct. ((12, 2012)) 16, 2015;

(B) Sept. ((21)) 17 - Oct. ((11, 2013)) 14, 2016; and

(((v))) (iv) BAG LIMIT: ((One (1))) Three (3) turkeys (((in addition to other fall turkey harvest).

(e))) during the early fall general season with the following area restrictions:


Game Management Units (GMUs)	Legal Bird and Limit
105-121	Two (2) beardless turkeys
101, 145-154, 162-186	One (1) either sex turkey
124-142	Two (2) beardless plus one (1) either sex turkey

(d) FALL PERMIT SEASONS

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Either sex.

(ii) LEGAL HUNTER: All hunters who are selected in the fall turkey special permit drawing and who also possess a valid turkey tag.


Hunt Name	Permit Season Dates	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description	Permits	Bag Limit*
Klickitat	Sept. ((22)) 19 - Oct. ((12, 2012)) 16, 2015, Sept. ((21)) 17 - Oct. ((11, 2013)) 14, 2016, Sept. ((20)) 23 - Oct. ((10, 2014)) 13, 2017	Either sex	GMUs 382, 388, 568-578	150	1
Methow	Nov. 15 - Dec. 15, ((2012, 2013, 2014)) 2015, 2016, 2017	Either sex	GMUs 218-231 and 242	50	1
Teanaway	Nov. 15 - Dec. 15, ((2012, 2013, 2014)) 2015, 2016, 2017	Either sex	GMU 335	50	1

*BAG LIMIT: During the fall permit hunting seasons.

(((f))) (e) LATE FALL SEASON

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Either sex.

(ii) LEGAL HUNTER: Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag.

(iii) OPEN AREA: GMUs 105-154, 162-186.

(iv) SEASON DATES: (((A))) Nov. 20 - Dec. 15((, 2012;

(B) Nov. 20 - Dec. 15, 2013; and

(v) BAG LIMIT: One (1) turkey.

(((g))) (f) HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR INCENTIVE PERMITS

(i) LEGAL BIRD: Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.

(ii) LEGAL HUNTER: Qualified hunter education instructors who are selected through a random drawing. Hunter education instructors qualify if the instructor is certified and has been in active status for a minimum of 3 consecutive years, inclusive of the year prior to the permit drawing. ((Instructors who are drawn, accept a permit, and are able to participate in the hunt will not be eligible for a hunter education instructor incentive permit for 10 years after they are drawn for the incentive permit.))

(iii) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(iv) SEASON DATES: April 1 - May 31((, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)) during the current license year.

(v) PERMITS: 2 individuals will be drawn for this permit per year.

(((h))) (vi) BAG LIMIT: 1 male turkey or turkey with visible beard in addition to other spring season turkey harvest.

(g) OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS FOR WILD TURKEY:

1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset during spring and fall seasons.

(((i))) (h) SPECIAL RULES FOR WILD TURKEY:

(i) ((Turkey season is open for shotgun shooting #4 shot or smaller, archery, and muzzleloader shotgun shooting #4 shot or smaller.

(ii))) It is unlawful to hunt turkey unless the hunter possesses a turkey tag.

(((iii))) (ii) It is unlawful to hunt turkeys with dogs.

(((iv))) (iii) It is unlawful to bait game birds.

EASTERN WASHINGTON SEASONS:

(11) RING-NECKED PHEASANT

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: Three (3) cock pheasants per day. Hunters may possess up to 15 cock pheasants at any one time.

(b) YOUTH SEASON DATES: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) Sept. ((22-23, 2012)) 19-20, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((21-22, 2013)) 17-18, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((20-21, 2014)) 23-24, 2017.

(i) Sept. ((24-28, 2012)) 21-25, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((23-27, 2013)) 19-23, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((22-26, 2014)) 25-29, 2017.

(d) REGULAR SEASON DATES:

(i) Oct. ((20, 2012)) 17, 2015 - Jan. ((13, 2013)) 18, 2016;

(ii) Oct. ((19, 2013)) 15, 2016 - Jan. ((12, 2014)) 16, 2017; and

(iii) Oct. ((18, 2014)) 21, 2017 - Jan. ((11, 2015)) 15, 2018.

(12) CHUKAR

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 6 chukar per day. Hunters may possess up to 18 chukar at any one time.

(b) YOUTH SEASON DATES: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) Sept. ((22-23, 2012)) 19-20, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((21-22, 2013)) 17-18, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((20-21, 2014)) 23-24, 2017.

(i) Oct. ((6, 2012)) 3, 2015 - Jan. ((21, 2013)) 18, 2016;

(ii) Oct. ((5, 2013)) 1, 2016 - Jan. ((20, 2014)) 16, 2017; and

(iii) Oct. ((4, 2014)) 7, 2017 - Jan. ((19, 2015)) 15, 2018.

(13) GRAY (HUNGARIAN) PARTRIDGE

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 6 gray partridges per day. Hunters may possess up to 18 gray partridges at any one time.

(b) YOUTH SEASON DATES: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) Sept. ((22-23, 2012)) 19-20, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((21-22, 2013)) 17-18, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((20-21, 2014)) 23-24, 2017.

(i) Oct. ((6, 2012)) 3, 2015 - Jan. ((21, 2013)) 18, 2016;

(ii) Oct. ((5, 2013)) 1, 2016 - Jan. ((20, 2014)) 16, 2017; and

(iii) Oct. ((4, 2014)) 7, 2017 - Jan. ((19, 2015)) 15, 2018.

(14) MOUNTAIN QUAIL

Closed throughout Eastern Washington.

(15) CALIFORNIA (VALLEY) QUAIL AND NORTHERN BOBWHITE

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 10 quail per day. Hunters may possess up to 30 quail at any one time, straight or mixed bag.

(b) YOUTH SEASON DATES: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) Sept. ((22-23, 2012)) 19-20, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((21-22, 2013)) 17-18, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((20-21, 2014)) 23-24, 2017.

(i) Oct. ((6, 2012)) 3, 2015 - Jan. ((21, 2013)) 18, 2016;

(ii) Oct. ((5, 2013)) 1, 2016 - Jan. ((20, 2014)) 16, 2017; and

(iii) Oct. ((4, 2014)) 7, 2017 - Jan. ((19, 2015)) 15, 2018.

WESTERN WASHINGTON SEASONS:

(16) RING-NECKED PHEASANT

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 2 pheasants of either sex per day. Hunters may possess up to 15 pheasants at any one time.

(b) YOUTH SEASON DATES: Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

(i) Sept. ((22-23, 2012)) 19-20, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((21-22, 2013)) 17-18, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((20-21, 2014)) 23-24, 2017.

(i) Sept. ((24-28, 2012)) 21-25, 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((23-27, 2013)) 19-23, 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((22-26, 2014)) 25-29, 2017.

(d) REGULAR SEASON DATES: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(i) Sept. ((29)) 26 - Nov. 30, ((2012)) 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((28)) 24 - Nov. 30, ((2013)) 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((27)) 30 - Nov. 30, ((2014)) 2017.

(e) EXTENDED SEASON DATES:

(i) Dec. 1-15, ((2012, 2013, 2014)) during the current license year.

(ii) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only at the following release sites: Belfair, Fort Lewis, Kosmos, Lincoln Creek, Scatter Creek, Skookumchuck, and all Whidbey Island release sites EXCEPT Bayview.

(iii) The department will not release pheasants during the extended season.

(f) SPECIAL RESTRICTION: Western Washington pheasant hunters must choose to hunt only on odd-numbered or even-numbered weekend days from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at all units of Lake Terrell, Tennant Lake, Snoqualmie, Skagit, Skookumchuck, and Scatter Creek Wildlife Areas, and all hunting sites on Whidbey Island. Hunters must indicate their choice of odd-numbered or even-numbered weekend days on the Western Washington Pheasant Permit by choosing "odd" or "even." Hunters who select the three day option, hunters 65 years of age or older, and youth hunters may hunt in the morning on both odd-numbered and even-numbered weekend days. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older, and the adult must have an appropriately marked pheasant permit if hunting.

(17) MOUNTAIN QUAIL

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 2 mountain quail per day. Hunters may possess up to 4 mountain quail at any one time.

(b) SEASON DATES:

(i) Sept. ((29)) 26 - Nov. 30, ((2012)) 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((28)) 24 - Nov. 30, ((2013)) 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((27)) 30 - Nov. 30, ((2014)) 2017.

(18) CALIFORNIA (VALLEY) QUAIL AND NORTHERN BOBWHITE

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 10 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite per day. Hunters may possess up to 30 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite at any one time, straight or mixed bag.

(b) SEASON DATES:

(i) Sept. ((29)) 26 - Nov. 30, ((2012)) 2015;

(ii) Sept. ((28)) 24 - Nov. 30, ((2013)) 2016; and

(iii) Sept. ((27)) 30 - Nov. 30, ((2014)) 2017.

FALCONRY SEASONS:

(19) UPLAND GAME BIRD AND FOREST GROUSE - FALCONRY

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS:

(i) 2 pheasants (either sex);

(ii) 6 partridge;

(iii) 5 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite;

(iv) 2 mountain quail (in Western Washington only);

(v) 3 forest grouse (blue, ruffed, spruce) per day; and

(vi) Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(ii) Aug. 1, 2013 - Mar. 15, 2014; and

(iii) Aug. 1, 2014 - Mar. 15, 2015)) during the current license year.

(20) TURKEY - FALCONRY

(a) A turkey tag is required to hunt turkey during the turkey falconry season.

(b) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: One (1) turkey (either sex) per turkey tag, with a maximum of 2 turkeys. Hunters may possess up to 2 turkeys at any one time.

(d) SEASON DATES: (((i))) Sept. 1, ((2012)) - Feb. 15((, 2013;

(ii) Sept. 1, 2013 - Feb. 15, 2014; and

(iii) Sept. 1, 2014 - Feb. 15, 2015)) during the current license year.

(21) MOURNING DOVE - FALCONRY

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 3 mourning doves per day, straight bag or mixed bag with snipe, coots, ducks, and geese during established seasons. The possession limit is three times the daily limit.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(22) COTTONTAIL RABBIT AND SNOWSHOE HARE - FALCONRY

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 5 cottontails or snowshoe hares per day, straight or mixed bag. Hunters may possess up to 15 cottontails or snowshoe hares at any one time, straight or mixed bag.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(ii) Aug. 1, 2013 - Mar. 15, 2014; and

(iii) Aug. 1, 2014 - Mar. 15, 2015)) during the current license year.

OTHER SEASONS:

(23) CANADA GOOSE SEPTEMBER SEASON

(a) WESTERN WASHINGTON:

(i) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS:

(A) 5 Canada geese per day; hunters may possess up to 15 Canada geese at any time, EXCEPT((:)) as otherwise provided below.

(B) In Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties and that part of Clark County north of the Washougal River: 3 Canada geese per day; hunters may possess up to 9 at any one time.

(ii) SEASON DATES: Sept. 10-15((, 2012, 2013, and 2014)) during the current license year, EXCEPT Pacific County: Sept. 1-15((, 2012, 2013, and 2014)) during the current license year.

(b) EASTERN WASHINGTON:

(i) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 3 Canada geese per day; hunters may possess up to 6 at any one time.

(ii) SEASON DATES: ((Sept. 14-15, 2012, 2013, and Sept. 13-14, 2014.)) Sept. 12-13, 2015; Sept. 10-11, 2016; Sept. 9-10, 2017.

(24) MOURNING DOVE

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: ((10)) 15 mourning doves per day. Hunters may possess up to ((30)) 45 mourning doves at any one time.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(25) BAND-TAILED PIGEON

(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 2 band-tailed pigeons per day. Hunters may possess up to 6 band-tailed pigeons at any one time.

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(d) WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION IS REQUIRED TO HUNT BAND-TAILED PIGEONS:

(i) Hunters must possess a special migratory bird hunting authorization and harvest record card for band-tailed pigeons when hunting band-tailed pigeons. Immediately after taking a band-tailed pigeon into possession, hunters must record the required information in ink on the harvest record card. Hunters must report harvest information from band-tailed pigeon harvest record cards to the Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) so that the department receives the information by September 30 following the current season. Every person issued a migratory bird hunting authorization and harvest record card must return the entire card to WDFW or report the card information at the designated internet site listed on the harvest record card. If a hunter fails to report his or her harvest by the reporting deadline, he or she is in violation of reporting requirements.

(ii) Beginning with the 2013 license year, hunters who do not report band-tailed pigeon hunting activity by the reporting deadline for any harvest record card are required to pay a ten dollar administrative fee before any new migratory bird authorization and harvest record card is issued. A hunter may only be penalized a maximum of ten dollars during a license)) during the current license year.

(26) BIRD DOG TRAINING SEASON

(a) Wild upland game birds may be pursued during the dog-training season but may not be killed except during established hunting seasons. A small game license is required to train dogs on wild game birds. A Western Washington Pheasant Permit is required to train dogs on pheasants in Western Washington. Captive raised game birds may be released and killed during dog training if the hunter has proof of lawful acquisition (invoices) and the birds are appropriately marked (WAC 232-12-271 and 232-12-044).

(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.

(c) SEASON DATES: Aug. 1((, 2012)) - Mar. 31((, 2013; Aug. 1, 2013 - Mar. 31, 2014; Aug. 1, 2014 - Mar. 31, 2015)) during the current license year.

(d) Only youth and seniors may train dogs during their respective seasons on designated Western Washington pheasant release sites.

(e) Bird dog training may be conducted year round on areas posted for bird dog training on portions of:

(i) Region One - Espanola (T24N, R40E, E 1/2 of section 16);

(ii) Region Three - South L. T. Murray Wildlife Area;

(iii) Region Four - Skagit Wildlife Area, Lake Terrell Wildlife Area, and Snoqualmie Wildlife Area;

(iv) Region Five - Shillapoo/Vancouver Lake Wildlife Area;

(v) Region Six - Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, Fort Lewis Military Base.

(27) YAKAMA INDIAN RESERVATION:

The ((2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15)) 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 upland bird seasons within the Yakama Indian Reservation are the same as the season established by the Yakama Indian Nation.

(28) COLVILLE INDIAN RESERVATION:

The ((2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15)) 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 upland bird seasons within the Colville Indian Reservation are the same as the season established by the Colville Indian Tribe.

HIP REQUIREMENTS:

(29) All hunters of migratory game birds (duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeon) age 16 and over are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey at a license dealer and possess a Washington Migratory Bird permit as evidence of compliance with this requirement when hunting migratory game birds.

(30) Youth hunters are required to complete a HIP survey and possess a free Washington Youth Migratory Bird permit as evidence of compliance with this requirement when hunting migratory game birds.

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 09-09-083, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09)

WAC 232-28-516 Trapping seasons and regulations.

(1) Statewide trapping seasons:


SPECIES	SEASON DATES
Badger, Beaver, Bobcat, Marten, Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Red Fox, River Otter((a)), and Weasel	Nov. 1 - Mar. 31 during the current license year


((a	River otter trapping season is closed in all Eastern Washington counties, except in Chelan, Ferry, Klickitat, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties, as well as in the Snake and Walla Walla River drainages. The season bag limit is 12 river otter in the portions of Eastern Washington that are open to trapping.))

(2) Participation requirements:

(a) To be issued your first Washington state trapping license an individual must pass the Washington state trapper education exam.

(b) Licensed trappers must comply with reporting requirements in WAC 232-12-134.