WSR 16-04-126 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Filed February 3, 2016, 9:33 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 15-24-136 on December 2, 2015, and WSR 15-22-107 on November 4, 2015.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The subject of this proposed rule-making effort is the development and/or amendment of deer and elk seasons and permits; baiting regulations for deer and elk; deer and elk area boundaries; special closures and firearm restriction areas; importation of dead wildlife; possession of dead wildlife; reducing the spread of elk hoof disease; cougar seasons and regulations; spring black bear seasons and regulations; bighorn sheep seasons and permits; special hunting season permits; auction, raffle, and special incentive permits; landowner hunting permit (LHP) program; hunting by persons with a disability; migratory waterfowl seasons, regulations, and closures; upland game bird and other small game seasons and regulations; hunter education deferrals; and other hunting regulations.
Hearing Location(s): Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 South Balsam, Moses Lake, WA 98837, on March 18-19, 2016, at 8:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: On or after April 8, 2016.
Submit Written Comments to: Online http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/hunting_regulations or to the Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by February 25, 2016.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Tami Lininger by February 26, 2016, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Existing Rules Proposed for Amendment: WAC 232-12-021 Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife, 232-12-228 Hunter education deferral, 232-12-286 Reducing the spread of hoof disease—Unlawful transport of elk hooves, 232-12-287 Possession of dead wildlife, 232-12-828 Hunting of game birds and animals by persons with a disability, 232-16-740 Columbia, Snake, and Yakima River waterfowl, coot, and snipe closures, 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas, 232-28-283 Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits, 232-28-286 2016, 2017, and 2018 Spring black bear seasons and regulations, 232-28-296 Landowner hunting permits, 232-28-297 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations, 232-28-337 Elk area descriptions, 232-28-342 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations, 232-28-358 2015-2017 Elk general seasons and definitions, 232-28-357 2015-2017 Deer general seasons and definitions, 232-28-359 2015 Deer special permits, 232-28-360 2016 Elk special permits, 232-28-436 2015-2016 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, 232-28-622 2015-2017 Bighorn sheep seasons and permit quotas, and 232-28-624 Deer area descriptions.
New Rule(s) Proposed for Adoption: Department staff is requesting the fish and wildlife commission to adopt one of the following three proposed rules: WAC 232-12-239 Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk, 232-12-245 Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk, or 232-12-246 Bait volume limits for the purpose of hunting deer or elk.
WAC 232-12-021, the purpose of the proposal is to add Michigan to the list of states and provinces requiring additional processing of deer, elk, and moose carcasses before they can be brought into Washington. The states and provinces listed in WAC have confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) in their wild, free-ranging populations of cervids.
WAC 232-12-228, the proposed rule changes will remove language pertaining to outdated practices, clarify language, and allow the department (hunter education and licensing divisions) to provide improved customer service.
WAC 232-12-239, the purpose of this proposal is to further the public discussion regarding hunting deer and elk using bait. If adopted the rule would make it unlawful to use bait to hunt deer or elk for all hunters.
WAC 232-12-245, the purpose of this proposal is to further the public discussion regarding hunting deer and elk using bait. If adopted the rule would make it unlawful to hunt deer or elk using bait in excess of ten gallons and bait located closer than two hundred yards from another bait site.
WAC 232-12-246, the purpose of this proposal is to further the public discussion regarding hunting deer and elk using bait. If adopted the rule would make it unlawful to hunt deer or elk using bait in excess of ten gallons.
WAC 232-12-286, the purpose of this proposal is to allow, under certain circumstances, the legal transport of elk hooves coming from game management units (GMU) with treponeme associated hoof disease. The amendment would help facilitate current research on treponeme associated hoof disease and make the emergency rule permanent.
WAC 232-12-287, currently there is no legal way to salvage and possess deer, elk, or moose that have been killed by a motor vehicle. Per a request by the fish and wildlife commission, the department has investigated a strategy that would allow salvage and possession of those animals. The proposed amendments would facilitate the legal salvage of road-killed deer and elk.
WAC 232-12-828, the proposal is intended to reinstitute a rule that was deleted in 2014 related to shooting firearms from vehicles. The anticipated effects would be greater clarity for hunters and enforcement officers.
WAC 232-16-740, the proposal amends Columbia, Snake, and Yakima River waterfowl, coot, and snipe closures, to correct an inaccurate boundary description for the closure on the Snake River contained in subsection (6).
WAC 232-28-248, the purpose of the proposal is to change the special closures and firearm restriction areas rule to clarify a restriction in Grays Harbor County. The restriction in question should only apply during modern firearm deer and elk seasons. The restriction is unnecessary during other times of the year. The restriction still allows hunting to be used as a management tool.
WAC 232-28-283, we are recommending a few minor changes to big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits hunting for 2016: (1) A new "Three-deer auction permit," valid September 1 - December 31. (2) Allow the department to extend the areas open to the holder of the single, statewide moose auction permit beyond those open to holders of moose draw permits. (3) Remove GMU 175 from areas available to the holder of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep raffle permit.
WAC 232-28-286, the proposal is intended to establish harvest guidelines for twenty-two spring bear hunts around the state. The anticipated effects include timber damage or public safety mitigation and providing for hunting recreation within harvest levels described in the 2015-21 Game Management Plan.
WAC 232-28-296, this proposal modifies hunt dates on properties enrolled in Washington department of fish and wildlife's (WDFW) LHP program for the 2016 hunting seasons. These sites offer special hunting opportunities to the public through permits issued by WDFW, raffles, or selection by the landowner.
WAC 232-28-297, this proposal includes three alternative options for modifying existing rules. The proposal establishes harvest guidelines for fifty cougar units around the state. Cougar guidelines are designed to provide a long season and hunting opportunity for hunters without the use of dogs (i.e., spot and stalking in snow and/or calling). The anticipated effects are harvest levels consistent with the game management plan, balancing hunting opportunity with sustainable cougar populations.
WAC 232-28-337, one new elk area is being proposed for Asotin County. The proposed addition is intended to reduce agricultural damage.
A change to Elk Area 6054 in Pierce County is proposed. The purpose is to make the boundary more discernable and make hunts held in the elk area more effective at mitigating elk damage.
The proposed change to Elk Area 6064 in Grays Harbor and Jefferson counties removes some public land that was unnecessarily included. The elk area was established due to safety concerns but the original boundary included some USFS lands where this concern does not exist.
The proposal removes one elk area (EA 6063) in Grays Harbor and Jefferson counties that is no longer needed.
WAC 232-28-342, the proposal amends 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations, to specify legal season dates, bag limits, and open areas to hunt small game and other wildlife for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 hunting seasons. In this proposal harvest information program (HIP) requirements are removed from WAC 232-28-342 and are included in WAC 232-28-436.
WAC 232-28-358, the purpose of this proposal is to retain general season elk hunting opportunity for 2016. The purpose is also to balance the elk hunting opportunity between user groups. The proposal also increases elk hunting opportunity when elk populations allow.
WAC 232-28-357, the purpose of this proposal is to retain general season deer hunting opportunity for 2016. In addition, the purpose of the proposal is to balance the hunting opportunity between user groups. The proposal also increases the opportunity when deer populations allow, and reduces the opportunity when declining deer numbers warrant a change.
WAC 232-28-359, the purpose of this proposal is to retain special permit deer hunting opportunity for 2016. In addition, the purpose of the proposal is to balance the hunting opportunity between user groups. The proposal also increases the opportunity when deer populations allow, and reduces the opportunity when declining deer numbers warrant a change.
WAC 232-28-360, the purpose of this proposal is to retain elk special permit hunting opportunity for 2016. The purpose is also to balance the elk hunting opportunity between user groups. The proposal also increases elk hunting opportunity when elk populations allow, and reduces elk hunting opportunity when declining elk numbers warrant a change. The proposal makes minor adjustments to season dates.
WAC 232-28-436, the proposal amends 2015-16 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, to specify legal season dates, bag limits, and open areas to hunt waterfowl, coot, snipe, band-tailed pigeon, and mourning dove for the 2016-17 hunting season. In this proposal HIP requirements are removed from WAC 232-28-342 and are included in WAC 232-28-436.
WAC 232-28-622, we are recommending a few minor changes to bighorn hunting for 2016: (1) Discontinuing ewe permits for the Selah Butte herd (which is declining); (2) adding ewe permits for the Cleman Mountain herd (which is overabundant); (3) adding ram permit opportunity for the Swakane and Chelan Butte herds; (4) adding ewe permits for disabled hunters, as well as a new category of "immature ram" for disabled hunters, both in the Chelan Butte bighorn sheep herd; and (5) making minor adjustments to season dates.
WAC 232-28-624, the proposed changes to the deer area descriptions rule will create three new deer areas: One each in Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties. The proposed additions will accommodate using hunting as a management tool and are intended to reduce agricultural damage in these locations.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-12-021, the proposal reduces the risk of CWD being imported into Washington state via carcasses of animals harvested in other states. Reducing disease risk helps in sustaining deer, elk, and moose populations and hunting opportunities in Washington.
WAC 232-12-228, the existing rules contain outdated elements that are no longer implemented. The proposal will also enable a much higher level of customer service, including: Additional payment methods for the hunter education deferral; reduction or elimination of mail costs and delays; elimination of original and replacement deferral cards; opportunity for immediate hunting license purchase; and minor rule clarifications. Department cost savings will be realized via a reduction in staff time to process deferral applications and fees and the reduction or elimination of mailing and printing costs.
WAC 232-12-239, in the last three years the department has been approached by hunters and landowners that do not approve of the practice of baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk. Additional input was received as part of the three year hunting season package, public process in 2015.
The nonrandom input the department received via the web site during the three year package process indicated that twenty-three percent of hunters wanted a ban on baiting with an exception for food plots and agricultural operations. Fourteen percent of hunters wanted to disallow the use of bait by hunting guides and restrict the manner and volume of baiting by hunters not using guides. A sixty-three percent majority of the hunters commenting wanted no change to the rules pertaining to baiting deer and elk.
In a random telephone survey of deer hunters conducted as part of the 2015-17 three year package, fifty-nine percent either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for deer. Deer hunters that supported or strongly supported baiting for deer made up twenty-one percent of the respondents. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and nine percent didn't know.
In the same random telephone survey, sixty-eight percent of elk hunters either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for elk. Elk hunters that supported or strongly supported using bait to hunt elk were fourteen percent. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and eight percent didn't know.
Although some potential exists, the department has no data at this time to suggest that the practice of baiting for deer and elk hunting has a negative population or natural resource effect.
The fish and wildlife commission discussed this issue in March and April 2015 and decided to not make changes to the existing rule (baiting for deer and elk hunting is allowed). Since then, the department has facilitated further discussion with a group of hunters interested in the issue. That group met several times over the past year. Through that process, and input received from the game management advisory council in 2015, it is clear that there is no consensus on this issue other than scents and natural agricultural practices should not be considered baiting. Members expressed several points of view ranging from banning all baiting for deer and elk hunting to retaining the ability to bait using any quantity. The committee discussed alternatives to the "all or none" scenario, which resulted in several options that will be presented to the commission for discussion and possible decision. The commission will consider options that range from banning all baiting to retaining all baiting, including two specific options that consider a volume limit on the amount of bait allowed.
WAC 232-12-245, in the last three years the department has been approached by hunters and landowners that do not approve of the practice of baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk. Additional input was received as part of the three year hunting season package, public process in 2015.
The nonrandom input the department received via the web site during the three year package process indicated that twenty-three percent of hunters wanted a ban on baiting with an exception for food plots and agricultural operations. Fourteen percent of hunters wanted to disallow the use of bait by hunting guides and restrict the manner and volume of baiting by hunters not using guides. A sixty-three percent majority of the hunters commenting wanted no change to the rules pertaining to baiting deer and elk.
In a random telephone survey of deer hunters conducted as part of the 2015-17 three year package, fifty-nine percent either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for deer. Deer hunters that supported or strongly supported baiting for deer made up twenty-one percent of the respondents. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and nine percent didn't know.
In the same random telephone survey, sixty-eight percent of elk hunters either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for elk. Elk hunters that supported or strongly supported using bait to hunt elk were fourteen percent. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and eight percent didn't know.
Although some potential exists, the department has no data at this time to suggest that the practice of baiting for deer and elk hunting has a negative population or natural resource effect.
The fish and wildlife commission discussed this issue in March and April 2015 and decided to not make changes to the existing rule (baiting for deer and elk hunting is allowed). Since then, the department has facilitated further discussion with a group of hunters interested in the issue. That group met several times over the past year. Through that process, and input received from the game management advisory council in 2015, it is clear that there is no consensus on this issue other than scents and natural agricultural practices should not be considered baiting. Members expressed several points of view ranging from banning all baiting for deer and elk hunting to retaining the ability to bait using any quantity. The committee discussed alternatives to the "all or none" scenario, which resulted in several options that will be presented to the commission for discussion and possible decision. The commission will consider options that range from banning all baiting to retaining all baiting, including two specific options that consider a volume limit on the amount of bait allowed.
WAC 232-12-246, in the last three years the department has been approached by hunters and landowners that do not approve of the practice of baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk. Additional input was received as part of the three year hunting season package, public process in 2015.
The nonrandom input the department received via the web site during the three year package process indicated that twenty-three percent of hunters wanted a ban on baiting with an exception for food plots and agricultural operations. Fourteen percent of hunters wanted to disallow the use of bait by hunting guides and restrict the manner and volume of baiting by hunters not using guides. A sixty-three percent majority of the hunters commenting wanted no change to the rules pertaining to baiting deer and elk.
In a random telephone survey of deer hunters conducted as part of the 2015-17 three year package, fifty-nine percent either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for deer. Deer hunters that supported or strongly supported baiting for deer made up twenty-one percent of the respondents. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and nine percent didn't know.
In the same random telephone survey, sixty-eight percent of elk hunters either opposed or strongly opposed baiting for elk. Elk hunters that supported or strongly supported using bait to hunt elk were fourteen percent. Eleven percent of those surveyed were neutral and eight percent didn't know.
Although some potential exists, the department has no data at this time to suggest that the practice of baiting for deer and elk hunting has a negative population or natural resource effect.
The fish and wildlife commission discussed this issue in March and April 2015 and decided to not make changes to the existing rule (baiting for deer and elk hunting is allowed). Since then, the department has facilitated further discussion with a group of hunters interested in the issue. That group met several times over the past year. Through that process, and input received from the game management advisory council in 2015, it is clear that there is no consensus on this issue other than scents and natural agricultural practices should not be considered baiting. Members expressed several points of view ranging from banning all baiting for deer and elk hunting to retaining the ability to bait using any quantity. The committee discussed alternatives to the "all or none" scenario, which resulted in several options that will be presented to the commission for discussion and possible decision. The commission will consider options that range from banning all baiting to retaining all baiting, including two specific options that consider a volume limit on the amount of bait allowed.
WAC 232-12-286, this proposal helps facilitate research on treponeme associated hoof disease in elk while also helping reduce the probability of the disease spreading.
WAC 232-12-287, this proposal would allow citizens to salvage meat from a deer or elk that has been killed in a vehicle collision.
WAC 232-12-828, currently, all hunters with disabilities are permitted to shoot from their vehicles under RCW 77.32.238. In 2014, WAC 232-12-828 provided language that described how hunters with disabilities can shoot from a vehicle. This language was removed in preparation for an RCW change that was anticipated in 2015. That RCW change never occurred. Hunters with disabilities currently do not have defined guidance for shooting from a vehicle. Recommended language addition reinstitutes how, when, and where hunters with disabilities may shoot from their vehicles. WDFW enforcement staff and county prosecutors have requested more defined language. The proposed rule change is recommended to stay in rule until RCW is changed.
WAC 232-16-740, need to provide a clear, accurate description of the boundary for effective enforcement and conservation of migratory bird resources.
WAC 232-28-248, special closures and firearm restriction areas allow the fish and wildlife commission to restrict or close hunting activity in certain areas and during certain time periods to optimize safety, discourage trespass on restricted lands, and protect sensitive species.
WAC 232-28-283, (1) increase hunter interest in deer hunting and provide additional revenue for the deer/elk section. This was suggested by a citizen group as likely to be attractive to hunters, and will help raise revenue and interest in deer hunting without adverse effects to the resource. This will complement the existing, three-deer raffle permit, which contains similar stipulations.
(2) Increase revenue available to monitor moose populations. This was suggested by involved citizens as a way to enhance interest in moose and increase available revenue for moose. For the past three years, the department has documented an expanding front of moose colonization to the west and south of the primary moose areas. We have not had resources to formally survey these areas, but know that there are a few large bull moose that could safely be harvested without interrupting this expansion. We recommend beginning with the auction permit, because hunters bidding for this generally do their own scouting, and thus can actually help us understand moose distribution in these areas.
(3) GMU 175 represents the area typically used by the Asotin bighorn sheep herd. Although the herd appears to be slowly rebounding from a disease-related reduction, the number of mature rams has become sufficiently low to generate a biological concern. There are currently an insufficient number of rams in this herd to justify a ram hunt for 2016.
WAC 232-28-286, proposed harvest is anticipated to be consistent with the game management plan. In addition, these proposals provide additional tools for landowners to deal with timber damage. Some proposals may help the agency address concerns over public safety.
WAC 232-28-296, several years ago, the fish and wildlife commission developed a policy to expand the private lands available to the general public for hunting. One of the programs that was authorized was the LHP program. This program encourages landowners to provide opportunity to the general hunter in exchange for customized hunting seasons and the ability to generate funding to offset the cost of providing public access.
WAC 232-28-297, to provide early and late season hunting opportunity for hunters without the use of dogs (i.e., spot and stalking in snow and/or calling), while maintaining sustainable cougar populations.
WAC 232-28-337, elk areas allow the fish and wildlife commission to adopt hunting seasons that can be conducted at a smaller scale than the GMU. Setting seasons at this scale allows for more strategic wildlife management using hunting as a tool to control populations and mitigate wildlife conflict.
WAC 232-28-342, minor modifications are needed to provide additional recreational hunting opportunities for disabled hunters, and consolidate migratory game bird regulations due to changes in the federal regulatory process.
WAC 232-28-358, this proposal provides for recreational elk hunting opportunity and protects elk from overharvest. The proposal would maintain sustainable general elk hunting season opportunities for 2016. The proposal helps address elk agricultural damage problems and provides for elk population control when needed.
WAC 232-28-357, these proposals provide for recreational deer hunting opportunity and protect deer from overharvest. The proposal would maintain sustainable general deer hunting season opportunities for 2016. The proposal helps address deer agricultural damage problems and provides for deer population control when needed.
WAC 232-28-359, these proposals provide for recreational deer hunting opportunity and protect deer from overharvest. The proposal would also maintain sustainable deer special permit hunting season opportunities for 2016. The proposal helps address deer agricultural damage problems and provides for deer population control when needed.
WAC 232-28-360, this proposal provides for recreational elk hunting opportunity and protects elk from overharvest. The proposal would maintain sustainable elk special permit hunting opportunity for 2016. The proposal helps address elk agricultural damage problems and provides for elk population control when needed.
WAC 232-28-436, migratory game bird seasons and regulations are developed based on cooperative management programs among states of the Pacific Flyway and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, considering population status and other biological parameters. The rule establishes migratory game bird seasons and regulations to provide recreational opportunity, control waterfowl damage, and conserve the migratory game bird resources of Washington.
WAC 232-28-622, maintain population size and hunter opportunity and reduce the risk of bacterial infection from domestic sheep/goats by reducing the tendency of animals in overabundant herds to foray from their core ranges.
WAC 232-28-624, deer areas allow the fish and wildlife commission to adopt hunting seasons that can be conducted at a smaller scale than the GMU. Setting seasons at this scale allows for more strategic wildlife management, using hunting as a tool to control populations and mitigate wildlife conflict.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, 77.32.155.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, 77.32.155.
Rule is necessary because of federal law, C.F.R. Title 50, Part 20, Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Name of Proponent: WDFW, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Nate Pamplin, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2515; and Enforcement: Steven Crown, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2936.
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 3, 2016
Jacalyn M. Hursey
Acting Rules Coordinator
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-035, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15)
WAC 232-12-021 Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife.
(1) It is unlawful:
(a) To import or possess dead wildlife, taken in another state or country, into Washington unless such wildlife was acquired lawfully. Proof of legal acquisition must be retained during the period of retention of the carcass or edible parts.
(b) For a person who imports a dead bighorn sheep, mountain goat, cougar or bear to fail to report such importation to the department in writing within ten days of the importation. The report must contain the name and address of the importer, the location where the dead wildlife is being stored, and general information describing where and how the wildlife was obtained.
(c) To import or possess deer, elk, or moose, or parts thereof, harvested in Pennsylvania, Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, North Dakota, Alberta, Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Saskatchewan, with the following exceptions:
(i) Meat that has been deboned in the state or province where it was harvested and is imported as boned-out meat;
(ii) Skulls and antlers, antlers attached to the skull plate, or upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, ivories) from which all soft tissue has been removed;
(iii) Hides or capes without heads attached;
(iv) Tissue imported for use by a diagnostic or research laboratory; and
(v) Finished taxidermy mounts.
(2) Violation of subsection (1) of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.290((,)) Unlawful transportation of fish or wildlife—Penalty.
(3) It is unlawful for an importer or receiver of deer or elk to fail to notify the department within twenty-four hours if a state or province alerts the importer or receiver that a harvested animal has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. Violation of this subsection is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160((,)) Infractions.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 07-22-100, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07)
WAC 232-12-228 Hunter education deferral.
(1) Pursuant to RCW 77.32.155, individuals may apply for a director-authorized, once in a lifetime, one-license-year deferral of hunter education training. To qualify, the applicant for deferral and his or her accompanying, licensed hunter must comply with the following requirements:
(a) The applicant for deferral must:
(i) Be at least ten years of age when applying for the deferral; and
(ii) Not have failed the hunter education training course within the previous twelve months, if he or she took the course.
(b) The accompanying, licensed hunter, as defined in RCW 77.32.155, must:
(i) Be over eighteen years of age; and
(ii) ((Provide proof that he or she)) Have had a Washington hunting license for the three years prior to being an accompanying, licensed hunter.
(c) To provide maximum supervision and to enhance safety afield, an accompanying, licensed hunter must supervise only one deferred hunter while afield.
(d) An accompanying hunter must remain close enough to the deferred hunter to have uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory communication with the deferred hunter.
(2) Application procedures.
(a) Applicants for deferral must submit their applications to the department's hunter education division office in Olympia, Washington. Applications submitted without the required information will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
(b) Applicants for deferral must submit ((with each deferral application)) a twenty-dollar application fee ((payable via personal or cashier's check written to WDFW. Applications submitted without the required fee or information will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant)).
(c) Deferral applications will be on forms prescribed by the department and may be made available to the public in both printed and electronic formats.
(3) License purchases.
(a) Individuals granted a deferral under this section will ((receive a special WILD identification number and a special authorization card that allow the applicant)) be authorized to purchase hunting licenses and tags for the license year during which the applicant requested a deferral. An applicant ((may)) will not ((use his or her special WILD identification number and special authorization card)) be authorized for future hunting license purchases in Washington state without first successfully completing a hunter education training course.
(b) Individuals deferred under this administrative regulation:
(i) Must purchase hunting licenses and tags in accordance with current licensing procedures;
(ii) Must pay all hunting license and tag fees established under current law; and
(iii) Are only eligible to participate in general hunting seasons and/or youth opportunities.
(4) ((Possession of deferral authorization.
(a) Individuals hunting with a deferral under this administrative regulation must carry their department-issued deferral card at all times while hunting.
(b) Request for replacement of deferral cards must be made by the licensee. A duplicate deferral card may be issued at department offices.
(5))) If either the deferred education licensee or the required non deferred accompanying person, hunting under the authority of RCW 77.32.155(2), is convicted of a violation of this title, except for a violation of unlawful hunting of wild birds, RCW 77.15.400 (1) through (3), the department may revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of one or both the deferred education licensee and the nondeferred accompanying person's hunting privileges for one year.
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-12-239 Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk.
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Bait" is any salt, grain, fruit, hay or other food-based attractant that could serve as a lure or attraction for deer or elk.
(b) Scent attractants and scent covers are not considered bait.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to hunt deer or elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk to an area where one or more persons intend to hunt them.
(3) Exceptions: Hunting on or over the following is not considered an unlawful use of bait while hunting deer or elk:
(a) Farms or ranches where active agricultural operations including salt or mineral distribution for livestock, crop fields, orchards, vineyards, hay fields, haystacks, or pastures exist;
(b) Abandoned orchards or vineyards;
(c) Naturally occurring mineral deposits; or
(d) Food plots planted for wildlife and left undisturbed.
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-12-245 Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk.
(1) For the purposes of this section: "Bait" is any substance that could serve as a lure, food, or attraction for deer or elk.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk to an area where one or more persons intend to hunt them, if the volume of bait exceeds 10 gallons.
(3) Bait sites cannot be placed within 200 yards from another bait site.
(4) Exceptions: Hunting on or over the following is not considered an unlawful use of bait while hunting deer or elk:
(a) Locally common agricultural and ranching practices including salt or mineral distribution, and feeding;
(b) Food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation; including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots;
(c) Scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals;
(d) Naturally occurring mineral deposits; or
(e) Exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait.
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-12-246 Bait volume limits for the purpose of hunting deer or elk.
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Bait" is any salt, grain, fruit, hay or other food-based attractant that could serve as a lure or attraction for deer or elk.
(b) Scent attractants and scent covers are not considered bait.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk to an area where one or more persons intend to hunt them, if the volume of bait exceeds 10 gallons (1.34 cubic feet).
(3) Exceptions: Hunting on or over the following is not considered an unlawful use of bait while hunting deer or elk:
(a) Farms or ranches where active agricultural operations including salt or mineral distribution for livestock, crop fields, orchards, vineyards, hay fields, haystacks, or pastures exist;
(b) Abandoned orchards or vineyards;
(c) Naturally occurring mineral deposits; or
(d) Food plots planted for wildlife and left undisturbed.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-17-093, filed 8/19/14, effective 9/19/14)
WAC 232-12-286 Reducing the spread of hoof disease—Unlawful transport of elk hooves.
(1) It is unlawful to transport the hooves of harvested elk beyond the site where the animal was killed in Game Management Units 501 through 564, and 642 through 699, except when specifically authorized by the department or when acting as an agent of the department in the limited capacity of cooperating with research or management actions regarding hoof disease as directed by the department.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 03-16-087, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03)
WAC 232-12-287 Possession of dead wildlife.
(1) Except as authorized by permit of the director or as otherwise provided by ((subsection (2) of)) this section, it is unlawful to possess wildlife found dead. This rule does not prohibit the possession of naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, an individual may remove and dispose of wildlife found dead on his or her property or an adjoining public roadway. Before removing the wildlife, the individual shall, by telephone, notify the department or the Washington state patrol communications office, and shall provide his or her name, address, telephone number, and the description and location of the wildlife. The individual may remove the wildlife for disposal only, and may not retain the wildlife for personal use or consumption. Other laws and rules may apply to the disposal, including rules of the department of health (WAC ((246-203-120)) 246-203-121). Wildlife removed under this ((section)) subsection remain the property of the state.
(3) It is permissible to salvage and transport a deer or elk that is accidentally killed by a motor vehicle collision on an established municipal, county, state, or federal road or highway.
(a) Big game licenses and tags cannot be used for the purpose of salvaging motor vehicle-killed deer or elk.
(b) A salvage permit must be obtained from the department within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. Permits may be obtained on the department's web site or at department regional offices.
(c) If the salvaged deer or elk has antlers, the antlers must be surrendered to a department regional or district office within 72 hours of being salvaged.
(d) The entire carcass, including entrails, of the animal must be removed from the road right of way.
(e) Salvaged deer or elk must be salvaged for consumption and all waste of wildlife rules will apply. Any meat an individual deems unfit for human consumption or unusable animal parts must be disposed of pursuant to WAC 246-203-121. Individuals salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk. The department makes no guarantee as to the fitness for consumption of deer or elk collected under a salvage permit.
(f) An individual may not kill an injured or wounded animal that they encounter for the purpose of salvage. A law enforcement officer present at the scene of a motor vehicle collision may euthanize an animal injured in the collision and that deer or elk may be taken for salvage.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-10-019, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14)
WAC 232-12-828 Hunting of game birds and animals by persons with a disability.
(1) Definitions:
(a) "Hunter with a disability" means a person with a permanent disability who possesses a disabled hunter permit issued by the department.
(b) "Disabled hunter permit" means a permit, card, or endorsement to a license issued by the department to any person with a permanent disability who applies to the department and presents such evidence as the director may require showing that the applicant is a person with a qualifying disability.
(i) Upon approval of the application, the department will issue a vehicle identification placard.
(ii) A designated hunter companion card will be issued to the holder of a disabled hunter permit along with the issuance of a hunting license.
(c) "Designated hunter companion" means a person who assists or acts on behalf of a hunter with a disability in the stalking, shooting, tracking, retrieving, or tagging of game birds and game animals.
(d) "Designated hunter companion card" means an identification card issued by the department to a hunter with a disability for use by another person in assisting or acting on the behalf of the hunter with a disability while engaging in hunting activities.
(e) "Accompany" means the hunter with a disability and the designated hunter companion are in the physical presence of each other, not to exceed a 1/4-mile separation. While stalking or shooting an animal, the hunter with a disability and the designated hunter companion must have a form of reliable and direct communication.
(2) It is unlawful for a hunter with a disability to fail to obtain all required licenses, tags, or stamps before hunting.
(3) It is unlawful for a designated hunter companion to assist a hunter with a disability unless the designated hunter companion has the designated hunter companion card on his or her person. A designated hunter companion must have a valid hunting license issued by Washington state or another state.
(a) The designated hunter companion must accompany the hunter with a disability when stalking or shooting game on behalf of the hunter with a disability.
(b) The designated hunter companion does not need to accompany the hunter with a disability while tracking an animal wounded by either hunter, or while tagging or retrieving a downed animal on behalf of the hunter with a disability.
(4) It is unlawful for the hunter with a disability or the designated hunter companion to fail to:
(a) Immediately cut, notch, or date any required tag upon harvesting a game bird or animal; and
(b) Affix the tag to the carcass of the game bird or animal as soon as reasonably possible after killing the game.
(5) A violation of subsection (2), (3), or (4) of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, 77.15.430, or 77.15.750 or other statutes under chapter 77.15 RCW depending on the circumstances of the violation.
(6) Game birds or game animals killed, tagged or retrieved by a designated hunter companion on behalf of a hunter with a disability do not count against the designated hunter companion's bag or possession limit.
(7) It is unlawful for a hunter with a disability to possess a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, or shoot from a motor vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle is removed from the maintained portion of the roadway, and the motor is turned off. A disabled hunter vehicle identification placard must be displayed and visible.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-034, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15)
WAC 232-16-740 Columbia, Snake, and Yakima River waterfowl, coot, and snipe closures.
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl, coot, and snipe on or within the following described areas:
(1) Waters and land below the mean high water mark of Bachelor Island Slough of the Columbia River. Bachelor Island Slough is further defined as those waters starting at the south end of the slough at its confluence with the Columbia River, running north along the eastern shore of Bachelor Island to the confluence with Lake River. (Clark County)
(2) The Columbia River and those lands lying within one-quarter mile of the Columbia River upstream from the railroad bridge at Wishram to the U.S. Highway 97 bridge at Maryhill (Klickitat County).
(3) The Columbia River between the mouth of Glade Creek (river channel marker 57) and the old town site of Paterson (river channel marker 67), except the hunting of waterfowl, coot, and snipe is permitted from the main shoreline of the Columbia River in this area. (Benton County)
(4) The Columbia River and those lands lying within one-quarter mile of the Columbia River between the old Hanford townsite (Wooden Tower) power line crossing in Section 24, T13N, R27E, to Vernita Bridge (Highway 24). (Benton, Franklin, and Grant counties)
(5) The Columbia River between the public boat launch at Sunland Estates (Wanapum Pool) and a point perpendicular in Kittitas County; upstream to the posted marker 200 yards north of Quilomene Bay and a point perpendicular in Grant County, including islands. (Grant and Kittitas counties)
(6) The Snake River and those lands within one-quarter mile of the Snake River, between the U.S. Highway 12 bridge near Burbank, upstream to a line running between shoreline navigation marker ((4)) 5 at Levey Park Recreation Area and the Corps of Engineers windmill at Charbonneau Habitat Management Unit. (Franklin and Walla Walla counties)
(7) The Yakima River and those lands lying within one-fourth mile of the Yakima River from the Sunnyside-Mabton Road bridge downstream to the Euclid Road bridge (4 miles). (Yakima County)
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas.
(1) RESTRICTED HUNTING AREAS.
It is unlawful to hunt in the following restricted hunting areas unless otherwise provided:
(a) Parker Lake (GMU 117, Pend Oreille County): All lands south of Ruby Creek Road (USFS Road 2489), north of Tacoma Creek Road (USFS Road 2389), and west of Bonneville Power Administration power lines are designated as "CLOSED AREA" to hunting wild animals and wild birds year-round except for special hunts adopted by the fish and wildlife commission. The Parker Lake closure provides a protected area for the U.S. Air Force Military Survival Training Program.
(b) Columbia River: The Columbia River, all islands except privately owned, in the river, the Benton County shoreline below the high water mark, Central Hanford Department of Energy property, and any peninsula originating on the Benton County shoreline, between Vernita Bridge on Highway 24 downstream to the Richland city limits are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to hunting wild animals and wild birds except waterfowl hunting is open below the high water mark between the old Hanford townsite power line crossing (wooden towers) in Section 24, T 13 N, R 27 E, and the Richland city limits.
(c) Green River (GMU 485): Except for special permit hunters, who may also take a black bear and/or cougar with the appropriate license/tag options, all lands within GMU 485 are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to hunting big game year-round. During the general westside elk season and general and late deer seasons, all lands within GMU 485 year-round are also designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to hunting all wild animals, including wild birds, year-round. The city of Tacoma enforces trespass within GMU 485 year-round on lands owned or controlled by the city.
(d) McNeil Island (part of GMU 652): Closed to hunting all wild animals, including wild birds, year-round.
(e) Loo-wit (GMU 522): Closed to hunting and trapping, except for elk hunting by special permit holders during established seasons and in designated areas.
(2) A violation of subsection (1) of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted.
(3) CLOSED BIG GAME HUNTING AREAS.
It is unlawful to hunt big game in the following closed areas, unless otherwise specified:
(a) Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties: Closed to hunting for Columbian whitetail deer.
(b) Cathlamet: Except for special permits issued by the department for nonendangered deer and elk, this area is closed to all deer and elk hunting to protect the Columbian whitetail deer. This area's boundaries are described as:
Beginning in the town of Skamokawa; then east along SR 4 to Risk Road; then south and east along Risk Road to Foster Road; then south along the Foster Road to the Elochoman River; then upstream along the Elochoman River to Elochoman Valley Road (old SR 407); then west along the Elochoman Valley Road to SR 4; then east along SR 4 to SR 409; then south along SR 409 to the Cathlamet Channel of the Columbia River; then east along the north shore of the Cathlamet Channel to Cape Horn; then south in the Columbia River to the state line; then west along the state line to a point directly south of the mouth of Skamokawa Creek; then north on Skamokawa Creek to SR 4 and the point of beginning.
(c) Walla Walla Mill Creek Watershed (GMU 157): All lands in the Mill Creek Watershed are designated as a "CLOSED AREA" to hunting all wild animals, including wild birds. The only exception is for deer or elk hunting by holders of GMU-157 special deer or elk permits during the established open season. These permit holders must have a U.S. Forest Service permit to enter the hunt area, and the area is closed to motorized vehicles. No entry into the Mill Creek Watershed is allowed at other times.
(d) Westport: Closed to hunting all big game animals on the part of Westport Peninsula lying north of State Highway 105 from the Elk River Bridge west end and the Schafer Island Road to the ocean beach.
(e) Cottonwood and Howard islands (GMU 564): Closed to all deer hunting.
(4) A violation of subsection (3) of this section is a gross misdemeanor or a class C felony punishable under RCW 77.15.410, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
(5) FIREARM RESTRICTION AREAS.
(a) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife in the following firearm restriction areas with centerfire or rimfire rifles, or to fail to comply with additional firearm restrictions, except as established below:
(b) Archery tag holders may only hunt during established archery seasons with archery equipment as defined under WAC 232-12-054.
(c) Muzzleloader tag holders may only hunt during established muzzleloader seasons with muzzleloader equipment or archery equipment as defined by department rule.
(d) Modern firearm tag holders may hunt during established modern firearm seasons with bows and arrows; crossbows; muzzleloaders; revolver-type handguns; semiautomatic handguns of .40 (10 mm) caliber or larger; or shotguns, so long as the equipment and ammunition complies with department rules.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-048, filed 4/29/15, effective 5/30/15)
WAC 232-28-283 Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits.
AUCTION PERMITS
(1) BLACK-TAILED DEER AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to black-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon type: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(2) MULE DEER AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon type: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck mule deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(3) WHITE-TAILED DEER AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon type: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck white-tailed deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(4) THREE-DEER AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, and one additional any buck white-tailed deer; total harvest not to exceed three animals.
(b) Hunt Area: For black-tailed deer, those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For mule deer, those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For white-tailed deer, those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(5) WESTSIDE ELK AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMU 485, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon type: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((5))) (6) EASTSIDE ELK AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon type: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((6))) (7) CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: The director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One California bighorn ram.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((7))) (8) MOOSE AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Any open moose unit, and hunt areas identified by the department before December 1 for the following year, and posted on the department's web site no later than January 1.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One moose of either sex.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((8))) (9) MOUNTAIN GOAT AUCTION PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: The director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
RAFFLE PERMITS
(((9))) (10) BLACK-TAILED DEER RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((10))) (11) MULE DEER RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck mule deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((11))) (12) WHITE-TAILED DEER RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck white-tailed deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((12))) (13) WESTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMU 485, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not open to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((13))) (14) EASTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((14))) (15) CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: The director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1 except that sheep units in Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin, or Pend Oreille counties are not open.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One California bighorn ram.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((15))) (16) MOOSE RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Any open moose unit.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One moose of either sex.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2
(((16))) (17) MOUNTAIN GOAT RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: The director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1.
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(d) Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((17))) (18) TURKEY RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Season dates: April 1 - May 31 and September 1 - December 31
(b) Hunt Area: Statewide.
(c) Weapon: Archery or shotgun only.
(d) Bag limit: Three additional wild turkeys, but not to exceed more than one turkey in Western Washington or two turkeys in Eastern Washington.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((18))) (19) ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: One Rocky Mountain bighorn ram.
(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 113, 172((, 175)).
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((19))) (20) THREE-DEER RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, and one additional any buck white-tailed deer; total harvest not to exceed three animals.
(b) Hunt Area: For black-tailed deer, those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For mule deer, those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For white-tailed deer, those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((20))) (21) NORTHEAST WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest three of six possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any bull elk, one any bull moose, one additional any legal cougar, one additional any legal black bear, and one additional any legal turkey (gobbler and turkey with visible beard ONLY); total harvest not to exceed three animals.
(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 101-124.
(c) Season dates:
(i) September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, elk, and moose.
(ii) April 15 - May 31 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear.
(iii) September 1 - March 31 for cougar. April 15 - May 31 for turkey.
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon EXCEPT archery and shotgun only for turkey.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((21))) (22) SOUTH-CENTRAL WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk, one additional any buck deer, and one California bighorn sheep ram; total harvest not to exceed three animals.
(b) Hunt Area: For elk, any 300 or 500 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to elk hunting and those GMUs not open to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For deer, any 300 or 500 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For California bighorn sheep, the director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1. For bighorn sheep, any bighorn herd located south of U.S. Highway 2 in Chelan County and west of the Columbia River in Kittitas and Yakima counties.
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((22))) (23) SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest four of five possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, one additional any bull elk, one additional any legal cougar, and one additional any legal black bear; total harvest not to exceed four animals.
(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 139-154 and 162-186.
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk. April 15 - June 15 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear. September 1 - March 31 for cougar
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(((23))) (24) NORTH-CENTRAL WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest three of five possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, one any ram California bighorn sheep, one additional any legal cougar, and one additional any legal black bear; total harvest not to exceed three animals.
(b) Hunt Area: For white-tailed deer, mule deer, cougar, and black bear, any 200 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For California bighorn sheep, the director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's web site no later than January 1 in Okanogan or Chelan counties north of US Highway 2.
(c) Season dates:
(i) September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and California bighorn sheep.
(ii) April 15 - May 15 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear.
(iii) September 1 - March 31 for cougar.
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
SPECIAL INCENTIVE PERMITS
(((24))) (25) WESTERN WASHINGTON ELK INCENTIVE PERMITS
(a) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMUs 418, 485, 522, and those GMUs closed to elk hunting or closed to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.
(d) Bag limit: One additional elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2
(((25))) (26) EASTERN WASHINGTON ELK INCENTIVE PERMITS
(a) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157 and those GMUs closed to elk hunting or closed to branch antlered bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.
(d) Bag limit: One additional elk.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2
(((26))) (27) DEER INCENTIVE PERMITS
(a) Hunt Area: Statewide, for use in any area open to general or permit hunting seasons EXCEPT GMUs 157, 418, 485, 522, and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.
(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT hunters must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons and any legal weapon at other times if there are no firearm restrictions.
(d) Bag limit: One additional any deer.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 5
PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCEDURE
(((27))) (28) Auction permits: The director will select a conservation organization(s) to conduct annual auction(s). Selection of the conservation organizations will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Big game and wild turkey auctions shall be conducted consistent with WAC 232-28-292.
(((28))) (29) Raffle permits: Raffle permits will be issued to individuals selected through a Washington department of fish and wildlife drawing or the director may select a conservation organization(s) to conduct annual raffles. Selection of a conservation organization will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Big game and wild turkey raffles shall be conducted consistent with WAC 232-28-290.
(((29))) (30) Special incentive permits: Hunters will be entered into a drawing for special deer and elk incentive permits for prompt reporting of hunting activity in compliance with WAC 232-28-299.
(((30))) (31) For permit hunts where the permittee may harvest multiple species, the permittee must select the species he/she wants to hunt within fourteen days of notification of being selected.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION AND REQUIREMENTS:
(((31))) (32) Permittees shall contact the appropriate regional office of the department of fish and wildlife when entering the designated hunt area or entering the region to hunt outside the general season.
(((32))) (33) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a legal weapon or harvest an animal.
(((33))) (34) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.
(((34))) (35) If requested by the department, the permittee is required to direct department officials to the site of the kill.
(((35))) (36) The permit is valid during the hunting season dates for the year issued.
(((36))) (37) The permittee will present the head and carcass of the bighorn sheep killed to any department office within seventy-two hours of date of kill.
(((37))) (38) The permittee must abide by all local, state, and federal regulations including firearm restriction areas and area closures.
(((38))) (39) Hunters awarded the special incentive permit will be required to send the appropriate license fee to the department of fish and wildlife headquarters in Olympia. The department will issue the license and transport tag and send it to the special incentive permit winner.
(((39))) (40) Permit hunters awarded a cougar permit may only use dogs in GMUs that have a cougar season open to dog use (WAC 232-28-285).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-066, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15)
WAC 232-28-286 2016, 2017, and 2018 Spring black bear seasons and regulations.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with the provisions of this section. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, 77.15.245, or 77.15.280, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
Who May Apply: Anyone with a valid Washington big game license, which includes black bear as a species option.
Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year:
a Permits are valid for the license year they are issued.
b Mostly private lands; access is extremely limited. Please secure access prior to applying for these hunts.
c Spring black bear hunting seasons to reduce black bear damage to trees.
d Firearm restriction area.
Bag Limit: One black bear per black bear special permit season.
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.
Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of dogs or bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.
Submitting Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must submit the black bear premolar located behind the canine tooth of the upper jaw.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-031, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15)
WAC 232-28-296 Landowner hunting permits.
(1) A landowner may enter into a contract with the department and establish boundaries and other requirements for hunter access consistent with commission policy.
(2) It is unlawful for hunters to participate in landowner-permit hunts unless the hunters possess both an access permit from the landowner and a hunting permit from the department for the species covered under the landowner's contract. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410.
(3)(a) Buckrun
(i) Buckrun is located in Grant County, near the town of Wilson Creek.
(ii) Hunting on Buckrun is managed for a quality experience by scheduling hunt dates and keeping the number of hunters in the field low. Hunters with limited flexibility for hunt dates may experience scheduling problems. Hunters can generally expect one-day hunts during the permit seasons with written authorization from the Buckrun manager. All hunters must check in and out with the landowner or their designee on hunt day. Hunts are scheduled on a first-come basis by calling 509-345-2577 in advance.
(b) Buckrun landowner hunting permits
(i) Buckrun's manager will distribute Buckrun's landowner hunting permits. Buckrun may charge an access fee for these permits, but not for winning raffle permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for permits on Buckrun's properties. Contact the manager at 509-345-2577 for additional information.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(c) Buckrun special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for Buckrun's special hunting permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for these special permits. All hunters must check in and out with the landowner or their designee. Hunts must be scheduled in advance by calling 509-345-2577.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(4)(a) Silver Dollar Association
The Silver Dollar Association is located in Yakima and Benton counties, on the western edge of the Hanford Reservation. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the Silver Dollar Association and the department.
(b) Silver Dollar Association landowner hunting permits
(i) The Silver Dollar Association's manager will distribute the association's landowner hunting permits. The association may charge an access fee for these permits.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
(c) Silver Dollar Association special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the department for the Silver Dollar Association's special hunting permits.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
(5)(a) Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches is located in Yakima County west of the Hanford Reservation. A legal description of the property is in the contract between Blackrock Ranches and the department.
(b) Blackrock Ranches landowner hunting permits
(i) Blackrock Ranches' manager will distribute the ranches' landowner hunting permits. Blackrock Ranches may charge an access fee for these permits.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
(c) Blackrock Ranches special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the department for Blackrock Ranches' special hunting permits. To apply, hunters must have an eastside elk tag.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
(6)(a) Pine Mountain Ranch
The Pine Mountain Ranch is located in Yakima County 14 miles west of Yakima. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the Pine Mountain Ranch and the department.
(b) Pine Mountain Ranch landowner hunting permits
(i) Pine Mountain Ranch's manager will distribute the ranch's landowner hunting permits. Pine Mountain Ranch may charge an access fee for these permits.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(iii) Elk Seasons:
(c) Pine Mountain Ranch special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the department for Pine Mountain Ranch's special hunting permits.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(iii) Elk Seasons:
(7)(a) Bennett Lumber LHP
(i) The Bennett Lumber property is located in Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties (GMUs 154, 162, 166, 172, and 178). A legal description of the property is in the contract between Bennett Lumber and the department.
(ii) Special hunting permits are not issued by the department for the Bennett Lumber LHP. Instead, Bennett Lumber will be enrolling in the hunt by reservation program to provide regulated public access to all of their property. The landowner and the department will develop a framework for scheduling reservation hunts on the property which will result in hunting opportunity exceeding that which otherwise would be available using the standard allocation guidelines for LHPs.
(b) Bennett Lumber landowner hunting permits
(i) Bennett Lumber's manager will distribute the ranch's landowner hunting permits. Bennett Lumber may charge an access fee for these permits. Holders of the 10 antlerless elk permits are eligible to purchase second elk tags that may only be used on lands included in the Bennett Lumber LHP.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(iii) Elk Seasons:
(8)(a) ZMI Ranch
ZMI Ranch is located in northern Walla Walla County near Lyons Ferry (GMU 149).
(b) ZMI Ranch landowner hunting permits
(i) ZMI Ranch's manager will distribute the ranch's landowner hunting permits. ZMI Ranch may charge an access fee for these permits.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(c) ZMI Ranch special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the department for ZMI Ranch's special hunting permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for ZMI special permits. Hunters must contact ZMI Ranch's manager to schedule a hunt time. All hunters must check in and out with the landowner or their designee on the day they hunt.
(ii) Deer Seasons:
(9)(a) Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association
(i) The Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association (CPWMA) landowner hunting permit area is located in Spokane County (GMU 130) near Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the CPWMA and the department.
(ii) Landowner permit hunts are primarily damage hunts but are managed for a quality experience by keeping the number of hunters in the field low.
(b) Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association landowner hunting permits
(i) CPWMA's manager will distribute the association's landowner hunting permits. CPWMA will not charge an access fee for raffle permit winners. Only hunters possessing an elk tag are eligible for permits on CPWMA's properties. All successfully drawn permit applicants must have written authorization from CPWMA's manager and must check in and out with CPWMA's designee at the beginning and ending of the scheduled hunting dates. Successful applicants will receive a packet of information with forms to complete and a map showing the hunt area. These applicants must complete the forms and return them before September 30. Applicants should see CPWMA's web site at www.cpwma.org or contact the hunt manager at 509-263-4616. Holders of landowner permits selected through raffle, including 13 antlerless elk and 2 any elk permits, are eligible to purchase second elk tags that may only be used on lands included in the CPWMA LHP.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
(c) Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association special hunting permits
(i) Hunters must apply to the department for CPWMA's special hunting permits. All successfully drawn permit applicants must have written authorization from CPWMA's manager and must check in and out with CPWMA's designee at the beginning and ending of the scheduled hunting dates. Successful applicants will receive a packet of required information with forms to complete and a map showing the hunt area. These applicants must complete the forms and return them before September 30. Applicants should see CPWMA's web site at www.cpwma.org or contact the hunt manager at 509-263-4616.
(ii) Elk Seasons:
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-066, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15)
WAC 232-28-297 ((2015-2016,)) 2016-2017((,)) and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations.
(1) As used in this section and in the context of general cougar hunting seasons, "harvest guideline" means the estimated allowable harvest; the actual harvest may be less than or more than the harvest guideline.
(2) General cougar season is September 1 to April 30 of the following year.
Option 1
Season dates and harvest guidelines for each season:
(a) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, the cougar late hunting season may close on or after January 1st in one or more GMUs if cougar harvest meets or exceeds the guideline.
(b) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, starting January 1st, cougar hunters may hunt cougar from January 1st until the hunt area harvest guideline has been met, and the department has notified licensed cougar hunters by posting the hunt area closure on the ((departments)) department's web site and on the toll-free cougar hunting hotline, or April 30th, whichever occurs first.
Option 2
Season dates and harvest guidelines for each season:
(a) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, the cougar late hunting season may close on or after January 1st in one or more GMUs if cougar harvest meets or exceeds the guideline.
(b) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, starting January 1st, cougar hunters may hunt cougar from January 1st until the hunt area harvest guideline has been met, and the department has notified licensed cougar hunters by posting the hunt area closure on the department's web site and on the toll-free cougar hunting hotline, or April 30th, whichever occurs first.
Option 3
Season dates and harvest guidelines for each season:
(a) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, the cougar late hunting season may close on or after January 1st in one or more GMUs if cougar harvest meets or exceeds the guideline.
(b) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, starting January 1st, cougar hunters may hunt cougar from January 1st until the hunt area harvest guideline has been met, and the department has notified licensed cougar hunters by posting the hunt area closure on the department's web site and on the toll-free cougar hunting hotline, or April 30th, whichever occurs first.
(3) Harvest guideline system:
(a) All cougar killed by licensed hunters during the early and late hunting seasons, and seasons authorized under WAC 232-12-243 shall be counted toward the harvest guideline.
(b) Individual problem cougar will continue to be killed on an as-needed basis utilizing depredation permits, landowner kill permits, and WDFW depredation authority regardless of harvest guidelines.
(c) It is each cougar hunter's responsibility to verify if the cougar late hunting season is open or closed in hunt areas with a harvest guideline. Cougar hunters can verify if the season is open or closed by calling the toll-free cougar hunting hotline or visiting the department's web site.
(4) Cougar hunting season requirements and special restrictions.
(a) A valid big game hunting license which includes cougar as a species option is required to hunt cougar.
(b) The statewide bag limit is one (1) cougar per license year; excluding removals authorized under WAC 232-12-243. It is unlawful to kill or possess spotted cougar kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted kittens.
(c) The use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited; except by a commission authorized permit (WAC 232-12-243).
(d) Any person who takes a cougar must comply with the notification and sealing requirements in WAC 232-12-024.
(e) A special cougar permit is required to hunt cougar in GMU 485.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-337 Elk area descriptions.
The following areas are defined as elk areas:
Elk Area No. 1008 West Wenaha (Columbia County): That part of GMU 169 west of USFS trail 3112 from Tepee Camp (east fork of Butte Creek) to Butte Creek, and west of Butte Creek to the Washington-Oregon state line.
Elk Area No. 1009 East Wenaha (Columbia, Garfield, Asotin counties): That portion of GMU 169 east of USFS trail 3112 from Tepee Camp (east fork Butte Creek) to Butte Creek, and east of Butte Creek to the Washington-Oregon state line.
Elk Area No. 1010 (Columbia County): GMU 162 excluding National Forest land and the Rainwater Wildlife Area.
Elk Area No. 1011 (Columbia County): That part of GMU 162 east of the North Touchet Road, excluding National Forest land.
Elk Area No. 1012 (Columbia County): That part of GMU 162 west of the North Touchet Road, excluding National Forest land and the Rainwater Wildlife Area.
Elk Area No. 1013 (Asotin County): GMU 172, excluding National Forest lands and the 4-O Ranch Wildlife Area.
Elk Area No. 1015 Turnbull (Spokane County): Located in GMU 130, designated areas within the boundaries of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
Elk Area No. 1016 (Columbia County): GMU-162 Dayton, excluding the Rainwater Wildlife Area.
Elk Area No. 1040 (Asotin County): That area within GMU 172 designated as the WDFW-owned lands managed as the 4-O Ranch Wildlife Area.
Elk Area No. 1081 (Asotin County): All of GMU 181 Couse, including the portion of GMU 172 starting at the intersection of Mill Road and Highway 129 in Anatone, south along Hwy 129 to Smyth Rd, west and then north on Smyth Rd to the intersection of E Mountain Rd, west along E Mountain Rd to the intersection of W Mountain Rd, north along W Mountain Rd to Mill Road, east on Mill Rd to the starting point.
Elk Area No. 2032 Malaga (Kittitas and Chelan counties): Beginning at the mouth of Davies Canyon on the Columbia River; west along Davies Canyon to the cliffs above (north of) the North Fork Tarpiscan Creek; west and north along the cliffs to the Bonneville Power Line; southwest along the power line to the North Fork Tarpiscan Road in Section 9, Township 20N, Range 21E; north and west along North Fork Tarpiscan Road to Colockum Pass Road (Section 9, Township 20N, Range 21E); south and west on Colockum Pass Road to section line between Sections 8 & 9; north along the section line between Sections 8 and 9 as well as Sections 4 & 5 (T20N, R21E) & Sections 32 & 33 (T21N, R21E) to Moses Carr Road; west and north on Moses Carr Road to Jump Off Road; south and west on Jump Off Road to Shaller Road; north and west on Shaller Road to Upper Basin Loop Road; north and west on Upper Basin Loop Road to Wheeler Ridge Road; north on Wheeler Ridge Road to the Basin Loop Road (pavement) in Section 10 (T21N, R20E); north on Basin Loop Road to Wenatchee Heights Road; west on Wenatchee Heights Road to Squilchuck Road; south on Squilchuck Road to Beehive Road (USFS Rd 9712); northwest on Beehive Road to USFS Rd 7100 near Beehive Reservoir; north and west on USFS Rd 7100 to Peavine Canyon Road (USFS Rd 7101); north and east on Peavine Canyon Road to Number Two Canyon Road; north on Number Two Canyon Road to Crawford Street in Wenatchee; east on Crawford Street to the Columbia River; south and east along the Columbia River to Davies Canyon and point of beginning. (Naneum Green Dot, Washington Gazetteer, Wenatchee National Forest)
Elk Area No. 2033 Peshastin (Chelan County): Starting at the Division St bridge over the Wenatchee River in the town of Cashmere; S on Aplets Way then Division St to Pioneer St; W on Pioneer St to Mission Creek Rd; S on Mission Creek Rd to Binder Rd; W on Binder Rd to Mission Creek Rd; S on Mission Creek Rd to Tripp Canyon Rd; W on Tripp Canyon Rd to where Tripp Canyon Rd stops following Tripp Creek; W on Tripp Creek to its headwaters; W up the drainage, about 1000 feet, to US Forest Service (USFS) Rd 7200-160; W on USFS Rd 7200-160 to Camas Creek Rd (USFS Rd 7200); W on Camas Creek Rd (USFS 7200 Rd) (excluding Camas Land firearm closure*) to US Hwy 97; N on US Hwy 97 to Mountain Home Rd (USFS 7300 Rd); N on Mountain Home Rd to the Wenatchee River in the town of Leavenworth; S on the Wenatchee River to the Division St bridge in Cashmere and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 2051 Tronsen (Chelan County): All of GMU 251 except that portion described as follows: Beginning at the junction of Naneum Ridge Road (WDFW Rd 9) and Ingersol Road (WDFW Rd 1); north and east on Ingersol Road to Colockum Road (WDFW Rd 10); east on Colockum Road and Colockum Creek to the intersection of Colockum Creek and the Columbia River; south on the Columbia River to mouth of Tarpiscan Creek; west up Tarpiscan Creek and Tarpiscan Road (WDFW Rd 14) and North Fork Road (WDFW Rd 10.10) to the intersection of North Fork Road and Colockum Road; southwest on Colockum Road to Naneum Ridge Road; west on Naneum Ridge Road to Ingersol Road and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 3681 Ahtanum (Yakima County): That part of GMU 368 beginning at the power line crossing on Ahtanum Creek in T12N, R16E, Section 15; west up Ahtanum Creek to South Fork Ahtanum Creek; southwest up South Fork Ahtanum Creek to its junction with Reservation Creek; southwest up Reservation Creek and the Yakama Indian Reservation boundary to the main divide between the Diamond Fork drainage and Ahtanum Creek drainage; north along the crest of the main divide between the Diamond Fork drainage and the Ahtanum Creek drainage to Darland Mountain; northeast on US Forest Service Trail 615 to US Forest Service Road 1020; northeast on US Forest Service Road 1020 to US Forest Service Road 613; northeast on US Forest Service Road 613 to US Forest Service Trail 1127; northeast on US Forest Service Trail 1127 to US Forest Service Road 1302 (Jump Off Road), southeast of the Jump Off Lookout Station; northeast on US Forest Service Road 1302 (Jump Off Road) to Highway 12; northeast on Highway 12 to the Naches River; southeast down the Naches River to Cowiche Creek; west up Cowiche Creek and South Fork Cowiche Creek to Summitview Avenue; northwest on Summitview Avenue to Cowiche Mill Road; west on Cowiche Mill Road to the power line in the northeast corner of T13N, R15E, SEC 13; southeast along the power line to Ahtanum Creek and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 3721 Corral Canyon (Benton and Yakima counties): That part of GMU 372 beginning at the Yakima River Bridge on SR 241 just north of Mabton; north along SR 241 to the Rattlesnake Ridge Road (mile post #19); east on Rattlesnake Ridge Road to the Hanford Reach National Monument's (HRNM) southwest corner boundary; east and south along the HRNM boundary to SR 225; south on SR 225 to the Yakima River Bridge in Benton City; west (upstream) along Yakima River to point of beginning (SR 241 Bridge).
Elk Area No. 3722 Blackrock (Benton and Yakima counties): That part of GMU 372 beginning at southern corner of the Yakima Training Center border on Columbia River, northwest of Priest Rapids Dam; southeast on southern shore of Columbia River (Priest Rapids Lake) to Priest Rapids Dam; east along Columbia River to the Hanford Reach National Monument's (HRNM) western boundary; south along the HRNM boundary to the Rattlesnake Ridge Road; west on Rattlesnake Ridge Road to SR 241; south on SR 241 to the Yakima River Bridge just north of Mabton; west along Yakima River to SR 823 (Harrison Road) south of town of Pomona; east along SR 823 (Harrison Road) to SR 821; southeast on SR 821 to Firing Center Road at I-82; east on Firing Center Road to main gate of Yakima Training Center; south and east along Yakima Training Center boundary to southern corner of Yakima Training Center boundary on Columbia River and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 3911 Fairview (Kittitas County): Beginning at the intersection of the BPA Power Lines in T20N, R14E, Section 36 and Interstate 90; east along the power lines to Highway 903 (Salmon La Sac Road); northwest along Highway 903 to Pennsylvania Avenue; northeast along Pennsylvania Avenue to No. 6 Canyon Road; northeast along No. 6 Canyon Road to Cle Elum Ridge Road; north along Cle Elum Ridge Road to Carlson Canyon Road; northeast along Carlson Canyon Road to West Fork Teanaway River; east along West Fork Teanaway River to North Fork Teanaway River; north along North Fork Teanaway River to Teanaway Road; southeast on Teanaway Road to Ballard Hill Road; east on Ballard Hill Rd and Swauk Prairie Road to Hwy 970; northeast on Hwy 970 to Hwy 97; south on Hwy 97 to the power lines in T20N, R17E, Section 34; east on the power lines to Naneum Creek; south on Naneum Creek approximately 1/2 mile to power lines in T19N, R19E, Section 20; east along BPA power lines to Colockum Pass Road in T19N, R20E, Section 16; south on Colockum Pass Road to BPA power lines in T18N, R20E, Section 6; east and south along power lines to the Yakima Training Center boundary; south and west along the Yakima Training Center boundary to I-82; north on I-82 to Thrall Road; west on Thrall Road to Wilson Creek; south on Wilson Creek to Yakima River; north on Yakima River to gas pipeline crossing in T17N, R18E, Section 25; south and west on the gas pipeline to Umtanum Creek; west on Umtanum Creek to the Durr Road; north on the Durr Road to Umtanum Road; north on Umtanum Road to South Branch Canal; west on South Branch Canal to Bradshaw/Hanson Road; west on Bradshaw Road to the elk fence; north and west along the elk fence to power line crossing in T19N, R16E, Section 10; west along the power line (south branch) to Big Creek; north on Big Creek to Nelson Siding Road; west and north on Nelson Siding Road to I-90; east on I-90 to point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 3912 Old Naches (Yakima County): Starting at the elk fence and Roza Canal along the south boundary T14N, R19E, Section 8; following the elk fence to the bighorn sheep feeding site in T15N, R16E, Section 36; south on the feeding site access road to the Old Naches Highway; west and south on the Old Naches Highway to State Route 12 and the Naches River; down the Naches River to the Tieton River; up the Tieton River approximately 2 miles to the intersection of the metal footbridge and the elk fence at the south end of the bridge in T14N, R16E, Section 3; south along the elk fence to the top of the cliff/rimrock line; southwest along the top of the cliff/rimrock line to the irrigation canal in T14N, R16E, Section 9; southwest along the irrigation canal to the elk fence in T14N, R16E, Section 8; south along the elk fence to the township line between T12N, R15E and T12N, R16E; south along the township line to the South Fork Ahtanum Creek; downstream along the South Fork Ahtanum Creek and Ahtanum Creek to the Yakima River; upstream along the Yakima River to Roza Canal and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 4601 North Bend (King County): That portion of GMU 460 beginning at the interchange of State Route (SR) 18 and I-90; W on I-90 to SE 82nd St, Exit 22, at the town of Preston; N on SE 82nd Street to Preston Fall City Rd SE (Old SR 203); N on Preston Fall City Rd SE to SE Fall City Snoqualmie Rd (SR 202) at the town of Fall City; E on SE Fall City Snoqualmie Rd to the crossing of Tokul Creek; N and E up Tokul Creek to its crossing with Tokul Rd SE; S on SE Tokul Rd to SE 53rd Way; E on SE 53rd Way where it turns into 396th Dr SE then S on 396th Dr SE to SE Reinig Rd; E on SE Reinig Rd to 428th Ave SE; N on 428th Ave SE to where it turns into North Fork Rd SE; N and E on North Fork Rd SE to Ernie's Grove Rd; E on Ernie's Grove Rd to SE 70th St; N on SE 70th St to its ends at Fantastic Falls on the North Fork Snoqualmie River; SW down the North Fork Snoqualmie River to Fantastic Falls and the Mt Si Natural Resource Conservation Area boundary then S and E along the southern boundary of the Mt Si NRCA to the "School Bus" turnaround at SE 114th St; S on 480th Ave SE to SE 130th St; S and E on SE 130th St to its end; SSE overland from the end of SE 130th St, over the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, to the end of 486th Ave SE; S on 486th Ave SE to the intersection with SE Middle Fork Road; Due S, from said intersection, up Grouse Mountain toward its peak, to the logging road adjacent to Grouse Mountain Peak; S down the logging road to Grouse Ridge Access Rd; W on Grouse Ridge Access Road which becomes SE 146th St; W on SE 146th St to I-90 then east along I-90 to the W boundary of Olallie/Twin Falls State Park then S along the state park western boundary to its most western boundary where it intersects with the boundary of the Iron Horse State Park; W along the boundary of Iron Horse State Park to the boundary of the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area; W along the boundary of the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area to Cedar Falls Rd SE; N along the Cedar Falls Rd to SE 174th Way; W on SE 174th Way to SE 174th St; W on SE 174th St to SE 173rd St; W on SE 173rd St to SE 170th Pl; W on SE 170th Pl to SE 169th St; W on SE 169th St to 424th Ave SE; N on 424th Ave SE to SE 168th St; W on SE 168th St to 422 Ave SE; N on 422 Ave SE to 426th Way SE; S on 426th Way SE to SE 164th St; E on SE 164th St to Uplands Way SE; W on Uplands Way SE to the crossing with the Power Transmission Lines; W along the Power Transmission Lines to the Winery Rd; NW on the Winery Rd to SE 99th Rd; W and N on SE 99th Rd to the I-90 interchange, at Exit 27; SW on I-90 to the interchange with SR 18 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 4941 Skagit River (Skagit County): That portion of GMU 437 beginning at the intersection of State Route 9 and State Route 20; east on State Route 20 to Concrete-Sauk Valley Road; south on Concrete-Sauk Valley Road over The Dalles Bridge (Skagit River) to the intersection with the South Skagit Highway; west on South Skagit Highway to State Route 9; north on State Route 9 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5029 Toledo (Lewis and Cowlitz counties): Beginning at the Cowlitz River and State Highway 505 junction; east along the Cowlitz River to the Weyerhaeuser 1800 Road; south along Weyerhaeuser 1800 Road to Cedar Creek Road; east along Cedar Creek Road to Due Road; south on Due Road to Weyerhaeuser 1823 Road; south along Weyerhaeuser 1823 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 1945 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 1945 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 1900 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 1900 Road to the North Fork Toutle River; west along the North Fork Toutle River to the Toutle River; west on the Toutle River to the Cowlitz River; North along the Cowlitz River to the junction of State Highway 505 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5049 Ethel (Lewis County): That part of GMU 505 beginning at the intersection of Jackson Highway and Highway 12; south along Jackson Highway to Buckley Road; south on Buckley Road to Spencer Road; east on Spencer Road to Fuller Road; north on Fuller Road to Highway 12; east on Highway 12 to Stowell Road; north on Stowell Road to Gore Road; west on Gore Road to Larmon Road; west on Larmon Road to Highway 12; west on Highway 12 to Jackson Highway and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5050 Newaukum (Lewis County): That part of GMU 505 beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 12; east on Highway 12 to Larmon Road; east on Larmon Road to Leonard Road; north on Leonard Road through the town of Onalaska to Deggler Road; north on Deggler Road to Middle Fork Road; east on Middle Fork Road to Beck Road; north on Beck Road to Centralia-Alpha Road; west on Centralia-Alpha Road to Logan Hill Road; south then west on Logan Hill Road to Jackson Highway; south on Jackson Highway to the Newaukum River; west along the Newaukum River to Interstate 5; south on Interstate 5 to Highway 12 and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5051 Green Mountain (Cowlitz County): Beginning at the junction of the Cowlitz River and the Toutle River; east along the Toutle River to the North Fork Toutle River; east along the North Fork Toutle River to the Weyerhaeuser 1900 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 1900 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 1910 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 1910 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 2410 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 2410 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4553 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 4553 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4500 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 4500 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4400 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 4400 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4100 Road; east along the Weyerhaeuser 4100 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4700 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 4700 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4720 Road; west along the Weyerhaeuser 4720 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4730 Road; west along the Weyerhaeuser 4730 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4732 Road; west along the Weyerhaeuser 4732 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4790 Road; west along the Weyerhaeuser 4790 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 1390 Road; south along the Weyerhaeuser 1390 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 1600 Road; west along the Weyerhaeuser 1600 Road to the Weyerhaeuser Logging Railroad Tracks at Headquarters; west along the Weyerhaeuser Logging Railroad Track to Ostrander Creek; west along Ostrander Creek to the Cowlitz River; north along the Cowlitz River to the Toutle River and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5052 Mossyrock (Lewis County): Beginning at the intersection of Winston Creek Road and State Highway 12; east on State Highway 12 to the Cowlitz River; east on the Cowlitz River to Riffe Lake; southeast along the south shore of Riffe Lake to Swofford Pond outlet creek; south on Swofford Pond outlet creek to Green Mountain Road; west on Green Mountain Road to Perkins Road; west on Perkins Road to Longbell Road; south on Longbell Road to Winston Creek Road; north on Winston Creek Road to State Highway 12 and the point of beginning. (All lands owned and managed by the Cowlitz Wildlife Area are excluded from this Elk Area.)
Elk Area No. 5053 Randle (Lewis County): Beginning at the town of Randle and the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and State Route 131 (Forest Service 23 and 25 roads); south on State Route 131 to Forest Service 25 Road; south on Forest Service 25 Road to the Cispus River; west along the Cispus River to the Champion 300 line bridge; south and west on the Champion 300 line to the Champion Haul Road; north along the Champion Haul Road to Kosmos Road; north on Kosmos Road to U.S. Highway 12; east on U.S. Highway 12 to Randle and point of beginning. (All lands owned and managed by the Cowlitz Wildlife Area are excluded from this Elk Area.)
Elk Area No. 5054 Boistfort (Lewis County): Beginning at the town of Vader; west along State Highway 506 to the Wildwood Road; north along the Wildwood Road to the Abernathy 500 line gate (Section 20, T11N, R3W, Willamette Meridian); northwest along the 500, 540, and 560 lines to the Weyerhaeuser 813 line; northwest along the 813, 812, 5000J, 5000 and 4000 lines to the Pe Ell/McDonald Road (Section 15, T12N, R4W); west along the Pe Ell/McDonald Road to the Lost Valley Road; northeast along the Lost Valley Road to the Boistfort Road; north along the Boistfort Road to the King Road; east along the King Road to the town of Winlock and State Highway 603; south along Highway 505 to Interstate 5; south along Interstate 5 to State Hwy 506; west along State Hwy 506 to the town of Vader and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5056 Grays River Valley (Wahkiakum County): That area in GMU 506 on or within 1.5 miles of agricultural land in the Grays River Valley and Eden Valley within the following sections: T11N, R08W, Section 36; T11N, R07W, Sections 31, 32, 33; T10N, R7W, Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32; T10N, R8W, Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36; T09N, R08W, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15; T09N, R07W, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8.
Elk Area No. 5057 Carlton (Lewis County): That part of 513 (South Rainier) lying east of Highway 123 and north of Highway 12.
Elk Area No. 5058 West Goat Rocks (Lewis County): Goat Rocks Wilderness west of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Elk Area No. 5059 Mt. Adams Wilderness (Skamania and Yakima counties): The Mt. Adams Wilderness.
Elk Area No. 5060 Merwin (Cowlitz County): Begin at the State Route 503 and the Longview Fibre Road WS-8000 junction; north and west on the Longview Fibre Road WS-8000 to Day Place Road; west on Day Place Road to Dubois Road; south on Dubois Road to State Route 503; east on State Route 503 to the State Route 503 and the Longview Fibre Road WS-8000 junction and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5061 Wildwood (Lewis County): Beginning at the junction of the Pacific West Timber (PWT) 600 Road and the Wildwood Road (SE1/4 S29 T11N R3W); southwest on the 600 Road to the 800 Road (NW1/4 S36 T11N R4W); southwest on the 800 Road to the 850 Road (SW1/4 S3 T10N R4W); northwest on the 850 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4720 Road (S20 T11N R4W); north on the Weyerhaeuser 4720 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 4700 Road (S17 T11N R4W); east on the Weyerhaeuser 4700 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 5822 Road (NW1/4 S16 T11N R4W); east on the Weyerhaeuser 5822 Road to the Weyerhaeuser 5820 Road (NW1/4 S10 T11N R4W); southeast on the Weyerhaeuser 5820 Road to the PWT 574 Road (SE1/4 S10 T11N R4W); south on the PWT 574 Road to the 570 Road (NW1/4 S14 T11N R4W); south on the 570 Road to the 500 Road (NW1/4 S14 T11N R4W); northeast on the 500 Road to the 560 Road (SW1/4 S12 T11N R4W); east on the 560 Road to the 540 Road (SE1/4 S12 T11N R4W); east and south on the 540 Road to the 500 Road (SE1/4 S18 T11N R3W); east on the PWT 500 Road to the Wildwood Road (N1/2 S20 T11N R3W); south on the Wildwood Road to the point of beginning, the PWT 600 Road junction (SE1/4 S29 T11N R3W).
Elk Area No. 5062 Trout Lake (Klickitat County): Those portions of GMU 578 (West Klickitat) beginning at the intersection of SR 141 and Sunnyside Road; north on Sunnyside Road to Mount Adams Recreational Area Road; (including agricultural land on the Trout Lake Valley floor north of Sunnyside Road within T06N R10E in Sections 13 and 14); south on Mount Adams Recreational Area Road to the intersection of SR 141 and south on SR 141 and Sunnyside Road to the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5063 Pumice Plain (Cowlitz and Skamania counties): That part of GMU 522 beginning at the confluence of the N. Fork Toutle River and Castle Creek; East along the N. Fork Toutle River to USFS trail 207; south along USFS trail 207 to USFS trail 216E; southwest along USFS trail 216E to USFS trail 216; west along USGS trail 216 to USGS 216G; northwest along USFS trail 216G to USGS trail 221; north along USFS 221 to Castle Creek; northwest along Castle Creek to N. Fork Toutle River and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5064 Upper Smith Creek (Skamania County): That part of GMU 522 beginning at the U.S. Forest Service Rd. 99 and U.S. Forest Service Trail 225 (Smith Creek Trail) junction; south on Trail 225 to Ape Canyon Creek; south and west up Ape Canyon Creek to U.S. Forest Service Trail 216 (Loowit Trail); north on Trail 216 to U.S. Forest Service Trail 216D (Abraham Trail); north on Trail 216D to U.S. Forest Service Trail 207 (Truman Trail); north and east on Trail 207 to U.S. Forest Service Rd. 99; north and east on U.S. Forest Service Rd. 99 to the junction of U.S. Forest Service Rd. 99 and U.S. Forest Service Trail 225 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5065 Mount Whittier (Skamania County): That part of GMU 522 beginning at the U.S. Forest Service Trail 1 (Boundary Trail) and U.S. Forest Service Trail 214 (Whittier Ridge Trail) junction; west on the U.S. Forest Service Trail 1 to U.S. Forest Service Trail 230 (Coldwater Trail); north on U.S. Forest Service Trail 230 to U.S. Forest Service Trail 211 (Lakes Trail); east on Trail 211 to U.S. Forest Service Trail 214; south on U.S. Forest Service Trail 214 to the junction of U.S. Forest Service Trail 214 and U.S. Forest Service Trail 1 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5066 Norway Pass (Lewis and Skamania counties): That part of GMU 524 beginning at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Trail 211 (Lakes Trail) and USFS Trail 230 (Coldwater Trail) junction; NE to Minnie Peak; W to the USFS property boundary in the SE 1/4 of Section 20, T10N, R5E; N along the USFS property boundary to the Green River; E up the Green River to the USFS Rd 2612; E on the USFS Rd 2612 to USFS Rd 26; S on USFS Rd 26 to USFS Trail 1 (Boundary Trail); W on USFS Trail 1 to USFS Trail 214 (Whittier Trail); N on USFS Trail 214 to USFS Trail 211 (Lakes Trail); W on USFS Trail 211 to the USFS Trail 211, Trail 230 junction and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5090 JBH (Wahkiakum County): The mainland portion of the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge, as administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as described: Beginning at the junction of State Route 4 and Steamboat Island Slough Road, northwest on Steamboat Island Slough Road to Brooks Slough Road, east on Brooks Slough Road to State Route 4, south on State Route 4 to Steamboat Slough Road and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 5099 Mudflow (Cowlitz County): That part of GMU 522 beginning on the North Fork Toutle River at the mouth of Hoffstadt Creek; SE up the North Fork Toutle River to Deer Creek; SE up Deer Creek to Weyerhaeuser (Weyco) 3020 line; NW along Weyco 3020 line to Weyco 3000 line; E along Weyco 3000 line to Weyco 3000P line; E on the 3000P line to Weyco 5600 Line to the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Boundary; N on the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument Boundary to SR 504; W on SR 504 to Hoffstadt Creek Bridge on Hoffstadt Creek; S and W down Hoffstadt Creek to the North Fork Toutle River and point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6010 Mallis (Pacific County): That part of GMUs 506, 672, and 673 within one and one-half mile either side of SR 6 between the east end of Elk Prairie Rd and the Mallis Landing Rd, and all lands within a half mile of Elk Creek Rd bounded on the south by Monohon Landing Rd.
Elk Area No. 6011 Centralia Mine (Lewis County): That portion of GMU 667 within Centralia Mine property boundary.
Elk Area No. 6012 Tri Valley (Grays Harbor and Mason counties): Those portions of GMUs 648 (Wynoochee) and 651 (Satsop) within one mile of Brady-Matlock Road from State Highway 12 north to the junction with Schaefer State Park Road (east Satsop Road) and all lands within one mile of Wynoochee Valley Road from State Highway 12 north to the junction with Cougar Smith Road, and all lands within one mile of Wishkah Valley Road from north Aberdeen city limit to mile post 16 and all lands within 2 miles north of SR 12 between the Satsop River and Schouweiler and Hurd roads and then a line north from the end of Hurd Road to a point 2 miles north of SR 12.
Elk Area No. 6013 (Pierce County): That part of GMU 652 beginning at the intersection of Highway 167 and Highway 410; north on Highway 167 to Highway 18; east on Highway 18 to Highway 164; southeasterly on Highway 164 to intersection with power transmission line in T20 R6 Section 18. West along power transmission line to intersection with 226th Ave E. South on 226th Ave East to intersection with 40th St E, east on 40th St E to 230th Ave E, South on 230th Ave E to Radke Road. Southwest on Radke to Barkubine Road, South on Barkubine Road to Connells Prairie; West on Connells Prairie Rd to 214th Ave E, South on 214th Ave E to Highway 410; westerly on Highway 410 to Highway 167 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6014 (Pierce County): Starting at Highway 164 intersection with power transmission line in T20 R6 Section 18; W along power transmission line to intersection with 226th Ave E; S on 226th Ave East to intersection with 40th St E; E on 40th St E to 230th Ave E; S on 230th Ave E to Radke Rd; SW on Radke to Barkubine Rd; S on Barkubine Rd to Connells Prairie; W on Connells Prairie Rd to 214th Ave E; S on 214th Ave E to South Prairie Road; SE on South Prairie Road to Highway 162; E on Hwy 162 to Hwy 165; NE on Hwy 165 to Hwy 410; NE on Hwy 410 to White River; SE along White River to intersection with power transmission lines in T19N R7E S; NE on power transmission lines to intersection with Hwy 410 West on SR 410 to Hwy 164; NW on Highway 164 to starting point.
Elk Area No. 6054 Puyallup River (Pierce County): That portion of GMU 654 beginning at the intersection of Mount Rainier National Park's western boundary and State Route (SR) 706; W on SR 706 ((to 278th Ave E; N on 278th Ave E to WA Dept of Natural Resources' (DNR) 1300 Rd; NW on DNR 1300 Rd)) to intersection with Highway 7 at Elbe; NW on Highway 7 to Alder Cutoff Rd; N on Alder Cutoff Rd to Scott Turner Rd; NW on Scott Turner Rd to Alder Cutoff Rd; W and NE on Alder Cutoff Rd to Center St SE in the town of Eatonville; NW on Center St SE to SR 161; N and W on SR 161 to Orville Rd E; N on Orville Rd E, past Lake Ohop and Lake Kapowsin, to the bridge crossing the Puyallup River; SE up the Puyallup River to Mount Rainier National Park's western boundary; S on Mount Rainier National Park's western boundary to SR 706 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6061 Twin Satsop Farms (Mason County): That portion of GMU 651 starting at the junction of the Deckerville Road and the Brady-Matlock Road; southwest to the junction with the West Boundary Road; north on West Boundary Road to the Deckerville Road; east on the Deckerville Road to the junction of Brady-Matlock Road and point of beginning. In addition, the area within a circle with a radius of two miles centered on the junction of State Route 108 and the Eich Road.
Elk Area No. 6062 South Bank (Grays Harbor County): That portion of GMU 660 (Minot Peak) described as follows: Beginning at Highway 12 and Wakefield Road Junction (South Elma); south on Wakefield Road, across the Chehalis River to the South Bank Road; southeast on the South Bank Road to Delezene Road; south on the Delezene Road to a point one mile from the South Bank Road; southeast along a line one mile southwest of the South Bank Road to the Oakville-Brooklyn Road; east on the Oakville-Brooklyn Road to Oakville and Highway 12; northwest on Highway 12 to Wakefield Road to Elma and the point of beginning.
((Elk Area No. 6063 (Grays Harbor and Jefferson counties): Private lands within Elk Area 6064 east of Highway 101.))
Elk Area No. 6064 Quinault Valley (Grays Harbor and Jefferson counties): That portion of GMU 638 (Quinault) ((within the Quinault River watershed east of Gatton Creek and Lake Quinault excluding US Forest Service (USFS) Colonel Bob Wilderness Area)) beginning on the Olympic National Park boundary and the Quinault Indian reservation boundary at the northwest corner of Lake Quinault; NE along the west shore of Lake Quinault to the Quinault River; NE on the Olympic National Park boundary, which is along the Quinault River, to intersection with USFS Colonel Bob Wilderness Area. West along boundary of Colonel Bob Wilderness area to intersection with Haas Creek. Downstream along Haas Creek to intersection with USFS Olympic National Forest boundary. West along USFS boundary to intersection with Lake Quinault.
Elk Area No. 6066 Chehalis Valley (Grays Harbor County): That portion of GMU 660 (Minot Peak) beginning at Highway 12 and Highway 107 junction near Montesano; east and south on Highway 12 to Oakville; south on Oakville-Brooklyn Road to a point one mile west of South Bank Road; northwest along a line one mile southwest of South Bank Road to Delezene Road; north along Delezene Road to South Bank Road; northwest along South Bank Road to Wakefield Road; north on Wakefield Road to Chehalis River; west on Chehalis River to Highway 107 bridge; north on Highway 107 to Highway 12 and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6068 Willapa (Grays Harbor County): That part of GMU 658 south of SR 105 between the intersection of SR 105 and Hammond Road and the SR 105 bridge over Smith Creek; and within one mile north of SR 105 west from Hammond Road and east of the SR 105 bridge over Smith Creek.
Elk Area No. 6069 Hanaford (Lewis and Thurston counties): That part of GMU 667 (Skookumchuck) beginning at the intersection of Salzer Valley Rd and S Pearl St (Centralia); N on S Pearl St to N Pearl St; N on N Pearl St to State Hwy 507; W and N on State Hwy 507 to Skookumchuck Rd; E on Skookumchuck Rd to the first bridge over the Skookumchuck River; E along the Skookumchuck River to the Skookumchuck Rd bridge; E on Skookumchuck Rd to the steel tower power line; SW along the power line to Big Hanaford Rd; E and S along Big Hanaford Rd to the intersection with the main stem of Hanaford Creek; SE along Hanaford Creek to the range line between Range 1W and Range 1E of Township 14N; S on the range line between Range 1W and Range 1E of Township 14N to Mitchell Creek; SW on Mitchell Creek to the North Fork of the Newaukum River; SW on the North Fork of the Newaukum River to North Fork Rd; W on North Fork Rd to Centralia-Alpha Rd; W on Centralia-Alpha Rd to Salzer Valley Rd and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6071 Dungeness (Clallam County): Portions of GMUs 621 (Olympic) and 624 (Coyle) beginning at the mouth of the Dungeness River; east and south along the coast of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the mouth of Dean Creek on Sequim Bay; south and west up Dean Creek to the power transmission line; west on the power transmission line to the Dungeness River; north down the Dungeness River to its mouth and the point of beginning.
Elk Area No. 6072 Sol Duc Valley (Clallam County): That portion of GMU 607 (Sol Duc) between the Sol Duc River and Hwy 101 from a point at the Sol Duc River bridge over Hwy 101 approximately 2 miles north of Forks to the westernmost Sol Duc River bridge over Hwy 101 at a point approximately 1 mile east of Lake Pleasant.
Elk Area No. 6073 Clearwater Valley (Jefferson County): That portion of GMU 615 (Clearwater) within one mile of the Clearwater Road from the Quinault Indian Reservation boundary to a point 4 miles to the north.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-033, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15)
WAC 232-28-342 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) DAILY BAG LIMIT: 4 grouse per day, 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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 during the current license year.
(2) BOBCAT
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.
(b) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Mar. 15 during the current license year.
(c) RESTRICTION: It is unlawful to hunt bobcat with dogs.
(3) RACCOON
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.
(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide, EXCEPT closed on Long Island within Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Mar. 15 during the current license year.
(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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Mar. 15 during the current license year.
(5) COYOTE
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.
(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.
(c) SEASON DATES: Year-round.
(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: Sept. 1 - Mar. 15 during the current license year.
(7) CROWS
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.
(b) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 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 4-5, 2015;
(B) April 2-3, 2016;
(C) April 1-2, 2017; and
(D) April 7-8, 2018.
(b) SPRING SEASON
(i) LEGAL BIRD: Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.
(ii) SEASON DATES: April 15 - May 31 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.
(c) EARLY FALL GENERAL SEASON
(i) LEGAL HUNTER: Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag.
(ii) OPEN AREA: GMUs 101-154 and 162-186.
(iii) SEASON DATES:
(A) Sept. 19 - Oct. 16, 2015;
(B) Sept. 17 - Oct. 14, 2016((; and
(C))), (GMUs 145-154, 162-186);
(C) Sept. 17 - Oct. 31, 2016, (GMUs 101-142);
(D) Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2017, (GMUs 145-154, 162-186);
(E) Sept. 23 - Oct. 31, 2017, (GMUs 101-142).
(iv) BAG LIMIT: Three (3) turkeys during the early fall general season with the following area restrictions:
(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.
*BAG LIMIT: During the fall permit hunting seasons.
(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: Nov. 20 - Dec. 15 during the current license year.
(v) BAG LIMIT: One (1) turkey.
(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.
(iii) OPEN AREA: Statewide.
(iv) SEASON DATES: April 1 - May 31 during the current license year.
(v) PERMITS: 2 individuals will be drawn for this permit per year.
(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.
(h) SPECIAL RULES FOR WILD TURKEY:
(i) It is unlawful to hunt turkey unless the hunter possesses a turkey tag.
(ii) It is unlawful to hunt turkeys with dogs.
(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. 19-20, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 17-18, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 23-24, 2017.
(c) HUNTERS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES:
(i) Sept. 21-25, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 19-23, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 25-29, 2017.
(d) REGULAR SEASON DATES:
(i) Oct. 24, 2015 - Jan. 18, 2016;
(ii) Oct. 22, 2016 - Jan. 16, 2017; and
(iii) Oct. 21, 2017 - Jan. 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. 19-20, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 17-18, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 23-24, 2017.
(c) REGULAR SEASON DATES:
(i) Oct. 3, 2015 - Jan. 18, 2016;
(ii) Oct. 1, 2016 - Jan. 16, 2017; and
(iii) Oct. 7, 2017 - Jan. 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. 19-20, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 17-18, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 23-24, 2017.
(c) REGULAR SEASON DATES:
(i) Oct. 3, 2015 - Jan. 18, 2016;
(ii) Oct. 1, 2016 - Jan. 16, 2017; and
(iii) Oct. 7, 2017 - Jan. 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. 19-20, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 17-18, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 23-24, 2017.
(c) REGULAR SEASON DATES:
(i) Oct. 3, 2015 - Jan. 18, 2016;
(ii) Oct. 1, 2016 - Jan. 16, 2017; and
(iii) Oct. 7, 2017 - Jan. 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. 19-20, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 17-18, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 23-24, 2017.
(c) HUNTERS SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES:
(i) Sept. 21-25, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 19-23, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 25-29, 2017.
(d) REGULAR SEASON DATES: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(i) Sept. 26 - Nov. 30, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 24 - Nov. 30, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 30 - Nov. 30, 2017.
(e) EXTENDED SEASON DATES:
(i) Dec. 1-15, 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 possessing a valid disabled hunter permit, 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. 26 - Nov. 30, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 24 - Nov. 30, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 30 - Nov. 30, 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. 26 - Nov. 30, 2015;
(ii) Sept. 24 - Nov. 30, 2016; and
(iii) Sept. 30 - Nov. 30, 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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Aug. 1 - Mar. 15 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.
(c) OPEN AREA: Eastern Washington.
(d) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Feb. 15 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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Dec. 16 during the current license year.
(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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Aug. 1 - Mar. 15 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.
(C) In Pacific County: 15 Canada geese per day; hunters may possess up to 45 at any one time.
(ii) SEASON DATES: Sept. 10-15 during the current license year, EXCEPT Pacific County: Sept. 1-15 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. 12-13, 2015; Sept. 10-11, 2016; Sept. 9-10, 2017.
(24) MOURNING DOVE
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: 15 mourning doves per day. Hunters may possess up to 45 mourning doves at any one time.
(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 during the current license year.
(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.
(c) SEASON DATES: Sept. 15-23 during the current license year.
(26))) (22) 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 - Mar. 31 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))) (23) YAKAMA INDIAN RESERVATION:
The 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))) (24) COLVILLE INDIAN RESERVATION:
The 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 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-357 2015-2017 Deer general seasons and definitions.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with the bag, possession, and season limits described below. Violations of this section are punishable under RCW 77.15.410((,)) Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
Bag Limit: One (1) deer per hunter during the license year except where otherwise permitted by department rule.
Hunting Method: Hunters must select one of the hunting methods: Modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader.
Any Buck Deer Seasons: Open only to the taking of deer with visible antlers (buck fawns illegal).
Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must be at least one inch long, measured on the longest side.
Antler Restrictions: APPLIES TO ALL HUNTERS DURING ANY GENERAL SEASON AND DESIGNATED SPECIAL PERMIT SEASONS. Buck deer taken in antler restricted game management units (GMUs) must meet minimum antler point requirements. Minimum antler point requirements are antler points on one side only. Eye guards are antler points when they are at least one inch long.
3-point Minimum GMUs: All mule deer in 100, 200, and 300 series GMUs; white-tailed deer in GMUs 127, 130, 133, 136, 139, 142, 145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 169, 172, 175, 178, 181, 186, and black-tailed deer in GMU 578.
Permit-only Units: The following GMUs require a special permit to hunt deer: 157 (Mill Creek Watershed), 290 (Desert), 329 (Quilomene), 371 (Alkali), and 485 (Green River).
GMUs Closed to Deer Hunting: 490 (Cedar River) and 522 (Loo-wit).
Types of deer that a person may legally hunt in Washington:
Black-tailed Deer: Any member of black-tailed/mule deer (species Odocoileus hemionus) found west of a line drawn from the Canadian border south on the Pacific Crest Trail and along the Yakama Indian Reservation boundary in Yakima County to the Klickitat River; south down Klickitat River to the Columbia River.
Mule Deer: Any member of black-tailed/mule deer (species Odocoileus hemionus) found east of a line drawn from the Canadian border south on the Pacific Crest Trail and along the Yakama Indian Reservation boundary in Yakima County to the Klickitat River; south down Klickitat River to the Columbia River.
White-tailed Deer: Any white-tailed deer (member of the species Odocoileus virginianus), except the Columbian whitetail deer (species Odocoileus virginianus leucurus).
MODERN FIREARM DEER SEASONS
License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes a deer species option.
Tag Required: A valid modern firearm deer tag for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Modern firearm deer tag hunters may use rifle, handgun, shotgun, bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.
ARCHERY DEER SEASONS
License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes a deer species option.
Tag Required: A valid archery deer tag for the area hunted.
Special Notes: Archery tag holders can only hunt during archery seasons with archery equipment (WAC 232-12-054).
MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASONS
License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes a deer species option.
Tag Required: A valid muzzleloader deer tag for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Muzzleloader only.
Special Notes: Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during muzzleloader seasons and must hunt with muzzleloader equipment (WAC 232-12-051) or archery equipment (WAC 232-12-054).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-358 2015-2017 Elk general seasons and definitions.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with bag, possession, and season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410((,)) Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
Bag Limit: One (1) elk per hunter during the license year, except where otherwise permitted by department rule. Any combination of seasons, tags, and permits set by the department will not exceed a maximum of two (2) elk per hunter during the license year.
Hunting Method: Elk hunters must select only one of the hunting methods: Modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader.
Elk Tag Areas: Elk hunters must choose either Eastern or Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for that area.
Any Bull Elk Seasons: Open only to the taking of elk with visible antlers; bull calves are illegal.
Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must be at least one inch long, measured on the longest side.
Branch: A branch is defined as any projection off the main antler beam that is at least one inch long, measured on the longest side, and longer than it is wide.
Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Bull elk taken in spike-only game management units (GMUs) must have at least one antler with no branches originating more than 4 inches above where the antler attaches to the skull.
Spike-only GMUs: 145-154, 162-186, 249, and 336-368.
True Spike - Bull Antler Restrictions: Neither antler of bull elk taken in GMUs 251, and 328-335 can have branching originating more than 4 inches above where the antlers attach to the skull. Under the true-spike restriction, taking an elk that has two points on one side or antler points within one inch of the definitions regarding length of point, or point of origination, is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160. All other types of violations of the true-spike restriction are subject to current penalties and assessments under RCW 77.15.410 and 77.15.420.
True-spike GMUs: 251, 328-335.
3-point Antler Restrictions: Legal bull elk must have at least 3 antler points on one side, with at least 2 antler points above the ear. Eye guards are antler points when they are at least one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters during any open season.
3-point GMUs: All of Western Washington, except for GMUs 448, 454, 564, 652 for archers, 666, 684, and Elk Area 4941.
Permit-only Units: The following GMUs are closed to elk hunting during general elk seasons: 157, 371, 418, 485, 522, 556, 621, 636, and 653.
GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting: 437 (except for Elk Area 4941) and 490.
Areas with Special Restrictions: There are modern firearm restrictions in GMU 334 and portions of GMU 660. GMU 554 is open only for early archery and muzzleloader seasons. Elk Area 6064 in GMU 638 (Quinault) is open to master hunters only.
Elk Tag Areas
Eastern Washington: All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs.
EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag
EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag
EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Western Washington: All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs.
WA - Western Washington Archery Tag
WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag
WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Modern Firearm General Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required: A valid modern firearm elk tag as listed below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: May use modern firearm, bow and arrow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.
Archery General Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required: A valid archery elk tag as listed below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Bow and arrow only, as defined under WAC 232-12-054.
Special Notes: Archery tag holders can hunt only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC 232-12-054). Archery elk hunters may apply for special bull permits. Please see permit table for tag eligibility for all elk permits.
Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required: A valid muzzleloader elk tag as listed below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Muzzleloader, as defined under WAC 232-12-051, or bow and arrow, as defined under WAC 232-12-054.
Special Notes: Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during the muzzleloader seasons. Only hunters with tags identified in the Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special elk permits.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-359 ((2015)) 2016 Deer special permits.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with the bag, possession, and season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410((,)) Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
Deer Special Permit Hunting Seasons (Open to Permit Holders Only)
Hunters must purchase a deer hunting license prior to purchasing a permit application. Hunters may only apply for permits consistent with the tag required for the hunt choice; however, Multiple Season Permit holders may apply for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm permit hunts. Hunters drawn for a special permit hunt must comply with weapon restrictions, dates, and other conditions listed for the hunt. Hunters drawn for a special permit designated "Any tag" under the "Weapon/Tag" restriction must use equipment consistent with the requirements of their transport tag and license.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-360 ((2015)) 2016 Elk special permits.
It is unlawful to fail to comply with the bag, possession, and season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410((,)) Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
Special Elk Permit Hunting Seasons (Open to Permit Holders Only)
Hunters must purchase an elk hunting license prior to purchasing a permit application. Hunters may only apply for permits consistent with the tag required for the hunt choice; however, Multiple Season Permit holders may apply for Eastern or Western Washington archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm permit hunts. Applicants must have purchased the proper tag for these hunts. The elk tag prefixes required to apply for each hunt are shown in the following table. Hunters drawn for a special permit hunt must comply with weapon restrictions, dates, and other conditions listed for the hunt. Hunters drawn for a special permit designated "Any tag" under the "Weapon/Tag" restriction must use equipment consistent with the requirements of their transport tag and license.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-18-032, filed 8/25/15, effective 9/25/15)
WAC 232-28-436 2015-2016 Migratory waterfowl 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.
DUCKS
Statewide: Oct. ((17-21, 2015 and Oct. 24, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)) 15-19, 2016 and Oct. 22, 2016 - Jan. 29, 2017; except scaup season closed Oct. ((17 - Nov. 6, 2015)) 15 - Nov. 4, 2016.
Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not hunting): Sept. ((19-20, 2015)) 17-18, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 7 ducks, to include not more than 2 hen mallard, 2 pintail, 3 scaup, 2 canvasback, and 2 redhead statewide; and to include not more than 1 harlequin, 2 scoter, 2 long-tailed duck, and 2 goldeneye in Western Washington.
Possession Limit for Regular Season: 21 ducks, to include not more than 6 hen mallard, 6 pintail, 9 scaup, 6 canvasback, and 6 redhead statewide; and to include not more than 1 harlequin, 6 scoter, 6 long-tailed duck, and 6 goldeneye in Western Washington.
Possession Limit for Youth Hunting Weekend: 14 ducks, to include not more than 4 hen mallard, 4 pintail, 6 scaup, 4 canvasback, and 4 redhead statewide; and to include not more than 1 harlequin, 4 scoter, 4 long-tailed duck, and 4 goldeneye in Western Washington.
Season Limit: 1 harlequin in Western Washington.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT SEA DUCKS
Hunters must possess a special ((2015-16)) 2016-17 hunting authorization and harvest record card for sea ducks when hunting harlequin, scoter, long-tailed duck, and goldeneye in Western Washington. A hunter who has not previously possessed a sea duck harvest report card must submit an application form to Washington state department of fish and wildlife (WDFW). Immediately after taking a sea duck into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card.
COOT (Mudhen)
Same areas((,)) and dates (including youth hunting weekend)((, and shooting hours)) as the ((general)) duck season.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 coots.
Possession Limit: 75 coots.
Possession Limit for Youth Hunting Weekend: 50 coots.
SNIPE
Same areas((,)) and dates (except youth hunting weekend)((, and shooting hours)) as the ((general)) duck season.
Daily Bag Limit: 8 snipe.
Possession Limit: 24 snipe.
GEESE (except Brant)
Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not hunting): Sept. ((19-20, 2015)) 17-18, 2016, statewide ((except Western Washington Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B)).
Daily Bag Limit: 4 Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 8 Canada geese.
Western Washington Goose Seasons
Goose Management Area 1: Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.
September Canada Goose Season
Sept. 10-15, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 5 Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 15 Canada geese.
Regular Season
Oct. ((17, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)) 15, 2016 - Jan. 29, 2017, for snow, Ross', blue, and white-fronted geese. Oct. ((17-29, 2015 and Nov. 7, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)) 15-27, 2016 and Nov. 5, 2016 - Jan. 29, 2017, for other geese (except brant).
Daily Bag Limit: 4 geese.
Possession Limit: 12 geese.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT SNOW GEESE
Hunters must possess a special ((2015-16)) 2016-17 migratory bird hunting authorization and harvest record card for snow geese when hunting snow, Ross', and blue geese in Goose Management Area 1. A hunter who has not previously possessed a snow goose harvest report card must submit an application form to Washington state department of fish and wildlife (WDFW). Immediately after taking a snow, Ross', or blue goose into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card.
SKAGIT COUNTY SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm for the purpose of hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved public road on Fir Island in Skagit County or to discharge a firearm for the purpose of hunting snow geese within 100 feet of any paved public road in other areas of Skagit County.
While hunting snow geese, if a hunter is convicted of (a) trespass; (b) shooting from, across, or along the maintained part of any public highway; (c) discharging a firearm for the purpose of hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved public road on Fir Island in Skagit County or discharging a firearm within 100 feet of any paved public road for the purpose of hunting snow geese in other areas of Skagit County; or (d) exceeding the daily bag limit for geese, authorization will be invalidated for the remainder of the current snow goose season and an authorization will not be issued for the subsequent snow goose season.
Goose Management Area ((2A)) 2: Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties((:)).
September Canada Goose Season
Sept. 3-11, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 5 Canada geese, except 15 Canada geese in Pacific County.
Possession Limit: 15 Canada geese, except 45 Canada geese in Pacific County.
Regular Season
Open in all areas except Ridgefield NWR from 30 minutes after the start of official hunting hours to 30 minutes before the end of official hunting hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only, ((Nov. 14, 2015 - Dec. 6, 2015; Dec. 16, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016; and Feb. 10, 2016 - Mar. 9, 2016)) Oct. 15-23, 2016; Nov. 26, 2016 - Jan. 22, 2017; and Feb. 11 - Mar. 8, 2017. During Feb. ((10, 2016 - Mar. 9, 2016)) 11 - Mar. 8, 2017, public lands are closed to goose hunting in Goose Management Area ((2A)) 2. Ridgefield NWR open from 30 minutes after the start of official hunting hours to 30 minutes before the end of official hunting hours, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only, ((Nov. 14, 2015 – Dec. 5, 2015; and Dec. 17, 2015 – Jan. 30, 2016)) Oct. 15-22, 2016 and Nov. 26, 2016 - Jan. 21, 2017.
Bag Limits for Goose Management Area ((2A)) 2:
Daily Bag Limit: 4 geese, except for dusky Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 12 geese, except for dusky Canada geese.
Dusky Canada geese: SEASON CLOSED.
((Goose Management Area 2B
Grays Harbor and Pacific County: Open from 30 minutes after the start of official hunting hours to 30 minutes before the end of official hunting hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only, Oct. 17-25, 2015; Nov. 14, 2015 - Jan. 10, 2016; and Feb. 14, 2016 - Mar. 9, 2016. During Feb. 14, 2016 - Mar. 9, 2016, public lands are closed to goose hunting in Goose Management Area 2B.
Bag Limits for Goose Management Area 2B:
Daily Bag Limit: 4 geese, except for dusky Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 12 geese, except for dusky Canada geese.
Dusky Canada geese: SEASON CLOSED.))
Special Provisions for Goose Management Area((s 2A and 2B)) 2 Regular Season only:
A dusky Canada goose is defined as a dark-breasted (as shown in the Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or less) Canada goose with a culmen (bill) length of 40-50 mm.
Hunters must possess a valid special ((2015-16)) 2016-17 migratory bird hunting authorization for Goose Management Area ((2A/2B)) 2 when hunting geese in Goose Management Area((s 2A and 2B)) 2. New hunters and those who did not maintain a valid ((2014-15)) 2015-16 authorization must review goose identification training materials and score a minimum of 80% on a goose identification test to receive authorization. Hunters who fail a test must wait 28 days before retesting, and will not be issued a reciprocal authorization until that time.
It is unlawful for hunters in Goose Management Area((s 2A and 2B)) 2 to fail to comply with the directions of authorized department personnel related to the collection of goose subspecies information pursuant to RCW 77.12.071. A person who prevents department personnel from collecting samples of tissue or other bodily parts is subject to prosecution under RCW 77.15.360 Unlawful interfering in department operations—Penalty. If a hunter takes a dusky Canada goose or does not comply with requirements listed above regarding WDFW collection of subspecies information, authorization will be invalidated by the department and the hunter will not be able to hunt geese in Goose Management Area((s 2A and 2B)) 2 for the remainder of the season. It is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions listed above for Goose Management Area((s 2A and 2B)) 2. Taking one dusky Canada goose is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 (5)(b). Other violations of Area ((2A or 2B)) 2 goose hunting rules are punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 (2)(e) or as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor under RCW 77.15.400 unlawful hunting of wild birds, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
Goose Management Area 3
Includes all parts of Western Washington not included in Goose Management Areas 1((, 2A, and 2B: Oct. 17-29, 2015 and Nov. 7, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)) and 2.
September Canada Goose Season
Sept. 10-15, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 5 Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 15 Canada geese.
Regular Season
Oct. 15-27, 2016 and Nov. 5, 2016 - Jan. 29, 2017.
Daily Bag Limit: 4 geese.
Possession Limit: 12 geese.
Eastern Washington Goose Seasons
September Canada Goose Season (Eastern Washington)
Sept. 10-11, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 5 Canada geese.
Possession Limit: 15 Canada geese.
Goose Management Area 4
Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla counties((:)).
Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only during Oct. ((17, 2015 - Jan. 24, 2016)) 15, 2016 - Jan. 22, 2017; Nov. 11, ((26, and 27, 2015; Dec. 25, 28, 29, and 31, 2015; Jan. 1 and 18, 2016)) 24, and 26, 2016; Dec. 26, 27, 29, and 30, 2016; Jan. 16, 2017; and every day Jan. ((25-31, 2016)) 23-29, 2017.
Goose Management Area 5
Includes all parts of Eastern Washington not included in Goose Management Area 4((: Oct. 17-19, 2015 and every day from Oct. 24, 2015 - Jan. 31, 2016)).
Oct. 15-17, 2016 and every day from Oct. 22, 2016 - Jan. 29, 2017.
Bag Limits for all Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas during regular seasons:
Daily Bag Limit: 4 geese.
Possession Limit: 12 geese.
BRANT
Open in Skagit County only on the following dates: Jan. ((9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, and 24, 2016)) 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, and 22, 2017.
If the ((2015-16)) 2016-17 preseason brant population in Skagit County is 3,000-6,000 (as determined by the midwinter waterfowl survey), the brant season in Skagit County will be open only on the following dates: Jan. ((9, 13, and 16, 2016)) 7, 11, and 14, 2017.
If the ((2015-16)) 2016-17 preseason brant population in Skagit County is below 3,000 (as determined by the midwinter waterfowl survey), the brant season in Skagit County will be canceled.
Open in Pacific County only on the following dates: Jan. ((2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17, 2016)) 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 22, 2017.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT BRANT
Hunters must possess a special ((2015-16)) 2016-17 migratory bird hunting authorization and harvest record card for brant when hunting brant. A hunter who has not previously possessed a brant harvest report card must submit an application form to Washington state department of fish and wildlife (WDFW). Immediately after taking a brant into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card.
Bag Limits for Skagit and Pacific counties:
Daily Bag Limit: 2 brant.
Possession Limit: 6 brant.
SWANS
Season closed statewide.
MOURNING DOVE
Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, 2016, statewide.
Daily Bag Limit: 15 mourning doves.
Possession Limit: 45 mourning doves.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
Sept. 15-23, 2016, statewide.
Daily Bag Limit: 2 band-tailed pigeons.
Possession Limit: 6 band-tailed pigeons.
AUTHORIZATION AND HARVEST RECORD CARD REQUIRED TO HUNT BAND-TAILED PIGEONS
Hunters must possess a special 2016-17 migratory bird hunting authorization and harvest record card for band-tailed pigeons when hunting band-tailed pigeons. A hunter who has not previously possessed a band-tailed pigeon harvest report card must submit an application form to Washington state department of fish and wildlife (WDFW). Immediately after taking a band-tailed pigeon into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card.
FALCONRY SEASONS
DUCKS, COOTS, SNIPE, ((AND)) GEESE, AND MOURNING DOVES (EXCEPT BRANT) (Falconry)
Same season dates for each species in each area as listed above.
Daily Bag Limit: 3, straight or mixed bag, including ducks, coots, snipe, geese, and mourning doves during established seasons.
Possession Limit: 3 times the daily bag limit.
MOURNING DOVE (Extended Falconry)
Oct. 31 - Dec. 16, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 3, straight or mixed bag, including ducks, coots, snipe, and geese during established seasons.
Possession Limit: 3 times the daily bag limit.
HIP REQUIREMENTS:
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. Youth hunters are required to complete a HIP survey and possess a Washington migratory bird permit (free for youth) as evidence of compliance with this requirement when hunting migratory game birds.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-048, filed 4/29/15, effective 5/30/15)
WAC 232-28-622 2015-2017 Bighorn sheep seasons and permit quotas.
(1) It is unlawful to fail to comply with the provisions of this section. A violation of species, sex, size, number, area, season, or eligibility requirements is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
(2) Bighorn Sheep Permit Hunts
(a) Who May Apply: Anyone may apply, EXCEPT those who previously harvested a bighorn sheep in Washington state. An individual may only harvest one bighorn ram during his or her lifetime. However, this restriction is waived for hunters who have previously harvested a bighorn sheep under a ewe-only, raffle, or auction permit, as well as for applications for a ewe-only, raffle, or auction permit.
(b) Bag Limit: One bighorn ram, except in designated adult ewe hunts the limit is one bighorn adult ewe.
aApplicants must be eligible to purchase a youth bighorn sheep permit application. An adult 18 years of age or older must accompany the youth hunter during the hunt.
bApplicants must possess a Disabled Hunter Permit.
((cHC – Hunt Coordinated. Only marked animals can legally be taken. WDFW staff will assist hunters in locating these animals.))
(3) Bighorn Sheep Units:
(a) Sheep Unit 2 Vulcan Mountain: Permit Area: Ferry County north of the Kettle River near Curlew.
(b) Sheep Unit 4 Selah Butte: Permit Area: That part of GMU 340 east of the Yakima River.
(c) Sheep Unit 5 Umtanum: Permit Area: Those portions of GMU 340 west of the Yakima River and GMU 342 north of Wenas Creek.
(d) Sheep Unit 7 Cleman Mountain: Permit Area: GMU 346 and that part of GMU 342 south of Wenas Creek.
(e) Sheep Unit 10 Mt. Hull: Permit Area: That part of Okanogan County within the following described boundary: Beginning at Oroville; then south along U.S. Highway 97 to the Swanson's Mill Road (old Mt. Hull Road) near Lake Andrews; then east to the Dry Gulch Road; then north to the Oroville-Toroda Creek Road (Molson Grade Road); then west to Oroville and the point of beginning.
(f) Sheep Unit 12 Lincoln Cliffs: Permit Area: That part of Lincoln County north of Highway 2.
(g) Sheep Unit 13 Quilomene: Permit Area: GMUs 329, 330, and that part of 251 east of Squilchuck Creek and south of Colockum Creek.
(h) Sheep Unit 14 Swakane: Permit Area: GMU 250.
(i) Sheep Unit 15 Tieton: Permit Area: GMU 360.
(j) Sheep Unit 16 Manson: Permit Area: Beginning at the mouth of Granite Falls Creek on the south shore of Lake Chelan, E across Lake Chelan to Willow Point; NW along the shoreline of Lake Chelan to the mouth of Stink Creek; E along Stink Creek to the intersection with Green's Landing Road; along Green's Landing Road to Manson Boulevard; E on Manson Boulevard to Lower Joe Creek Road; NE on Lower Joe Creek Road to Grade Creek Road; NE on Grade Creek Road to US Forest Service Road 8210; NE on US Forest Service Road 8210 to intersection with US Forest Service Road 8020; W on US Forest Service Road 8020 to Fox Peak; NW along Sawtooth Ridge (Chelan-Okanogan County Line) to the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area boundary; S along the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area boundary to shore line of Lake Chelan; W across Lake Chelan to the mouth of Riddle Creek on the South Shore; SE along South Shore of Lake Chelan to the point of beginning.
(k) Sheep Unit 18 Chelan Butte: Permit Area: Beginning at the intersection of State Hwy 971 and US Hwy 97A, S to the W shoreline of the Columbia River, N along the W shoreline of the Columbia River for 21 miles to the mouth of Antione Creek, W up Antione Creek to where it crosses Apple Acres Rd, W on Apple Acres Rd to the intersection with Washington Creek Rd (US Forest Service Rd 8135), N on Washington Creek Rd to its end and then follow Washington Creek, W on Washington Creek to where it crosses US Forest Service Rd 8010, S on US Forest Service Rd 8010 (transitions into Purtteman Creek Rd) to Purtteman Gulch, S into Purtteman Gulch to the N shoreline of Lake Chelan, S along the shoreline to the S shoreline of Lake Chelan to the mouth of First Creek, S up First Creek to the intersection of State Hwy 971 (Navarre Coulee Rd), S on State Hwy 971 to the point of beginning.
(l) Sheep Unit 19 Sinlahekin: Beginning at the eastern boundary of the Pasayten Wilderness border and the US-Canadian border; E on the US-Canadian border to the border station on Similkameen Rd (Co. Rd 4568); SE on the Similkameen Rd (Co. Rd 4568) to the Loomis-Oroville Rd (Co. Rd 9425); E on the Loomis-Oroville Rd (Co. Rd 9425) to US Hwy 97 in Oroville; S on US Hwy 97 to 12th Ave; W on 12th Ave (it curves S and changes to Old Highway 97); S on Old Highway 97 to US Hwy 97; S on US Hwy 97 to the South Pine Creek Rd (Co. Rd 9410); W on the South Pine Creek Rd (Co. Rd 9410) to Fish Lake Rd (Co. Rd 4290); W on Fish Lake Rd (Co. Rd 4290) to South Fish Lake Rd (Co. Rd 4282), along the south shore of Fish Lake; SW on South Fish Lake Rd (Co. Rd 4282), to the Sinlahekin Rd (Co. Rd 4015); SW on the Sinlahekin Rd (Co. Rd 4015), along the north shore of Conconully Lake, to the Salmon Creek North Fork Rd (Co. Rd 2361), at the town of Conconully; N on US Forest Service Rd 38 (Salmon Creek North Fork Rd, Co. Rd 2361) to US Forest Service Rd 3820; N on US Forest Service Rd 3820 over Lone Frank Pass, to US Forest Service Rd 39; N on US Forest Service Rd 39 to the US Forest Service Rd 300 at Long Swamp trailhead; W on the US Forest Service Rd 300 to US Forest Service Trail 342; N on US Forest Service Trail 342 to US Forest Service Trail 343; E on US Forest Service Trail 343 to US Forest Service Trail 341; E on US Forest Service Trail 341 to US Forest Service Trail 375; E on US Forest Service Trail 375 to the eastern boundary of the Pasayten Wilderness Area; N on the Pasayten Wilderness Area boundary to the US-Canadian border and the point of beginning.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-10-059, filed 4/30/15, effective 5/31/15)
WAC 232-28-624 Deer area descriptions.
The following areas are defined as deer areas:
Deer Area No. 1008 West Wenaha (Columbia County): That part of GMU 169 west of USFS trail 3112 from Tepee Camp (east fork of Butte Creek) to Butte Creek, and west of Butte Creek to the Washington-Oregon state line.
Deer Area No. 1009 East Wenaha (Columbia, Garfield, Asotin counties): That portion of GMU 169 east of USFS trail 3112 from Tepee Camp (east fork Butte Creek) to Butte Creek, and east of Butte Creek to the Washington-Oregon state line.
Deer Area No. 1010 (Columbia County): GMU 162 excluding National Forest land and the Rainwater Wildlife Area.
Deer Area No. 1021 Clarkston (Asotin County): That portion of GMU 178 beginning at the junction of the Highway 12 bridge and Alpowa Creek; east on Highway 12 to Silcott Road; south and east on Silcott Road to Highway 128; southwest on Highway 128 to McGuire Gulch Road; southeast along the bottom of McGuire Gulch to Asotin Creek; east on Asotin Creek to the Snake River; north and west on the Snake River to Alpowa Creek; southwest of Alpowa Creek to the Highway 12 bridge and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 1030 Republic (Ferry County): That area within 1/2 mile surrounding the incorporated town of Republic.
Deer Area No. 1031 Parker Lake (Pend Oreille County): That area within GMU 117 south of Ruby Creek Rd (USFS Road 2489), north of Tacoma Creek Rd (USFS Road 2389), and west of Bonneville Power Administration power lines. The Parker Lake Deer Area is a protected area for the U.S. Air Force Military Survival Training Program that allows some limited access for special permit hunting.
Deer Area No. 1035 Highway 395 Corridor (Stevens County): That portion of GMU 121 beginning at the intersection of US Highway (Hwy) 395 (State Route 20) and State Route (SR) 25: S on SR 25 to Old Kettle Rd; E on Old Kettle Rd to Mingo Mountain Rd; S on Mingo Mountain Rd to Greenwood Loop Rd; E on Greenwood Loop Rd to the bridge over the Colville River; S on the Colville River to the bridge over Gold Creek Loop/Valley Westside Rd; W and S on Valley Westside Rd to the Orin-Rice Rd; E on Orin-Rice Rd to Haller Creek Rd; S on Haller Creek Rd to Skidmore Rd; E and S on Skidmore Rd to Arden Hill Rd; E on Arden Hill Rd to Townsend-Sackman Rd; S on Townsend-Sackman Rd to Twelve Mile Rd; S on Twelve Mile Rd to Marble Valley Basin Rd; S on Marble Valley Basin Rd to Zimmer Rd; S on Zimmer Rd to Blue Creek West Rd; E on Blue Creek West Rd to Dry Creek Rd; S on Dry Creek Rd to Duncan Rd; E on Duncan Rd to Tetro Rd; S on Tetro Rd to Heine Rd; E and S on Heine Rd to Farm-to-Market Rd; S on Farm-to-Market Rd to Newton Rd (also known as Rickers Lane); E on Newton Rd to US Hwy 395; N on US Hwy 395 to McLean Rd and Twelve Mile Rd (also known as Old Arden Hwy); N on McLean Rd and Twelve Mile Rd to US Hwy 395; N on US Hwy 395 to Old Arden Hwy (again); N on Old Arden Hwy to US Hwy 395; N on US Hwy 395, through the town of Colville, then W on US Hwy 395 (SR 20) to SR 25 and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 1040 (Asotin County): That area within GMU 172 designated as the WDFW owned lands managed as the 4-O Ranch Wildlife Area.
Deer Area No. 1050 Spokane North (Spokane County): From the intersection of the Spokane River and the Idaho-Washington state line, N to Hauser Lake Rd, W to Starr Rd, S to Newman Lake Dr, W and N to Foothills Rd, W to Forker Rd, N and W to Hwy 206 (Mt Spokane Park Rd), N to Feehan Rd, N to Randall Rd, W to Day Mt Spokane Rd, N to Big Meadows Rd, W to Madison Rd, N to Tallman Rd, W to Elk-Chattaroy Rd, N to Laurel Rd, E to Conklin Rd, N to Nelson Rd, E to Jackson Rd, N to Oregon Rd, E to Jefferson Rd, N to Frideger Rd, W to Elk-Camden Rd, S to Boundary Rd, N and W to Dunn Rd, S to Oregon Rd, W to Hwy 2, S on US Hwy 2 to the Deer Park-Milan Rd, W on the Deer Park-Milan Rd to US Hwy 395 at the town of Deer Park, NW on US Hwy 395 and W onto Williams Valley Rd, W and S to Hattery Rd (Owens Rd), S and E to Swenson Rd, S to Hwy 291, west to Stone Lodge Rd, west to the Spokane River, E on the Spokane River to the Idaho state border and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 1060 Spokane South (Spokane County): That part of GMU 127 beginning at the intersection of Spokane River and Barker Rd Bridge, Barker Rd S to 24 Ave, 24 Ave W to Barker Rd, Barker Rd S to 32 Ave, 32 Ave W to Linke Rd, Linke Rd S and E to Chapman Rd, Chapman Rd S to Linke Rd, Linke Rd S to Belmont Rd, Belmont Rd W to Jackson Rd, Jackson Rd S to Hwy 27 S to Elder Rd, Elder Rd W to Valley Chapel Rd, Valley Chapel Rd S to Spangle Creek Rd, Spangle Creek Rd SW to Hwy 195, Hwy 195 N to I-90, I-90 E to Latah Creek at I-90-Latah Creek Bridge, Latah Creek NE to Spokane River, Spokane River E to the Barker Rd Bridge and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 1070 Spokane West (Spokane County): That part of GMU 130 beginning at the intersection of I-90 and Latah Creek at I-90-Latah Creek Bridge, NE to Hwy 195 S on Hwy 195 S to Paradise Rd, Paradise Rd W to Smythe Road, Smythe Road NW to Anderson Rd, Anderson Rd W to Cheney Spokane Rd, Cheney Spokane Rd SW to Hwy 904/1st St in the town of Cheney, 1st SW to Salnave Rd/Hwy 902, Salnave Rd NW to Malloy Prairie Rd, Malloy Prairie Rd W to Medical Lake Tyler Rd, Medical Lake Tyler Rd N to Gray Rd, Gray Rd W then N to Fancher Rd, Fancher Rd NW to Ladd Rd, Ladd Rd N to Chase Rd, Chase Rd E to Espanola Rd, Espanola Rd N turns into Wood Rd, Wood Rd N to Coulee Hite Rd, Coulee Hite Rd E to Seven Mile Rd, Seven Mile Rd E to Spokane River, Spokane River S to Latah Creek, Latah Creek S to I-90 at the Latah Creek Bridge and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 1080 Colfax (Whitman County): That part of GMUs 139 and 142 beginning at the intersection of Hwy 195 and Crumbaker Rd, NE on Crumbaker Rd to Brose Rd, E on Brose Rd to Glenwood Rd, S on Glenwood Rd to Hwy 272, SE on Hwy 272 to Clear Creek Rd, SE on Clear Creek Rd to Stueckle Rd, S on Stueckle Rd to Palouse River Rd, E to Kenoyier Rd SE to Abbott Rd, S on Abbott Rd to Parvin Rd, S on Parvin Rd to McIntosh Rd, S on McIntosh Rd to 4 mile Rd/Shawnee Rd, W on Shawnee Rd to Hwy 195, N on Hwy 195 to Prune Orchard Rd, W on Prune Orchard Rd to Almota Rd, S on Almota Rd to Duncan Springs Rd, W and NW on Duncan Springs Rd to Airport Rd, NW on Airport Rd to Fairgrounds Rd, N on Fairgrounds Rd to Endicott Rd, NNW on Endicott Rd to Morley Rd, E and S and E on Morley Rd to Hwy 295 (26), NE on Hwy 295 to West River Dr then follow Railroad Tracks NW to Manning Rd, E on Manning Rd to Green Hollow Rd, E and S on Green Hollow Rd to Bill Wilson Rd, E on Bill Wilson Rd to Hwy 195, S on Hwy 195 to Crumbaker Rd and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2010 Benge (Adams and Whitman counties): That part of GMU 284 beginning at the town of Washtucna; north on SR 261 to Weber Road; east on Weber Road to Benzel Road; north on Benzel Road to Wellsandt Road; east on Wellsandt Road to Hills Road; south on Hills Road to Urquhart Road; east on Urquhart Road to Harder Road, East on Harder Road to McCall Road; east on McCall Road to Gering Road; east on Gering Road to Lakin Road; east on Lakin Road to Revere Road; south on Revere Road to George Knott Road; south on George Knott Road to Rock Creek; south along Rock Creek to the Palouse River; south and west along the Palouse River to SR 26; west on SR 26 to Washtucna and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2011 Lakeview (Grant County): That part of GMU 272 beginning at the junction of SR 28 and First Avenue in Ephrata; west on First Avenue to Sagebrush Flats Road; west on Sagebrush Flats Road to Norton Canyon Road; north on Norton Canyon Road to E Road NW; north on E Road NW to the Grant-Douglas county line; east along the county line to the point where the county line turns north; from this point continue due east to SR 17; south on SR 17 to SR 28 at Soap Lake; south on SR 28 to the junction with First Avenue in Ephrata and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2012 Methow Valley (Okanogan County): All private land in the Methow Watershed located outside the external boundary of the Okanogan National Forest and north of the following boundary: Starting where the Libby Creek Road (County road 1049) intersects the Okanogan National Forest boundary; east on road 1049 to State Hwy 153; north on Hwy 153 to the Old Carlton Road; east on the Old Carlton Road to the Texas Creek Road (County road 1543); east on the Texas Creek Road to the Vintin Road (County road 1552); northeast on the Vintin Road to the Okanogan National Forest boundary.
Deer Area No. 2013 North Okanogan (Okanogan County): Restricted to private land only located within the following boundary: Beginning in Tonasket at the junction of Havillah Rd and Hwy 97; NE on Havillah Rd to Dry Gulch Extension Rd; N to Dry Gulch Rd; N on Dry Gulch Rd to Oroville-Chesaw Rd; W on Oroville-Chesaw Rd to Molson Rd; N on Molson Rd to Nine Mile Rd; N and W on Nine Mile Rd to the Canadian border at the old Sidley Town Site; W along the border to the east shore of Lake Osoyoos; S around Lake Osoyoos to the Okanogan River; S along the east bank of the Okanogan River to the Tonasket Fourth Street Bridge; E on Fourth Street to Hwy 97; N on Hwy 97 to point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2014 Central Okanogan (Okanogan County): Restricted to private land only located within the following boundary: Beginning in Tonasket on the Okanogan River at the Fourth Street Bridge; S along Hwy 7 to Pine Creek Rd; W along Pine Creek Rd to Horse Spring Coulee Rd; W and N on Horse Spring Coulee Rd to Beeman Rd; W on Beeman Rd to North Lemanasky Rd; S along North Lemanasky Rd to Pine Creek Rd; S on Pine Creek Rd to Hagood Cut-off Rd; S on Hagood Cut-off Rd to South Pine Creek Rd; E on South Pine Creek Rd to Hwy 97; S on Hwy 97 to Town of Riverside North Main Street junction; SE on North Main Street to Tunk Valley Rd and the Okanogan River Bridge; E on Tunk Creek Rd to Chewiliken Valley Rd; NE along Chewiliken Valley Rd to Talkire Lake Rd; N on Talkire Lake Rd to Hwy 20; W on Hwy 20 to the junction of Hwy 20 and Hwy 97; N on Hwy 97 to Fourth Street; W on Fourth Street to point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2015 Omak (Okanogan County): Restricted to private land only located within the following boundary: Beginning at Hwy 97 and Riverside Cut-off road; west on Riverside Cut-off Rd to Conconully Road; south on Conconully Rd to Danker Cut-off road; west on Danker Cut-off road to Salmon Creek Rd; north on Salmon Creek Rd to Spring Coulee Rd; south on Spring Coulee Rd to B&O Road North Rd; southwest on B&O North Rd to Hwy 20; east on Hwy 20 to B&O Rd; south on B&O Rd to the Town of Malott and the bridge over the Okanogan River; north along the west bank of the Okanogan River to the Town of Riverside and the Tunk Valley road bridge; west on Tunk Valley road to State Street in Riverside; south on State Street to 2nd Street; west on 2nd Street to Hwy 97 and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2016 Conconully (Okanogan County): Restricted to private land only located within the following boundary: Beginning at the Conconully town limit at the south edge of Town and the east shore of Conconully Reservoir; south along the east shore of the reservoir to Salmon Creek; south along the east bank of Salmon Creek to Salmon Creek road at the old Ruby Town site; south on Salmon Creek road to Green Lake road; northeast on Green Lake road to Conconully road; north on Conconully road to the south limit of the Town of Conconully and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 2017 Lake Chelan North (Chelan County): Restricted to private land only located within the following boundary: Beginning at the confluence of Purtteman Creek (Purtteman Gulch) and Lake Chelan; NE along Purtteman Creek to Boyd Road; E on Boyd Road to Purtteman Creek Road; N on Purtteman Creek Road to the USFS boundary; W along the USFS boundary to Canyon Ranch Road (Joe Creek); SE on Canyon Ranch Road to Grade Creek Road; SE on Grade Creek Road to Lower Joe Creek Road; SE on Lower Joe Creek Road to Emerson Acres Road; west on Emerson Acres Road to Lake Chelan; S along the north shore of Lake Chelan to the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 3071 Whitcomb (Benton County): That part of GMU 373 made up by the Whitcomb Unit of the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.
Deer Area No. 3072 Paterson (Benton County): That part of GMU 373 made up by the Paterson Unit of the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.
Deer Area No. 3088 High Prairie (Klickitat County): That portion of GMU 388 (Grayback) that is south of SR 142.
Deer Area No. 3334 Ellensburg (Kittitas County): Beginning at the confluence of the Yakima River and Wilson Creek, north up Wilson Creek to the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, west and north on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail to State Hwy 10, north and west on State Hwy 10 to the Thorp Highway, south and east on the Thorp Highway to the Yakima River (Thorp Highway Bridge), south and upstream on the Yakima River to the confluence of Taneum Creek and the Yakima River, south and west up Taneum Creek to the South Branch Canal, south and east on the South Branch Canal and South Branch Extension Canal to Umtanum Road, north on Umtanum Road to Lower Riverbottom Road, east and south on Lower Riverbottom Road to the Fogarty Ditch, south and east on the Fogarty Ditch to the Yakima River, south and east along the Yakima River to Wilson Creek and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 3682 Ahtanum (Yakima County): That part of GMU 368 beginning at the power line crossing on Ahtanum Creek in T12N, R16E, Section 15; west up Ahtanum Creek to South Fork Ahtanum Creek; southwest up South Fork Ahtanum Creek to its junction with Reservation Creek; southwest up Reservation Creek and the Yakama Indian Reservation boundary to the main divide between the Diamond Fork drainage and Ahtanum Creek drainage; north along the crest of the main divide between the Diamond Fork drainage and the Ahtanum Creek drainage to Darland Mountain; northeast on US Forest Service Trail 615 to US Forest Service Road 1020; northeast on US Forest Service Road 1020 to US Forest Service Road 613; northeast on US Forest Service Road 613 to US Forest Service Trail 1127; northeast on US Forest Service Trail 1127 to US Forest Service Road 1302 (Jump Off Road), southeast of the Jump Off Lookout Station; northeast on US Forest Service Road 1302 (Jump Off Road) to Hwy 12. Northeast on Hwy 12 to the Naches River. Southeast down the Naches River to Cowiche Creek. West up Cowiche Creek and the South Fork Cowiche Creek to Summitview Ave. Northwest on Summitview Ave to Cowiche Mill Road. West on Cowiche Mill Road to the power line in the northeast corner of T13N, R15E, SEC 13. Southeast along the power line to Ahtanum Creek and the point of beginning.
Deer Area No. 3372 Sunnyside (Yakima County): Beginning in Union Gap where I-82 crosses the Yakima River, follow I-82 east to the Yakima River Bridge in Prosser. Upstream on the Yakima River to the point of beginning. The islands in the Yakima River are on the Yakama Indian Reservation and are not part of the deer area.
Deer Area No. 5064: That part of GMU 564 in the Columbia River near the mouth of the Cowlitz River made up of Cottonwood Island and Howard Island.
Deer Area No. 6020 (Clallam and Jefferson counties): Dungeness-Miller Peninsula: That part of GMU 624 west of Discovery Bay and Salmon Creek.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||