WSR 17-04-103 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Filed February 1, 2017, 11:10 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 16-24-010 on November 28, 2016.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas, 232-28-273 2012-2014 Moose seasons, permit quotas, and areas, 232-28-291 Special hunting season permits, 232-28-296 Landowner hunting permits, 232-28-337 Elk area descriptions, 232-28-342 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations, 232-28-357 2015-2017 Deer general seasons and definitions, 232-28-359 2016 Deer special permits, 232-28-360 2016 Elk special permits, 232-28-436 2016-2017 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, 232-28-622 2015-2017 Bighorn sheep seasons and permit quotas, 232-28-624 Deer area descriptions, 232-12-021 Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife, 232-28-283 Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits, 232-28-299 Mandatory report of hunting activity, and 232-28-358 2015-2017 Elk general seasons and definitions.
Hearing Location(s): Natural Resources Building, First Floor, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, on March 17-18, 2017, at 8:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: On or after April 14, 2017.
Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, email Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, online http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html, by February 22, 2017.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Tami Lininger by March 1, 2017, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 232-28-248, 232-28-273, 232-28-291, 232-28-296, 232-28-337, 232-28-342, 232-28-357, 232-28-359, 232-28-360, 232-28-436, 232-28-622, 232-28-624, 232-12-021, 232-28-283, 232-28-299 and 232-28-358; the proposed changes include corrections to WAC headings or internal references to other WAC that are subject to the recodification of Title 232 WAC. This is part of the department's effort to cleanup and better organize WDFW's administrative code and provides the public and department staff with a more logical and navigable code. It will also consolidate all rules under one WAC title and should accomplish a streamlined, legally accurate, and legally adequate administrative code.
WAC 232-28-248, the proposed changes to the special closures and firearm restriction areas WAC are administrative changes that clarify road names and GMU names.
WAC 232-28-273, WDFW is proposing (1) reducing any moose permits in the combined GMU 127 and 130 hunting unit ("Hangman") from 7 to 4; (2) reducing antlerless-only moose permits in GMU 127 from 7 to 4; (3) extending season length of the Parker Lake archery (moose area 3) hunt from Sept. 1-26 to Sept. 1-30; (4) extending season length of Parker Lake muzzleloader from Sept. 27-Oct. 5 to Oct. 1-31; and (5) increasing the number of hunter education instructor incentive permits from 2 to 4, but expanding the GMUs open to these permit holders to include GMUs 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, and 121.
WAC 232-28-291, this proposal allows the department to restore points to hunters that draw a damage hunt administered by a WDFW designated hunt coordinator, but do not get called to participate.
WAC 232-28-296, this proposal modifies hunt dates on properties enrolled in WDFW's landowner hunting permit (LHP) program for the 2017 hunting seasons. These sites offer special hunting opportunities to the public through permits issued by WDFW, raffles, or selection by the landowner.
WAC 232-28-337, six elk areas are proposed for removal in Grays Harbor, Mason, Clallam, and Jefferson counties. These elk areas (EA 6012, EA 6062, EA 6066, EA 6068, EA 6072, EA 6073) are no longer needed to mitigate wildlife conflict.
WAC 232-28-342, this proposal changes the wildlife area name South L.T. Murray to Wenas. The wildlife area name Wenas will now be consistent with WDFW publications including web site pages, pamphlet and brochures.
WAC 232-28-357, the purpose of this proposal is to retain general season deer hunting opportunity for 2017. 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 2017. 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 2017. 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.
WAC 232-28-436, this proposal amends WAC 232-28-436 2016-2017 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 2017-2018 hunting season. In this proposal goose bag limits are changed from a bag limit of 4 geese (not including brant) to allow harvest of 4 Canada geese, 10 white-fronted geese, and 6 white geese statewide during specified season dates. Dusky Canada goose remains closed to harvest. The proposal opens Whatcom and Clallam counties to limited brant harvest dates.
WAC 232-28-622, WDFW is proposing (1) temporarily eliminating the bighorn sheep ram permit for the Vulcan Mountain herd, (2) adding a second season of bighorn sheep ewe permits at the Cleman Mountain herd (which would add 10 permits during a later season to the 10 offered in 2016), and (3) adjusting the season of the early bighorn sheep ewe season at Cleman Mountain.
WAC 232-28-624, the proposed changes to the deer area descriptions rule will create a new deer area in Klickitat County. The proposed new deer area will expand deer hunting opportunity on newly acquired wildlife area land.
WAC 232-12-021, 232-28-283, 232-28-299 and 232-28-358, the proposed changes include corrections to WAC headings or internal references to other WAC that are subject to the recodification of Title 232 WAC. This is part of the department's effort to cleanup and better organize WDFW's administrative code and provides the public and department staff with a more logical and navigable code. It will also consolidate all rules under one WAC title and should accomplish a streamlined, legally accurate, and legally adequate administrative code.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-28-248, 232-28-273, 232-28-291, 232-28-296, 232-28-337, 232-28-342, 232-28-357, 232-28-359, 232-28-360, 232-28-436, 232-28-622, 232-28-624, 232-12-021, 232-28-283, 232-28-299 and 232-28-358; the changes to WDFW's administrative code are necessary because of the code's large-scale disorganization, outdated and confusing rules, and references to former agencies and repealed RCW. If a reorganization and substantive amalgamation of the rules is not done, the public's confusion will increase over time, the rules could be challenged and invalidated in court, and the agency could face liability due to poorly written rules. This rule making will update WDFW's rules to bring them into compliance with statutory authority and repeal outdated and inapplicable rules.
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 232-28-273, feedback from hunters during seasons 2015 and 2016 indicating it has been increasingly difficult to find moose in GMUs 127 and 130. Feedback from hunters has indicated the more time has been needed to successfully hunt in the Parker Lake area, and military officials have suggested these specific season dates. Increasing the hunter education instructor incentive permits will help incentivize instructors to meet program goals and public demand.
WAC 232-28-291, feedback from hunters since the inception of this type of hunt suggests that this is a problem that can be fixed by the proposed changes.
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 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 232-28-337, 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. When the need for a particular elk area subsides, the fish and wildlife commission adopts amendments to the rule that removes those particular elk areas.
WAC 232-28-342, the wildlife area name South L. T. Murray changed to Wenas in 1997. The name change was due to the different funding sources. The southern portion of the L. T. Murray wildlife area is funded by federal BPA money where as L. T. Murray proper is funded by wildlife state money.
WAC 232-28-357, these proposals provide for recreational deer hunting opportunity and protects deer from overharvest. The proposal would maintain sustainable general deer hunting season opportunities for 2017. 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 protects deer from overharvest. The proposal would also maintain sustainable deer special permit hunting season opportunities for 2017. 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 2017. 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, (1) The Vulcan Mountain bighorn sheep herd may be increasing slowly but remains small, and there are few mature rams in the herd at this time. WDFW comanages this herd with the Colville Confederated Tribes, who have similarly instituted a temporary moratorium on harvest in this herd. WDFW is attempting to bolster this herd via translocations, and we hope to be able to offer a ram permit in future, in cooperation with our tribal partners, but for now, ram harvest is not advisable. (2) The Cleman Mountain bighorn sheep herd currently numbers approximately 275 individuals, whereas WDFW has estimated that a long-term sustainable population is approximately 170-220. WDFW has, and will continue to translocate animals from this herd when opportunity exists, but at present, those opportunities have been insufficient to reduce population size to the desired level. (3) With a proposed increase from 10 to 20 ewe permits, WDFW proposes splitting the ewe season into two separate time periods, to assure a quality experience and reduce safety concerns. Hunter success in this herd is usually quite high; thus, WDFW believes that the time period allowed for each of these ten hunts is sufficient.
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, expanding hunting opportunity, using hunting as a tool to control deer populations and mitigating wildlife conflict.
WAC 232-12-021, 232-28-283, 232-28-299 and 232-28-358, the changes to WDFW's administrative code are necessary because of the code's large-scale disorganization, outdated and confusing rules, and references to former agencies and repealed RCW. If a reorganization and substantive amalgamation of the rules is not done, the public's confusion will increase overtime, the rules could be challenged and invalidated in court, and the agency could face liability due to poorly written rules. This rule making will update WDFW's rules to bring them into compliance with statutory authority and repeal outdated and inapplicable rules.
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: Eric Gardner, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2515; and Enforcement: Chief Chris Anderson, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2373.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules apply to recreational hunting and do not affect small business.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. This proposal does not involve hydraulics.
February 1, 2017
Scott Bird
Acting Rules Coordinator
NEW SECTION
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is decodified and recodified as follows:
NEW SECTION
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are decodified and recodified as follows:
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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)) 220-414-070.
(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 232-28-273 2012-2014 Moose seasons, permit quotas, and areas.
(1) 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, Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
(2) Moose Permit Hunts
(a) Who May Apply:
(i) Any moose category: An individual may only harvest one moose under the "any moose" category during his or her lifetime. Applications will not be accepted from hunters having previously harvested a moose in the "any moose" category.
(ii) Antlerless only, youth antlerless, over-65 antlerless, disabled-antlerless, master-hunter any moose, hunter-education antlerless, auction moose, raffle moose: Anyone may apply.
(b) Bag Limit: One moose.
(c) Weapon Restrictions: Permit holders may use any legal weapon.
aApplicants must be eligible to purchase a youth moose permit application. An adult must accompany the youth hunter during the hunt.
bApplicants must possess a Disabled Hunter Permit.
cApplicants must be eligible to purchase a 65 years of age or older permit application.
dApplicants must be a certified hunter education instructor who meets program-defined eligibility criteria.
eThe following special hunt is offered by the USAF Survival School on a trial basis and will be evaluated based on student safety each year for continuation.
HCThis is a damage hunt administered by a WDFW designated hunt coordinator. Only master hunters may apply, and any weapon may be used. Successful applicants will be contacted on an as-needed basis to help with specific sites of nuisance moose activity in designated areas. Not all successful applicants will be contacted in any given year.
WArchery only.
XMuzzleloader only.
HEIIOnly qualifying hunter education instructors may apply.
(3) Moose Areas:
(a) Moose Area 1: South Spokane Moose Area:
That portion of GMU 124 beginning at intersection of Blanchard Rd and Idaho-Washington state line: W on Blanchard Rd to Blanchard Creek Rd; SW on Blanchard Creek Rd to Tallman Rd; W on Tallman Rd to Elk Chattaroy Rd; SW on Elk Chattaroy Rd to Hwy 2; S on Hwy 2 to Hwy 395, S on Hwy 395 to Spokane River, E on Spokane River to Idaho-Washington state line, N on Idaho-Washington state line to Blanchard Rd and the point of beginning.
(b) Moose Area 2: North Spokane Moose Area:
That portion of GMU 124 beginning at intersection of Blanchard Rd and Idaho-Washington state line: W on Blanchard Rd to Blanchard Creek Rd; SW on Blanchard Creek Rd to Tallman Rd; W on Tallman Rd to Elk Chattaroy Rd; SW on Elk Chattaroy Rd to Hwy 2; S on Hwy 2 to Hwy 395, N on Hwy 395 to Deer Park-Milan Rd, E on Deer Park-Milan Rd to Hwy 2, N on Hwy 2 to Idaho-Washington state line, S on Idaho-Washington state line to Blanchard Rd and the point of beginning.
(c) Moose Area 3: Parker Lake (GMU 117, Pend Oreille County): All lands south of Ruby Creek Rd (USFS Road 2489), north of Tacoma Creek Rd (USFS Road 2389), and west of Bonneville Power Administration power lines.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(19) ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT
(a) Bag limit: One Rocky Mountain bighorn ram.
(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 113, 172.
(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31
(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.
(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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)) 220-412-060.
(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)) 220-412-040.
(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)) 220-413-100.
(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:
(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.
(33) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a legal weapon or harvest an animal.
(34) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.
(35) If requested by the department, the permittee is required to direct department officials to the site of the kill.
(36) The permit is valid during the hunting season dates for the year issued.
(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.
(38) The permittee must abide by all local, state, and federal regulations including firearm restriction areas and area closures.
(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.
(((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 10-10-061, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10)
WAC 232-28-291 Special hunting season permits.
The commission may establish special hunting seasons and may set the conditions for each category and hunt.
1. Deer, elk, cougar, or black bear special hunting season permit applications:
A. To apply for special hunting season permits for all categories of deer, elk, cougar, or black bear, applicants must have a valid Washington big game hunting license and a valid transport tag for the appropriate species. To apply for a particular hunt, each applicant for deer or elk must have the proper transport tag as identified in the special deer or elk permit regulations.
B. Multiple season deer and elk permit applications may be purchased without additional licenses or tags. Persons who are successfully drawn must purchase a multiple season permit for deer or elk and may also apply for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm special hunting season permits for the species drawn.
2. Mountain goat, moose, and bighorn sheep special hunting season permit applications:
A. Persons who have previously harvested a mountain goat, bighorn sheep ram, or bull moose in Washington are ineligible for a special hunting season permit for that category. This lifetime harvest restriction does not apply to individuals who harvested a mountain goat before 1999, raffle or auction hunt authorizations, ewe-only bighorn sheep hunts, or antlerless-only moose hunts.
B. Successful applicants under this section must purchase the appropriate hunting license by the deadline established by the department (a minimum of 15 days). Failure to purchase forfeits the permit to an alternate applicant.
3. Wild turkey special hunting season permit applications
A. To apply for wild turkey special hunting season permits, each applicant must have a valid small game hunting license.
B. Fall wild turkey special hunting season permit holders must have a valid turkey transport tag in possession to hunt turkeys in fall special hunting seasons.
4. Special hunting season permit applications:
A. Maximum group sizes are determined for each category. If a group application is drawn, all hunters in the group will receive a special hunting season permit and each hunter in the group can take an animal. If the number of permits available in a hunt category is less than the maximum group size, then the maximum group size is equal to the number of permits.
i. Maximum group size for deer categories is 8.
ii. Maximum group size for elk categories is 8.
iii. Maximum group size for bear categories is 2.
iv. Maximum group size for cougar categories is 2.
v. Maximum group size for mountain goat categories is 2.
vi. Maximum group size for bighorn sheep categories is 2.
vii. Maximum group size for fall turkey categories is 4.
viii. Maximum group size for moose categories is 2.
ix. Maximum group size for multiple season deer is 2.
x. Maximum group size for multiple season elk is 2.
B. An applicant may purchase only one application for a special hunting season permit for each category.
C. Permit applications will allow four choices for all categories except the quality category for deer and elk will allow two choices.
D. Permits will be drawn by computer selection using a weighted point selection system.
i. Applicants will receive one point for each application category purchased.
ii. Once drawn for a permit, the applicant's points will be reduced to zero in that category. Applicants who are drawn for a damage hunt administered by a WDFW designated hunt coordinator and not given a chance to participate shall get their points restored. Those that decline to participate for any reason are not eligible for point restoration.
iii. An applicant's accumulated point totals, immediately prior to sales of the 2010 permit applications, will be replicated across all categories for that species. The point replication will only occur in 2010, during the transition from single species categories to multiple categories of the same species. Applicants for any new category added in the future will begin with the point awarded at the time of the initial application purchase.
E. Incomplete, ineligible, or inaccurate applications will not be accepted or entered into the drawing.
F. Permits will be voided if the applicant is found to be ineligible or to have provided an application based on inaccurate information.
G. The purchase of an application will result in one accrued point for the category purchased.
H. If an applicant makes a mistake, applies for the wrong hunt, and is successfully drawn, the special hunting season permit can be returned to the department of fish and wildlife Olympia headquarters before the opening day of the special hunting season. The applicant's points will be restored to the level prior to the permit drawing.
I. Anyone may apply for a special hunting season permit for deer, elk, bear, cougar, and wild turkey.
5. In addition to requirements for special hunting season permit applications, following are application requirements for:
A. Special hunting seasons for persons of disability: Only applicants with a Washington disabled hunter permit are eligible to apply for any special hunting season permits for persons of disability.
B. Special hunting seasons for youth: Only persons who are eligible to lawfully purchase a youth special hunt application are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for youth.
C. Special hunting seasons for hunters age 65 and older: Only applicants sixty-five years of age or older on or before March 31 of the current license year will be eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for hunters age 65 and older.
D. Special hunting seasons for master hunter program graduates: Only persons who hold a valid certificate from the Washington department of fish and wildlife's master hunter program are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for master hunters.
6. Citizen reward for reporting violations - bonus points: A person who provides information which contributes substantially to the arrest of another person for illegally hunting or killing big game or an endangered species as defined by Title 77 RCW is eligible to receive ten bonus points toward the special hunting permit drawing for one application category of deer or elk special hunting season permits.
A. Only ten bonus points can be awarded for providing information for each person charged regardless of the number of violations involved.
B. Selection of bonus points is in lieu of application for a cash award.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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 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. 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 at the mouth of the Quinault River; NE on the Olympic National Park boundary, which is along the Quinault River, to the intersection with USFS Colonel Bob Wilderness Area; then SW along the Colonel Bob Wilderness Area Western boundary to its intersection with Haas Creek; then downstream along Haas Creek to its intersection with USFS Olympic National Forest boundary; then SW along USFS boundary to the Lake Quinault shoreline; then N along the East shore of Lake Quinault to the mouth of Quinault River and the point of the beginning.
((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 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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, (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 SEASON DATES:
(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 SEASON DATES:
(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) 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:
(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)) 220-450-010 and 220-416-110).
(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)) Wenas 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.
(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.
(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.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-15-045, filed 7/14/16, effective 8/14/16)
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)) 220-414-070).
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)) 220-414-060) or archery equipment (WAC ((232-12-054)) 220-414-070).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
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)) 220-414-070.
Special Notes: Archery tag holders can hunt only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC ((232-12-054)) 220-414-070). 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)) 220-414-060, or bow and arrow, as defined under WAC ((232-12-054)) 220-414-070.
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 16-12-087, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16)
WAC 232-28-359 ((2016)) 2017 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.
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