PDFWAC 220-413-060

Hunting restrictions.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife during any modern firearm deer or elk season with any firearm 240 caliber or larger, or containing slugs or buckshot, unless the hunter has a valid license, permits and tags for modern firearm deer or elk seasons are in his or her possession.
(a) This subsection does not apply to people hunting bear, cougar, mountain goat, mountain sheep, or turkey.
(b) A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 or 77.15.430, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
(2)(a) It is unlawful to hunt any wildlife at night and it is unlawful to hunt wild animals, except rabbits and hares, with dogs (hounds) during the month of October or November during the dates established for eastern and western Washington modern firearm deer or elk general seasons. During the modern firearm deer and elk general seasons the hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.430 Unlawful hunting of wild animals—Penalty.
(b) It is unlawful to use hounds to hunt black bear, cougar (EXCEPT as pursuant to RCW 77.15.245), coyote, and bobcat year-round. A violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty, or RCW 77.15.430, depending on the circumstances of the violation.
(c) A person may not use the aid of a dog to take, chase, harm or harass big game. The use of one blood-trailing dog controlled by leash during lawful hunting hours within 72 hours of shooting a big game animal, except bear and cougar, is allowed to track wounded big game and aid in recovery.
(3) It is unlawful to participate in a hunting contest for which no permit has been issued by the department. A violation of this subsection is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 (6)(b).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-413-060, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 71.12.047, 77.32.050, and 77.32.525. WSR 20-19-115 (Order 20-199), § 220-413-060, filed 9/21/20, effective 10/22/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-413-060, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-033 (Order 15-95), § 232-12-242, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-12-242, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-02-043 (Order 12-290), § 232-12-242, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 93-04-074 (Order 593), § 232-12-242, filed 1/29/93, effective 3/1/93.]