WSR 00-06-087

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed March 1, 2000, 11:32 a.m. ]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-01-142.

Purpose: To adopt WAC 232-28-278 2000-2002 Deer general seasons and 2000 special permits.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.040.

Summary: This rule establishes general hunting seasons and permits for deer. Mule deer populations are recovering from the 1996-97 winter and buck ratios are above management objectives. Buck hunting opportunity will be shared by the three user groups (modern firearm, archery, and muzzleloader). The three point restriction is recommended to be retained for mule deer.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed deer hunting seasons will maintain most hunting opportunities from current seasons.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, governmental.

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

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The anticipated effect will be to maintain hunting opportunity and reduce liability to damage claims from deer damage.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not affect small business

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. This rule is not related to the hydraulics code.

Hearing Location: Yakima Convention Center, 10 North 8th Street, Yakima, WA, on April 7-8, 2000, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by March 31, 2000, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Dave Brittell, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by March 31, 2000.

Date of Intended Adoption: April 7, 2000.

March 1, 2000

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator


NEW SECTION

WAC 232-28-278
2000-2002 Deer general seasons and 2000 special permits.


Bag Limit: One (1) deer per hunter during the 2000 hunting season. The Fish and Wildlife Commission may authorize two doe permits for damage areas. Any multiple doe permits will be identified by special permit.


Hunting Method: Hunters must select one of the hunting methods (modern firearm, archery, muzzleloader).


Any Buck Deer Seasons: Open only to the taking of male deer with visible antlers (buck fawns illegal).


Branched Antler Restrictions: APPLIES TO ALL HUNTERS DURING ANY OPEN SEASON! Buck deer taken in these GMUs must meet minimum antler point requirements. Minimum antler point requirements are antler points on one side only. Antler points include eye guards but all antler points must be at least one inch long. The following GMUs have 2 or 3 point minimum requirements on buck deer taken.


2 Point GMUs: 437, 558, 574, 578, 588, 636, 654, and 681.


3 Point GMUs: All Mule Deer in 100, 200, and 300 series GMUs; Whitetail Deer in GMUs 127, 130, 133, 136, 139, 142, 145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 169, 172, 175, 178, 181, and 186.


Permit Only Units: The following GMUs are closed during general seasons: 290 (Desert), 329 (Quilomene), 342 (Umtanum), 371 (Alkali), and 485 (Green River).


GMUs Closed to Deer Hunting: 157 (Mill Creek Watershed) and 522 (Loo-wit).


Blacktail Deer: Any member of blacktail/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 Klickitat County and in Klickitat County west of Highway 97.


Mule Deer: Any member of blacktail/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 Klickitat County and in Klickitat County east of Highway 97.


Whitetail Deer: Means any whitetail deer (member of the species Odocoileus virginianus) except the Columbian Whitetail Deer (species Odocoileus virginianus leucurus).


Harvest Report Card: Successful hunters must fill out and return a Game Harvest Report Card within 10 days after taking a deer.


Modern Firearm Deer Seasons

License Required: A valid big game hunting license which includes a deer species option.

Tag Required: Valid modern firearm deer tag on his/her person for the area hunted.

Hunting Method: Modern firearm deer tag hunters may use rifle, handgun, shotgun, bow or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.


Hunt Season 2000 Dates 2001 Dates 2002 Dates Game Management Units (GMUs) Legal Deer
HIGH BUCK HUNTS
Sept. 15-25 Sept. 15-25 Sept. 15-25 Alpine Lakes, Glacier Peak, Pasayten and Olympic Peninsula Wilderness Areas and Lake Chelan Recreation Area and that part of the Henry Jackson Wilderness Area west of the Pacific Crest Trail 3 pt. min.
GENERAL SEASON HUNTS
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Oct. 14-31 Oct. 13-31 Oct. 12-31 407, 418, 426, 448 through 466, 490, 501 through 520, 524 through 556, 560, 568, 572, 601 through 633, 638 through 673, 684 Any buck
410, 564 Any deer
437, 558, 574, 578, 588, 654, 681 2 pt. min.
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer

 Oct. 14-27 Oct. 13-26 Oct. 12-25 101 through 124, 203 through 382 Any whitetail buck
Oct. 14-22 Oct. 13-21 Oct. 12-20 127 through 154, 162 through 186 Whitetail, 3 pt. min.
Mule Deer Oct. 14-22 Oct. 13-21 Oct. 12-20 All 100, 200, and 300 series GMUs except closed in GMUs 157, 290, 329, 342, 371, and PLWMA 201 3 pt. min., except any deer in GMU 381
LATE BUCK HUNTS
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Nov. 16-19 Nov. 15-18 Nov. 14-17 All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs except closed in GMUs 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 460, 485, 522, 574, 578, and 588 Any buck except 2 pt. min. in GMUs 558, 654, 681 and any deer in GMUs 410 and 564
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Nov. 11-19 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 9-17 105 through 124 Any whitetail buck
127 through 142 Whitetail-3 pt. min.
HUNTERS OVER 65, DISABLED, OR YOUTH SEASONS
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Oct. 14-27 Oct. 13-26 Oct. 12-25 101 through 124 Any whitetail deer
Oct. 14-22 Oct. 13-21 Oct. 12-20 127 through 142 Whitetail-3 pt. min. or antlerless
DISABLED HUNTERS
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Oct. 14-22 Oct. 13-21 Oct. 12-20 145 through 154,

162 through 186

 Whitetail-3 pt. min. or antlerless


Archery Deer Seasons

License Required: A valid big game hunting license which includes a deer species option.

Tag Required: Valid archery deer tag on his/her person for the area hunted.

Special Notes: Archery tag holders can only hunt with archery equipment during archery seasons.


Hunt Area 2000 Dates 2001 Dates 2002 Dates Game Management Units (GMUs) Legal Deer
Early Archery Deer Seasons
Western Washington

Blacktail Deer

 Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 407 through 426, 448 through 466, 490 through 520, 524 through 556, 560 through 572, 601 through 633, 638 through 673, 684 and Long Island. Bangor Submarine Base within GMU 627 is open for archers with disabilities by permit from the Navy. For information on this hunt call Tom Jones at (360) 396-5097. Special Restrictions: Must be a U.S. Citizen and hunting is open on weekends only. Any Deer, except buck only in GMUs 506, 530, 550, 568, 672, 673
437, 558, 574, 578, 588, 636, 654, 681 2 pt. min. or antlerless
Alpine Lakes, Glacier Peak, and Olympic Peninsula Wilderness Areas 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Eastern Washington Mule Deer Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 101 through 127, 181 through 247, 249 through 251, 260, 262, 328, 334 through 340, 346 through 368, 372 3 pt. min.
Sept. 1-15 Sept. 1-15 Sept. 1-15 130 through 154, 162 through 178, 248, 254, 266, 269, 272, 278, 284, 381, 382, 387 3 pt. min., except any deer in GMU 381
Sept. 16-30 Sept. 16-30 Sept. 16-30 130 through 154, 162 through 178, 248, 254, 266, 269, 272, 278, 284, 381, 382 3 pt. min. or antlerless, except any deer in GMU 381
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 101 through 124, 204 through 284 Any deer
Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 Sept. 1-30 127 through 154, 162 through 186 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Late Archery Deer Seasons
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 588 2 pt. min. or antlerless
Nov. 22-Dec. 15 Nov. 21-Dec. 15 Nov. 20-Dec. 15 558, 636, 681 2 pt. min. or antlerless
460, 466, 506 through 520, 524, 530, 556, 560, 572, 601, 607 through 618, 638, 648, 673, and Long Island Any deer, except buck only in GMUs 506, 530, and 673
Nov. 22-Dec. 31 Nov. 21-Dec. 31 Nov. 20-Dec. 31 407, 410, 454, 505, 603, 624, 627, 642, 652, 660 through 672 Any deer
437 2 pt. min. or antlerless
Eastern Washington Mule Deer Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 127, 145, 178 3 pt. min. or antlerless
209, 215, 233, 243, 250, 346, 352, that part of GMU 360 north of USFS Roads 324, 325 to the intersection of Carmack Canyon; then northeast down Carmack Canyon bottom to the Naches River and north to State Highway 410, GMUs 364, 368 3 pt. min.
272 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Nov. 10-Dec. 15 Nov. 10-Dec. 15 Nov. 20-Dec. 15 101 Any Whitetail
Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 105, 117, 121, 124, 209, 215, 233, 272 Any Whitetail
127, 145, 178 3 pt. min. or antlerless


Muzzleloader Deer Seasons

License Required: A valid big game hunting license which includes a deer species option.

Tag Required: Valid muzzleloader deer tag on his/her person 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.


Hunt Area 2000 Dates 2001 Dates 2002 Dates Game Management Units Legal Deer
High Buck Hunts Sept. 15-25 Sept. 15-25 Sept. 15-25 Alpine Lakes, Glacier Peak, Pasayten and Olympic Peninsula Wilderness Areas, Lake Chelan Recreation Area and that part of the Henry Jackson Wilderness Area west of the Pacific Crest Trail. 3 pt. min.
Early Muzzleloader Deer Seasons
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Oct. 7-11 Oct. 6-10 Oct. 5-9 407, 418, 426, 448, 501, 504, 505, 513, 520, 530, 554, 568, 578, 603, 612, 624, 627, 638, 642, 660, 663, 672, 673, 684 Any buck
410, 454, 564, 652, 666 Any deer
437, 578 2 pt. min.
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Oct. 7-11 Oct. 6-10 Oct. 5-9 209, 239, 244, 245, 246, 251, 284 Whitetail, any buck
133, 142, 145, 149 Whitetail, 3 pt. min.
109, 117, 124 Whitetail, any deer
Eastern Washington Mule Deer Oct. 7-11 Oct. 6-10 Oct. 5-9 109, 117, 133, 142, 145, 149, 209, 239, 243 through 246, 250, 336, 352, 360, 382 Mule deer, 3 pt. min.
Late Muzzleloader Deer Seasons
Hunt Area 2000 Dates 2001 Dates 2002 Dates Game Management Units (GMUs) Legal Deer
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Nov. 22-Dec. 15 Nov. 21-Dec. 15 Nov. 20-Dec. 15 410, 501, 504, 564, 666, 684, and Muzzleloader Area 926 Any deer
654 2 pt. min.
550, 602, 633, 651 Any buck
Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 578 2 pt. min.
Eastern Washington Whitetail Deer Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 113, 284 Whitetail, any buck
130, 139 Whitetail, 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Eastern Washington Mule Deer Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 130, 284 Mule deer, 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 Nov. 20-Dec. 8 382 3 pt. min.


Firearm Restricted Deer Hunts Open To All Deer Hunters

License Required: Hunting license.

Tag Required: Valid modern firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer tag on his/her person for the area hunted.

Hunting Method: Must use weapon in compliance with tag. Firearm restrictions apply in some GMUs.


Firearm Restricted Hunts Open To All Deer Hunters
Hunting license and deer tag required. Must use hunting method in compliance with tag. Check firearm restrictions. Archery, shotgun, muzzleloader or revolver type handgun only. Hunter orange required.
Hunt Area 2000 Dates 2001 Dates 2002 Dates Game Management Units (GMUs) Legal Deer
Western Washington Blacktail Deer Oct. 14-31 Oct. 13-31 Oct. 12-31 410, Vashon and Maury Islands Any deer
Nov. 22-Dec. 31 Nov. 21-Dec. 31 Nov. 20-Dec. 31 564 Any deer
Sept. 1-Dec. 31 Sept. 1- Dec. 31 Sept. 1-Dec. 31 Indian Island. Restricted Access.* Any deer
*Archery only except for one day persons of disability hunt. Archers must qualify during the June to August period to hunt. For information call Bill Kalina at (360) 396-5353.


Special Deer Permit Hunting Seasons

(Open to Permit Holders Only)

Hunters must purchase a deer hunting license prior to purchase of a permit application.



Hunt Name 2000 Permit Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description 2000

Permits
Modern Firearm Deer Permit Hunts (Only modern firearm and muzzleloader deer tag holders may apply)
Hunters may hunt only with weapon in compliance with tag.
Sherman Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 101 100
Kelly Hill Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 105 100
Threeforks Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 109 300
Selkirk Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 113 25
49 Degrees North Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 117 100
Huckleberry Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 121 250
Mt. Spokane Oct. 14-27 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 124 800
Mica Peak Oct. 14-22 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 127 160
Cheney Oct. 14-22 Antlerless GMU 130 150
Roosevelt Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 133 450
Harrington Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 136 125
Steptoe Nov. 6-15 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 139 200
Almota Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 142 225
Mayview Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 145 500
Prescott A Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 149 400
Prescott B Nov. 6-15 Antlerless That portion of GMU 149 north of Hwy 261 150
Blue Creek Nov. 6-15 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 154 200
Dayton Nov. 6-15 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 162 250
Marengo A Nov. 6-15 Whitetail, Antlerless GMU 163 150
Marengo B Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 163 50
Peola Nov. 6-15 Antlerless GMU 178 125
Blue Mtns. Foothills A Nov. 6-21 Whitetail, 3 Pt. Min. or

Antlerless

 GMUs 149-154, 162-166 100
Blue Mtns. Foothills B Nov. 6-21 Whitetail, 3 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 145, 172-181 50
East Okanogan Nov. 1-15 Any Whitetail GMU 204 100
West Okanogan Nov. 1-15 Any Whitetail GMUs 209, 218-242 100
Sinlahekin Nov. 1-15 Any Whitetail GMU 215 50
Chewuch Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 218 15
Pearrygin Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 224 15
Gardner Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 231 15
Pogue Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 233 15
Chiliwist Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 239 5
Alta Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 242 15
Manson Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 243 5
Chiwawa Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 245 5
Entiat Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 247 5
Big Bend A Oct. 14-22 Antlerless GMU 248 50
Swakane Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 250 5
Mission Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 251 5
Badger Nov. 1-15 Antlerless GMU 266 75
Beazeley East Oct. 14-22 Antlerless That part of GMU 272 in Grant County 300
Kahlotus Oct. 14-22 Antlerless GMU 284 100
Desert A Nov. 1-15 Any Buck GMU 290 15
Desert B Nov. 18-26 Antlerless GMU 290 50
Quilomene A Nov. 8-23 Any Buck GMU 329 100
Umtanum A Nov. 8-23 Any Buck GMU 342 105
Alkali A Nov. 8-23 Any Buck GMU 371 60
Alkali B Nov. 8-23 Antlerless GMU 371 25
East Klickitat Oct. 14-23 3 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 382 25
Green River A Oct. 7-13 Any Buck GMU 485 10
Lincoln Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 501 80
Stella Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 504* 75
Mossyrock Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 505 150
Stormking Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 510 75
South Rainier Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 513 75
Packwood Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 516 100
Winston Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 520 100
Yale Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 554* 50
Marble Oct. 14-31 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 558 75
Lewis River Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 560 100
Siouxon Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 572 100
Wind River A Oct. 14-31 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 574 40
Wind River B Nov. 16-19 2 Pt. Min. GMU 574 25
West Klickitat A Oct. 14-31 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 578 50
West Klickitat B Nov. 16-19 2 Pt. Min GMU 578 35
Grayback A Oct. 14-31 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 588 125
Grayback B Nov. 16-19 2 Pt. Min GMU 588 50
Pysht** Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 603 50
Olympic Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 621 40
Coyle Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 624 30
Kitsap Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 627 20
Mason Lake Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 633 70
Skokomish Oct. 14-31 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 636 80
Wynoochee Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 648 100
Satsop Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 651 150
North River Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 658 60
Minot Peak Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 660 100
Capitol Peak Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 663 120
Deschutes Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 666 80
Skookumchuck A Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 667 200
*Firearm Restriction Areas - Muzzleloader or archery equipment only.
**Permit not valid on Merrill and Ring Tree Farm.


Muzzleloader Only Deer Permit Hunts (Only muzzleloader tag holders may apply.)
Green Bluff Dec. 9-31 Whitetail Antlerless That portion of GMU 124 east of Hwy 2 75
Blue Mtns Foothills C Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Whitetail, 3 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 149-154, 162-166 60
Blue Mtns Foothills D Nov. 22-Dec. 8 Whitetail, 3 Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 172-175, 181 50
Moses Coulee Dec. 1-31 Antlerless GMU 269 50
Desert C Oct. 23-29 Any Deer GMU 290 2
Quilomene B Oct. 1-10 Any Buck GMUs 329 35
Umtanum B Oct. 1-10 Any Buck GMU 342 10
Alkali C Sept. 30-Oct. 6 Any Buck GMU 371 10
Alkali D Sept. 30-Oct. 6 Antlerless GMU 371 5
Mason Lake Oct. 7-13 Antlerless GMU 633 30
Satsop Oct. 7-13 Any Deer GMU 651 50
Archery Only Permit Hunts (Only archery deer tag holders may apply.)
Desert D Nov. 27-Dec. 8 Any Deer GMU 290 35
Quilomene C Nov. 24-Dec. 8 Any Buck GMU 329 110
Umtanum C Nov. 24-Dec. 8 Any Buck GMU 342 100
Alkali E Nov. 24-Dec. 8 Any Deer GMU 371 90
Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) Graduate Special Deer Permit Hunts (Only AHE graduates may apply.)
Palouse Dec. 9-15 Antlerless Only GMUs 127-142 125
Special Deer Permit Hunts for Hunters 65 or older.
Walla Walla Oct. 14-24 3-Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 149, 163 100
Youth Special Deer Permit Hunts (Must be eligible for the youth hunting license & accompanied by an adult during the hunt.)
Blue Mtns. Foothills E Oct. 14-22 3-Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 149, 154, 162-166 150
Blue Mtns. Foothills F Oct. 14-22 3-Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMUs 145, 172-181 75
Big Bend B Oct. 14-22 Antlerless GMU 248 25
Toutle Oct. 14-31 Any Deer GMU 556 100
Wind River Oct. 14-31 2-Pt. Min. or Antlerless GMU 574 75
Satsop Oct. 10-31 Any Deer GMU 651 10
Skookumchuck D Oct. 10-31 Any Deer GMU 667 60

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