WSR 04-05-112

PROPOSED RULES

     DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed February 18, 2004, 10:15 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 04-01-187.

     Title of Rule: WAC 232-28-341 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 Small game seasons.

     Purpose: To amend WAC 232-28-341 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 Small game seasons.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

     Summary: This amendment accomplishes the following:

     1. Adds language to make the upland bird hunting season within the Colville Indian Reservation to be the same as the season established by the Colville Indian Tribe.

     2. Opens a general fall turkey season in selected northeastern Washington GMUs and sets permit levels for the Mount Spokane and Sherman GMUs.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The language for the Colville Indian Reservation is being added to simplify the season rules within the boundaries of the reservation while remaining consistent with the method of take and other hunting regulations associated with pheasant hunting in Washington. Also, this addition is consistent with existing pheasant hunting regulations within the Yakama Indian Reservation.

     Turkey populations in northeastern Washington are continuing to increase. In some areas, this increase is large enough that a general fall season hunting opportunity can be provided in place of a permit only hunt. In addition, local hunters who are most familiar with areas with the largest concentrations of turkeys will have a greater opportunity to harvest a turkey. This will help WDFW address nuisance issues that continue to arise.

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

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

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

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: A section has been added to make the Washington state pheasant season dates within the Colville Indian Reservation the same as those set for Colville Indian Reservation lands. This simplifies and clarifies hunting season dates on these lands. As a result, hunters who wish to hunt within the boundary of the Colville Indian Reservation will have consistent hunting rules to follow.

     A general fall turkey season is established for GMUs 105-121 in northeastern Washington. In addition, fall season permit levels are set for GMUs 101 and 124. These changes will provide appropriate hunting opportunity consistent with population management goals for the areas identified. This should result in an increase in hunting opportunity for many hunters as well as provide WDFW with a tool to address population management objectives.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Explanation of Rule above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Not hydraulics rules.

     Hearing Location: Red Lion Hotel "At the Park," 303 West North River Drive, Spokane, WA 99201, phone (509) 326-8000, on April 2-3, 2004, at 8:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager by March 29, 2004, TDD (360) 902-2207 or (360) 902-2267.

     Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Wildlife Program April Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by March 12, 2004.

     Date of Intended Adoption: April 2, 2004.

February 18, 2004

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 03-175, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03)

WAC 232-28-341   2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 Small game seasons.  

HOUND HUNTING DURING DEER AND ELK HUNTING SEASONS


It is unlawful to hunt any wildlife at night or wild animals with dogs (hounds) during the months of September, October, or November in any area open to a center-fire rifle deer or elk season. The use of hounds to hunt black bear, cougar (EXCEPT by public safety removal permit), and bobcat is prohibited year around.

BOBCAT


Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit


OPEN SEASON: Statewide


Sept. 2, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Sept. 7, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Sept. 6, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.


RACCOON


Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit


OPEN SEASON: Statewide, except CLOSED on Long Island within Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.


Sept. 2, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Sept. 7, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Sept. 6, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.


FOX


Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit


OPEN SEASON: Statewide, except CLOSED within the exterior boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests and GMUs 407 and 410.


Sept. 2, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Sept. 7, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Sept. 6, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.


COYOTE


Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit


OPEN SEASON: Statewide, year around except CLOSED from September 15 to November 30 in the Pasayten Wilderness, GMUs 426 and 450, and those portions of GMUs 218, 245, and 448 within the external boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, and Wenatchee National Forests. However, coyote may only be killed and/or pursued with hounds during the following period: Sept. 2, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Sept. 7, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Sept. 6, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006; except coyote may be hunted year around with hounds in Grant, Adams, Benton, and Franklin counties.


FOREST GROUSE (BLUE, RUFFED, AND SPRUCE)


Bag and Possession Limits: Three (3) grouse per day, with a total of nine (9) grouse in possession at any time; straight or mixed bag.


Statewide: Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2003; Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2004; Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2005.


PTARMIGAN, SAGE, AND SHARP-TAILED GROUSE


Season closed statewide.


EASTERN WASHINGTON


RING-NECKED PHEASANT


Bag and Possession Limits: Three (3) cock pheasants per day, with a total of fifteen (15) cock pheasants in possession at any time.


Youth Season: Sept. 20 and 21, 2003; Sept. 18 and 19, 2004; Sept. 17 and 18, 2005. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.


Regular Season: Oct. 18 - Dec. 31, 2003; Oct. 23 - Dec. 31, 2004; Oct. 22 - Dec. 31, 2005.


CHUKAR


Bag and Possession Limits: Six (6) chukar per day, with a total of eighteen (18) chukar in possession at any time.


Youth Season: Sept. 20 and 21, 2003; Sept. 18 and 19, 2004; Sept. 17 and 18, 2005. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.


Regular Season: Oct. 4, 2003 - Jan. 19, 2004; Oct. 2, 2004 - Jan. 17, 2005; Oct. 1, 2005 - Jan. 16, 2006


GRAY (HUNGARIAN) PARTRIDGE


Bag and Possession Limits: Six (6) gray partridges per day, with a total of eighteen (18) gray partridges in possession at any time.


Youth Season: Sept. 20 and 21, 2003; Sept. 18 and 19, 2004; Sept. 17 and 18, 2005. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.


Regular Season: Oct. 4, 2003 - Jan. 19, 2004; Oct. 2, 2004 - Jan. 17, 2005; Oct. 1, 2005 - Jan. 16, 2006.


MOUNTAIN QUAIL


Season closed throughout Eastern Washington.


CALIFORNIA (VALLEY) QUAIL AND NORTHERN BOBWHITE


Bag and Possession Limits: Ten (10) quail per day, with a total of thirty (30) quail in possession at any time, straight or mixed bag.


Youth Season: Sept. 20 and 21, 2003; Sept. 18 and 19, 2004; Sept. 17 and 18, 2005. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.


Regular Season: Oct. 4, 2003 - Jan. 19, 2004; Oct. 2, 2004 - Jan. 17, 2005; Oct. 1, 2005 - Jan. 16, 2006.


Yakama Indian Reservation: The 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 Upland bird seasons within the Yakama Indian Reservation shall be the same as the season established by the Yakama Indian Nation.


Colville Indian Reservation: The 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 Upland bird seasons within the Colville Indian Reservation shall be the same as the season established by the Colville Indian Tribe.


WESTERN WASHINGTON


RING-NECKED PHEASANT


Bag and Possession Limits: Two (2) pheasants of either sex per day, with a total of fifteen (15) pheasants in possession at any time.


Youth Season: Sept. 20 and 21, 2003; Sept. 18 and 19, 2004; Sept. 17 and 18, 2005. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.


Hunters 65 years of age or older: Sept. 22-26, 2003; Sept. 20-24, 2004; Sept. 19-23, 2005


Regular Season: Sept. 27 - Nov. 30, 2003; Sept. 25 - Nov. 30, 2004; Sept. 24 - Nov. 30, 2005. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; except Dungeness Recreation site (Clallam County) starting Oct. 4, 2003; Oct. 2, 2004; Oct. 1, 2005.


Extended Season: Dec. 1 - Dec. 15, 2003; Dec. 1 - Dec. 15, 2004; Dec. 1 - 15, 2005. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only on the following release sites: Belfair, Fort Lewis, Kosmos, Lincoln Creek, Scatter Creek, and Skookumchuck. Pheasants will not be released during the extended season.


A Western Washington Pheasant Permit is required to hunt pheasant in Western Washington, in addition to a current small game hunting license. Pheasant kills must be recorded. Upon taking a pheasant, the holder of a Western Washington Pheasant Permit must immediately enter on the corresponding space the date and location of kill.


There are three options available:


     (1) Full Season Option: Allows the harvest of eight (8) pheasants.

     (2) Youth Option: Allows the harvest of eight (8) pheasants by youth hunters.

     (3) 3-Day Option: Allows the harvest of four (4) pheasants harvested over three consecutive days.


Every person possessing a Western Washington Pheasant Permit must by December 31, return the permit to the department of fish and wildlife. The number of permits purchased per year is not limited.


A hunter shall select one valid option at the time they purchase their Western Washington Pheasant Permit. It is unlawful to purchase an additional permit until the pheasants allowed on the current permit are taken.


Special Restriction: Western Washington pheasant hunters must choose to hunt on either 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, all hunting sites on Whidbey Island, and at the Dungeness Recreation Area, and must indicate their choice on the Western Washington Pheasant Permit by choosing "odd" or "even." Hunters who select the three day option, hunters 65 years of age or older, and youth hunters may hunt during either weekend day morning. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who must have an appropriately marked pheasant permit if hunting.


MOUNTAIN QUAIL


Bag and Possession Limits: Two (2) mountain quail per day, with a total of four (4) mountain quail in possession at any time.


Season: Oct. 4 - Nov. 30, 2003; Oct. 2 - Nov. 30, 2004; Oct. 1 - Nov. 30, 2005.


CALIFORNIA (VALLEY) QUAIL AND NORTHERN BOBWHITE


Bag and Possession Limits: Ten (10) California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite per day, with a total of thirty (30) California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite in possession at any time, straight or mixed bag.


Season: Oct. 4 - Nov. 30, 2003; Oct. 2 - Nov. 30, 2004; Oct. 1 - Nov. 30, 2005.


WILD TURKEY


Youth Season:


Gobblers and turkeys with visible beards only.


Statewide: April 10-11, 2004; April 9-10, 2005; April 8-9, 2006 in the following GMUs ONLY: 101, 113, 117, 130, 133, 139, 145-154, 166, 175, 186, 204, 215, 218, 242, 245, 249-251, 269, 328, 329, 346, 352, 360-368, 382, 506, 554, 556, 568, 574, 588, 633, 651, 660-666.


Spring Season:


Gobblers and turkeys with visible beards only.


Statewide: April 15 - May 15, 2004; April 15 - May 15, 2005; April 15 - May 15, 2006.


Fall Season:


Either sex.


Open to all hunters with a valid turkey tag: GMUs 105-121.

Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2004; Sept. 24-Sept. 30, 2005.


Permit Only - GMUs 101, ((105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121)) 124, 133, 145-186, 382, 568-588. Sept. 27 - Oct. 3, 2003; Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 2004; Sept. 24 - Sept. 30, 2005.


Permit Area Number of Permits
GMU 101 ((200)) 250
((GMU 105)) ((100))
((GMU 108)) ((200))
((GMU 111)) ((100))
((GMU 113)) ((100))
((GMU 117)) ((400))
((GMU 121)) ((800))
GMU 124 100
GMU 133 150
GMUs 145-186 50
GMUs 382, 568-588 75

OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS/BAG LIMITS FOR WILD TURKEY:

Bag and Possession Limit: Only two (2) turkeys may be killed in Eastern Washington per year, except only one (1) may be killed in Chelan, Kittitas, or Yakima counties; and one (1) per year in Western Washington, except two (2) may be killed in Klickitat County. The season limit is three (3) birds per year.


Fall Season Bag and Possession Limit: One (1) turkey per year in areas open to fall hunting.


Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset during spring and fall seasons.


SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR WILD TURKEY:


1. Turkey season is open for shotgun and bow-and-arrow hunting only.

2. A turkey tag is required for hunting turkey.

3. It is unlawful to use dogs to hunt turkeys.

4. It is unlawful to bait game birds.


BIRD DOG TRAINING SEASON


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 small game license and 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 proof of lawful acquisition (invoices) are in possession and the birds are appropriately marked (WAC 232-12-271) (WAC 232-12-044).


Aug. 1, 2003 - Mar. 31, 2004; Aug. 1, 2004 - Mar. 31, 2005; Aug. 1, 2005 - Mar. 31, 2006. Only youth and seniors may train dogs during their respective seasons on designated Western Washington pheasant release sites.


Bird dog training may be conducted year around on areas posted for bird dog training on portions of: Region One - Espanola (T24N, R40E, E 1/2 of section 16); Region Three - South L.T. Murray Wildlife Area; Region Four - Skagit Wildlife Area, Lake Terrell Wildlife Area, and Snoqualmie Wildlife Area; Region Five - Shillapoo/Vancouver Lake Wildlife Area; Region Six - Scatter Creek Wildlife Area, Fort Lewis Military Base.


HIP REQUIREMENTS:


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


CANADA GOOSE SEPTEMBER SEASON


Bag and Possession Limits: Western Washington, except Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties and that part of Clark County north of the Washougal River: Five (5) Canada geese per day with a total of ten (10) in possession at any time. Remainder of the state: Three (3) Canada geese per day with a total of six (6) in possession at any time.


Western Washington: Sept. 6-11, 2003; Sept. 11-15, 2004; Sept. 10-15, 2005. EXCEPT Pacific and Grays Harbor counties: Sept. 1-15, 2003, 2004, and 2005.


Eastern Washington: Sept. 6-7, 2003; Sept. 11-12, 2004; Sept. 10-11, 2005.


BAND-TAILED PIGEON


Sept. 15-23, 2003, 2004, 2005.


Daily Bag Limit: 2 band-tailed pigeons.


Possession Limit: 4 band-tailed pigeons.


WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED TO HUNT BAND-TAILED PIGEONS.


All persons hunting band-tailed pigeons in this season are required to obtain a written authorization and harvest report from the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Application forms must be delivered to a department office no later than August 25 or postmarked on or before August 25 in order for applicants to be mailed an authorization before the season starts. Immediately after taking a band-tailed pigeon into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest report. By September 30, hunters must return the harvest report to the Washington department of fish and wildlife, or report harvest information on the department's Internet reporting system. Hunters failing to comply with reporting requirements will be ineligible to participate in the following band-tailed pigeon season.


MOURNING DOVE


Bag and Possession Limits: Ten (10) mourning doves per day with a total of twenty (20) mourning doves in possession at any time.


Statewide: Sept. 1-15, 2003, 2004, and 2005.


COTTONTAIL AND SNOWSHOE HARE (OR WASHINGTON HARE)


Bag and Possession Limits: Five (5) cottontails or snowshoe hares per day, with a total of fifteen (15) in possession at any time, straight or mixed bag.


Statewide: Sept. 1, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Sept. 1, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Sept. 1, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.


JACKRABBIT


Closed season statewide.


CROWS


Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit


Statewide: Oct. 1, 2003 - Jan. 31, 2004; Oct. 1, 2004 - Jan. 31, 2005; Oct. 1, 2005 - Jan. 31, 2006.


FALCONRY SEASONS


UPLAND GAME BIRD AND FOREST GROUSE - FALCONRY


Daily Bag Limit: Two (2) pheasants (either sex), six (6) partridge, five (5) California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, two (2) mountain quail (in Western Washington only), and three (3) forest grouse (blue, ruffed, spruce) per day.


Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.


Statewide: Aug. 1, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Aug. 1, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Aug. 1, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.


MOURNING DOVE - FALCONRY


Daily Bag Limit: Three (3) mourning doves per day straight bag or mixed bag with snipe, coots, ducks, and geese during established seasons.


Possession limit is twice the daily limit.


Statewide: Sept. 1-15 and Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2003; Sept. 1-15 and Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2004; Sept. 1-15 and Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2005.


COTTONTAIL AND SNOWSHOE HARE - FALCONRY


Daily Bag Limit: Five (5) cottontails or snowshoe hares per day, straight or mixed bag.


Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.


Statewide: Aug. 1, 2003 - Mar. 15, 2004; Aug. 1, 2004 - Mar. 15, 2005; Aug. 1, 2005 - Mar. 15, 2006.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-16-087 (Order 03-175), § 232-28-341, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03; 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-28-341, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03.]

     Reviser's note: RCW 34.05.395 requires the use of underlining and deletion marks to indicate amendments to existing rules. The rule published above varies from its predecessor in certain respects not indicated by the use of these markings.

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