PROPOSED RULES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-01-142.
Purpose: To amend WAC 232-12-051 Muzzleloading firearms.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.040.
Summary: The proposed changes clarify the use of certain types of sights on muzzleloading firearms for use during any special muzzleloading season.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: A number of nonmetal sights are now manufactured and are factory-installed for use on muzzleloading firearms. There has been widespread misunderstanding about the legality of such sights, and the proposed changes clarify and authorize the use of such sights.
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 proposed rule changes will make it easier for hunting license buyers to understand and comply with equipment rules for muzzleloading hunting seasons.
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
(1) It is unlawful
to carry or possess any firearm during special muzzleloading
seasons which does not meet the following specification for a
muzzleloader. A muzzleloading firearm is loaded from the muzzle
and uses black powder or a black powder substitute as recommended
by the manufacturer for use in muzzleloading firearms. A
muzzleloading firearm has a single or double barrel of at least
20 inches, rifled or smooth-bored. Ignition is to be wheel lock,
matchlock, flintlock, or percussion using original style
percussion caps that fit on the nipple and are exposed to the
elements. Sights must be ((metal)) open, peep or of other open
sight design. Fiber optic sights are legal. Telescopic sights
or sights containing glass are prohibited. It is unlawful to
have any electrical device or equipment attached to a
muzzleloading firearm while hunting.
(2) A muzzleloading firearm used for deer must fire a single, nonjacketed lead projectile of nominal .40 caliber or larger, except that buckshot size #1 or larger may be used in a smoothbore of .60 caliber or larger.
(3) A muzzleloading firearm used for all other big game must fire a single, nonjacketed lead projectile of nominal .50 caliber or larger, or fire a single, nonjacketed lead projectile of at least 170 grains.
(4) This section shall not apply to the carrying of a handgun designed to be charged with black powder only.
(5) This section shall not apply to persons lawfully hunting game birds with a shotgun.
(6) Only one barrel of a double barrel muzzleloader may be charged with a load at any one time while hunting in a muzzleloading season except in specified firearm restricted areas.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.055 and 77.12.040. 90-14-109 (Order 450), § 232-12-051, filed 7/5/90, effective 8/5/90; 89-11-062 (Order 393), § 232-12-051, filed 5/18/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 84-18-013 (Order 234), § 232-12-051, filed 8/28/84; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-051, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-135.]
Reviser's note: The bracketed material preceding the section above was supplied by the code reviser's office.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.