Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 10-10-128 on May 5, 2010, and WSR 09-18-054 on August 27, 2009.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Waterfowl regulations, baiting of game birds, licensed trapper requirements, and importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife.

     Hearing Location(s): Natural Resources Building, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 902-2515, on August 6-7, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: August 6-7, 2010.

     Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by July 16, 2010.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager by July 26, 2010, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules:

     WAC 232-12-021 Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife, the purpose of the proposed WAC is to establish restrictions on the importation of deer, elk, and moose from states known to harbor chronic wasting disease in wild populations.

     WAC 232-12-134 Report required of licensed trappers, the purpose of the proposed WAC is to require all licensed trappers to report their trapping activity, whether they trapped or not. The proposed WAC changes the report deadline from April 10 to April 20. Failure to report trapping activity is an infraction. The proposed WAC also removes the requirement that trappers must report their trapping activity prior to being issued a trapping license for the next year.

     WAC 232-12-264 Baiting of game birds -- Unlawful, this amendment is intended to clarify the existing rule on baiting of game birds and align the rule with current federal regulations on baiting of migratory game birds.

     WAC 232-28-434 2010-11 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations, the new WAC specifies legal season dates, bag limits, and open areas to hunt waterfowl, coot, and snipe for the 2010-11 hunting season.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal:

     WAC 232-12-021, to reduce the disease risk for native deer, elk, and moose populations in Washington.

     WAC 232-12-134, the reason for changing the report deadline from April 10 to April 20 is for consistency with the report deadline for wildlife control operators authorized by WAC 232-36-065. The reason for removing the requirement that trappers must report prior to being issued a trapping license for the next year is because noncompliance is already dealt with via infraction. Also, wildlife damage by furbearing animals begins to increase in mid-April. Delays in licensing wildlife control operators due to noncompliance tracking delays the department's ability to deal with nuisance complaints in a timely manner.

     WAC 232-12-264, this amendment was requested by the Washington fish and wildlife commission, subsequent to a commission presentation in September 2009, to facilitate consistent enforcement of state and federal baiting rules by the department and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     WAC 232-28-434, waterfowl seasons and regulations are developed based on cooperative management programs among the states of the Pacific Flyway and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, considering population status and other biological parameters. The rule establishes waterfowl seasons and regulations to provide recreational opportunity, control waterfowl damage, and conserve the waterfowl resources of Washington.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047.

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

     Name of Proponent: Washington fish and wildlife commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2373.

     A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

     2. Kinds of Professional Services That a Small Business Is Likely to Need in Order to Comply with Such Requirements: None.

     3. Costs of Compliance for Businesses, Including Costs of Equipment, Supplies, Labor, and Increased Administrative Costs: Businesses would incur no additional costs due to the proposed rule change.

     4. Will Compliance with the Rule Cause Businesses to Lose Sales or Revenue? No. The new rule reduces a burden on businesses and allows for shorter lag time for relicensing.

     5. Cost of Compliance for the Ten Percent of Businesses That Are the Largest Businesses Required to Comply with the Proposed Rules Using One or More of the Following as a Basis for Comparing Costs: Cost per employee, cost per hour of labor, or cost per one hundred dollars of sales. The proposed rule should not result in increased costs to businesses, and in fact, may reduce costs.

     6. Steps Taken by the Agency to Reduce the Costs of the Rule on Small Businesses or Reasonable Justification for Not Doing So: The proposed rule should reduce costs for small businesses as they will not be required to spend time submitting reports if they miss the reporting deadline in order to be relicensed.

     7. A Description of How the Agency Will Involve Small Businesses in the Development of the Rule: The proposed rule was sent to over 50,000 citizens who have expressed an interest in hunting/trapping rule-making issues. In addition, the proposed rule was placed on the Washington department of fish and wildlife web site. The department is accepting comments through July 16, 2010.

     8. A list of industries that will be required to comply with the rule.

     *Trappers.

     *Wildlife control operators.

     A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Wildlife Program Customer Service, WDFW, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov.

     No statement was prepared for WAC 232-12-021, 232-12-264, and 232-28-434, as these rules regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These rules are not related to hydraulics regulations.

June 23, 2010

Lori Preuss

Rules Coordinator

OTS-3333.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 07-62, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07)

WAC 232-12-021   Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife.   It is unlawful:

     (1) To import or possess dead wildlife, taken in another state or country, into Washington unless such wildlife was acquired lawfully. Proof of legal acquisition must be retained during the period of retention of the carcass or edible parts. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.290.

     (2) For a person who imports a dead mountain sheep, mountain goat, cougar or bear to fail to report such importation to the department in writing within ten days of the importation. The report must contain the name and address of the importer, the location where the dead wildlife is being stored and general information describing where and how the wildlife was obtained. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.290.

     (3) To import or possess deer, elk, or moose, or parts thereof, harvested in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, North Dakota, Alberta, and Saskatchewan with the following exceptions:

     (a) Meat that has been deboned in the state or province where it was harvested and is imported as boned out meat;

     (b) Skulls and antlers, antlers attached to the skull plate, or upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, ivories) from which all soft tissue has been removed;

     (c) Hides or capes without heads attached;

     (d) Tissue imported for use by a diagnostic or research laboratory;

     (e) Finished taxidermy mounts.

     Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.290.

     (4) To fail to notify the department within twenty-four hours if an importer or receiver of deer or elk is notified by a state or province that a harvested animal has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. Violation of this subsection is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. 07-11-017 (Order 07-62), § 232-12-021, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-02-063 (Order 05-271), § 232-12-021, filed 1/3/06, effective 2/3/06; 05-02-046 (Order 04-327), § 232-12-021, filed 1/3/05, effective 2/3/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.030. 93-04-040 (Order 583), § 232-12-021, filed 1/27/93, effective 2/13/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-021, filed 1/28/82; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-021, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-060.]

OTS-3334.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 06-196, filed 8/15/06, effective 9/15/06)

WAC 232-12-134   Report required of licensed trappers.   All trappers purchasing a trapping license must report their trapping activity, regardless of trapping success or whether they trapped or not.

     (1) Trappers must report trapping activity by April ((10)) 20.

     (2) Reports must be made using the department's designated Trapper's Report of Catch form or internet trapper reporting system.

     (3) If a trapper chooses to report using the Trapper's Report of Catch form, it is the responsibility of the licensed trapper to obtain a form and ensure the form is received by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501-1091.

     (4) Any trapper not reporting by April ((10)) 20 will be in noncompliance of reporting requirements.

     (5) False reports will be considered the same as noncompliance.

     (6) Failure to report trapping activity is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

     (((7) Noncompliant trappers who have paid their penalty under subsection (6) of this section must report their trapping activity prior to being issued a trapping license.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-17-095 (Order 06-196), § 232-12-134, filed 8/15/06, effective 9/15/06; 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 232-12-134, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-17-034 (Order 99-118), § 232-12-134, filed 8/11/99, effective 9/11/99; 84-16-015 (Order 232), § 232-12-134, filed 7/23/84; 81-22-002 (Order 174), § 232-12-134, filed 10/22/81; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-134, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-280.]

OTS-3335.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 99-118, filed 8/11/99, effective 9/11/99)

WAC 232-12-264   Baiting of game birds -- Unlawful.   It is unlawful to hunt game birds by the aid of baiting, ((or in a)) on or over any baited area, or on or over any area posted as an upland bird feeding site, where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. As used in this section, the following definitions apply:

     "Baited area" means any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction for game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.

     "Baiting" ((or "baited area")) means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of ((corn, wheat or other)) salt, grain, or other feed ((so as to constitute for such birds)) that could serve as a lure or attraction for game birds to, on, or over areas where hunters are attempting to take them. ((Any such area will remain a baited area for ten days following the complete removal of all such grain or other feed.))

     "Manipulation" means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include, but are not limited to, mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown.

     "Natural vegetation" means any nonagricultural, native, or naturalized plant species that grows at a site in response to planting or from existing seeds or other propagules. The term natural vegetation does not include planted millet. However, planted millet that grows on its own in subsequent years after the year of planting is considered natural vegetation.

     "Normal agricultural operation" means a normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

     "Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or post-harvest manipulation" means a planting or harvesting undertaken for the purpose of producing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after such harvest and removal of grain, that is conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

     "Normal soil stabilization practice" means a planting for agricultural soil erosion control or post-mining land reclamation conducted in accordance with official recommendations of State Extension Specialists of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control.

     Nothing in this section shall ((not)) prohibit hunting of game birds((,)) on or over the following lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas:

     (1) Standing crops, or flooded standing crops (including aquatics); standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation; flooded harvested crop lands((, grain crops properly harvested on the field where grown)); or lands or areas where seeds or grains ((found)) have been scattered as solely as the result of normal agricultural planting ((or)), harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or normal soil stabilization practice;

     (2) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with natural vegetation;

     (3) From a blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with vegetation from agricultural crops, as long as such camouflaging does not result in the exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of grain or other feed; or

     (4) Standing or flooded standing agricultural crops where grain is inadvertently scattered solely as a result of a hunter entering or exiting a hunting area, placing decoys, or retrieving downed birds.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-17-034 (Order 99-118), § 232-12-264, filed 8/11/99, effective 9/11/99; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-264, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-650.]

OTS-3336.1

NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-434   2010-11 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations.  

DUCKS

Statewide

Oct. 16-20, 2010 and Oct. 23, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011; except scaup season closed Oct. 16 - Nov. 5.

Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not hunting): Sept. 25-26, 2010.

Daily bag limit: 7 ducks, to include not more than 2 hen mallard, 2 pintail, 3 scaup, 1 canvasback, and 2 redhead; and in Western Washington only, also to include not more than 1 harlequin, 2 scoter, 2 long-tailed duck, and 2 goldeneye.

Possession limit: 14 ducks, to include not more than 4 hen mallard, 4 pintail, 6 scaup, 2 canvasback, and 4 redhead; and in Western Washington only, also to include not more than 1 harlequin, 4 scoter, 4 long-tailed duck, and 4 goldeneye.

Season limit: 1 harlequin in Western Washington.

AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED TO HUNT SEA DUCKS

When hunting sea ducks (harlequin, scoter, long-tailed duck, goldeneye) in Western Washington, all persons are required to possess a sea duck hunting authorization and harvest record card. Hunters who did not possess a 2009-10 authorization must submit an application form to WDFW (forms available on-line and at Washington department of fish and wildlife, Olympia and regional offices).

Immediately after taking a sea duck into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card. Hunters must report harvest information by February 15, 2011. Hunters failing to comply with reporting requirements will be ineligible to participate in the 2011-12 sea duck season.

COOT (Mudhen)

Same areas, dates (including youth hunting weekend), and shooting hours as the general duck season.

Daily bag limit: 25 coots.

Possession limit: 25 coots.

SNIPE

Same areas, dates (except youth hunting weekend), and shooting hours as the general duck season.

Daily bag limit: 8 snipe.

Possession limit: 16 snipe.

GEESE (except Brant)

Special youth hunting weekend open only to hunters 15 years of age or under (must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old who is not hunting): Sept. 25-26, 2010, statewide except Western Washington Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B.

Daily bag limit: 4 Canada geese.

Possession limit: 8 Canada geese.

Western Washington Goose Seasons

Goose Management Area 1

Island, Skagit, Snohomish counties.

Oct. 16, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011 for snow, Ross', or blue geese.

Oct. 16-28, 2010 and Nov. 6, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011 for other geese (except Brant).

Daily bag limit: 4 geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese.

AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED TO HUNT SNOW GEESE

When hunting snow geese in Goose Management Area 1, all persons are required to possess a snow goose hunting authorization and harvest record card. Hunters who did not possess a 2009-10 authorization must submit an application form to WDFW (forms available on-line and at Washington department of fish and wildlife, Olympia and regional offices).

Immediately after taking a snow goose into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card. Hunters must report harvest information by February 15, 2011. Hunters failing to comply with reporting requirements will be ineligible to participate in the 2011-12 snow goose season.

It is unlawful to discharge a firearm for the purpose of hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved public road on Fir Island in Skagit County. While hunting snow geese on Fir Island, if a hunter is convicted of 1) trespass, 2) shooting from, across, or along the maintained part of any public highway, 3) discharging a firearm for the purpose of hunting waterfowl within 100 feet of any paved public road on Fir Island in Skagit County, or 4) exceeding the daily bag limit for snow geese, authorization will be invalidated for the remainder of the 2010-11 snow goose season and an authorization will not be issued for the 2011-12 snow goose season.

SNOW GOOSE QUALITY HUNTING PROGRAM IN GOOSE MANAGEMENT AREA 1

All hunters must hunt over decoys and obey posted signs regarding access restrictions. Quality hunt units are not available for commercial uses.

On each Saturday during the Goose Management Area 1 season, all units in the Snow Goose Quality Hunting program will be open only to hunters selected by random drawing prior to the season. Hunters must apply for special Saturday hunting authorizations by September 24, 2010, using the department's internet or mail application systems. Successful applicants will be assigned at random to units for each Saturday, and will be mailed a special Saturday hunting authorization listing their hunt date. When hunting snow geese on their assigned unit and hunt date, successful applicants are required to possess this special Saturday hunting authorization. No more than three individuals possessing snow goose authorizations can hunt with the successful applicant. Successful applicants must check in with the WDFW hunt coordinator at least one week prior to their scheduled hunting day to receive specific hunting unit information.

Goose Management Area 2A

Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, and that part of Clark County north of the Washougal River.

Open in all areas except Ridgefield NWR from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only, Nov. 13-28, 2010 and Dec. 8, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011, except closed Dec. 25, 2010 and Jan. 1, 2011. Ridgefield NWR open from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only, Nov. 13-27, 2010 and Dec. 9, 2010 - Jan. 29, 2011, except closed Nov. 25, 2010.

Bag limits for Goose Management Area 2A:

Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose and 3 cackling geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose and 6 cackling geese.

Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.

Goose Management Area 2B

Pacific County.

Open from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Wednesdays only, Oct. 16 - Dec. 22, 2010 and Jan. 5-15, 2011; Dec. 26 and 29, 2010, and Jan. 2, 2011.

Bag limits for Goose Management Area 2B:

Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose, 1 Aleutian goose, and 3 cackling geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose, 2 Aleutian geese, and 6 cackling geese.

Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.

Special Provisions for Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B:

A dusky Canada goose is defined as a dark-breasted (as shown in the Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or less) Canada goose with a culmen (bill) length of 40-50 mm. A cackling goose is defined as a goose with a culmen (bill) length of 32 mm or less.

The goose season for Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B will be closed early if dusky Canada goose harvests exceed area quotas which collectively total 40 geese. The fish and wildlife commission has authorized the director to implement emergency area closures in accordance with the following quotas: A total of 40 duskys, to be distributed 5 for Zone 1 (Ridgefield NWR); 5 for Zone 2 (Cowlitz County south of the Kalama River); 15 for Zone 3 (Clark County except Ridgefield NWR); 7 for Zone 4 (Cowlitz County north of the Kalama River and Wahkiakum County); and 8 for Zone 5 (Pacific County). Quotas may be shifted to other zones during the season to optimize use of the statewide quota and minimize depredation.

Hunting is only permitted by authorization, available at any WDFW license vendor to hunters who have met requirements for participation. New hunters and those who did not maintain a valid 2009-10 authorization must review goose identification training materials and score a minimum of 80% on a goose identification test to receive authorization. Hunters who fail a test must wait 28 days before retesting, and will not be issued a reciprocal authorization until that time.

With authorization, hunters will receive a harvest record card. Hunters must carry the authorization card and harvest record card while hunting. Immediately after taking any goose into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card. Hunters must go directly to the nearest check station and have geese tagged when leaving a hunt site, before 6:00 p.m. If a hunter takes the season bag limit of one dusky Canada goose or does not comply with requirements listed above regarding checking of birds and recording harvest on the harvest record card, authorization will be invalidated and the hunter will not be able to hunt geese in Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B for the remainder of the season and the special late goose season. It is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions listed above for Goose Management Areas 2A and 2B.

Special Late Goose Season for Goose Management Area 2A:

Open to Washington department of fish and wildlife master hunter program graduates and youth hunters (15 years of age or under, who are accompanied by a master hunter) possessing a valid 2010-11 southwest Washington goose hunting authorization, in areas with goose damage in Goose Management Area 2A on the following days, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

Saturdays and Wednesdays only, Feb. 5 - Mar. 9, 2011.

Daily bag limit: 4 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose and 3 cackling geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese, to include not more than 1 dusky Canada goose and 6 cackling geese.

Season limit: 1 dusky Canada goose.

A dusky Canada goose is defined as a dark-breasted Canada goose (as shown in the Munsell color chart 10 YR, 5 or less) with a culmen (bill) length of 40-50 mm. A cackling goose is defined as a goose with a culmen (bill) length of 32 mm or less.

Hunters qualifying for the season will be placed on a list for participation in this hunt. Washington department of fish and wildlife will assist landowners with contacting qualified hunters to participate in damage control hunts on specific lands incurring goose damage. Participation in this hunt will depend on the level of damage experienced by landowners. The special late goose season will be closed by emergency action if the harvest of dusky Canada geese exceeds 45 for the regular and late seasons. All provisions listed above for Goose Management Area 2A regarding authorization, harvest reporting, and checking requirements also apply to the special late season; except hunters must confirm their participation at least 24 hours in advance by calling the goose hunting hotline (listed on hunting authorization), and hunters must check out by 5:00 p.m. on each hunt day regardless of success. It is unlawful to fail to comply with all provisions listed above for the special late season in Goose Management Area 2A.

Goose Management Area 3

Includes all parts of Western Washington not included in Goose Management Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.

Oct. 16-28, 2010 and Nov. 6, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011.

Daily bag limit: 4 geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese.

Eastern Washington Goose Seasons

Goose Management Area 4

Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla counties.

Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only during Oct. 16, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011; Nov. 11, 25, and 26, 2010; Dec. 27, 28, 30, and 31, 2010; January 17, 2011; and every day Jan. 24-30, 2011.

Goose Management Area 5

Includes all parts of Eastern Washington not included in Goose Management Area 4.

Oct. 16-20, 2010, every day from Oct. 23, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2011.

Bag limits for all Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas:

Daily bag limit: 4 geese.

Possession limit: 8 geese.

BRANT

Open in Skagit County only on the following dates:

Jan. 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, and 30, 2011.

If the 2010-11 preseason Brant population in Skagit County is below 6,000 (as determined by the early January survey), the Brant season in Skagit County will be canceled.

Open in Pacific County only on the following dates:

Jan. 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 30, 2011.

AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED TO HUNT BRANT

All persons hunting Brant in this season are required to possess a Brant hunting authorization and harvest record card. Hunters who did not possess a 2009-10 authorization must submit an application form to WDFW (forms available on-line and at Washington department of fish and wildlife, Olympia and regional offices).

Immediately after taking a Brant into possession, hunters must record in ink the information required on the harvest record card. Hunters must report harvest information by February 15, 2011. Hunters failing to comply with reporting requirements will be ineligible to participate in the 2011-12 Brant season.

Bag limits for Skagit and Pacific counties:

Daily bag limit: 2 Brant.

Possession limit: 4 Brant.

SWANS

Season closed statewide.

FALCONRY SEASONS

DUCKS, COOTS, AND SNIPE (Falconry)

(Bag limits include geese and mourning doves.)

Oct. 16-20, 2010 and Oct. 23, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2010 statewide.

Daily bag limit: 3, straight or mixed bag with geese and mourning doves during established seasons.

Possession limit: 6, straight or mixed bag with geese and mourning doves during established seasons.

GEESE (Falconry)

(Bag limits include ducks, coot, snipe, and mourning doves.)

Goose Management Area 1: Oct. 16, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2010 for snow, Ross', or blue geese. Oct. 16-28, 2010 and Nov. 6, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2010 for other geese.

Goose Management Area 2A: Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays only, Nov. 13-28, 2010 and Dec. 8, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2010.

Goose Management Area 2B: Saturdays and Wednesdays only, Oct. 16, 2010 - Jan. 16, 2010.

Goose Management Areas 3, 4, and 5: Oct. 16-28, 2010 and Nov. 6, 2010 - Jan. 30, 2010.

Daily bag limit for all areas: 3 geese (except Brant), straight or mixed bag with ducks, coots, snipe, and mourning doves during established seasons.

Possession limit for all areas: 6 geese (except Brant), straight or mixed bag with ducks, coots, snipe, and mourning doves during established seasons.

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