WSR 25-21-022
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-243—Filed October 7, 2025, 11:25 a.m., effective October 11, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: October 11, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency sets open days and access rules for waterfowl, coot, and snipe hunting [in a] portion of the North Willapa Bay unit.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-416-080.
Under RCW
34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: The Washington state department of fish and wildlife (department) recently acquired property that expands the North Willapa Bay unit of the Johns River wildlife area, located in Goose Management Area 2-Coast. This property was previously held as private land and did not provide a public hunting opportunity. In this region of western Washington, this property is known for a high concentration of waterfowl, in particular dusky Canada geese. Due to the ease of public access and the anticipated demand for waterfowl hunting on this property, this emergency rule is necessary to protect public safety and welfare. The department expects to undertake permanent rule making in 2026 to adopt permanent rules reflecting the rules in this filing.
The 2025-2026 waterfowl seasons occurs October 11, 2025, through January 25, 2026, in this location. For the safety of the public and all hunters, the department is adopting this emergency rule to limit duck and goose hunting in this new area. A large number of hunters shooting in one area can greatly increase safety risks and harm for other hunters and the public. The department's acquisition of this property was motivated by the large quantity of waterfowl occupying this property, in particular dusky Canada geese, which are currently closed to harvest. In order to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the waterfowl habitat value, the department needs to better regulate the area and create public access restrictions to the property during the waterfowl season dates. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules for this regulation.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: October 7, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-416-08000ARegulated access area restrictions for waterfowl, coot, and snipe hunting.
Effective October 11, 2025, until further notice, Waterfowl hunting seasons shall be modified in areas and during times described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-416-080 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
It is unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl, coot, and snipe within North Willapa regulated access area (That portion of the Johns River Wildlife Area - North Willapa Bay Unit located North of the Willapa River between Fleiss Creek and Camenzind Road in T14 R09 S16, 17, 21, and 22), except under the following restrictions:
(a) Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays during approved migratory waterfowl, coot, and snipe season dates.
(b) If entering the area prior to 8:00 a.m. on the open days, hunters must possess a valid reservation issued through the department's online Hunt by Reservation System.
(c) All visitors using the area must register and park in the parking sites designated by the department in order to access the designated hunting zones.