picking up bear skulls?

[Odell]

I found a dead bear in little Natches this week. Marked it on my GPS and would like to go back for the skull and claws if that is legal. I can't seem to find it in the regs, I know its a no-no for elk and deer dead heads. Anyone know?

Its a shame the hunter couldn't find it. Arrow placement looked great and it was a nice bear. Way too far gone when I found it to do anyone any good.  I found it about 150 yards from a dead cow that someone had also lost. If it was the same hunter he was having bad luck for sure. I was on alert for a bear or cat and did almost jump out of my pants when I was tight rope walking a deadfall and saw this bear on the ground between my legs...

[arees]

Marking this for common interest because I found one by smell in Taneum.

[jrebel]

We found two elk this year and was wondering the same thing about the ivories??  Tagging to see what others think.

[notellumcreek]

I'm a noob, but I am pretty sure I have read on other discussions here at HUNTWA that you cannot remove skulls from the wild of any animal... but like I said not 100% sure on that, maybe just for certain animals? 

[h20hunter]

Found this so far.....

[h20hunter]

That seems to be for disposal....not sure if it applies to skulls, ivories, or "parts" of critters.

[Odell]

Thanks H20,

I would read that as a no. Maybe I'll make a call and see what my local GW says.

[Kc_Kracker]

i belive you can take them if they are decomposed, if its still furry then you got to tag it, or risk being accused of the kill. i think   
there is a HUGE potential here to cause you ALOT of grief if its not decomposed and clean if the skull is attached.

[h20hunter]

I would still call and when in doubt mark the find with a GPS, contact a gamie, and have them give you on site permission if available. Nothing to stop them from saying you shot it months ago and am coming back to retrieve it now.

[jess]

I usualy find 3-5 dead bears every spring while out shed hunting it would be nice if i could pack out the skulls but was told by wdfw that i cant!

[Bob33]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-287



Possession of dead wildlife.
 
  (1) Except as authorized by permit of the director or by subsection (2) of this section, it is unlawful to possess wildlife found dead. This rule does not prohibit the possession of naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose.

[h20hunter]

There you go.....pick up at your own risk!

[Ripper]

It's really disappointing to here of so much dead wildlife being found. People need to look a while longer before giving up on it! The animal deserves more respect.

[Bob33]

It's really disappointing to here of so much dead wildlife being found. People need to look a while longer before giving up on it! The animal deserves more respect.

What leads you to conclude they're not natural deaths?

[jess]

Most of the bears i find are young bears that didnt get a good den and died in the winter.. Only a few are clearly lost animals by a hunter..