Proposed draft 2013 regulations now available

[Bob33]

Dear Wildlife Enthusiast:

Draft rule proposals regarding the 2013 game seasons, the importation of dead nonresident wildlife, and lighted nocks for archery equipment are available for your review at the following links:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html#12-19-007; http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html#12-20-084; and http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html#12-23-013. 

If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please call (360) 902-2515.  These proposals will be presented and public testimony will be taken at the March 1-2, 2013, Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting at the Moses Lake Civic Center, located at 401 S. Balsam Moses Lake, Washington 98837.  The Commission will consider adopting or amending these regulations on or after the April 12-13, 2013 meeting in Olympia.

If you would like the Department and Commission to consider your written comments regarding these recommendations, please submit them to Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov or by mail to WDFW, Attn: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, by February 15, 2013. 

Thank you for your interest in the management of wildlife in this state.

Sincerely,

Customer Service Section
Wildlife Program
(360) 902-2515

[Ridgerunner]

Not much new, looks like status quo to me.

[buckfvr]

Not status quo.....they are considering making general changes a year early.....not status quo.  They want some changes, and I imagine them getting them.  I just hope everyone stays in step with giving up nothing........even if its not something you use or do......do not agree to any give aways.

Look for them to make some current lawfull methods of hunting UNlawfull for next year.  Theyre going to try for sure........

[bobcat]

They are proposing to allow illuminated nocks for archery season.

That should get this thread going.   

[huntnphool]

They are proposing to allow illuminated nocks for archery season.

That should get his thread going.   

[Bigshooter]

Thanks for posting.

[jackelope]

They are proposing to allow illuminated nocks for archery season.

That should get this thread going.   

I predict 8-10 pages.

Wait for it, wait for it.

[gasman]

(5) COYOTE
(a) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS: No limit.
(b) OPEN AREA: Statewide.
(c) SEASON DATES: Year-round.
(d) RESTRICTION: It is unlawful to hunt coyote ((may not be
hunted)) with dogs.


Hmmmmm 

[TripleB]

How aout opening a season on sea lions?? 

[trophyhunt]

I didn't read the lighted noc thread that was on here a while ago, but I just don't see the problem with them? I don't see advantage to the hunter other than you might be able to get a better Idea where your arrow entered, which I would think only helps in the recovery of game.

[Bob33]

I didn't read the lighted noc thread that was on here a while ago, but I just don't see the problem with them? I don't see advantage to the hunter other than you might be able to get a better Idea where your arrow entered, which I would think only helps in the recovery of game.

It is proposed that they be legalized, as was proposed in 2012. Discussion of that is worthy of a separate thread.

[bobcat]

Here's a good change I noticed: 

North Skagit and Monroe spring  bear permit seasons being extended for 2 additional weeks, to June 15th (they previously have ended on May 31).

Plus North Skagit is going from 20 permits, to 30 permits. 

[bobcat]

Another interesting change:

Margaret bull permits increasing for modern, archery, and muzzleloader.

Modern is going from 50 to 75
Archery from 29 to 50.
Muzzleloader from 14 to 25

Totals, 93 last year, to 150 this year, for a 61% increase. (if I did the math right)

Are there really that many more bulls in there this year? 

[bobcat]

Last but not least, I see some significant cuts in cow elk permits for Winston, Coweeman, and Toutle.

[180-GRAIN]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

[Rainier10]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

I think that question would apply to even those that haven't been drawn before.  If it is now once in a lifetime my cow points are worthless as I will only be putting in for bull from now on.

[lokidog]

I thought it said bull permit.  I think if you drew an antlerless only one you are still good to go for a bull.  Wonder if it works the other way around though?  If you draw a bull permit, can you continue to apply for cows?

According to this, deer hunting will only be allowed on San Juan Island since they did not change the Seasons/Limits table to include the new GMUs that they want to make for each island.  Only 2nd deer antlerless hunts will be allowed the way it is listed.  And, Stuart and some of the other smaller islands are not included in any GMU's , this is so stupid!

[6x6in6]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

The draft makes it kind of difficult to read.  Here is it how it will read, if approved, and with the changes made:

(a) Who May Apply:
Anyone EXCEPT those who previously harvested a moose in Washington state may apply for a moose permit.  An individual may only harvest one moose
during his or her lifetime.  However, this restriction is waived for hunters who have previously harvested a moose under an antlerless-only, master-hunter hunt, raffle, or auction permit, as well as for applications for an antlerless-only, master-hunter, raffle, or auction permit.

[Curly]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

Yet another example of why the category system is flawed.  They never should have had separate categories for OIL species.  Then when WDFW decides to change the rules, they will get complaints by people with points in categories that can't make use of those points.  They could have avoided that problem by not having separate categories.

[asl20bball]

  I just about sharted my pants thinking the proposed season dates for Muzzy and Firearm deer were to began on a Sunday....then I realized that was the 2012 dates.   

[6x6in6]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

The draft makes it kind of difficult to read.  Here is it how it will read, if approved, and with the changes made:

(a) Who May Apply:
Anyone EXCEPT those who previously harvested a moose in Washington state may apply for a moose permit.  An individual may only harvest one moose
during his or her lifetime.  However, this restriction is waived for hunters who have previously harvested a moose under an antlerless only, master-hunter hunt, raffle, or auction permit, as well as for applications for an antlerless-only, master-hunter, raffle, or auction permit.

I think what they are trying to say here, above in my prior quote, is that the "as well as" part of the last sentence may mean those who were drawn for a bull tag may continue to apply for an antlerless tag?    

[lokidog]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

The draft makes it kind of difficult to read.  Here is it how it will read, if approved, and with the changes made:

(a) Who May Apply:
Anyone EXCEPT those who previously harvested a moose in Washington state may apply for a moose permit.  An individual may only harvest one moose
during his or her lifetime.  However, this restriction is waived for hunters who have previously harvested a moose under an antlerless only, master-hunter hunt, raffle, or auction permit, as well as for applications for an antlerless-only, master-hunter, raffle, or auction permit.

I think what they are trying to say here, above in my prior quote, is that the "as well as" part of the last sentence may mean those who were drawn for a bull tag may continue to apply for an antlerless tag?   

I can see that possibility.  Very cumbersome verbage though.

[6x6in6]

What about the moose? I am getting that they are again changing it to 1 moose in a persons lifetime. Basically not letting people apply for cow moose hunts that have taken a bull before. Anyone else read it that way? I know I have put in for it for the last 3 years and it would suck if they didn't let people use there points they have established.

The draft makes it kind of difficult to read.  Here is it how it will read, if approved, and with the changes made:

(a) Who May Apply:
Anyone EXCEPT those who previously harvested a moose in Washington state may apply for a moose permit.  An individual may only harvest one moose
during his or her lifetime.  However, this restriction is waived for hunters who have previously harvested a moose under an antlerless only, master-hunter hunt, raffle, or auction permit, as well as for applications for an antlerless-only, master-hunter, raffle, or auction permit.

I think what they are trying to say here, above in my prior quote, is that the "as well as" part of the last sentence may mean those who were drawn for a bull tag may continue to apply for an antlerless tag?   

I can see that possibility.  Very cumbersome verbage though.

Yeah, you would think they could make the language a bit clearer if this be the case.  I mean, confusing language can cause a loss of application revenue to the coffers which a good share of us strongly feel the bust up the special ap's was a pure money grab.   

[chukarchaser]

Anyone else notice that this years new revenue stream would appear to be shifting general doe tags to second deer tags?   

[lokidog]

Anyone else notice that this years new revenue stream would appear to be shifting general doe tags to second deer tags?

Surprised???   $$$$$$$$$$

[chukarchaser]

No I guess not, just depressed that the they will for single out the most vulnerable user group each increase.  eventually driving more and more away from the sport until we have no clout and then they can do away with hunting or just make it for the very rich just like Europe