Companion Hunter

[matt345]

Looking to understand the law fully on this. I have read a few other post's on this subject as well I have read the Regs.

1) I understand that you as the companion hunter may shot the animal for the disabled hunter.

2) I understand that the companion hunter and the disabled hunter must be 1/4 mile or less apart, not sure how this is monitored??? Any one ever experience being stopped on this issue by a WDFW officer and how did the officer handle it??

3) It also says that the companion hunter and disabled hunter must have a reliable form of communication, can this be a cell phone??

[matt345]

Really guys, nobody is familiar with the Disabled hunter and Designated hunter rules??

[fillthefreezer]

i wish i had an answer for you but my dad and i have been doing similar research, if i come up with something solid ill report.
im curious if im allowed to carry a weapon if i head up a steep draw and hes in the rig below as his mobility is NIL

[MLBowhunting]

I do it every year but my buddy is next to me on the hunt. 

[bobcat]

I would like to know more about this as well. I talked my uncle into applying for a muzzleloader elk permit this year. He normally hunts with a rifle, but does own a muzzleloader. (He is disabled)

I'm wondering if we can both carry muzzleloaders during his hunt. I'd like to carry mine just to back him up. I'm pretty sure it's legal. But what if we end up 1/4 mile apart and I shoot his elk for him? I also think that would be legal but would like some verification.

[jason stevens]

If you are the approved shooter for a disabeled hunter yes you can shoot for them but you better make sure you have your paperwork also communicate if you shoot two many animals your gonna be in trouble

[fillthefreezer]

I would like to know more about this as well. I talked my uncle into applying for a muzzleloader elk permit this year. He normally hunts with a rifle, but does own a muzzleloader. (He is disabled)

I'm wondering if we can both carry muzzleloaders during his hunt. I'd like to carry mine just to back him up. I'm pretty sure it's legal. But what if we end up 1/4 mile apart and I shoot his elk for him? I also think that would be legal but would like some verification.

this is very similar situation for my dad and some of the units weve put him in for have some areas that are not far from the road but he would not make it back out of unless he's strapped to my pack

[matt345]

The way I understand it is that you can carry and shoot weapons specific to whatever tags they have. My question is that if I am the designated hunter for someone who is really immobile and cant really leave the car it seems a bit restrictive to only let me be 1/4 mile away from the truck. Seems to me that if they are letting the individual buy the tags and then letting me shoot the animal, who cares how far away from me they are???

 

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Maybe the person whose companion card you are carrying.  I've carried one for 4 years and I'd have to say 1/4 mile is about as far as I have ever been (if I've ever been that far) without planning to attach my own tag to it. I never have looked up th exact proximity to your disabled hunter you need to be, but I would imagine it would be close enough for your D/H to get the experience of the hunt,or kill. Now I AM curious tomorrow I will check out the RCW's.

[jackelope]

The way I understand it is that you can carry and shoot weapons specific to whatever tags they have. My question is that if I am the designated hunter for someone who is really immobile and cant really leave the car it seems a bit restrictive to only let me be 1/4 mile away from the truck. Seems to me that if they are letting the individual buy the tags and then letting me shoot the animal, who cares how far away from me they are???

With that logic, the disabled party could just stay home.
 
That doesn't make any sense to me. You're pretty much just having a disabled person buy a tag so you can kill another animal. That's the way it comes across to me.

[robodad]

Hunting of game birds and animals by persons with a disability.

  (1) Definitions:

     (a) "Hunter with a disability" means a person with a permanent disability who possesses a disabled hunter permit issued by the department. A hunter with a disability must have all required licenses, tags, permits, and stamps before hunting.

     (b) "Disabled hunter permit" means a permit, card, or endorsement to a license issued by the department to any person with a permanent disability who applies to the department and presents such evidence as the director may require showing that the applicant is a person with a qualifying disability. Upon approval of the application, the department will issue a vehicle identification placard. A designated hunter companion card will be issued with a hunting license.

     (c) "Designated hunter companion" means a person who assists a hunter with a disability in the stalking, shooting, tracking, retrieving, or tagging of game birds and game animals.

     (d) "Designated hunter companion card" means an identification card issued by the department to the hunter with a disability.

     (e) "Blind or visually impaired" means a central visual acuity that does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lenses, or the widest diameter of the visual field does not exceed twenty degrees.

     (f) "Accompany" means the hunter with a disability and the designated hunter companion are in the physical presence of each other, not to exceed a 1/4-mile separation. While stalking or shooting an animal, the hunter with a disability and the designated hunter companion must have a form of reliable and direct communication.

     (g) "Special use permit" means a permit issued by the department to a person with a specific permanent disability as a reasonable accommodation. The special use permit allows for a specific act or acts to include, but not be limited to, use of adaptive mechanical, electrical, or specialty equipment or devices that aid the person in hunting.

     (h) "Person with a disability" means:

     (i) A person who has a permanent disability and is not ambulatory over natural terrain without a lower extremity prosthesis or must permanently use a medically prescribed assistive device for mobility, including, but not limited to, a wheelchair, crutch, cane, walker, or oxygen bottle; or

     (ii) A person who has a permanent disability and is physically incapable of holding and safely operating a firearm or other legal hunting device.

     This definition includes, but is not limited to, persons with a permanent upper or lower extremity impairment who have lost the use of one or both upper or lower extremities, or who have a severe limitation in the use of one or both upper or lower extremities, or who have a diagnosed permanent disease or disorder which substantially impairs or severely interferes with mobility or the use of one or both upper or lower extremities for holding and safely operating a firearm or other legal hunting device; or

     (iii) A person who is blind or visually impaired.

     (i) "Public highway" means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel as defined in RCW 46.04.197.

     (2) The designated hunter companion must accompany the hunter with a disability when stalking or shooting game on behalf of the hunter with a disability. The hunter with a disability or the designated hunter companion must immediately cut, notch, or date any required tag. The tag must be affixed to the carcass of the game bird or animal as soon as is reasonably possible after killing the game.

     (3) The designated hunter companion does not need to accompany the hunter with a disability while tracking an animal wounded by either hunter, or while tagging or retrieving a downed animal on behalf of the hunter with a disability.

     (4) It is unlawful for a designated hunter companion to assist a hunter with a disability unless the designated hunter companion has the designated hunter companion identification card on his or her person.

     (5) It is unlawful for a hunter with a disability to shoot from a motor vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped, the motor is turned off and the vehicle is removed from the maintained portion of a public highway. If the roadway is not paved, and it is impossible for the hunter with a disability to completely remove the vehicle from the roadway, then the hunter may shoot from the vehicle if the vehicle is as far off the roadway as possible. A disabled hunter vehicle identification placard must be displayed.

     (6) It is unlawful for any person to possess a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle, except if the person is a hunter with a disability and the vehicle is in compliance with subsection (5) of this section.

     (7) Game birds or game animals killed, tagged or retrieved by a designated hunter companion on behalf of a hunter with a disability do not count against the designated hunter companion's bag or possession limit.

     (8 ) A designated hunter companion shooting game for or who may be shooting game for a hunter with a disability must have a valid hunting license issued by Washington or another state.

     (9) Special use permits.

     (a) The director may develop conditions and criteria for administering and issuing special use permits.

     (b) The hunters and fishers with disabilities advisory committee established in RCW 77.04.150 may assist the department in evaluating requests and criteria for issuing special use permits.

     (c) Special use permits must be carried on the person acting under or using devices authorized by the permit.

     (d) The terms for use granted by a special use permit, when provided as a reasonable accommodation, shall supersede other hunting or fishing rules and restrictions.

[matt345]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!

[robodad]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!

If the disabled hunter didn't have to participate in any way the woods would be chocked full of companion hunters for every grama and gramps able to buy a license, besides I think the game wardens would like to question the disabled hunter if the companion is stopped etc...Just a thought !!

[jackelope]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!

What's the difference between you doing that for a disabled friend and you doing that for a friend that doesn't want to hunt?

I think they call that version "party hunting".

There's got to be a line drawn somewhere in my opinion.

[matt345]

I feel the difference is that in the former example the person doesn't have an option of really hunting because of their disabilities. In the later example the person doesn't want to hunt but wants you to hunt for them but has the physical ability to.

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Thanks for definition "F" robodad. I always thought the distance might be less than that.

[jackelope]

I feel the difference is that in the former example the person doesn't have an option of really hunting because of their disabilities. In the later example the person doesn't want to hunt but wants you to hunt for them but has the physical ability to.

But they're both Hypothetically at home sitting on the couch.

[matt345]

True!

New to this concept and trying to figure out were I am on the issue.

[fishingfool]

Hey jackalope, as a person of disability, my wife and I have used this companion card for a number of years. Funny thing, for some odd reason my "living room couch" gets awful cold, wet, windy, hot, etc. What in the world am I doing wrong? Any suggestions?

[wog]

I was reading up on this because I have a disable hunter tags,,the program I think is great,, it's not about you the companion card .It;s about a hunter who wants to just be there ,,it may be their last chance to be out doors with their freinds and family,, Do'nt try and tell me they should just sit on the couch and it makes no differents,,, it is the differents ,to let a disabled man to be where he loves to be and at least  in part enjoy what was and still is a passion,,, It's not about you it's about the person you're with

[Bob33]

The thought of someone "hunting" for another person at home on his couch is repulsive to me. Hunting is far more than meat harvest.

The current program is a good one.

[biggfish]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!
[/pquote]
My father is disabled and I carried the companion card. In the spirit of fair chase as explained to me by a gw the disabled hunter is supposed to get first attempt at the animal if accommodations are able to be made.  To address the communication issue we used FRS/GMRS handhelds gt them for 50 at Costco work in heavy cover up to a mile 5 miles max range.  I never asked about the 1/4 mile I  figured its plenty of distance.  With disabled hunters the state is supposed to accommodate you with access to closed gates even in areas where no motor vehicles are allowed.

[Rooster1981]

I have been hunting with my dads companion card since 1995. We hunted all the way up to 2011 together. My dad has a broken back and has had to rely on  road hunting. Now he can still drive and go where ever he wants and I would too. But If we were hunting together we were always within line of sight of each other. That's kinda the point. If I wanted to hunt with him he wasn't walking anywhere so It was a road hunting day. I've never been harassed by gamewardens because we were always together. If you want to get away and hunt alone get your own tag and fill it by your self.

[pianoman9701]

True!

New to this concept and trying to figure out were I am on the issue.

Iceman might have more info about this for you, as well. You might PM him.

[Curly]

The thought of someone "hunting" for another person at home on his couch is repulsive to me. Hunting is far more than meat harvest.

The current program is a good one.

 

[jackmaster]

i am a disabled hunter as well and from what i understand the cell phone isnt a form of coms because of the lack of cell coverage, they have walkie talkies for pretty cheap that work pretty good, as for the companion card, yes who ever has your companion can shoot your animal for you and you have to be within a certain distance. no one monitors it it comes down to the honor system. i only used the disabled hunter stuff one year. it is pretty neat cause you can put in for access keys and combos, but they dont give out alot. north east washington has a pretty cool disabled hunter set up around the sullivan lake area. from what i hear they get a ton of snow though... good luck to ya

[pianoman9701]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!

This is about hunting not eating. If they don't want or are unable to get outside, then the program isn't open to them. Someone they know can certainly donate some meat to them in this case. There are many accommodations made for disabled hunters. Maybe more could be done. However, allowing someone to shoot an animal for them while they remain at home is not and should not be one of those accommodations.

[BULLBLASTER]

My dad and I go out each year with his license and.companion card. I have shot 5-6 deer for him. It is a great way to spend time hunting together like when I was young even though my dad can't get around well. I've always been pretty close to my dad when I shot but one reason or another I was the one to pull the trigger.

[pianoman9701]

My dad and I go out each year with his license and.companion card. I have shot 5-6 deer for him. It is a great way to spend time hunting together like when I was young even though my dad can't get around well. I've always been pretty close to my dad when I shot but one reason or another I was the one to pull the trigger.

It's great you can do that with him.

[BULLBLASTER]

it is a blast! we were in a groundblind last year during early archey season... we had 6-7 does feeding on the bait and i could see the antler tips of a little 4 point buck in the brush about to come out, my dad had fallen asleep sometime. i thought he was being sill and quiet because of the deer when out of nowhere he snores so loud and scares all the deer away then jerks awake seeing them run off and asks if i saw the deer! i rolled out of my chair laughing in the blind.
we hunted 3-4 days after a buck and then my dad told me he wanted a doe. so a doe it was! still a great hunting memory!
he still tells the story to people how i guided him and we saw tons of deer.

[jackmaster]

I guess my point is in the case of extreme disability. Why limit the person w the tag and said designated hunter to 1/4 mile if the tag holder wants to eat wild game why not let them?? I don't see the difference really between letting a person sit in their car a 1/4 mile a way from me while I shoot them a deer or an elk or letting them sit on their couch. In my opinion they are pretty similar experiences!

This is about hunting not eating. If they don't want or are unable to get outside, then the program isn't open to them. Someone they know can certainly donate some meat to them in this case. There are many accommodations made for disabled hunters. Maybe more could be done. However, allowing someone to shoot an animal for them while they remain at home is not and should not be one of those accommodations.

well said pianno as always, when i am to disabled to get out in the woods then i will just realize that i had my time, its already been a hell of a blast thats for sure, what fun would it be if my companion hunter was out huntn why i was sittn on the couch. animals deserve a little more respect than that, if i cant be there then there isnt any point for an animal to give up its life.

[Hermit]

The whole idea for the companion is to ASSIST the disabled hunter......... Pretty tough to do from a half mile away. My wife holds my companion card,  she doesn't carry a gun, she DOES retrieve, helps me up if I fall and just generally ASSISTS.

[bowhunterforever]

The whole idea for the companion is to ASSIST the disabled hunter......... Pretty tough to do from a half mile away. My wife holds my companion card,  she doesn't carry a gun, she DOES retrieve, helps me up if I fall and just generally ASSISTS.

I gotta find me a woman like that, That's awesome and yes I;m disabled too

[bobcat]

The reason for having the companion hunter card is so you can carry a gun and shoot the animal for the disabled hunter. If you're only along to assist, no need for the companion card.

[Hermit]

Theres a lot of things you take for granted that I can't do. Get thru a ravine, climb a hill, ford a stream, get up on my own after a fall........... I can hand my weapon legally to my companion, who can then cross the stream, climb the hill, or wait for me on the other side of the ravine. My companion doesn't carry a gun but the companion card comes with the disabled license weather asked for or not.