Digging Razor Clams for another family member ??

[robodad]

This question has come up within our group a few times and I might have overlooked it in the regulation book but I am wondering if this rule is nearly the same as the fishing "Boat Limit" in that you can assist a family member (or another licensed digger in your group) in digging their limit of razor clams so long as they are actively participating much as someone in a boat can continue to deploy fishing tackle until each licensed angler onboard has caught and retained their legal daily limit no matter their familial relationship ?? And then what about a youth digger, can you assist them or do they have to do it on their own ??

[Olyolson]

You have to dig your own.

[biggfish]

You can only dig for someone if their disabled and you hold their designated harvester card.

[Humptulips]

You can dig for someone if they are participating in clamming.

[fishngamereaper]

You can dig for someone if they are participating in clamming.

   all they have to do is participate ..ie find the clams orput them in a bucket....

[Sitka_Blacktail]

You can dig for someone if they are participating in clamming.

Can you point us to the regulation that says this? I know a few people who got tickets for this very activity.

[Screaminreelz]

My understand is they have to carry them and pick them up but you can dig trying to find the page

[Screaminreelz]

Designated Harvesters
Persons with a disability must have a designated harvester card issued by WdFW if using another harvester to assist them with their catch. The person harvesting the catch on behalf of the licensee with a disability must be in possession
of the designated harvester card while assisting the person with a disability. both the digger and the person with a disability must be licensed. The licensee is also required to be in the direct line of sight of the designated harvester who is harvesting shellfish for them. If this is not possible, the licensee is required to be within 1⁄4 mile of the designated harvester who is harvesting shellfish for them.

Nothing about digging for others but we have always done it for grandma/grandpa

[hunter12]

Last year my buddy was stopped with his two young daughters. They told him they must be with him assisting him pulling the tube. They are 9-12 yrs old. They told him he would be ticketed if they weren't assisting.

[Screaminreelz]

That's crazy considering they don't have to have a license until 15 I'd be happy to challenge that in court. Not that I'm looking to 

[robodad]

I figured this would be the case and I would get conflicting answers on this subject, Hopefully there is someone on here that can interpret this page of information I found on the WDFW website specifically the actively participating part.

Razor Clams

Rules and Regulations

Before harvesting, check the beach to determine if a beach is open or if there are any health restrictions. You can check if there are any marine toxin level restrictions by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline maintained by the Washington Department of Health at 1-800-562-5632 (see: Marine Biotoxin Bulletin Website)

License Requirements
A Shellfish/Seaweed License is required for harvesting razor clams and must be in the harvester's immediate possession and available for inspection during harvest and transport. Everyone claiming a limit must actively participate in the harvesting process, unless they possess a disability permit. See the WDFW Licensing for more information.

For detailed information about all recreational license requirements see the
Fishing in Washington Regulation Pamphlet
Bag Limit
The first fifteen razor clams regardless of size or condition must be retained. One daily limit of fresh shellfish may be in possession. Additional shellfish may be possessed in a frozen or processed form. Razor clams may not be returned to the beach. For razor clams, holes do not have to be refilled as is required for hardshell clam digging.

Allowable Harvesting Gear
Razor clams may be taken by hand, hand-operated shovel, or tube with a minimum outside diameter of 4" or (4" x 3" if elliptical). Each digger must use a separate container, but may share digging equipment.

Harvest Seasons
Razor clams are strictly managed by determining clam population levels and harvest plans are set every year. See the Current Razor Clam Season Information or contact the WDFW Coastal Washington regional office for details on upcoming seasons.

Beach Use
It is illegal to drive any vehicle, or lead or ride a horse on the clam beds. You must stay on the upper "hard-sand area". Pressure from the weight of the vehicles or digging action of horses' hooves cause clam mortality.

Three areas are set up as razor clam reserves and are restricted from any harvesting. These areas are only 1/4 mile in width. There locations are:

From a line extending westward from the middle of the Oysterville approach - north for one quarter mile on Long Beach
From a line extending westward from the middle of the county line approach south for one quarter mile on Twin Harbors
From a point beginning four-tenths of a mile south of the Ocean City approach (2nd. Ave.) and extending south for one quarter mile on Copalis Beach.
They are well marked with metal poles and signs. For location refer to the razor clam beaches map.

The question is can I help dig the clams for another member in my group so long as they are actively participating in the process such as grabbing the clam out of the hole or off the sand after I dig it up ?

Or to make it more simple: Can I dig the clam out of the beach and another member in my group pick it up ?

Ref: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/rules_regs.html

[Skillet]

I gotta think you could do that.  It's like netting a fish for somebody 

[brianmtsinc]

tag...   

[Becky]

This question has came up before in this thread http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,121866.25.html

I remember it because I actually called the WDFW hotline number that's listed in the book for questions. The guy said you can help with the digging as long as the kids are participating and holding the shovel/clam gun with you etc. and you CANNOT touch the clams. Whoever you're assisting needs to physically remove them from the hole/sand and place them in their net. That is how you can help, and there was no leeway on it.

So: Can I dig the clam out of the beach and another member in my group pick it up ?
Sort of... if they're participating with you on physically touching/attempting with the digging tool and you're only assisting them pulling up the clam gun or shovel.. and they are picking up the clams themselves, removing them from the holes themselves, yes.

I think the wife, kids, and I are going for razor clams tomorrow. I don't have a license but the wife does. Wonder if I'll be ok without a license as long as I'm just helping the kids dig their limit?

That wont work buddy. Id love to tell you that it would but some of those WDFW watch people like a hawk with binos. What beach are you going to?

Why do say that? Kids don't need a license. Are you saying I need a license to help them, even if I'm not digging a limit for myself?

Probably will go to Mocrocks.

Hey! I was actually curious about this myself so I just called the 24/7 hotline for ya and asked directly.

1) The kids DO require a license, it's free at any local dealership but they need to submit their information and have one printed out for each kid.

2) You can help, but he said it's very very risky and you have to absolutely make sure you don't touch anything or you will be cited for poaching. You can help shovel/or push the gun in and pull out, but hands off completely with all clams. The children need to go into the holes themselves and pull them out.

He said they're going to be extra watch on the beaches since it's the last dig of this license season and supposed to be nice/they expect a decent turnout. Hope that helps!  oh and make sure everyone has separate containers.

[h2ofowlr]

That's crazy considering they don't have to have a license until 15 I'd be happy to challenge that in court. Not that I'm looking to 

Go for it.  It would be a good learning experience for you.  In the court systems with the WDFW you are guilty until you can prove your innocent.  Any tickets requires a visit with the judge.  If you pay it, it goes on your record as a wildlife violation.  If you receive a certain amount within 10 years you loose your license.  I attended the last one with a friend and the judge advise his to retain legal if he was to fight it.  For a $150 ticket.  Legal could run you $2k.  Again if you want to challenge it, it will be a learning lesson for you.     You will come out a much wiser and poorer young man.   

[Gobble Doc]

This is helpful.  My back is killing me these days and I always figured it was the end of my clamming.  But, I know think it would be OK for my 15 year old kid with a good back to run the clam gun and for me to pick it out of the hole.   

[Bullkllr]

That's crazy considering they don't have to have a license until 15 I'd be happy to challenge that in court. Not that I'm looking to 

Go for it.  It would be a good learning experience for you.  In the court systems with the WDFW you are guilty until you can prove your innocent.  Any tickets requires a visit with the judge.  If you pay it, it goes on your record as a wildlife violation.  If you receive a certain amount within 10 years you loose your license.  I attended the last one with a friend and the judge advise his to retain legal if he was to fight it.  For a $150 ticket.  Legal could run you $2k.  Again if you want to challenge it, it will be a learning lesson for you.     You will come out a much wiser and poorer young man.   

And it's not so crazy when you think about the abuse possible by non-ethical individuals with a whole lot of "kids", each of whom could have a limit dug for them. Not that people would actually do that sort of thing...