Training at Cherry Valley

[John B]

I'm trying to figure out if it would be legal for me to plant and shoot pigeons while training my dog at either Cherry Valley or Stillwater. Anybody know for sure? And what about farm raised game birds?

[Special T]

I belive so after the season. There are plenty of people here who train a lot Happy Gilmore is one of them and lives near by.

[Bmcox86]

Yes, there's a cut off though. I think between march 31 and august 1st you can't but you can at cresant lake year round

[Stickerbush]

This is something I plan to do as well, I'll probably email wdfw to be sure. I'm assuming you have to use non toxic shot for pigeons, is that correct?

[AspenBud]

Yes, there's a cut off though. I think between march 31 and august 1st you can't but you can at cresant lake year round

That goes for training on wild birds too.

[Bmcox86]

This is something I plan to do as well, I'll probably email wdfw to be sure. I'm assuming you have to use non toxic shot for pigeons, is that correct?

On state lands yes, private property no

[Happy Gilmore]

There is a short closure which I believe is in March for nesting. I'll shoot an email to Brian the area manager to see if they have the date set for 2014. Otherwise, as soon as hunting season is over it's pretty much open until next hunting season. The closure is short. You must use non-toxic shot to shoot pigeons. No shooting of small arms, archery, rifles or pistols is allowed at any time in the Snoqualmie Units. The areas are closed to big game and small game hunting. Only waterfowl and upland birds.

Bob Peppers retriever grounds are on West Snoqualmie valley road and Carlson's K-9 Country Club are both open to the public on a "pay per dog" basis for dog training. Bob Peppers is on West Snoqualmie Valley Road just south of the blue bridge. Carlson's is on Neal road in Fall City. Carlson's is closed to the public until after Hunting season. (Jan 31)

The Snoqualmie Wildlife areas are also available for club/professional trainer("Commercial Purposes") use by permit. Permits can be obtained from the Mill Creek Fish and Wildlife office. Otherwise, individuals must only have a parking pass. I've established a fund to pay for mowing at the Cherry Valley property which is intended to improve recreational opportunities for user groups. We will be trying to get the reed canary grass in check. This will benefit bird watchers, hunters, hikers, habitat and of course, dog trainers. We will begin mowing as soon as the ground is solid enough to operate a tractor/mower.

[Birdguy]

I'm trying to figure out if it would be legal for me to plant and shoot pigeons while training my dog at either Cherry Valley or Stillwater. Anybody know for sure? And what about farm raised game birds?

Remember with farm raised gamebirds they must be purchased from an NPIP certified and state licensed gamefarm if there is a chance they will get away (any bird you cannot ensure will not get away). They are also required to be banded (to ensure they are not wild). When I was selling gamebirds I only got one call from the enforcement division of the WDFW it was about some pheasants I sold a guy who was training in February at Scatter Creek. The buyer had my gamefarm receipt and he just wanted to make sure it was legit. It was real easy for all of us because it was all in order. The officer said he had seen other instances where things were not in order while as he put it "training" was going on.

[John B]

Awesome! Thanks for the info guys