State Parks Will Be Enforcing WDFW/Discover Pass Laws at Oak Creek Wildlife Area

[ChadH]

So the wife and I were there last weekend (sheep station briefly). From what I gather on the Parks website EITHER the Access Pass OR the Discover Pass work. Am I missing something? Here is the link, on both sides of the page (left side under "parking information" looks most official, the right side could just be an ad), Also, as you enter the parking lot the regular state park sign that says "Discover Pass Required" in big bold letters, followed by "or access pass" in little tiny letters, is posted.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/oak_creek/

But then on the Local Chamber Of Commerce website it says:

"Discover Pass Required": http://www.nachesvalleychamber.com/info/elkfeeding.html

I went with "The Acces Pass is fine"... since there weren't any elk to see. The sheep still show up about 10 am every morning, though, to see if any one is going to bother to feed them today... 

[bobcat]

Yes, either pass will work. That's why the title of this thread says :  WDFW/Discover pass.

So if you're a hunter it doesn't cost you any extra to go see the elk at the feeding station. But if you're not a hunter you need to buy the Discover pass. Seems fair to me.

And yes, if you don't have a pass you could park somewhere other than on WDFW land, and walk in to see the elk.

[ChadH]

Yes, either pass will work. That's why the title of this thread says :  WDFW/Discover pass.

So if you're a hunter it doesn't cost you any extra to go see the elk at the feeding station. But if you're not a hunter you need to buy the Discover pass. Seems fair to me.

And yes, if you don't have a pass you could park somewhere other than on WDFW land, and walk in to see the elk.

Thats what I thought Bobcat... it seemed like everyone was getting all worked up about the DP being required. I admit I am "new" to this state (3 years) and still confused half the time so thought I'd ask.

[bigtex]

Bigtex wrote:  If you are hunting on DNR lands you still need the Discover Pass. The WDFW pass is only applicable on WDFW lands.


You can hunt on DNR lands without a discover pass if you don't drive on DNR land. Is that correct??   So you could park on the highway and walk into the feeding area without a pass...correct?

As long as you are not parked on DNR land you wont need the Discover Pass

[ICEMAN]

Bigtex wrote:  If you are hunting on DNR lands you still need the Discover Pass. The WDFW pass is only applicable on WDFW lands.


You can hunt on DNR lands without a discover pass if you don't drive on DNR land. Is that correct??   So you could park on the highway and walk into the feeding area without a pass...correct?

As long as you are not parked on DNR land you wont need the Discover Pass

Bigtex, what would the state patrol think of folks parking their cars on the highway edge at oakcreek, attempting to avoid purchasing a pass/avoiding a fine...?

[bigtex]

WSP doesn't care as long as you are off of the road and not creating a hazard.

[ICEMAN]

WSP doesn't care as long as you are off of the road and not creating a hazard.

Well, looks like we need to pass legislation to force folks to park and pay, similar to the "no parking lot=no fishing" legislation attempt this session... 

[bigtex]

WSP doesn't care as long as you are off of the road and not creating a hazard.

Well, looks like we need to pass legislation to force folks to park and pay, similar to the "no parking lot=no fishing" legislation attempt this session... 

Happens all the time. Come summer time go to WDFW Fishing Access sites and you'll see people parking just outside the fence/gate because they don't have a pass.

[ICEMAN]

Yep, seen it. I grew up living on a lake in Western Washington. Come hot weather, the fishermen who paid for the access through years of license fees were pushed out of the boat ramps and parking areas by jackwagons on jet skiis and white trash swimming in front of the ramp. Maddening.

This perpetual push for differing legislation all designed to gather funds from all citizens is getting to me. Not sure what the perfect answer is, but we have ignored protecting those who have paid in the past for these improvements and sites. IMHO, jetskis and non-hunter visitors to sites like these should take a backseat to those who have supported these access points and sites for years. (?)

[MarkyMark]

And don't even get me started with the kayakers who take 30 minutes to launch their "boat"...