Access ?

[j_h_nimrod]

In your scenario, I don't see where anyone can say it's legal to cross when a permit IS REQUIRED to access the land. The permits would be for land access, not "hunting". I also think a local LEO would consider you hunting since you're carrying a weapon. I'd say your trespassing...

 

The OP did not say a permit was required to access the land, just that the land in question requires a permit to hunt. If it is public or open land then it is open to hiking and you can cross all you want, if it is private land then it is private (No Trespassing) unless you have permission.

LEOs can think what they want and interpret (twist) laws as they want (and often do), but legally I could walk in any open forest dressed to the nines in camo carrying a rifle and they can do nothing unless they can prove you are breaking a law. The prima facie evidence is you are hunting but actually proving that may be difficult, though proof does not seem to be a requisite of the law any longer.

As Bobcat said, it is legal. You can access very few wilderness areas by road yet they have early open seasons when all the surrounding land is closed to hunting. Gotta gain access somehow.

[kodiak06]

He wasn't asking about crossing private land that requires an access permit. The scenario was walking through a GMU that is not open for general season elk hunting to get to a GMU that is open for elk hunting.

So why does the original post say he wants to access an open unit by passing through a "permit" area?? The way he typed it, he's wanting to travel through a permit area to get to an area that is open. Reads as if "open" to public hunting.

[Skinnyguts]

Did you forget about special hunting permits, you know the ones you apply through wdfw for?

[The scout]

I access a western unit to hunt by hiking through a eastern unit to get there. seen a game warden at the trailhead that asked where I got my bull and was not concerned with that at all

[Curly]

State land to state land. I can't find anything saying you can't do it.

Would be mire than willing to walk the warden to the gut pile in the open gmu....if I get one.

He said state land to state land access.  I bet he's hunting Margaret or something down that way that is permit only for elk.  Access would be through another GMU that is not open.

[kodiak06]

Did you forget about special hunting permits, you know the ones you apply through wdfw for?

I think that's for me, not sure?? If so, a hunting permit ( I think you're meaning a tag) does not grant permission to hunt the land. I think That's what you mean anyway...

[kodiak06]

State land to state land. I can't find anything saying you can't do it.

Would be mire than willing to walk the warden to the gut pile in the open gmu....if I get one.

He said state land to state land access.  I bet he's hunting Margaret or something down that way that is permit only for elk.  Access would be through another GMU that is not open.

  I think I would call the LEO instead of getting advice on here 

[bobcat]

No reason to call anyone with this question.

[popcan33]

It's not illegal if its not written down somewhere. If it was someone would have pointed me to it.

I'm talking about state land that happens to be closed to hunting ..unless you drew a permit. Any Tom Dick or Harry can access it.....anytime of the year. I did not draw that permit, just want to walk through it to get to the open gmu that I can hunt.

With you bobcat...

[Skinnyguts]

Did you forget about special hunting permits, you know the ones you apply through wdfw for?

I think that's for me, not sure?? If so, a hunting permit ( I think you're meaning a tag) does not grant permission to hunt the land. I think That's what you mean anyway...

No, I meant permit, same ones the OP is talking about. He is good to go.

[kodiak06]

   Gotcha, just didn't want him tromping around on land that req'd a permit...