just recieved this from the game dept.
WDFW WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Dear Southwest Washington Elk Hunter:
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, at a public meeting held in Olympia on August 8, 2014, approved a new regulation that requires hunters to leave the hooves of any elk taken in southwest Washington on site to help minimize the spread of Elk Hoof Disease, which affects the region's herds.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/permanent.html#14-07-112 .
Under WAC 232-12-286, it is now unlawful to transport the hooves of harvested elk beyond the site where the animal was killed. A violation of this section is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160, Infractions. The Game Management Units (GMUs) affected by the new regulation are GMUs 501 through 564 and 642 through 699. You are receiving this email because your hunter reporting and special permit application history shows that you have previously hunted and/or harvested elk in one or more of these areas.
The regulation is effective immediately.
Elk Hoof Disease is a major concern for hunters, area residents, and state wildlife managers. Minimizing the spread of the disease is a top priority. Evidence to date indicates that the disease involves a bacterial infection similar to those seen in domestic livestock.
For more information on elk hoof disease, see WDFW's recent news release at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun2314a/ and the department's wildlife health webpage at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/hoof_disease/ .
Other Hunting News …
Keep your eyes open for the 2014 Hunting Prospects, available soon on our website.
Photo Contest! The Department is accepting photos for the 2015 Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Cover Photo Contest. This year's theme is "Women: Hunting Through the Generations". We know that the world of hunting is full of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Passing down hunting knowledge through the generations is something that brings families closer and turns hunting experiences into cherished memories. If your family includes women who know a thing or two about the hunt, we want to know about it. Capture a photo of your family experience and upload it at
http://wdfw.wa.gov/sharephotos/contest.html .
Want to have a pamphlet in your pocket while you're out hunting? Download the 2014 Big Game Rules and Regulations straight to your smartphone for only $5.99! If you have cell phone coverage, this application even knows what unit you are standing in.
Android Google Play Store:
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sportsmanregs.biggameregs.wa2014_15&hl=enApple App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/washington-2014-2015-biggameregs/id874295739?ls=1&mt=8Sincerely,
Wildlife Program
WDFW
You have received this e-mail as you are a customer of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Your privacy is important to us. If you no longer wish to receive periodic communications from WDFW, you may opt-out by going to
http://wdfw.wa.gov/lists/opt-out.html
