Yes, this was the only information that I was able to ascertain as well. I believe they have Landowner Damage Access Permits, because they were asking me questions about whether I used my 2008 deer tag. I was trying to find information about timing (date limitations), weapon, gender, etc. I believe it is whitetail that are the problem, But I guess the permit will show that information in addition to my other concerns?
Landowner Damage Access Permits
The final type of damage hunt is the landowner damage access permit. Damage to commercial crops must be occurring and the damage must be verified. A landowner waives the right to apply for payment for game damage upon acceptance of these permits. Typically, a landowner receives a specific number of permits and transfers each permit to a licensed hunter of his/her choosing. The total number of permits for deer and for elk per year is established in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 232-12-266).
Landowner damage access permits direct hunting pressure on the animals causing the damage on the property where the damage is occurring and while the damage is being done. Access to private property and identification of the hunt area are not problematic since the landowner selects the hunters. The landowner has the right to require the return of the permit if a hunter is not successful or causes any problems for the landowner.
The landowner who receives these permits may not sell the permits. However, he/she may charge a fee for access to his/her property. The ability to charge a fee for access to private property extends to any landowner at any time or during any season.
Damage hunts are just other tools available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife to be used in an effort to respond to wildlife damage complaints. They provide flexibility and recreational opportunity. They serve a critical function of reducing the state’s liability for paying for damage cause by deer and elk. They are not a solution of every damage situation.
