Elk Hunting Question

[Hunt4family]

So let's say you've filled your elk tag, but your hunting partner hasn't.  Is it legal to call for them, even though you've already filled your tag?  I know it happens.  Or what if you have an out of state friend who will call for you, but doesn't have a tag? 

WDFW says it's illegal....

Thoughts? Or did I get bad advice from the person who responded to my question?

Just wanting to make sure I'm legal at all times. 

So does every guide that calls for a client keep an elk tag in their pocket?

[MattySuto]

no weapon = no hunting but I'm sure the experts on this site will give you a better answer....

[heronblu]

I can't find anywhere in the regs where calling elk without a tag (assuming you're not carrying a weapon) would be illegal.

[257wbymagkiller]

I thought that you are ok to call for your friend. As long as you don't have a weapon. You can have your sidearm if you carry one. But you should be ok.

Tell me if I'm wrong guys. 

[Hunt4family]

The rationale I got was that the definition in the hunting pamphlet defines to hunt as: any attempt to kill, capture,  injure or harass a wild animal or bird. 

Therefore just to call an animal is hunting and my friend would need a license.

I guess you shouldn't blow a locator bugle before the season because with this rationale you are hunting!

[Hunt4family]

Maybe somebody can refute the advice I got from the person at WDFW?  I hope it's bad advice.

[huntnnw]

if thats the case then 90% of the elk hunters are poachers 

[huntingbaldguy]

If that's true then i hope i'm illegal after the opener.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Never wanted to be that guy.  Untill elk season!!! 

[Bob33]

apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.08.010

     (65) "To hunt" and its derivatives means an effort to kill, injure, harass, harvest, or capture((, or harass)) a wild animal or wild bird.

It is clearly possible to "hunt" without a weapon.

wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/86/Do+I+need+a+hunting+license+if+I%27m+just+helping+my+child+or+others+to+hunt%3F

Do I need a hunting license if I'm just helping my child or others to hunt?

If you are only watching or guiding, you do not need a hunting license. However, if you are directly assisting and participating (such as driving game or packing hunting weapons), you will need the appropriate hunting license.

[Smokey Bear]

The rationale I got was that the definition in the hunting pamphlet defines to hunt as: any attempt to kill, capture,  injure or harass a wild animal or bird. 

Therefore just to call an animal is hunting and my friend would need a license.

I guess you shouldn't blow a locator bugle before the season because with this rationale you are hunting!

It is completely LEGAL to call for another hunter, even if you have already filled your tag.  The key is do not have a weapon with you, sidearm is ok.  Without a weapon you are not attempting to kill that animal, your buddy with the weapon is!

Party hunting (WAC 232-12-062):

Party hunting is defined as shooting at or
killing big game or turkeys with the intention of having another person tag the animal; or tagging a big game animal or turkey that another person has killed
Party hunting is illegal for big game and turkey, except for hunters with disabilities who have a designated hunting companion as defined in WAC 232-12- 828

Good Luck this season!

[MattySuto]

Call Olympia or email them an ask the question...

[Blacktail Sniper]

Call Olympia or email them an ask the question...

Why?  Bob33 copied the answer from WDFW help/FAQ page.

Just needs to have a hunting license if doing the calling for the hunter.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Here is the link to the page Bob33 qouted:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/86/Do+I+need+a+hunting+license+if+I'm+just+helping+my+child+or+others+to+hunt%3F

[MattySuto]

Call Olympia or email them an ask the question...

Why?  Bob33 copied the answer from WDFW help/FAQ page.

Just needs to have a hunting license if doing the calling for the hunter.

because interpretation blows... A gamer may still get  you because he don't interpret it that way ... its to cover your hind side as well ... And email/ a name / if there's ever a question in doubt i call or email and have it available ...

[westsidehntr]

Happens all the time and 100% legal in my book. Calling for someone is not an attempt to kill the animal by the caller.

[Squidward]

This to me sounds like it would fall under the same as a guy without a tag or weapon using a pair of bino's to spot an elk for someone else? Squidward

[buglebrush]

Happens all the time and 100% legal in my book. Calling for someone is not an attempt to kill the animal by the caller.

  I would be carrying my bow too if I still had my deer tag.  There is no way I would call to ask.     a citation would never hold up in court.

[JimmyHoffa]

Happens all the time and 100% legal in my book. Calling for someone is not an attempt to kill the animal by the caller.

  I would be carrying my bow too if I still had my deer tag.  There is no way I would call to ask.     a citation would never hold up in court.

Do photographers have to get hunting licenses to go pursue animals for photos?

[MattySuto]

Happens all the time and 100% legal in my book. Calling for someone is not an attempt to kill the animal by the caller.

  I would be carrying my bow too if I still had my deer tag.  There is no way I would call to ask.     a citation would never hold up in court.

Your right because WA state courts are the best 

[westsidehntr]

Happens all the time and 100% legal in my book. Calling for someone is not an attempt to kill the animal by the caller.

  I would be carrying my bow too if I still had my deer tag.  There is no way I would call to ask.     a citation would never hold up in court.

Your right because WA state courts are the best 

I wouldn't be worried one iota about ever ending up in court over this.

[The100Road]

Im wondering if people are getting the term "license" and "tag" mixed up. Even if he already filled his "tag" his buddy still has a hunting "license" correct?

[Hunt4family]

Alright just spoke to somebody at WDFW.  The person would just need a license, but not a tag.

[270Flat]

I always have a predator tag in my pocket.