Cougars during Spring bear

[X-Force]

Just wanted to remind the guys that are out and about that cougar season is open, in a lot of areas, until the end of the month.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/cougar/

[h20hunter]

I know for a fact that in the Monroe unit you are told to hunt bear and bear only.  I assume it is the same way in other units.

[Timberstalker]

I know for a fact that in the Monroe unit you are told to hunt bear and bear only.  I assume it is the same way in other units.

Like the timber companies won't let you hunt them even if it's an open season?

[X-Force]

I know for a fact that in the Monroe unit you are told to hunt bear and bear only.  I assume it is the same way in other units.

Any hunts on public land shouldn't be a problem. Timber company's say only bear hunting because they want bears gone, they don't want you out targeting coyotes, cougars and shed hunting with a key they provided.

[h20hunter]

I know for a fact that in the Monroe unit you are told to hunt bear and bear only.  I assume it is the same way in other units.

Like the timber companies won't let you hunt them even if it's an open season?

Correct. I hope tag holders adhere to that.  Abuse could lead to a lack of opportunities.

[KFhunter]

I've come across 3 cats thus far since the spring bear opener, 2 were making baby cats at the time 

[bearmanric]

So your saying I can't call a cougar in and kill it. Rick
Called in last year Copalis.

[bearmanric]

GMUs 642, 648, 651 Jan 1, 2016 to April 30, 2016 6-8 Open

[h20hunter]

Rick, not sure. I only can speak for Monroe where it was spelled out during the meeting.

[bearmanric]

I will check to be safe. Copalis is a cougar zone 642. Rick

[h20hunter]

Best bet is to check in for your unit, I Agee. With the key and access might come with restrictions.

[justyhntr]

654 is still open , Kapowsin . But I'm sure if you are in there on the spring bear pass they only allow you to hunt bear . I'm not 100% positive , but if they won't let you collect sheds then I bet cougars are out . The way I understand it if you are in there on the normal access pass with a spring bear tag you could shoot a cougar . You are paying for the full meal deal .

[Thehowler]

You boys are killing me.

[cookingdaily]

I would like to know that's where I will be bearing it

[DaveMonti]

I believe the regs will tell you where you can and can't hunt cougars during bear season (I forget where I saw it, but I believe it was when I was looking up season dates.)  From what I recall, Monroe and maybe one other unit are closed for cougar during the spring bear season.  The reason for this is because the season is specifically in place to control tree damage on timber lands.  It is not a state wide rule that you can't hunt cougars in spring bear units, but you do have to check the regs.

[bearmanric]

Your ok in Copalis have to use your 2016 cougar tag. Good luck every one. Rick

[luvmystang67]

To expand on H20s comment, it has always been my understanding that they don't want you going back there with your key access and hunting yotes and crap like that.  They give you the gate access to go back on DNR land and hunt bears. 

That being said, I don't think I'd have any problem walking in past the gate and shooting a cougar during a spring bear season, even with a spring bear tag.  Some of the property isn't even DNR land.

Regardless, I do not think its ILLEGAL and I don't think you could be prosecuted for anything, but I do think H20 has a point that if people use their gate access for something other than intended (bears) it may result in that perk of the tag being removed for future hunts/hunters.

 

[buglebrush]

The key here is " targeting ".  If you are targeting bears and a cat walks by I would pop it.  Totally different than going in " targeting " something other than bears.  Gracious people we desperately need to reduce predators in this state, and need to unite to do it.   

[h20hunter]

Stang summed it up. Lokidog popped a yote a year or two ago. Wasn't actively hunting dogs, saw one, popped it. Was very much frowned upon. I would suggest not assuming anything but bear hunting is ok. Doubts, call and ask. What one may see as ok since it was not an intended target, yote or cat, could have greater consequences for others down the road. Why chance screwing it up? Hunt bears, be happy for the access, and just play by the rules set forth.

[lokidog]

Rick, not sure. I only can speak for Monroe where it was spelled out during the meeting.

I was under the impression that you could not hunt anything else, IF you used the gate keys to drive in but if you walk in, then any legal animal is fair game.  That is basically what I was told after I whacked a coyote that came in to my calling and got chewed out for it.

[h20hunter]

Maybe tag holders in other units than monroe can ask and post.

[luvmystang67]

Rick, not sure. I only can speak for Monroe where it was spelled out during the meeting.

I was under the impression that you could not hunt anything else, IF you used the gate keys to drive in but if you walk in, then any legal animal is fair game.  That is basically what I was told after I whacked a coyote that came in to my calling and got chewed out for it.

Well... they may chew you out, but I give you 

You saved some bambis.

[bigtex]

In the units where the landowners control access they can dictate the rules. So if landowner says only shoot bears and you shoot a cougar, you could be charged with trespass.

Trespass is not only entering lands closed to the public, but also violating a landowners rules.

[X-Force]

In the units where the landowners control access they can dictate the rules. So if landowner says only shoot bears and you shoot a cougar, you could be charged with trespass.

Trespass is not only entering lands closed to the public, but also violating a landowners rules.

Im just curious, how would that work if timber land is open to public walk in (so it open to legal hunting, horse back riding, bikes, hiking, mushroom picking etc.) but you are granted a key and without any written contract they verbally say "you can only shoot bears while using this key."

I wouldn't recommend any one going against verbal rules I'm just asking the question.

[bigtex]

In the units where the landowners control access they can dictate the rules. So if landowner says only shoot bears and you shoot a cougar, you could be charged with trespass.

Trespass is not only entering lands closed to the public, but also violating a landowners rules.

Im just curious, how would that work if timber land is open to public walk in (so it open to legal hunting, horse back riding, bikes, hiking, mushroom picking etc.) but you are granted a key and without any written contract they verbally say "you can only shoot bears while using this key."

I wouldn't recommend any one going against verbal rules I'm just asking the question.

Obviously a written contract is better for potential for prosecution in courts. But if it's simply verbal rules it would most likely involve the landowner revoking your key privileges and possibly banning you from entering their lands.

[h20hunter]

So....I've exchanged a few emails and what I know is I would not ask the general people for an answer. Contact the rep fir your unit, ask, let us know, then have a good hunt.

[bearmanric]

I was nervous after this thread so I called rainier George is the person to talk to. As long as it is legal he said it is fine. You would have to use a 2016 cougar tag. Called a big tom under 20 yards last year. Was after may so it was closed. The day before I called in a big bear up close. 2 days before there were fawns showing up every were. Fawn distress is killer. Rick

642 is copalis.
GMUs 642, 648, 651 Jan 1, 2016 to April 30, 2016 6-8 Open

[h20hunter]

Nice. I hope others do the same as you. Happy hunting and hope you bag a nice one.

[bearmanric]

There is a cougar were I called the  other one  missing its tail LOL . Want him he is big also. Rick