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.