Bear ID Exam

[northwesthunter84]

I can’t find the new one for Washington, it’s in the regulations (pg 70) for certain units. I have completed Montana’s and have my certification. It talks about using other states ID exams. Not sure how to submit it for record retention like Hunters Ed certificates. Any ideas. Also Wa does not have in the same location as the goose ID exam tried looking there too.

[Weathy30by]

So I was having the same question since I have a spring bear tag and my brother pointed it out to me I needed to take the test. Well what I’m seeing on the website is that Washington’s test won’t even be available till July 1st after my season has already ended. 

[Ghost Hunter]

So I was having the same question since I have a spring bear tag and my brother pointed it out to me I needed to take the test. Well what I’m seeing on the website is that Washington’s test won’t even be available till July 1st after my season has already ended. 

Did you read the letter, that came with the permit?  Nope, me neither.    It give the website.

[tall ben]

Washington’s test won’t even be available till July 1st

Like he said /\

"The bear identification test has been approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission and will be available after July 1, 2018." https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/bear_cougar/bear/

They've updated the page since this year's regs were released. I took the test in April, but there was no way to print verification. If I recall correctly, at that time it was 16 pictures of bears of varying color, age and profiles (standing, side, face on, etc) with the question griz or black.

[jasnt]

Now with this mandatory Id test.  With proof you can tell the difference they should open up gmu 113 for spring bear.

[bornhunter]

Just took the test yesterday. Go into your wild id account and it list the test..

[RB]

Is it really necessary that the game department had to do this? Did someone shoot a Grizzly thinking it was a color phase black Bear? Or is it for later recovery efforts when more Grizzly show up? Not being sarcastic just curious why?

[Bango skank]

Did someone shoot a Grizzly thinking it was a color phase black Bear?

Yes, in fact, that did happen, a couple years ago.  So one idiot causes a knee jerk reaction over one incident.  Does that mean its necessary?  Not to me.  But you know how these things go.  One fluke incident, from one moron, is enough to call for new laws nowadays.  All it takes is one idiot to ruin things for everybody.

[jasnt]

[RB]

OK that answers why, and yes it seems silly to do this for one encounter.