Cougar hunters beware....rule changes.

[billythekidrock]

Some things to think about before purchasing tags this year and something everyone needs to be aware of before blasting a cougar. I am sure there will be some frustrated hunters when they let a cat pass then realize that they could have killed it. I am also sure that there will be some guys that get busted because they don't know the new rules.

The new WA cougar regs will read:

One cougar (down from 2)

Sept 1st - 25 Archery only

Sept 26th - Oct 16th Muzzle loader only

Oct 17th - March 31st General Season for certain zones.

Oct 17th - Dec 31st General Season and Jan 1st - March 31st permit season for certain zones.

Oct 31st - Nov 30th and Dec 1 - 31st permit season for certain zones.

[saylean]

I bought my tag before all this *censored*e...

so can I hunt for them during archery, etc if I use the appropriate weapon or do I need to pick a weapon?

I believe as long as I use the appropriate weapon I am ok, but I am waiting on the regs in mid april.

D~

[JoeVon]

So, are the new regs out then?

Where did you come up with this info?

[billythekidrock]

This was straight from the commission meeting.

[littlebuf]

WTF!!!!  i mean i understand with the way the regs were everybody was pretty much guaranteed a cougar cuz there a real gimme animal. why in the F^(& do we need these regs    

[SuperDave]

The reasoning for the different seasons and equipment use,  is they are baiting everyone up for the 2011 season, they are gonna start offering Multi season cougar permits!!!    

[alecvg]

The reasoning for the different seasons and equipment use,  is they are baiting everyone up for the 2011 season, they are gonna start offering Multi season cougar permits!!!    

LMAO... but serioulsy, an archery only season... Really?  That is B.S.

[Pathfinder101]

This is the Game Dept's solution to people hunting with an illegal weapon, or for deer/elk with no tag, then when they get checked they just say "I was hunting for cougars".  I guess it happens more than you think. 

[10Key]

Yeah, this will suck, it means no cougar hunting during High Buck

[finnman]

You could still shoot one in self defense!

[boneaddict]

This is the Game Dept's solution to people hunting with an illegal weapon, or for deer/elk with no tag, then when they get checked they just say "I was hunting for cougars".  I guess it happens more than you think. 

Not really, Bear is still open

Curious how this is going to effect places where they have hounds.....

[billythekidrock]

This is the Game Dept's solution to people hunting with an illegal weapon, or for deer/elk with no tag, then when they get checked they just say "I was hunting for cougars".  I guess it happens more than you think. 

Not really, Bear is still open

Curious how this is going to effect places where they have hounds.....

According to the commission & F&W it is to hlep with the low population trends in certain units. They are also wanting the hounds to target the larger toms. They will be adding more hound hunts in the future.

[bucklucky]

HMMMM. Do I turn outlaw or dont I.......... This state is out of ..........Never mind 

[stumprat]

I cannot believe the DUMB*censored*S that occupy seats on this commission. Archery and muzzleload only seasons you have to be kidding me. Pretty soon the predators will put the Game Dept. out of a job. Less deer, less elk, less need for a Dept.
Maybe the revisit on the bear issue in 2010 will be a slingshot only season.

[7mag.]

I don't think this makes much sense. Cougars are hard enough to kill, more restrictions are going make it nearly impossible.