Grouse hunting forest service roads

[h20hunter]

WE are not, you are posting about regulations incorrectly.

[Bob33]

National Forest Service regulations are more restrictive than Washington's "negligently" WAC and do not allow any shooting from or across a road.

https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml


The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person

[Lady Grouse hunter]

I am SOO TIRED of the Excuses on this thread! It is what it is> No more 

[Skyvalhunter]

Well tell have hard"it" is then.

[Ironhead]

Well tell have hard"it" is then.

Your going to need another cup of coffee!

[Daman9091233]

Having hunted the last 3 years with a leo at my side and having had this conversation with him i would say from his point of view as a officer in our state if the road is blocked go for it if cars are regularly driving the road it is best just to find a gated area. his reason for this does not just fall on the legal terms used and whats enforceable but also how we look as hunters and the appearance to those around us. Most hikers don't just walk random closed forest service roads unless its to a trail head a little research will let you know if this is a area your looking at but in general a open road brings traffic meaning people who do judge and presumably vote. 1 bad hunter could effect many so stay away from open roads and walk the closed off ones and make sure its not to a trail head and you will not only be safer but also just less chance for any other interaction that could have minor or major repercussions for the community of hunters as a whole.

[pianoman9701]

National Forest Service regulations are more restrictive than Washington's "negligently" WAC and do not allow any shooting from or across a road.

https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml


The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person

Thanks Bob. I was looking for that. Some also prohibit hunting foxes - interesting to know.

[Dave Workman]

National Forest Service regulations are more restrictive than Washington's "negligently" WAC and do not allow any shooting from or across a road.

https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trails/welcome.shtml


The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person

Maybe we ought to revive this conversation. I don't shoot down, across or along any road, even an old logging road where traffic may not be an issue. I was told at a very young age this just isn't done, but there is nothing that says you can't step off a road and pop a dumb grouse, FAIK.
Some years back, I did a story on this and spoke to game agencies in several western states, learning in the process that -- generally speaking -- if you get off the traveled portion of a roadway, (i.e. cross the ditch or climb the shoulder ) you are typically good to go.

ALWAYS use your best judgment!

[Oldguy]

If the RCW states that it is illegal to shoot along, across or from a road negligently, why would the word negligently be included if it wasn't legal in the first place? Never "harvested" a grouse with a pistol, but did get a rabbit with a .357 bird shot cartridge.

[KFhunter]

I never shoot negligently in any circumstance, road or no road

[Stein]

I believe the word "negligent" was added semi-recently which indicated it would be legal to do it in a safe manner.  Many other states are far more restrictive, in MT I believe you have to be off the road and right of way which could be a fair distance.

I would have no problem shooting a grouse while standing on a gravel road in WA if it was a safe shot to take.

[Bob33]

The US Forest Service prohibits shooting on or access their roads. There is no "negligently" clause.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting

Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Check your local ranger district for more information about local restriction. It is prohibited to shoot:   

In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Into or within a cave.
Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.

[Stein]

I believe those are the target shooting regulations.  Here are the hunting regulations and it only restricts shooting across a road, different language than target shooting.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hunting

[KFhunter]

I thought FS deferred to the states hunting laws 

[Alchase]

I always believed closed roads or gated roads, were not illegal.
Think of how many deer or elk are taken every years on gated roads, let alone grouse.