Access Wanted to Spokane No Shoot Areas

[Keener]

I'm new to this site, and also to Washington, having lived in Nine Mile Falls less than a year now.

Just wondering if there's any chance of obtaining permission, or leads, to hunt deer or elk on any designated No Shoot Areas in Spokane. My understanding so far is that all, or nearly all, No Shoot Areas are privately held land.

My preference is archery, but my left elbow is wonky and I can't comfortably handle a compound bow any longer. (I'm in the process of seeking a disability permit, but that takes time and may be questionable in my case.) I shot crossbow for 3 seasons in British Columbia with good success.

I'm in my mid-50's, extremely responsible and ethical, and am a single dad with two young sons (6 and  to feed. I am a member of the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council and the NRA. Previously, I sat on the Executive Board of the Castlegar & District Wildlife Association and received the President's Award in 2007 for contributions to the organization.

I figure this is a long shot, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask. If you'd like more information about me, I'd be happy to provide it.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

[SHANE(WA)]

not understanding the "no shoot areas" what do you mean? like no shooting areas, bow only?

[NWBREW]

I'm confused.. .. no shoot?

[DeerHarvester]

I could be wrong but my understanding of these so called No Shoot areas is as follows. If it is state land posted with a No Shoot sign they are referring to recreational shooting only.  This is commonly seen in gravel pits or areas where reckless shooters have left a lot of trash behind.  If this is one of those areas you can legally hunt them during season. 

WAC 332-52-145 Firearms and target shooting. (1) What is recreational target shooting? Recreational target shooting is the use of a firearm or bow and arrow on targets and the sighting in of rifles or other firearms on department-managed lands. The department regulates and enforces target shooting on department-managed lands.

     (a) The department may restrict target shooting for the reasons set forth in WAC 332-52-100.

     (b) Persons shall not target shoot carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person, pet, livestock, wildlife or property.

     (c) Persons shall not discharge tracer or incendiary ammunition or projectile devices on department-managed lands. For purposes of this subsection, "incendiary" means causing or designed to cause fires, such as certain substances or bombs. "Tracer ammunition" means a bullet, projectile, or shell that traces its own course in the air with a trail of smoke, chemical incandescence, or fire, so as to facilitate adjustment of the aim.

     (2) Does recreational target shooting include hunting? No. This section does not apply to hunting activities, which are subject to the rules and regulations administered by the Washington state department of fish and wildlife.

     (3) Where is target shooting permitted?

     (a) Persons may target shoot in:

     (i) Developed recreation facilities specifically designed for target shooting; or

     (ii) Areas with an unobstructed, earthen backstop capable of stopping all projectiles and debris in a safe manner.

     Persons shall not target shoot in any other location.

     (b) Persons shall not shoot within, from, along, across, or down roads or trails.

     (c) Persons shall not shoot on, at, across, along, down, from, or within five hundred feet, of:

     (i) Recreational facilities that are not specifically designed for target shooting;

     (ii) Residences;

     (iii) Businesses;

     (iv) Structures;

     (v) Other areas as restricted;

     (vi) Areas designated or posted as no shooting.

 
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.30 RCW and RCW 43.12.065. 09-05-034, § 332-52-145, filed 2/11/09, effective 3/14/09.]

[Keener]

Thanks for the responses. "No shoot areas" in Spokane County are essentially the same thing as state-designated Firearm Restriction Areas. See page 67 of the Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations.

Spokane has a municipal ordinance that regulates these areas. I posed a written question to the Spokane County Shooting Area Advisory Committee as to whether crossbow hunting is allowed this year in Spokane's no shoot areas. I received a written response from Lenny Hahn, a DFW Fish and Wildlife Officer who attends all meetings of the Committee, that crossbow hunting is permitted this year in Spokane County's no shoot areas.

No shoot areas are expressly designated. There's a map available on line that shows their locations. The map, the county regs and other info can be found at http://www.spokanecounty.org/engineer/content.aspx?c=1501.

Thanks for your interest. I'd be happy to hear any suggestions you may have.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Cross bow hunting for what?

I've never been informed that cross bows were legal for the taking of big game ANYWHERE in Washington.

-Steve

[whacker1]

Two things -
First off you would need to go loandowner by landowner asking for permission.  You can look them up via the County Assessor's office, but it will only give you address information. 

second, I am going to agree with most that have posted so far.  I don't believe crossbows are legal, even for the disabled.  No disrespect to your disability intended, but this conversation came up last spring if they should be made legal for firearm restriction areas or for the disabled, and no one understood crossbows to be legal in the state of WA by any shape or means.  I would double check that when you are applying for your disability permit as to the legality of using a crossbow.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Holy crap. Page 62 of the hunting pamplet/regs.

"Crossbows:
Crossbows may be used to hunt wildlife in firearm restriction areas. See page 67."

"e. It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with a crossbow, except in firearm restriction areas. However, disabled hunter permittees in possession of a crossbow special use permit may hunt with a crossbow in any season that allows archery equipment.

f. It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or bolt that does not have a sharp broadhead, and the  broadhead blade or blades are less than seven-eighths inch wide.

g. It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with a broadhead blade unless the broadhead is unbarbed and completely closed at the back end of the blade or blades by a smooth, unbroken surface starting at maximum blade width forming a smooth line toward the feather end of the shaft and such line does not angle toward the point.

h. It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow or crossbow equipped with a scope. Except hunters with disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of a scope"

Now... All that quoted, the rules say 'Firearms Restricted Areas'.  I'm not sure that's the same as a 'No Shooting Zone'. 

-Steve

[whacker1]

Wow, good info.  I had no idea.  Does this give me enough of a reason to slip a crossbow in front of my wife as a needed piece of equipment?