Tag Exchange

[huntinfool423]

I have a western elk tag for modern firearm but would like to exchange it for an archery tag, can you do this??  The only thing i could find in the regs states "Exchanges of hunting license documents will not be made after the general season begins."  Does this mean i can exchange one tag for another as long as the season hasn't started yet?  Thanks for the help.

[wastickslinger]

nope

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Yes you can exchange it as long as you did not apply for a special permit. If you applied for a special permit then you can not exchange.

[bobcat]

Yes you can exchange it as long as you did not apply for a special permit. If you applied for a special permit then you can not exchange.

[ML_Hunter]

  yup, but i would recommend doing it fast and staying persistent with the game department.  It took me about 6 hours on the phone with them to for them to realize they f%$*# up with my catch card! 
Ok so it really only took me 45 minuets, but I was so steamed after I got off the phone that it took me several hours to calm down.  Some how I purchased a 2010 license and a 2009 catch card printed conversation when something like this:

"well sir, you are just simply wrong for our system can not sell 2009 license and tags after April 31, so you must be looking at the wrong cards.  I would suggest you mail the 2009 catch card in and have your dealer re print your 2010 card..." 35 minuets and two operators later..."...I'm sorry sir, it appears our system did make a mistake, I'm not sure how that happened, did you ask for a 2009 catch record card..." 

[wastickslinger]

I forget that not everyone buys special permits. I am use to not being able to exchange because of the permit application.

[huntinfool423]

Yes you can exchange it as long as you did not apply for a special permit. If you applied for a special permit then you can not exchange.

Ok, thats what i thought.  Does anyone know where it says this at in the regs?

[coachcw]

remember the regs are not god , there's many rules not in them , the regs would have to be as thick as the phone book. If there's any doubt contact the dfw.

[bobcat]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=220-55-040

(4) Transport tag exchanges will be allowed for the following:

     (a) The season for which the tag was issued has not opened, and the hunter wishes to exchange the tag for a different area or a different weapon type.

     (b) The hunter has killed an animal that is unfit for human consumption and the department has authorized issuance of an exchange tag.

     (c) The tag was issued in error, and the error was not caused by the person applying for the tag.

     (5) Transport tag exchanges will not be allowed for the following:

     (a) It is unlawful to exchange a big game transport tag during or after a drawing for a special hunting season permit has occurred, if the drawing requires the hunter to have the big game transport tag.

     (b) It is unlawful to exchange a big game transport tag after the opening of the season for the tag is valid.

     (c) Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game.

[ML_Hunter]

good find bobcat.  Thanks for looking that up for all of us!