Author Topic: can you Bow hunt a county park? (Read 11904 times)

Blacktailaddict · « **on:** January 13, 2011, 08:59:23 PM »

hello, my name is Austin Ward and im looking for a close hunting area i can ride my bike to, this is what i hope is it,im wondering if you can bow hunt a county park, do any of you know coulter creek heritage park? i found a 2 point shed and have seen mayn deer in the area, i know you can shoot a firearm but is a bow a firearm?

lokidog · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2011, 09:10:02 PM »

Quote from: Blacktailaddict on January 13, 2011, 08:59:23 PM

..., i know you can shoot a firearm but is a bow a firearm?

If you can shoot a firearm there, you should be able to shoot a bow. However, I do not know the park, you should contact the county parks department where it is located.

Little Dave · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2011, 11:02:09 PM »

Bows are not considered firearms. There may be some oddball exceptions. Usually the jurisdiction you are researching will have a definition section in their codes that defines what they mean when they say firearms. Here's the state's definition:

RCW 9.41.010 (7) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2011, 04:37:27 AM »

Blacktailaddict, welcome to the site.

You may wish to contact the parks department here: http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Parks/Pages/heritageparks/Coulter%20Creek%20rules.htm

Kitsap county parks has a "contact us" link on that page.

Be sure to protect the image of all hunters by knowing the rules before you decide to hunt in this area.

Do the research, know the rules.

Good luck.

D-Rock425 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:00:24 AM »

I would check and make sure but I would think not.

Geno · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:29:34 AM »

I'm not sure that hunting in a county park is a good idea, even if it is legal. What do you think would happen if a bunny hugger saw you shooting bambi while they are out on their nature walk? That's a black eye the hunting community doesn't need. There are better choices than a county park. How are you going to get a deer home, in your basket?

huntlakewood · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:39:56 AM »

Quote from: Blacktailaddict on January 13, 2011, 08:59:23 PM

hello, my name is Austin Ward and im looking for a close hunting area i can ride my bike to, this is what i hope is it,im wondering if you can bow hunt a county park, do any of you know coulter creek heritage park? i found a 2 point shed and have seen mayn deer in the area, i know you can shoot a firearm but is a bow a firearm?

Did you mean that you can't shoot a firearm. I don't know of any county parks witch you can shoot at. I could be wrong. A far as hunting it I would check it out but I would say no because parks are made for every one to enjoy. Let us know how it turns out. Oh by the way welcome aboard.

halflife65 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2011, 06:51:44 AM »

Quote from: Geno on January 14, 2011, 06:29:34 AM

How are you going to get a deer home, in your basket?

Off topic - I was in high school or maybe the first year of college, didn't have money to buy a packboard and drew a doe tag outside of Morton. I shot one way down at the bottom of this clearcut where it was super steep and brushy. No way to drag it out of there. So I went back to my truck and grabbed my gym bag, emptied the clothes out of it and took it down to the deer. It was a big bag and I was able to bone out the deer and get it all in there.

When I got back to the landing there was a game warden standing there. "What's in that bag, son?"

"Um, a doe."

"Do you have a tag for that?"

"Yes."

"Interesting way to carry that back to the truck."

Anyway, the guy laughed (well, more like smirked) and congratulated me. So, it's possible to carry the thing out in unorthodox fashion. A picnic basket should work just fine.

I have my doubts about the legality of hunting in a park, though. Probably need to call about that. And, despite the possibility of getting your deer out in a picnic basket, I probably wouldn't do that anyway, but that's up to you if it is indeed legal.

Bob33 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:00:41 AM »

http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Parks/Pages/heritageparks/Coulter%20Creek%20rules.htm

Ellensburg · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:09:51 AM »

Quote from: Bob33 on January 14, 2011, 08:00:41 AM

http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Parks/Pages/heritageparks/Coulter%20Creek%20rules.htm

That is still a little vague.

WDFW-SUX · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:34:53 AM »

TheHunt · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:41:58 AM »

Call and get the official answer. Do not pull your answer from anyone on this site. Iceman had the the right response while asking please be a good representive of the hunting community.

Blacktailaddict · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2011, 04:37:17 PM »

yes i meant you can't shoot a firearm, the thing about this "park" is that the only people that go there is brushpickers,possibly some mountain bikers or dirtbikes, because its pretty much nothing but old logging road and very few open areas, and of course, getting a deer and having the place shut down the next year would not be worth it no matter how big. thanks for the input you guys! P.S. i saw a nice 3 point near my backyard, this buck has some mass he is HEAVY, it try to stick him but my parents wont let me hunt anything on their propery very unfortunate...

Austrian Hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2011, 04:46:44 PM »

Why do they not let you hunt on your own property?

?

Blacktailaddict · « **Reply #14 on:** January 14, 2011, 05:08:16 PM »

well my dad and my mom arent hunters, there fine with me hunting but they dont want to see it, i hunt with my uncles and my grandpa, so unfortunate...oh wel when they move away ill buy the land from them and hunt all i want! (its 5 acres) lots of deer activity!

huntlakewood · « **Reply #15 on:** January 14, 2011, 07:24:52 PM »

have grandpa talk them he might be able to talk sense into them

ICEMAN · « **Reply #16 on:** January 14, 2011, 08:25:33 PM »

Be sure to let us know what you find out, good luck.

huntnnw · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2011, 09:44:37 PM »

Well to my knowledge u cant hunt in any park in this state

Blacktailaddict · « **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2011, 10:58:12 AM »

saw three does in the backyard this morning shot some video might try and post it later!

TheHunt · « **Reply #19 on:** January 16, 2011, 11:26:31 AM »

On Saturday I talked to a Washington Game and Fish warden. I asked him a few questions that might suprise you.

Fishing any river the land that boarders a river you can NOT stand in that river and say it is State property. The water is state not the bottom. You can NOT anchor on their property as well. So if you are fishing some river that the property owners tell you to get out you have to get out. Even if you are standing in the water in the river. I found this very interesting since I am starting to learn to fish salmon and steelhead.

Each local ordance states you cannot shoot a firearm or DANGEROUS WEAPON. The dangerous weapon would keep the bow and arrow, paint ball, pellet gun, slingshot all out of the area. So each ordance is different and you have to look into each one.

Again call the Game and Fish for the clear and correct answer.

Jim

bobcat · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2011, 11:56:53 AM »

Quote from: TheHunt on January 16, 2011, 11:26:31 AM

On Saturday I talked to a Washington Game and Fish warden. I asked him a few questions that might suprise you.

Fishing any river the land that boarders a river you can NOT stand in that river and say it is State property. The water is state not the bottom. You can NOT anchor on their property as well. So if you are fishing some river that the property owners tell you to get out you have to get out. Even if you are standing in the water in the river. I found this very interesting since I am starting to learn to fish salmon and steelhead.

Each local ordance states you cannot shoot a firearm or DANGEROUS WEAPON. The dangerous weapon would keep the bow and arrow, paint ball, pellet gun, slingshot all out of the area. So each ordance is different and you have to look into each one.

Again call the Game and Fish for the clear and correct answer.

Jim

That's not true about the state not owning the ground under state-owned water. If it's a state owned river then the state would also own the land under the water. A lot of that may depend on whether the stream is navigable or not. But there are also other factors that come into play. Also I would not call the "Game and Fish" for a "clear and correct answer." The correct state agency to call would be the Department of Natural Resources, as they manage the state's aquatic lands. You might try reading this:

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/aqr_aquatic_land_boundaries.pdf

hawk eyes · « **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2011, 03:42:46 PM »

i could just imagine walking out of a park with a duffel bag cramed full dripping blood

bobcat · « **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2011, 07:30:47 PM »

It sounds like this is not a developed park. Just owned the county parks department apparently. It's most likely not legal to hunt there as it seems most county park departments are run by anti-hunters. But it wouldn't hurt to ask.

TheHunt · « **Reply #23 on:** January 16, 2011, 07:51:31 PM »

Interesting article Bobcat. Do you carry that with you when you have your talking to the sheriff or game warden? I personally will go with the folks that actually respond to calls and will likely give me a ticket. But good information. Thanks for sharing.

skynyr · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2011, 08:10:07 PM »

Look for social filters, you want the places most people DON'T go, a county park doesn't sound like that kind of place even if it is legal.

MADMAX · « **Reply #25 on:** February 21, 2011, 10:34:34 AM »

It does not sound like a good idea to me.
What do you plan to do hang out at a picnic table waiting for a deer ?

Come on bowhunting either sex blacktails is not hard in Kitsap Mason or Jefferson counties.

Recommend you bag the park idea as nothing but a chance for the media to give hunters another black eye

bobcat · « **Reply #26 on:** February 21, 2011, 11:17:02 AM »

He said the park is not developed so there aren't any picnic tables. Nothing but old logging roads and some brush pickers/mountain bike riders. Sounds ok to hunt to me, as long as the law allows it.

Caseyd · « **Reply #27 on:** February 21, 2011, 11:37:06 AM »

And the main purpose was it's close enough to ride his bike!!

Curly · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2011, 02:00:42 PM »

parks@co.kitsap.wa.us

You could try emailing the parks department. I assume they will say no since they don't even allow paint ball shooting there. But at least you'd know for sure if you asked.

MADMAX · « **Reply #29 on:** February 21, 2011, 05:00:44 PM »

Understand on the bike thing, if it the place I'm thinking of in Sunnyslope there should be plenty of timberlands around it to hunt.

Coulter Creek
Size: 1195 Acres

Region: South District

Description: Undeveloped at this time. Park rules.

Directions: Take Hwy 3 South to Belfair, go left on Sunnyslope Rd., go right at Old Clifton Rd., property is 3 miles on your right.

Hours: Open during daylight hours only.

Animals: Pets, horses and domesticated animals are not allowed.

Trails: Hikers and bicyclists must stay on existing trails.

Trash: Please use appropriate trash containers.

Vehicles: Motorized vehicles must remain in designated parking areas.

Alcohol: Intoxicating beverages are not allowed.

Miscellaneous: Firearms and paint ball are prohibited. Activities after dark, including camping and fires, are allowed by permit only.

All parks are designated drug-free zones. Please help us keep parks safe and clean.

timber tiger · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2011, 10:04:34 PM »

honest too god what ur describing to me is a situation where u need too smoke that buck buddy!!!!when and where leagal... ask yourself if a tree falls in the woods with no one there would it make a sound??? and then get some really fantastic jerky meat

calawahsteelie · « **Reply #31 on:** February 25, 2011, 07:57:50 PM »

Hey Blacktailaddict, you need to work hard this summer and save enough money to send ol mom and dad on a all expense paid trip to Reno or Vegas this winter. Say hmmm right around November 25th. Just a Idea.

WonkyWapiti · « **Reply #32 on:** February 25, 2011, 10:10:26 PM »

Different counties and municipalities have different rules. In King County, you cannot hunt in any County Park or Natural Area.

Blacktailaddict · « **Reply #33 on:** February 26, 2011, 08:05:04 PM »

Quote from: calawahsteelie on February 25, 2011, 07:57:50 PM

Hey Blacktailaddict, you need to work hard this summer and save enough money to send ol mom and dad on a all expense paid trip to Reno or Vegas this winter. Say hmmm right around November 25th. Just a Idea.

now thats an idea!

also does anybody know, could you trap in the park too? im planning on taking the class when it comes and getting my trapping license so i could do some awesome multitasking!!!!!!thanks you guys for looking into it some much, i sent the parks and email but i never got a response, i'll try again, but im guess its a bunch of antis working there

ryoshi · « **Reply #34 on:** February 27, 2011, 06:20:05 AM »

The answer to your question is NO! I lived in Bremerton and there was a county park close to my house where I would go to stump shoot with my longbow. One day a rather aggressive guy who supposedly helped get the land into county hands saw me and made a stink. A few weeks later I was in there shooting and walking the dog and when I returned to my car, a Sheriffs deputy drove by, turned around and came back to talk to me. He asked if I was shooting and I said yes. He asked if I knew that it was illegal to shoot a bow in a county park and I said, well according to the sign there you can't shoot a firearm or paintball, but there is nothing about a shooting a bow. He said it's still illegal and I asked him to show me in writing, so he dug out the book of county ordinances and showed me in writing. I don't remember the exact verbiage, but it was something to the effect that "the launching of projectiles" was prohibited, including, but not limited to lawn darts, model rockets and bow and arrows. So, there it was, in black and white, I was wrong he was right. Fortunately for me, he didn't see me shooting otherwise I would have gotten a ticket. Moral of the story, if it says "park", you can't hunt, at least in Kitsap. BTW, this park had very few visitors and the few I did see thought my bow was pretty cool, except for the one prick. Also, the trees and ground were covered with paintball detritus.

Snapshot · « **Reply #35 on:** February 27, 2011, 08:55:38 AM »

http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/kitsapcounty/

Click on Title 10 Peace Safey and Morals, then click on Chapter 10.12 Park Code, and finally on 10.12.080 Firearms in parks

There is your answer in writing.

Blacktailaddict · « **Reply #36 on:** February 27, 2011, 09:03:52 AM »

dang, that sucks, well thanks for your help!!!

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Author Topic: can you Bow hunt a county park? (Read 11904 times)

timber tiger

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