Part of the Cowiche unit is still open for the late Elk Season. It is now called Elk Area 3681. The dividing line will be the power lines that run apx. East and West, bisecting GMU 368. WSB and a few concerned bowhunters testified at the Pasco F and W commission meeting about using alternative boundaries to keep a little more of the unit open. The commission voted to leave the boundaries as recommended by the WDFW for this year but requested that interested parties be consulted by the WDFW in the coming year, so that alternative recommendations could be considered. At the meeting the WDFW agreed with the bowhunters recommendations for a boundary change which would preserve some of the Western part of GMU 368 for the late hunt. There was not enough time to verify the bowhunter recommended boundary prior to the regs going to print so we are stuck with the departments change for this year.
As development and agricultural crop complaints increase, we can expect more of this type of hunting area reduction, especially around urban areas. The key will be to suggest alternatives so that we do not lose opportunity. It may mean permits, limited entry or special urban bowhunting classes. Some opportunity is better than none.
On another note..... for those of you applying for a second deer tag this year......It will cost you your preference points! This is a change from previous years.
