Confused about WA

[mvernelson]

Are coilsprings legal for predators?

[singleshot12]

you mean to hunt?

[Machias]

Are coilsprings legal for predators?

If you have a special permit and you use padded leghold coilsprings, then yes they can be used, however the pelts must be tanned before you sell them.

[mvernelson]

How difficult is it for an outta stater to get the permit. I moved 6 years ago and wanted to trap while I was back seeing the family.

[Machias]

You have to take a trapping course, unless you already had one when you lived here before then I assume you just buy the non-resident permit (which is fairly spendy for a visit) Then you have to apply for the special permit, you submit a form to WDFW outlining all the steps you have taken to solve the problem animal(s) without using padded leghold traps.  Then if approved it is only good for 30 days, although extensions can be approved on a case by case basis.  This is not for recreational use, this is to target specific problem animals.  If your wanting to come home and visit and do some recreational trapping you'll have to get the non-resident permit and use a cage trap.

[Cylvertip]

To echo Machias, if you've taken trapper training here, then you would still need the Nuisance Wildlife Control Class to get your NWCO license.  Purchase an out of state trappers license   $$$ , then apply for the permit - which you would need to justify why the critters need to be removed using steel traps  - example, killing livestock.  The actual permit ( if it gets approved) does not take all that long usually 7 days or less.  It's the training that's the issue.  I have no idea when the next NWCO class would be, or where  - Try PM'ing Humptulips or Fatslinger on here or you can call WDFW.  If the trapping is on your property, you may be able to just get the training and the licenses - Check with Sean Carrel at WDFW in Oliy on that one.

[mvernelson]

What a freakin joke, not worth it. Thanks guys, I'll stick to Oregon.

[Heredoggydoggy]

What a freakin joke, not worth it. Thanks guys, I'll stick to Oregon.

As long as you shoot them with Lead-Free coil springs, you should be fine. 

[Humptulips]

A couple of things need clarified. First, you don't need the NWCO (been changed to WCO) unless you plan to trap for hire outside the regular season. You do need the trapper training to obtain a trapping license and with that you can trap on public property or private land with the owners permission during trapping season. You do not need the trapper training course or the license to trap on your own property. All this is with cage traps. If you wish to use coilsprings or any other type "bodygripping trap" you must get a special permit to trap problem animals. To get the permit a problem animal situation must exist and you must have tried and failed to control the problem with alternative methods. They are pretty broad on what alternative methods are acceptable. The special permits do not require a trapping license to be issued if they are on your own property.
Next Trapper Training will probably be in August but we are in talks with the WDFW to offer an in home study course to supplement the classes. No time frame when that will be accomplished.

[Machias]

You don't need the NWCO license to obtain a permit to use the banned traps, but you must complete the form and show how you've tried to aleviate the problem with other methods, i.e. fencing, dogs, etc...

[Machias]

oops didn't see humptulips response, he is dead on.

[jager]

 Re: "Confused about Washington"

Aren't we all?

[Feanix]

...You do need the trapper training to obtain a trapping license...Next Trapper Training will probably be in August but we are in talks with the WDFW to offer an in home study course to supplement the classes. No time frame when that will be accomplished.

You can study at home now. This is my first year trapping and I missed the Rondezvous to take the class. I looked over the study materials, available on the WDFW site( http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/classes/trapping.php ) and then set up an appointment with my regional office to take the test.  It may be inconvenient if you live far away from your regional office (I live in Tonasket and had to drive to Ephrata) but it is possible.  I confirmed this with Dan Boes when I started the process.  After I took the test, Dan called me to get some additional information and I received my Trapper Certification card in a couple days, maybe a week total after my appointment with the Regional office.