River and slough hunting

[ducklab]

I am thinking about getting a duck boat to hunt rivers and sloughs. What are the rules reguarding shooting and hunting? Is it similar to fishing, as long as you are not on shore you can go anywhere or is it different?

[h2ofowlr]

I would read the regs for the area you are hunting.  If it's a navigable waterway and not a no shooting or hunting zone you can motor through it.  Some areas have restrictions on your vessel being anchored and motor off.  Some area you are tresspassing if your anchor is sitting on the bottom.  Look at the zoning, county assessor's maps and etc.  I spent the time and learned all the details about the areas I hunt.

[ducklab]

What about the bay. Are there different rules for saltwater?

[h2ofowlr]

Yes, different rules may apply.  If your hunting Port Susan, Skagit, Samish, Padilla bay's you can navigate the waterway, but must be anchored to hunt.  A lot of the tidal grounds out to the mean tide are owned.  If your way out your probably fine, but if your set up in front of one of the gun clubs they will call the gamies on you.  There is a good strech of land to hunt off of fir Island, Big Ditch and areas South of the mouth of the Stilly to hunt.  I would get out the regs and check it out.  The regs. also out line several different restrictions, snow goose, brant sea duck cards, no hunting zones and special closures on various game birds, etc.  Good luck.