new proposals are out

[bobcat]

It sounds like .17 hmr and the like are not allowed the way I read it. I agree on the shotgun size though. It should read anything other than slug if anything. I don't even think a slug should matter. It's some foolishness out there for sure.

OK, I understand what you're getting at now. I didn't think about the 17's. I will be writing a letter in regards to those night hunting rules. I have three boxes (of 25) of 12 gauge BB lead shot that I bought specifically for coyote and bobcat hunting. I have never hunted at night, but I would like to and I don't see any reason why #6 is the biggest that should be allowed.

[NWWABOWHNTR]

I'm amazed that they are giving out any cow permits at all with the difficulty they are having with recruitment

The WDFW at the last GMAC meeting stated that cow and calf recruitement were at or above goals... total herd is above goal at this time. 

[NWWABOWHNTR]

Archery got an extra week of late season hunting on the West side.

that is kind of true, however we used to have until end of Sept before 2009, and they are giving us back some of the 2 weeks they took away.  That is about the only thing they have done for the archers... but they sure have  taken a lot away.

[Button Nubbs]

(b) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or
bolt ((measuring less than 16 inches in length and)) weighing less
than ((350)) 400 grains.

[stuckalot]

(b) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or
bolt ((measuring less than 16 inches in length and)) weighing less
than ((350)) 400 grains.

That I believe is refering to crossbows.

[gallion_t]

is it just me or does it seem like in general they are opening things up a little more? I havent read through all of the changes, but from the comments on here and what ive read of the changes it seems they are eithere keeping things the same as in the past, opening seasons longer, or splitting up special permits.

Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.

[bobcat]

is it just me or does it seem like in general they are opening things up a little more? I havent read through all of the changes, but from the comments on here and what ive read of the changes it seems they are eithere keeping things the same as in the past, opening seasons longer, or splitting up special permits.

Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.

Well the best thing is the much more liberal cougar seasons. That's one of the best things they could've done and I'm really surprised they did it. But then to have #6 shot as the largest size shot that can be used for night hunting. Why? Yet you can still hunt at night with a 22-250? Makes absolutely no sense. I have to wonder if there was just a typo in there.

#6 shot is good for grouse, not coyotes. Sure it would kill a coyote at 20 yards but this is ridiculous. I wouldn't complain too much if it was #2. That would work but #6 for predators at night is a complete joke. In fact I would go so far as to say someone using small bird shot like that for coyotes is irresponsible, unethical, unsportsmanlike, etc.   

[gallion_t]

is it just me or does it seem like in general they are opening things up a little more? I havent read through all of the changes, but from the comments on here and what ive read of the changes it seems they are eithere keeping things the same as in the past, opening seasons longer, or splitting up special permits.

Obviously theres a few exceptions. the night hunting with #6 or larger as a big one. At the same time they are allowing lighted nocks and electronic decoys for waterfowl. There might be a couple things that have gone down hill, but i feel like in general its a step in the right direction. If nothing else its breaking even.

Well the best thing is the much more liberal cougar seasons. That's one of the best things they could've done and I'm really surprised they did it. But then to have #6 shot as the largest size shot that can be used for night hunting. Why? Yet you can still hunt at night with a 22-250? Makes absolutely no sense. I have to wonder if there was just a typo in there.

#6 shot is good for grouse, not coyotes. Sure it would kill a coyote at 20 yards but this is ridiculous. I wouldn't complain too much if it was #2. That would work but #6 for predators at night is a complete joke. In fact I would go so far as to say someone using small bird shot like that for coyotes is irresponsible, unethical, unsportsmanlike, etc.   

i completely agree that using #6 for coyotes is completly irresponsible and unethical. there were a couple of things in the new regs that that are less than desirable. im just saying if you take the changes as a whole i feel they are a move in the right direction. Obviously this is a personal oppion. I dont hunt every species during every season with all legal weapons. I just feel like its a step in the right directions.

[ICEMAN]

bobcat, I agree. Limiting the shot size seems to place the hunter into the position of not having sufficient knockdown power to effectively do the job. Bad decision IMHO.

[Gringo31]

Anyone know why the late season for mules in 2013+ is on the 27th of Nov?

[Bob33]

Limit on shot size at night:  it was previously illegal to hunt at night during the months of Sep, Oct, and Nov. in an area open to hunting deer or elk with centerfire rifles.  Now it will be legal to hunt at night except in firearm restricted areas.  Because you can now hunt at night while deer season with centerfire rifles is open, that may the reason for shot size restriction.

[adamR]

Anyone know why the late season for mules in 2013+ is on the 27th of Nov?

it changes based on thanksgiving day I believe, since thanksgiving is late in the month in 2013, late season starts late too

[3dsheetmetal]

Looks like disabled hunters can now use scopes.


It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow (or
crossbow) equipped with a scope. However, hunters with
disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in
WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow
the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit
holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of
a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
archery seasons.

[Bob33]

Looks like disabled hunters can now use scopes.


It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow (or
crossbow) equipped with a scope. However, hunters with
disabilities who meet the definition of being visually impaired in
WAC 232-12-828 may receive a special use permit that would allow
the use of scopes or other visual aids. A disabled hunter permit
holder in possession of a special use permit that allows the use of
a scope or visual aid may hunt game birds or game animals during
archery seasons.

They can now.  This is not a change.

[3dsheetmetal]

The reason I noticed that is I am getting a disabled permit so I can still hunt during archery season and the lady at the game dept. told me that scopes aren't allowed during archery seasons.