ALERT - Changes to night hunting rules

[alp2009]

The proposed changes to night hunting rules would required 22 caliber or less for firearms and #6 shot or smaller for shotguns.  Pretty much means a special purpose rifle for night hunting and leave the shotgun home if you after coyotes. 


Here are the proposed changes:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2012/wsr_12-04-098.pdf

Specifically the changes to WAC 232-12-063 Hunting at night

If anybody has the Fish and Wildlife contact info post it up.  Its time for some phone calls and emails.

Alex

[luvmystang67]

Yeah, this is ridiculous.  Most of the places people are going to hunt at night aren't around anyone's home anyway because they don't want to disturb folks.  What difference does it make if you shoot 6 shot or 2 shot out of a 12 gauge?  My .223 is just now all set up for night hunting coyotes.  I want some explanation of the reason behind this.

Who can we contact?

[Ice Cap]

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong but isn't a typical rimfire 22 bullett .224 inches in diameter?
Would that make it illegal to use at night?
Can we take that the other direction to mean that any .223 or .224 caliber rifle is legal to use at night?

[Bob33]

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong but isn't a typical rimfire 22 bullett .224 inches in diameter?
Would that make it illegal to use at night?
Can we take that the other direction to mean that any .223 or .224 caliber rifle is legal to use at night?

A 22 rimfire is considered .22 caliber.

[bobcat]

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong but isn't a typical rimfire 22 bullett .224 inches in diameter?
Would that make it illegal to use at night?
Can we take that the other direction to mean that any .223 or .224 caliber rifle is legal to use at night?

Technically the bullets (in a centerfire 22) are .224 but generally all cartridges that use the .224 diameter bullets are referred to as .22 centerfires. So hopefully the WDFW is using the term 22 caliber in that way, and I'm sure they are.

Although it would make more sense if they are restricting shotguns to #6 and smaller shot, that the most powerful rifle cartridge allowed would be the 22 long rifle.     

[Bob33]

"25 caliber" rifles shoot .257" bullets. "30 caliber" rifles shoot .308" bullets.

"22 caliber" rifles, for the most part, shoot bullets that are .223" and .224".

[Machias]

So .17s, .204, .243s and .257s are not legal for yote hunting at night?

#6 shot or smaller is UNETHICAL, daytime or nighttime for yotes.

[Machias]

Hi, Fred.  I will have someone in our Wildlife Program respond to your questions.

Lori Preuss, WSBA #33045
WDFW Criminal Justice Liaison &
Administrative Regulations Coordinator
Lori.preuss@dfw.wa.gov
360.902.2930
Fax 360.902.2155

Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 1:38 PM
To: Preuss, Lori (DFW)
Subject: Night Hunting Changes

Afternoon Mrs. Preuss, 

   I saw your signature and name on the hunting proposals paperwork, so I am hoping you can give me an idea on the thinking behind the night hunting proposals.  Specifically the shot size #6 and smaller requirement.  Could you shed some light on the reasoning behind this restriction?  If this stands basically you will eliminate shotguns for use on coyotes at night as #6 shot and smaller is completely unethical to use on coyotes, daytime or nighttime.  Also, am I reading the proposal correctly, .22 weapons means .222, .223 and .22-250s are legal, but .17, .204, .243 and .257s would be illegal?  Can you also shed the thoughts on that reasoning?  Thanks!!

Fred

[buckfvr]

they dont want anyone hunting at night anyways........the squeeze will continue until they get us out of the woods......