Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bear Hunting => Topic started by: Odell on September 17, 2012, 10:24:07 AM

Title: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Odell on September 17, 2012, 10:24:07 AM: I found a dead bear in little Natches this week. Marked it on my GPS and would like to go back for the skull and claws if that is legal. I can't seem to find it in the regs, I know its a no-no for elk and deer dead heads. Anyone know?

Its a shame the hunter couldn't find it. Arrow placement looked great and it was a nice bear. Way too far gone when I found it to do anyone any good. I found it about 150 yards from a dead cow that someone had also lost. If it was the same hunter he was having bad luck for sure. I was on alert for a bear or cat and did almost jump out of my pants when I was tight rope walking a deadfall and saw this bear on the ground between my legs...
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: arees on September 17, 2012, 10:28:36 AM: Marking this for common interest because I found one by smell in Taneum.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: jrebel on September 17, 2012, 10:32:19 AM: We found two elk this year and was wondering the same thing about the ivories?? Tagging to see what others think.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: notellumcreek on September 17, 2012, 10:42:03 AM: I'm a noob, but I am pretty sure I have read on other discussions here at HUNTWA that you cannot remove skulls from the wild of any animal... but like I said not 100% sure on that, maybe just for certain animals? :dunno:
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: h20hunter on September 17, 2012, 10:52:59 AM: Found this so far.....
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: h20hunter on September 17, 2012, 10:53:54 AM: That seems to be for disposal....not sure if it applies to skulls, ivories, or "parts" of critters.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Odell on September 17, 2012, 02:31:44 PM: Thanks H20,

I would read that as a no. Maybe I'll make a call and see what my local GW says.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Kc_Kracker on September 17, 2012, 02:33:15 PM: i belive you can take them if they are decomposed, if its still furry then you got to tag it, or risk being accused of the kill. i think :dunno:
there is a HUGE potential here to cause you ALOT of grief if its not decomposed and clean if the skull is attached.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: h20hunter on September 17, 2012, 02:35:36 PM: I would still call and when in doubt mark the find with a GPS, contact a gamie, and have them give you on site permission if available. Nothing to stop them from saying you shot it months ago and am coming back to retrieve it now.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: jess on September 17, 2012, 02:53:07 PM: I usualy find 3-5 dead bears every spring while out shed hunting it would be nice if i could pack out the skulls but was told by wdfw that i cant!
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Bob33 on September 17, 2012, 03:10:53 PM: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-287 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-287)

Possession of dead wildlife.

(1) Except as authorized by permit of the director or by subsection (2) of this section, it is unlawful to possess wildlife found dead. This rule does not prohibit the possession of naturally shed antlers of deer, elk, or moose.
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: h20hunter on September 17, 2012, 03:18:57 PM: There you go.....pick up at your own risk!
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Ripper on September 17, 2012, 03:43:36 PM: It's really disappointing to here of so much dead wildlife being found. People need to look a while longer before giving up on it! The animal deserves more respect. :twocents:
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: Bob33 on September 17, 2012, 03:56:07 PM: Quote from: Ripper on September 17, 2012, 03:43:36 PM
It's really disappointing to here of so much dead wildlife being found. People need to look a while longer before giving up on it! The animal deserves more respect. :twocents:
What leads you to conclude they're not natural deaths?
Title: Re: picking up bear skulls?
Post by: jess on September 17, 2012, 06:09:25 PM: Most of the bears i find are young bears that didnt get a good den and died in the winter.. Only a few are clearly lost animals by a hunter..