Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: GrampasGuns on November 22, 2013, 10:44:49 AM

Title: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: GrampasGuns on November 22, 2013, 10:44:49 AM
I'm trying to find out if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property, that is in a firearm restricted area? I've found a spot I want to take a few geese and the land is owned by King County. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: JLS on November 22, 2013, 10:51:04 AM
Contact the SO and find out if there is a county ordinance against shooting a bow in that specific area.
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: bobcat on November 22, 2013, 11:10:02 AM
I think most King County owned land is in some sort of "park" status and cannot be hunted. I would be sure to check with King County first. Of course they will most likely say no, because they are anti-hunting, even if it isn't actually closed to hunting.

Any other county and I would just say go ahead and hunt it.
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: LndShrk on November 22, 2013, 02:08:06 PM
I'm trying to find out if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property, that is in a firearm restricted area? I've found a spot I want to take a few geese and the land is owned by King County. Any thoughts?
What do you mean by firearm restricted area?

No shooting ordinances are just that. Not shooting. It does not matter who owns the land.
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: JLS on November 22, 2013, 02:14:03 PM
I'm trying to find out if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property, that is in a firearm restricted area? I've found a spot I want to take a few geese and the land is owned by King County. Any thoughts?
What do you mean by firearm restricted area?

No shooting ordinances are just that. Not shooting. It does not matter who owns the land.

That doesn't necessarily mean no shooting period.  Some counties have areas where it is illegal to discharge a firearm, but you can hunt with a crossbow or bow and arrow.

Also, it is pertinent as to who owns the land because if it is owned by the county, they may have a specific ordinance against hunting and/or shooting on county land (i.e. county park).
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 22, 2013, 02:23:23 PM
 :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: LndShrk on November 22, 2013, 02:35:09 PM
I'm trying to find out if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property, that is in a firearm restricted area? I've found a spot I want to take a few geese and the land is owned by King County. Any thoughts?
What do you mean by firearm restricted area?

No shooting ordinances are just that. Not shooting. It does not matter who owns the land.

That doesn't necessarily mean no shooting period.  Some counties have areas where it is illegal to discharge a firearm, but you can hunt with a crossbow or bow and arrow.

Also, it is pertinent as to who owns the land because if it is owned by the county, they may have a specific ordinance against hunting and/or shooting on county land (i.e. county park).

True that..
But because this was in the waterfowl section and he indicated King County. I am assuming a shotgun and King County.  :tup:

Back to the OP's Question. You can find the County No Shooting info in the kc_code.  However you also will need to check city codes etc if it is within a city boundary.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/legislation/kc_code/15_Title_12.aspx (http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/legislation/kc_code/15_Title_12.aspx)
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: JLS on November 22, 2013, 02:45:47 PM
if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property

LndShrk,

You must learn to ead between the lines, young Grasshoppa :)
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: LndShrk on November 22, 2013, 02:48:05 PM
if it would be legal to bow hunt a piece of king county property

LndShrk,

You must learn to ead between the lines, young Grasshoppa :)

Or put on my glasses because I am too ****d old..  :chuckle: 8)

I do know though the city of Duvall includes Bows and Pellet guns in its City Ordinances.  :tup:
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: Bob33 on November 22, 2013, 02:56:02 PM
It's dependent on many constraints. Example: I live in Sammamish, in King County. The city has a "no hunting" ordinance, but the ordinance allows hunting on private property with the landowner's permission. (Not to get too far into the weeds, but many WDFW representatives will take the position that a municipality has no legal right to restrict hunting per se. They can restrict discharges of certain weapons, but not regulate hunting; only WDFW can do that.)

Back out of the weeds. The city also has an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms. It does allow the use of archery equipment only. That means that any legal hunting must be done with archery equipment.

Since Sammamish is within King County, there are some county "no shooting zones" within the city limits which further restrict what can be done in certain areas. Each "no shooting zone" may and often does have different restrictions so you need to research them individually.

To untangle it, check with your local enforcement agency. Take what they tell you under advisement, but don't consider it gospel. Talk with your local WDFW enforcement officer also. Read the city and county ordinances for yourself. Do your homework. You can and may well end up knowing more than anyone in a position of authority.

It's complicated but can be navigated if you are determined.

The outcome for me was a wonderful opportunity to hunt within five minutes of my home.  ;)

Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: cryfowl on November 22, 2013, 05:59:08 PM
If it's a no shooting ordinance then that includes archery.  Firearm restricted and you should be good, but call your local Sheriffs Office to be certain.
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: jake on November 29, 2013, 08:51:46 PM
Sounds like someone is trying to pick up a band
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: bigtex on November 29, 2013, 09:00:18 PM
If it is county OWNED land then no hunting, the only piece of King County owned land that can be hunted is on Vashon Island.

If it is simply land within King County "No Shooting" area then you actually need to read the actual ordinance. Some King County ordinances actually allow shooting if you are hunting, some only allow archery, some allow shotgun hunting, others say no shooting at all. Gotta love King County.

Also, this isn't a WDFW regulation it is a county thing. Realistically, WDFW can't enforce county ordinances unless they are deputized by the county sheriff.
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: Bob33 on November 29, 2013, 09:50:08 PM
If it's a no shooting ordinance then that includes archery.  Firearm restricted and you should be good, but call your local Sheriffs Office to be certain.
That is not correct. Read King County code 12.68. Most non shooting zones restrict the discharge of firearms only.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/legislation/kc_code/15_Title_12.aspx (http://www.kingcounty.gov/council/legislation/kc_code/15_Title_12.aspx)
Title: Re: Hunting a piece of county land?
Post by: Revwrangler on November 29, 2013, 10:19:24 PM
I'm not sure about King County, but I called about some Pierce County land and the response I got was "It will always be strictly prohibited to hunt pierce county land."
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