Post by: Brownie28 on December 15, 2011, 06:27:30 PM
Post by: Kain on December 15, 2011, 06:32:20 PM
Here is the info you need to have before you try hunting any squirrels in this state.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_squirrel/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_squirrel/)
Post by: Oneshot1Kill on December 15, 2011, 06:33:58 PM
Post by: Kain on December 15, 2011, 06:45:19 PM
Quote
Legal Status
Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about squirrels change, contact your WDFW Regional Office for updates.
The Western gray squirrel is classified as a threatened species and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed (WAC 232-12-007). The red squirrel, Douglas squirrel, and Northern flying squirrel are protected species and can be trapped or killed only in emergency situations when they are damaging crops or domestic animals (RCW 77.36.030). A special permit is required in such situations.
The Eastern gray squirrel and Eastern fox squirrel are unclassified and may be trapped or killed year-round as long as you have a hunting license. In such cases, no special trapping permit is necessary for the use of live traps. However, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps (RCW 77.15.192, 77.15.194; WAC 232-12-142).
It is unlawful to release a squirrel anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250; WAC 232-12-271).
Post by: Brownie28 on December 15, 2011, 07:10:28 PM
Post by: Mr.T on December 26, 2011, 09:49:52 PM
After looking at multiple photos I decided it would be too difficult to make a distinction in the field. :dunno: No squirl hunting for me. :(
Post by: ICEMAN on December 27, 2011, 05:32:45 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on December 27, 2011, 05:33:36 AM
Good luck telling the difference between the eastern Grey and western grey. :(
After looking at multiple photos I decided it would be too difficult to make a distinction in the field. :dunno: No squirl hunting for me. :(
I agree. Pretty hard to discern.
Post by: Kain on December 27, 2011, 09:10:14 AM
Good luck telling the difference between the eastern Grey and western grey. :(
After looking at multiple photos I decided it would be too difficult to make a distinction in the field. :dunno: No squirl hunting for me. :(
I agree. Pretty hard to discern.
There is only one small area where they could occupy the same area. Most of the areas that hold Eastern gray squrrels are in cities so not really any hunting opportunities.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnaturemappingfoundation.org%2Fnatmap%2Fmaps%2Fwa%2Fmammals%2FWA_western_gray_squirrel_nm.jpg&hash=3738ff602ddef737b41608d02f899ad4d020713d)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnaturemappingfoundation.org%2Fnatmap%2Fmaps%2Fwa%2Fmammals%2FWA_eastern_gray_squirrel_nm.jpg&hash=a5632d11b177784714838f2e3fecb7765c6effb1)
Post by: Kain on December 27, 2011, 09:14:37 AM
Letter attached below.
Post by: bobcat on December 27, 2011, 09:28:25 AM
Post by: Kain on December 27, 2011, 09:32:05 AM
Surely a person wouldn't hunt Douglas squirrels for the meat? I can't imagine there being enough meat on them to make it worthwhile. What about chipmunks? Why did you not ask for a season? They seem more plentiful than Douglas Squirrels in many areas.
Why not? People hunt frogs for frog legs and there is barely any meat on them. I once spent an entire afternoon catching crawdads and only ended up with enough for a side dish for one person. :chuckle:
Post by: calawahsteelie on December 27, 2011, 01:36:14 PM
Post by: runamuk on December 27, 2011, 01:43:27 PM
Post by: gotshot on December 27, 2011, 01:51:23 PM
Post by: JohnVH on December 29, 2011, 01:22:48 PM
Post by: Bob Williams on January 03, 2012, 06:02:12 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 03, 2012, 07:14:49 AM
Good luck telling the difference between the eastern Grey and western grey. :(:yeah: :yeah: For sure on that one .. I grew up as a squirrel huntin SOB and I loved it as a kid but seriously the squirrel population in Washington is seriously growing ...Mostly in the cities ...I feed 5 in my back yard but i have seen a couple while in the woods too ! but trying to tell the difference between the 2 good luck... The only thing I think I can see is the western grey has a brownish orange color patch under its eye but other than that I have no idea :twocents:
After looking at multiple photos I decided it would be too difficult to make a distinction in the field. :dunno: No squirl hunting for me. :(
Post by: Encore 280 on January 03, 2012, 07:22:06 AM
Post by: jackmaster on January 03, 2012, 07:28:47 AM
Post by: lokidog on January 03, 2012, 10:10:59 AM
So maybe someone can answer this for me. What kind are the house cat sized, coal black ones? I have 15 acres of filbert trees next to me and lets just say I have no shortage of grey or black ones. :dunno:
Most likely melanistic (dark phase) eastern gray squirrels. Look at the map above, and if not in the middle of one of the western gray areas, fire away. :twocents:
Squirrels are tasty but tougher than rabbit. A long soak in the slow cooker is best.
Post by: Fowlweather25 on January 03, 2012, 10:49:26 AM