Washington's 2010 Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations

Public Conduct Rules on WDFW Lands
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
adopted new rules (Washington Administrative
Code 232-13) in December 2007 after years of
discussion and extensive public review. As the
number of users and types of use continue to
increase on WDFW lands, the new rules provide
a fair and sensible approach to protecting both
fish and wildlife habitats and recreational values
consistent with healthy wildlife populations.
These rules, which only apply on WDFW lands,
are now in effect. The complete public conduct
rule package is available on the web at apps.leg.
wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-13. Although
some conduct rules remain in place and have not
changed, the new WAC chapter compiles them in
one location for easy reference.
The rules address behavior and conduct,
parking, camping, campfires, dumping and
littering, target shooting, fireworks, pets, building
blinds and tree stands, access, commercial and
noncommercial use, and enforcement.
Fire rules allow campfires up to a maximum
of three feet in diameter and three feet high
WDFW issues a Disabled Hunter
Permit to persons with permanent
disabilities under certain conditions.
For complete information, read
WAC 232-12-828. Hunters with disabilities must
follow all hunting regulations and restrictions
while using this permit. Not every person with
a disability will qualify for the WDFW disabled
hunter permit.
It is unlawful for a hunter with disabilities to
possess a loaded firearm in their vehicle unless
the vehicle is stopped, the motor is turned off
and the vehicle is removed from the maintained
portion of a roadway. If the road is not paved,
and it is impossible to completely remove the
vehicle from the road, then the hunter may shoot
from the vehicle if it is as far off of the road as
possible.
A person with a disability means a person with a
PERMANENT disability who is:
Not ambulatory over natural terrain without
a prosthesis or assistive device such as, but
not limited to wheelchair, crutches, cane.
Unable to hold or shoot a firearm or other
legal hunting device.
Totally blind or visually impaired. Visually
impaired means central visual acuity that
unless posted otherwise. The new rules also
include a 21-day camping limit within a 30-day
period unless posted otherwise. Vehicles should
not be left unattended for more than 21 days.
Unattended blinds are available to the public on
a “first-come-first-serve” basis. These rules were
designed to provide an equal opportunity for all
users.
The firearms and target practicing rule prohibits
the use of glass, signs, appliances, mattresses,
televisions, furniture, and exploding items as
targets. With the exception of clay pigeons,
debris from target practice should be removed.
These rules, along with no-littering laws, address
a growing concern for the amount of garbage
left on public lands. The rules also prohibit the
discharge of firearms within 500 feet of one of
the 21 department-designated campgrounds.
These very limited shooting restrictions were
included to protect the recreating public.
Rules governing pets allow hunters to use
hunting dogs under their control, but not to let
them or other pets roam unattended. From
April through July, all dogs and other pets must
does not exceed 20/200 in the better
eye with corrective lenses, or the widest
diameter of the visual field is no greater
than 20 degrees.
This definition includes, but is not limited
to persons with upper or lower extremity
impairments who have lost the use of one or
both upper or lower extremities, or who have a
significant limitation in the use of upper or lower
extremities, or who have a diagnosed disease or
disorder which substantially impairs or interferes
with mobility or the use of upper extremities.
Road Access Entry Program
Many new opportunities are being developed
and existing areas may be changing for hunters
with disabilities using a motor vehicle to enter
“walk-in” only (closed roads) areas.
These opportunities are in cooperation with the
Washington Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), U.S. Forest Service, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and private
timber companies. Hunters with disabilities who
have the official WDFW Disabled Hunter Orange
Placard displayed, and under certain conditions
identified by special entry permits, MAY be
allowed to drive on some roads, otherwise
closed to all other unauthorized vehicles. Proper
signage and vehicle identification is required.
be leashed on WDFW lands to protect nesting
wildlife.
To manage multiple user groups, a permit from
the department is now required for any private or
public event involving more than thirty people.
A commercial use permit from the department
is required for any activity on department lands
where a fee is charged or where the purpose is
the sale or barter of a good or service regardless
of whether the activity is intended to produce
a profit. Hunting guides using WDFW lands
are required to obtain a permit through one of
WDFW’s six regional offices. Permits will be
issued on a limited basis to manage the number
of hunters. Permit distribution may be used to
address equity of hunter access and concerns for
local wildlife populations.
All those who use WDFW lands are encouraged
to take a look at the new rules.
With the new public conduct rules in place and
followed; WDFW public lands will continue to
provide safe, beautiful wildlands for all users to
enjoy now and in the future.
Persons with Disabilities
Able-bodied walk-in hunters must respect
hunters with disabilities rights in these areas, and
remember that harassment of properly identified
persons with disabilities is not allowed.
Access roads are identified through signage at
the gated entry points.
Information about road entry opportunities
are posted online at wdfw.wa.gov. Information
regarding the drawing for special entry areas is
posted on the Internet. Information packets are
available at WDFW Regional Offices after areas
have been secured, or after June 30.
For information about opportunities on DNR
lands only, call 360-902-1375.
For other information about any other areas call
WDFW at 360-902-2349.
Other opportunities are available through the
special deer and elk permit drawings in this
pamphlet. Accessible duck and goose blinds are
located around the state on private, state, and
federal lands (also located on the website or call
360-902-2349). For more information contact any
WDFW office.
To request an application for a Disabled Hunter
Permit contact the WDFW License Division at
360-902-2464 or 360-902-2349.
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Report your hunting activity for Big Game & Turkey by calling toll free 1-877-945-3492 or online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.