Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-01-136.

Purpose: To amend WAC 232-28-264, 232-28-273, 232-28-280, 232-28-281, 232-16-810, 232-28-271, 232-28-02201, 232-28-02203, 232-28-02204, 232-28-02205, 232-28-02240, and 232-28-248.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.040.

Summary: WAC 232-28-264 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-2000 Official hunting hours and small game seasons, the amendment establishes the 1999 youth hunt for pheasants and quail in eastern Washington. The amendment allows additional recreational opportunity on game bird resources. The amendments retain and expand recreational opportunity for youth game bird hunters. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-273 Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and permit quotas, the WAC specifies hunting season dates, permit quotas and unit descriptions for all special species for the 1999 hunting season. Provides recreational opportunity. The rule establishes limited entry moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and regulations to provide recreational opportunity while conserving special species resources of Washington. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-280 1999-2000 Deer general seasons and special permits, the 1999 deer general seasons and special permits are proposed to provide hunting opportunity within the biological constraints of the resource. Minor changes are made to the 1999 hunting seasons. The proposed deer hunting seasons will maintain most hunting opportunities adopted in the 1997-1999 hunting season rules. The proposed rule will describe deer hunting opportunities in Washington state. The purpose is to provide hunting recreation and help prevent damage to agricultural and horticultural crops. The anticipated effect will be to maintain hunting opportunity and reduce liability to damage claims from deer damage. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-281 1999-2000 Elk general seasons and special permits, the 1999-2000 elk general seasons and special permit seasons are proposed to provide hunting opportunity within biological constraints of the resource. Minor changes are made to the 1999 hunting seasons. The proposed elk hunting seasons will maintain most hunting opportunities adopted in the 1997-1999 hunting seasons and prevent the elk resource from over harvest. The rule will adopt 1999 elk hunting seasons and rules. The purpose is to adopt rules consistent with conservation of the resource while providing recreational opportunity. The effect will be to maintain hunting seasons for elk similar to past years. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-16-810 Port Susan Bay Canada goose closure, the proposed amendment allows hunting of Canada geese in Port Susan Bay during September and October. When the rule was originally adopted in August 1998, all Canada goose hunting was prohibited in Port Susan Bay to protect Vancouver Canada geese. The amendment allows hunting of other Canada geese in the bay prior to the time when Vancouver Canada geese arrive in November. The amendment increases recreational opportunity on resident Canada geese and protects Vancouver Canada geese. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-271 Private lands wildlife management area hunting seasons, rules and boundary descriptions, this amendment changes the mule deer quota for the Wilson hunt to 100. This amendment allows additional recreational opportunity. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-02201 the boundary descriptions for Region One, the only change is to insert the word Ferry before Customs Office in the game management unit (GMU) 101 unit description. The only reason for making this change is to clarify the boundary description. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-02203 the boundary descriptions for Region Three, the only change is to transfer game management unit (GMU) 582 (East Klickitat) from Region Five to Region Three and renumber it GMU 382 (East Klickitat). The East Klickitat area is managed as a mule deer area with shorter more restrictive hunting seasons. This change will make management of the species less confusing to the public. The proposed change will add GMU 382 (East Klickitat) to the Region Three deer and elk hunting seasons and remove it from Region Five deer and elk hunting seasons. This area is managed as a mule deer area because mule deer are the predominate deer in Region Three. This change should be more understandable to the public. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-02204 boundary descriptions for Region Four, boundary descriptions for game management units (GMUs) 407 (North Sound) and 426 (Diablo) are amended to clarify boundary descriptions. Both descriptions better describe the existing area for the units and should make it easier for hunters to find the boundaries on the ground. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-02205 the boundary descriptions for Region Five, boundary descriptions for game management units (GMUs) 522 (Loo-wit), 556 (Toutle), and 568 (Washougal) are amended to better describe the hunting areas. The proposed changes do not change the hunt areas. They better define the boundary or change the road name to reflect the current name. The boundary between GMUs 522 and 556 is now defined using Deer Springs Creek. The GMU 568 description uses the new name for the road, Canyon Creek Road. The purpose and benefit will be to help hunters find the boundary on the ground. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-02240 Muzzleloader area descriptions, Muzzleloader Area 910 (Cle Elum) has been replaced by Muzzleloader Area 911 (Fairview). The damage problem in this area has been reduced and the damage control hunt area is recommended to be reduced. The 910 Muzzleloader hunt is a damage hunt. The area experiencing the damage is smaller now and the geographic area for the hunt is reduced substantially. The new boundary description and number will direct the hunting pressure to the damage area. The result will be reduced muzzleloader harvest and hunting opportunity in this damage control hunt. Does not affect small business.

WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas, firearm restriction areas and closures are updated annually to delete unnecessary closures and provide accurate descriptions for new areas. The Baleville Big Game Closure was dropped and the geographic area was included in the Pacific County Firearm Restriction Area. The Voice of America area was added to the restricted and prohibited hunting areas. This restriction is recommended February 1 through September 30. Lummi Island in Whatcom County was added to the firearm restriction areas list. The Parker Lake area was changed from a season of Aug. 1-Sept. 30 to closed year round. Firearm restriction designations are identified for safety reasons. Centerfire and rimfire rifles are not legal for hunting in these areas. Persons with modern firearm tags may hunt with archery or muzzleloader equipment during modern firearm seasons in these areas. The effect will be to ban high powered rifles in these areas. Does not affect small business.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Summary above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Steve Pozzanghera, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Summary above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Summary above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules do not affect small business.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. These rules are not related to the hydraulics code.

Hearing Location: Cavanaughs Ridpath Hotel, 515 West Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA, on April 2-3, 1999, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by March 15, 1999, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Steve Pozzanghera, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by March 19, 1999.

Date of Intended Adoption: April 2, 1999.

February 16, 1999

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

OTS-2809.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 98-249, filed 12/22/98, effective 1/22/99)

WAC 232-28-264
1998-99 and 1999-2000 Official hunting hours and small game seasons.

1998-99 OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

FOR MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS, UPLAND BIRDS, AND WILD TURKEYS*

September 1, 1998 to January 31, 1999

					Western Washington from			Eastern Washington from
Dates (Inclusive)					A.M.	to	P.M.	A.M.	to	P.M.
Daylight Savings Time
Tues.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 6	6:00		7:45	5:50		7:35
Mon.	Sept. 7	-	Sun.	Sept. 13	6:10		7:35	6:00		7:20
Mon.	Sept. 14	-	Sun.	Sept. 20	6:20		7:20	6:05		7:05
Mon.	Sept. 21	-	Sun.	Sept. 27	6:30		7:05	6:15		6:50
Mon.	Sept. 28	-	Sun.	Oct. 4	6:40		6:50	6:25		6:35
Mon.	Oct. 5	-	Sun.	Oct. 11	6:45		6:35	6:25		6:25
Mon.	Oct. 12	-	Sun.	Oct. 18	6:55		6:20	6:45		6:10
Mon.	Oct. 19	-	Sat.	Oct. 24	7:05		6:10	6:55		6:00
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Oct. 25	6:10		5:00	6:00		4:50
Mon.	Oct. 26	-	Sun.	Nov. 1	6:20		4:55	6:05		4:45
Mon.	Nov. 2	-	Sun.	Nov. 8	6:30		4:45	6:15		4:35
Mon.	Nov. 9	-	Sun.	Nov. 15	6:40		4:35	6:30		4:25
Mon.	Nov. 16	-	Sun.	Nov. 22	6:50		4:30	6:40		4:15
Mon.	Nov. 23	-	Sun.	Nov. 29	7:00		4:25	6:50		4:10
Mon.	Nov. 30	-	Sun.	Dec. 6	7:10		4:20	6:55		4:10
Mon.	Dec. 7	-	Sun.	Dec. 13	7:15		4:20	7:05		4:05
Mon.	Dec. 14	-	Sun.	Dec. 20	7:20		4:20	7:10		4:10
Mon.	Dec. 21	-	Sun.	Dec. 27	7:25		4:20	7:15		4:10
Mon.	Dec. 28	-	Sun.	Jan. 3	7:25		4:30	7:15		4:15
Mon.	Jan. 4	-	Sun.	Jan. 10	7:25		4:35	7:15		4:25
Mon.	Jan. 11	-	Sun.	Jan. 17	7:25		4:45	7:10		4:30
Mon.	Jan. 18	-	Sun.	Jan. 24	7:20		4:55	7:05		4:40
Mon.	Jan. 25	-	Sat.	Jan. 31	7:10		5:00	7:00		4:50

*	These are lawful hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to sunset) for migratory game birds (duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeon); upland birds (pheasant, quail, partridge); and turkey during established seasons.

Exceptions:

1)	Western Washington - Pheasant and quail hunting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in all areas.

2)

Clark (except areas south of the Washougal River), Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, (except areas north of U.S. Highway 12 and west of U.S. Highway 101), Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties - Goose hunting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except one-half hour before sunrise to sunset during the September goose season and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the late goose season.

3)	Hunting hours for falconry seasons (except migratory game bird seasons) are exempt from these hunting hours, except on designated pheasant release sites.

1999-2000 OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

FOR MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS, UPLAND BIRDS, AND WILD TURKEYS*

September 1, 1999 to January 31, 2000

					Western Washington from			Eastern Washington from
Dates (Inclusive)					A.M.	to	P.M.	A.M.	to	P.M.
Daylight Savings Time
Wed.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 5	6:00		7:45	5:45		7:35
Mon.	Sept. 6	-	Sun.	Sept. 12	6:05		7:35	5:50		7:20
Mon.	Sept. 13	-	Sun.	Sept. 19	6:15		7:20	6:05		7:10
Mon.	Sept. 20	-	Sun.	Sept. 26	6:25		7:10	6:15		6:50
Mon.	Sept. 27	-	Sun.	Oct. 3	6:35		6:50	6:25		6:40
Mon.	Oct. 4	-	Sun.	Oct. 10	6:45		6:40	6:35		6:25
Mon.	Oct. 11	-	Sun.	Oct. 17	6:50		6:25	6:45		6:15
Mon.	Oct. 18	-	Sun.	Oct. 24	7:05		6:15	6:55		6:00
Mon.	Oct. 25	-	Sat.	Oct. 30	7:15		6:00	7:05		5:45
Pacific Standard Time
Sun.	Oct. 31	-	Sun.	Nov. 7	6:25		4:45	6:15		4:35
Mon.	Nov. 8	-	Sun.	Nov. 14	6:35		4:40	6:25		4:25
Mon.	Nov. 15	-	Sun.	Nov. 21	6:50		4:30	6:35		4:20
Mon.	Nov. 22	-	Sun.	Nov. 28	7:00		4:25	6:45		4:10
Mon.	Nov. 29	-	Sun.	Dec. 5	7:05		4:20	6:50		4:10
Mon.	Dec. 6	-	Sun.	Dec. 12	7:10		4:20	7:00		4:05
Mon.	Dec. 13	-	Sun.	Dec. 19	7:20		4:20	7:05		4:05
Mon.	Dec. 20	-	Sun.	Dec. 26	7:25		4:25	7:10		4:10
Mon.	Dec. 27	-	Sun.	Jan. 2	7:30		4:25	7:15		4:15
Mon.	Jan. 3	-	Sun.	Jan. 9	7:30		4:35	7:15		4:20
Mon.	Jan. 10	-	Sun.	Jan. 16	7:25		4:40	7:10		4:30
Mon.	Jan. 17	-	Sun.	Jan. 23	7:20		4:50	7:05		4:45
Mon.	Jan. 24	-	Mon.	Jan. 31	7:15		5:00	7:00		4:50

*	These are lawful hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to sunset) for migratory game birds (duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeon); upland birds (pheasant, quail, partridge); and turkey during established seasons.

Exceptions:

1)	Western Washington - Pheasant and quail hunting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in all areas.

2)

Clark (except areas south of the Washougal River), Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, (except areas north of U.S. Highway 12 and west of U.S. Highway 101), Pacific, and Wahkiakum counties - Goose hunting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except one-half hour before sunrise to sunset during the September Canada goose season and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the late goose season.

3)	Hunting hours for falconry seasons (except migratory game bird seasons) are exempt from these hunting hours, except on designated pheasant release sites.

1998-1999 OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

FOR GAME ANIMALS & GAME BIRDS (EXCEPT MIGRATORY, UPLAND GAME BIRDS, AND WILD TURKEYS)*

September 1, 1998 to January 31, 1999

					Western Washington from			Eastern Washington from
Dates (Inclusive)					A.M.	to	P.M.	A.M.	to	P.M.
Daylight Savings Time
Tues.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 6	6:00		8:15	5:50		8:05
Mon.	Sept. 7	-	Sun.	Sept. 13	6:10		8:05	6:00		7:50
Mon.	Sept. 14	-	Sun.	Sept. 20	6:20		7:50	6:05		7:35
Mon.	Sept. 21	-	Sun.	Sept. 27	6:30		7:35	6:15		7:20
Mon.	Sept. 28	-	Sun.	Oct. 4	6:40		7:20	6:25		7:05
Mon.	Oct. 5	-	Sun.	Oct. 11	6:45		7:05	6:25		6:55
Mon.	Oct. 12	-	Sun.	Oct. 18	6:55		6:50	6:45		6:40
Mon.	Oct. 19	-	Sat.	Oct. 24	7:05		6:40	6:55		6:30
Pacific Standard Time
			Sun.	Oct. 25	6:10		5:30	6:00		5:20
Mon.	Oct. 26	-	Sun.	Nov. 1	6:20		5:25	6:05		5:15
Mon.	Nov. 2	-	Sun.	Nov. 8	6:30		5:15	6:15		5:05
Mon.	Nov. 9	-	Sun.	Nov. 15	6:40		5:05	6:30		4:55
Mon.	Nov. 16	-	Sun.	Nov. 22	6:50		5:00	6:40		4:45
Mon.	Nov. 23	-	Sun.	Nov. 29	7:00		4:55	6:50		4:40
Mon.	Nov. 30	-	Sun.	Dec. 6	7:10		4:50	6:55		4:40
Mon.	Dec. 7	-	Sun.	Dec. 13	7:15		4:50	7:05		4:35
Mon.	Dec. 14	-	Sun.	Dec. 20	7:20		4:50	7:10		4:40
Mon.	Dec. 21	-	Sun.	Dec. 27	7:25		4:50	7:15		4:40
Mon.	Dec. 28	-	Sun.	Jan. 3	7:25		5:00	7:15		4:45
Mon.	Jan. 4	-	Sun.	Jan. 10	7:25		5:05	7:15		4:55
Mon.	Jan. 11	-	Sun.	Jan. 17	7:25		5:15	7:10		5:00
Mon.	Jan. 18	-	Sun.	Jan. 24	7:20		5:25	7:05		5:10
Mon.	Jan. 25	-	Sat.	Jan. 31	7:10		5:30	7:00		5:20

*	These are lawful hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for all game animals and game birds (except duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, pheasant, quail, partridge and turkey) during established seasons.

Exceptions:

1)	Bobcat and raccoon are exempt from hunting hour restrictions during established bobcat and raccoon seasons except when that area is open to modern firearm hunting of deer or elk, hunting hours shall be one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

2)	Hunting hours for falconry seasons (except migratory game bird seasons) are exempt from these hunting hours, except on designated pheasant release sites.

1999-2000 OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS

FOR GAME ANIMALS & GAME BIRDS (EXCEPT MIGRATORY, UPLAND GAME BIRDS, AND WILD TURKEYS)*

September 1, 1999 to January 31, 2000

					Western Washington from			Eastern Washington from
Dates (Inclusive)					A.M.	to	P.M.	A.M.	to	P.M.
Daylight Savings Time
Wed.	Sept. 1	-	Sun.	Sept. 5	6:00		8:15	5:45		8:05
Mon.	Sept. 6	-	Sun.	Sept. 12	6:05		8:05	5:50		7:50
Mon.	Sept. 13	-	Sun.	Sept. 19	6:15		7:50	6:05		7:40
Mon.	Sept. 20	-	Sun.	Sept. 26	6:25		7:40	6:15		7:20
Mon.	Sept. 27	-	Sun.	Oct. 3	6:35		7:20	6:25		7:10
Mon.	Oct. 4	-	Sun.	Oct. 10	6:45		7:10	6:35		6:55
Mon.	Oct. 11	-	Sun.	Oct. 17	6:50		6:55	6:45		6:45
Mon.	Oct. 18	-	Sun.	Oct. 24	7:05		6:45	6:55		6:30
Mon.	Oct. 25	-	Sat.	Oct. 30	7:15		6:30	7:05		6:15
Pacific Standard Time
Sun.	Oct. 31	-	Sun.	Nov. 7	6:25		5:15	6:15		5:05
Mon.	Nov. 8	-	Sun.	Nov. 14	6:35		5:10	6:25		4:55
Mon.	Nov. 15	-	Sun.	Nov. 21	6:50		5:00	6:35		4:50
Mon.	Nov. 22	-	Sun.	Nov. 28	7:00		4:55	6:45		4:40
Mon.	Nov. 29	-	Sun.	Dec. 5	7:05		4:50	6:50		4:40
Mon.	Dec. 6	-	Sun.	Dec. 12	7:10		4:50	7:00		4:35
Mon.	Dec. 13	-	Sun.	Dec. 19	7:20		4:50	7:05		4:35
Mon.	Dec. 20	-	Sun.	Dec. 26	7:25		4:55	7:10		4:40
Mon.	Dec. 27	-	Sun.	Jan. 2	7:30		4:55	7:15		4:45
Mon.	Jan. 3	-	Sun.	Jan. 9	7:30		5:05	7:15		4:50
Mon.	Jan. 10	-	Sun.	Jan. 16	7:25		5:10	7:10		5:00
Mon.	Jan. 17	-	Sun.	Jan. 23	7:20		5:20	7:05		5:15
Mon.	Jan. 24	-	Mon.	Jan. 31	7:15		5:30	7:00		5:20

*	These are lawful hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for all game animals and game birds (except duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, pheasant, quail, partridge and turkey) during established seasons.

Exceptions:

1)	Bobcat and raccoon are exempt from hunting hour restrictions during established bobcat and raccoon seasons except when that area is open to modern firearm hunting of deer or elk, hunting hours shall be one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

2)	Hunting hours for falconry seasons (except migratory game bird seasons) are exempt from these hunting hours, except on designated pheasant release sites.

Hound Hunting During Deer and Elk Hunting Seasons

It is unlawful to hunt any wildlife at night or wild animals with dogs (hounds) during the months of September, October, or November in any area open to a center-fire rifle deer or elk season.  The use of hounds to hunt black bear, cougar, and bobcat is prohibited year around.

BOBCAT

Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit

OPEN SEASON: State-wide, except CLOSED in GMU 522.

Sept. 8, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 7, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000.

RACCOON

Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit

OPEN SEASON: State-wide, except CLOSED on Long Island within Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and in GMU 522.

Sept. 8, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 7, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000.

FOX

Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit

OPEN SEASON: State-wide, except CLOSED within the exterior boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests and GMUs 407, 410, and 522.

Sept. 8, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 7, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000.

COYOTE

Bag and Possession Limits: No Limit

OPEN SEASON: State-wide, year around except CLOSED from September 15 to November 30 in the Pasayten Wilderness, GMUs 426 and 450, and those portions of GMUs 218, 304, and 448 within the external boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, and Wenatchee National Forests.  However, coyote may only be killed and/or pursued with hounds during the following period: Sept. 8, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 7, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000; except coyote may be hunted year around with hounds in Grant, Adams, Benton, and Franklin counties. GMU 522 is closed to coyote hunting.

FOREST GROUSE (BLUE, RUFFED, AND SPRUCE)

Bag and Possession Limits: Three (3) grouse per day, with a total of nine (9) grouse in possession at any time; straight or mixed bag.

State-wide: Sept. 1-Dec. 31, 1999; except CLOSED in GMU 522.

PTARMIGAN

Season closed state-wide.

Upland Birds

Eastern Washington

Ring-necked Pheasant

Bag and Possession Limits: Three (3) cock pheasants per day, with a total of fifteen (15) cock pheasants in possession at any time.

Youth Season: September 25 and 26, 1999. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

Regular Season: Oct. 9-Dec. 31, 1999.

Chukar Partridge

Bag and Possession Limits: Six (6) chukar per day, with a total of eighteen (18) chukar in possession at any time.

Regular Season: Oct. 1, 1999-Jan. 9, 2000.

Gray (Hungarian) Partridge

Bag and Possession Limits: Six (6) gray partridges per day, with a total of eighteen (18) gray partridges in possession at any time.

Regular Season: Oct. 1, 1999-Jan. 9, 2000.

Mountain Quail

Season closed throughout eastern Washington

Valley and Bobwhite Quail

Bag and Possession Limits: Ten (10) quail per day, with a total of thirty (30) quail in possession at any time, straight or mixed bag.

Youth Season: September 25 and 26, 1999. Open only to youth hunters accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

Regular Season: Oct. 9, 1999-Jan. 9, 2000.

Yakima Indian Reservation: The 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 Upland Bird Seasons within the Yakima Indian Reservation shall be the same as the season established by the Yakima Indian Nation.

Western Washington

Ring-necked Pheasant

Bag and Possession Limits: Two (2) pheasants of either sex per day, with a total of fifteen (15) pheasants in possession at any time.

Early season: Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 1999 for youth hunters and hunters 65 years of age or older.  Juvenile hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

Regular season: Oct. 2-Nov. 30, 1999; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; except Dungeness Recreation site (Clallam County) starting Oct. 16, 1999; except CLOSED in GMU 522.

A Western Washington Pheasant Permit is required to hunt pheasant in western Washington, in addition to a current small game hunting license.  Pheasant kills must be recorded.  Upon taking a pheasant, the holder of a Western Washington Pheasant Permit must immediately enter on the corresponding space the date and location of kill.

There are three options available for the 1999 hunting season:

(1) Full Season Option: Allows the harvest of ten (10) pheasants.

(2) Youth option: Allows the harvest of six (6) pheasants by youth hunters.

(3) 3-Day Option: Allows the harvest of four (4) pheasants during three consecutive days.

Every person possessing a Western Washington Pheasant Permit must by December 31, return the permit to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The number of permits purchased per year is not limited.  

A hunter shall select one valid option at the time they purchase their Western Washington Pheasant Permit.

Special Restriction: Non-toxic shot must be used in a shotgun to hunt pheasant on the Skagit Wildlife Area.  Western Washington pheasant hunters must choose to hunt on either odd-numbered or even-numbered weekend days from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at all units of Lake Terrell, Tennant Lake, Snoqualmie, Skagit, Skookumchuck, and Scatter Creek Wildlife Areas, and must indicate their choice on the western Washington pheasant permit by choosing "odd" or "even." It is unlawful to purchase an additional permit until the ten pheasant allowed on the current permit are taken.  Hunters that select the three day option, hunters 65 years of age or older, and youth hunters may hunt during either weekend day morning.   Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. Adults must have an appropriately marked pheasant permit.

Mountain Quail

Bag and Possession Limits: Two (2) mountain quail per day, with a total of four (4) mountain quail in possession at any time.

Oct. 9-Nov. 30, 1999; except CLOSED in GMU 522.

Valley and Bobwhite Quail

Bag and Possession Limits: Ten (10) valley or bobwhite quail per day, with a total of thirty (30) valley or bobwhite quail in possession at any time; straight or mixed bag.

Oct. 9-Nov. 30, 1999; except CLOSED in GMU 522.

TURKEY

Spring Season

Gobblers and Turkeys with Visible Beards Only.

State-wide: April 15-May 15, 1999.

Fall Season

Either Sex

Klickitat and Skamania counties: Nov. 25-29, 1999.

Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla counties: Nov. 25-29, 1999.  Only hunters that successfully complete the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) program will be eligible to hunt turkeys during this season.  A certification card will be issued to all AHE graduates and must be in possession in addition to a valid small game hunting license and turkey tag while hunting in this area.

OFFICIAL HUNTING HOURS/BAG LIMITS:

Bag and Possession Limit: One turkey per day, with a total of three (3) per year; only one turkey from each subspecies may be killed per year in 1999.

If a hunter intends to hunt for turkey, one turkey tag option must be selected when a small game license is purchased. If the state-wide tag option is selected, the person is precluded from purchasing any other turkey tag. The Eastern, Rio Grande and Merriam tags must be purchased before April 14 each year. The state-wide tag may be purchased at any time.

TAG OPTIONS:

(1)	State-wide: Allows the harvest of one turkey of any subspecies during a calendar year.
(2)	Eastern: Allows the harvest of one turkey during a calendar year in any western Washington county except Skamania and Klickitat.
(3)	Rio Grande: Allows the harvest of one turkey during a calendar year in any eastern Washington county except Ferry, Klickitat, Pend Oreille or Stevens.
(4)	Merriams: Allows the harvest of one turkey during a calendar year in Ferry, Klickitat, Pend Oreille, Skamania, or Stevens Counties.

Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset during spring and fall seasons.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS:

1.	Turkey season is open for shotgun and bow-and-arrow hunting only.

2.	A turkey tag is required for hunting turkey.

3.	Each successful hunter must complete and return a game harvest report card to the Department of Fish and Wildlife within ten days after taking a turkey.

4.	It is unlawful to use dogs to hunt turkeys.

SAGE AND SHARP-TAILED GROUSE

Season Closed State-wide.

BIRD DOG TRAINING SEASON

Aug. 1, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; and Aug. 1, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000, except from Oct. 2-Nov. 30, 1999, dog training is prohibited except from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on designated western Washington pheasant release sites. Dog training is prohibited from Jan. 15 - Mar. 15 on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area (Region 5), except on posted portions open for year around dog training.

Dog training may be conducted year around on posted portions of: Region One - Espanola (T 24 N, R 40 E, E 1/2 of Sec. 16); Region Two - Wahluke Wildlife Area north of Highway 24; Region Three - South L.T. Murray Wildlife Area; Region Four - Fort Lewis Military Base, Skagit Wildlife Area, Lake Terrell Wildlife Area, and Snoqualmie Wildlife Area; Region Five - Shillapoo/Vancouver Lake Wildlife Area; Region Six - Scatter Creek Wildlife Area.

HIP REQUIREMENTS:

All hunters age 16 and over of migratory game birds (duck, goose, coot, snipe, mourning dove) are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey form at a license dealer, and possess a Washington Migratory Bird Stamp as evidence of compliance with this requirement when hunting migratory game birds. Youth hunters are required to complete a HIP survey form, and possess a free Washington Youth Migratory Bird Authorization as evidence of compliance with this requirement when hunting migratory game birds.

CANADA GOOSE SEPTEMBER SEASON

Bag and Possession Limits: Three (3) Canada geese per day with a total of six (6) in possession at any time.

State-wide: September 7-13, 1999.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON

Closed Season State-wide.

MOURNING DOVE

Bag and possession limits: Ten (10) mourning doves per day with a total of twenty (20) mourning doves in possession at any time.

State-wide: Sept. 1-15, 1999; except CLOSED in GMU 522.

RABBIT AND HARE

Cottontail, Snowshoe Hare (or Washington Hare), and Jackrabbit.

Bag and Possession Limits: Five (5) rabbits or hares per day, with a total of fifteen (15) in possession at any time; straight or mixed bag.

State-wide: Sept. 1, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 1, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000; except CLOSED in GMU 522 and CLOSED Jan. 15-Mar. 15 on Shillapoo Wildlife Area (Region 5).

CROWS

Bag and possession limits: No limits

State-wide: Oct. 1, 1998-Jan. 31, 1999; Oct. 1, 1999-Jan. 31, 2000.

FALCONRY SEASONS

Upland Game Bird - Falconry

Daily bag: Two (2) pheasants (either sex), six (6) partridge, five (5) quail, and three (3) forest grouse (blue, ruffed, spruce) per day.

State-wide: Sept. 1, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Sept. 1, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000.

Mourning Dove - Falconry

Daily Bag: Three (3) mourning doves per day straight bag or mixed bag with snipe, coots, ducks, and geese during established seasons.

State-wide: Sept. 1-15 and Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 1999.

Cottontail and Hare - Falconry

Daily bag: Five (5) rabbits or hares per day; straight or mixed bag.

State-wide: Aug. 1, 1998-Mar. 15, 1999; Aug. 1, 1999-Mar. 15, 2000, for cottontail, snowshoe hare (or Washington hare), white-tailed and black-tailed jackrabbits.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040.  99-01-138 (Order 98-249), § 232-28-264, filed 12/22/98, effective 1/22/99; 98-17-039 (Order 98-154), § 232-28-264, filed 8/13/98, effective 9/13/98; 98-10-002 (Order 98-55), § 232-28-264, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98; 97-18-021 (Order 97-166), § 232-28-264, filed 8/25/97, effective 9/25/97; 97-06-045 (Order 97-28), § 232-28-264, filed 2/27/97, effective 3/30/97.]

((1998)) 1999 Moose Permit Hunts

Who May Apply: Anyone ((with a valid 1998 Washington hunting license)) may apply; EXCEPT those who drew a moose permit previously in Washington State. Only one moose permit will be issued during an individual's lifetime (waived for Mt. Spokane youth hunt).

Bag Limit: One moose of either sex, EXCEPT antlerless only for Mt. Spokane Youth Hunt.

Hunt Name	Permit Season	Permit Hunt Boundary Description	Special Restrictions	((1998)) 1999 Permits
Selkirk Mtns.	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 113	Any Legal Weapon	((12)) 15
Mt. Spokane	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 124	Any Legal Weapon	10
Mt. Spokane Youth Only*	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 124	Any Legal Weapon	((4)) 5
49 Degrees North	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 117	Any Legal Weapon	13
Three Forks	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 109	Any Legal Weapon	((3)) 4
Hangman	Oct. 1-Nov. 30	GMU 127, 130	Any Legal Weapon	((1)) 2

*Applicants must be ((15 years old or younger by opening date of the permit season and)) eligible to purchase a youth moose permit application. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult during the hunt.

((1998)) 1999 Mountain Sheep (Bighorn) Permit Hunts

Who May Apply: Anyone ((with a valid 1998 Washington hunting license)) may apply; EXCEPT those who drew a bighorn permit previously in Washington State. Only one bighorn sheep permit will be issued during an individual's lifetime.

Bag Limit: One bighorn ram.

Hunt Name	Permit Season	Permit Hunt Boundary Description	Special Restrictions	((1998)) 1999 Permits
Vulcan Mountain	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 2	Any Legal Weapon	1
Tucannon River	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 3	Any Legal Weapon	1
Selah Butte	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 4	Any Legal Weapon	2
Umtanum	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 5	Any Legal Weapon	((2)) 3
Cleman Mountain	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 7	Any Legal Weapon	((2)) 3
Mt. Hull	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 10	Any Legal Weapon	1
Lincoln Cliffs	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 12	Any Legal Weapon	1
Quilomene	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 13	Any Legal Weapon	((1)) 3
Swakane	Sept. 15-Oct. 10	Sheep Unit 14	Any Legal Weapon	1

Mountain (Bighorn) Sheep Units:

Sheep Unit 2 Vulcan Mountain: Permit Area: Ferry County north of the Kettle River.

Sheep Unit 3 Tucannon River: Permit Area: The Tucannon River drainage in Columbia and Garfield counties.

Sheep Unit 4 Selah Butte: Permit Area: That part of Yakima and Kittitas counties between Ellensburg and Yakima east of the Yakima River and north of Selah Creek, west of Interstate 82 and south of Interstate 90.

Sheep Unit 5 Umtanum: Permit Area: Those portions of Yakima and Kittitas counties west of the Yakima River, north of Wenas Creek, and east of USFS Road 1701 to Manastash Lake and its drainage; south and east along the South Fork Manastash Creek to Manastash Creek and the Yakima River.

Sheep Unit 7 Cleman Mountain: Permit Area: That part of Yakima County south of Wenas Creek and east of USFS Road 1701, north of Highway 410 and Highway 12 and west of the Yakima River.

Sheep Unit 10 Mt. Hull: Permit Area: That part of Okanogan County within the following described boundary: Beginning at Oroville; then south along U.S. Highway 97 to the Swanson's Mill Road (old Mt. Hull Road) near Lake Andrews; then east to the Dry Gulch Road; then north to the Oroville-Toroda Creek Road (Molson Grade Road); then west to Oroville and the point of beginning.

Sheep Unit 12 Lincoln Cliffs: Permit Area: That part of Lincoln County north of Highway 2.

Sheep Unit 13 Quilomene: Permit Area: GMUs 329 and 330.

Sheep Unit 14 Swakane: Permit Area: GMU 316.

((1998)) 1999 Mountain Goat Permit Hunts

Who May Apply: Anyone ((with a valid 1998 Washington hunting license)) may apply.

Bag Limit: One (1) adult goat of either sex with horns four (4) inches or longer. WDFW urges hunters to refrain from shooting nannies with kids. Permit hunters may start hunting Sept. 1 with archery equi