PROPOSED RULES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-02-055.
Purpose: To amend WAC 232-28-273 2001 Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and permit quotas and 232-28-266 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003 Landowner damage hunts.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.
Summary: The amendment provides language changes for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat permit quotas. The proposed changes are:
Moose - increase moose permits from ninety-two to ninety-four by adding one new moose hunt unit and adjust hunt area for GMU 124.
Bighorn sheep - decreasing bighorn sheep permits from twenty-two to twenty by decreasing permits in two sheep units.
Mountain goat - decrease mountain goat permits from twenty-four to twenty-one by decreasing mountain goat permits in three goat units.
Landowner damage hunts were established to aid the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife when dealing with deer and elk damage complaints. Statewide quotas were established when the WAC was initially drafted. Those quotas have proven to be inadequate and need to be adjusted.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Moose. Winter surveys and hunter reports indicate that moose populations are stable. As such, the department recommends status quo permit levels for existing hunt areas. Winter surveys and hunter reports also indicate moose are expanding into southwestern Stevens County. Based on a comparison of survey results between GMU 121 (Huckleberry) and GMU 109 (Threeforks), the department recommends adding a new moose hunt area (Huckleberry) with two permits.
Bighorn sheep. Survey results indicate that all bighorn sheep populations that are hunted are healthy, and either meet or exceed population objectives. For these populations, permit levels are calculated using the number of adult rams in the population and lamb:ewe ratios (see Bighorn Sheep Management Plan). That adult ram segment has declined in two populations. Therefore, the department recommends reducing permit levels in those units accordingly.
Mountain goat. Survey results indicate that eight of eleven goat populations are stable or increasing, while three populations appear to have declined. Therefore, the department recommends reducing permit levels in those units accordingly.
Landowner damage hunts are an effective tool in dealing with deer and elk damage complaints but the present quotas are below the practical need.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program, 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: The rule provides limited entry permit seasons for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. The purpose of the proposed changes is to maximize recreational hunter opportunity when consistent with the biological status of the species. The anticipated effects of the changes are increased hunter opportunity for moose and decreased opportunity for bighorn sheep and mountain goat.
Increase the statewide quota for elk landowner damage hunts from 100 to 500 to better address elk damage problems.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not affect small business. These recommended rule amendments regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.
Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. This rule is not related to the hydraulics code.
Hearing Location: Kittitas County Fairgrounds, 512 North Poplar, Ellensburg, WA 98926, on April 12-13, 2002, at 8:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by March 29, 2002, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.
Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Dave Brittell, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by March 25, 2002.
Date of Intended Adoption: April 12, 2002.
March 6, 2002
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator
((2001)) 2002 Moose Permit Hunts
Who May Apply: Anyone 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, and raffle and auction hunts).
Bag Limit: One moose of either sex, EXCEPT antlerless only for
the Mt. Spokane B Hunt and the Mt. Spokane Youth Hunt.
| Hunt Name |
Permit Season |
Permit Hunt Boundary Description |
Special Restrictions |
(( Permits |
|
| Kettle (( |
Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 101, 105 | Any Legal Weapon | 1 | |
| Selkirk Mtns. | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 113 | Any Legal Weapon | 18 | |
| Mt. Spokane A | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 124 east of Hwy 395 | Any Legal Weapon | 15 | |
| Mt. Spokane B | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 124 east of Hwy 395 | Any Legal Weapon | 15 | |
| Mt. Spokane Youth Only.* | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 124 east of Hwy 395 | Any Legal Weapon | 10 | |
| 49 Degrees North | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 117 | Any Legal Weapon | 22 | |
| Three Forks | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 109 | Any Legal Weapon | 6 | |
| Hangman | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 127, 130 | Any Legal Weapon | 5 | |
| Huckleberry | Oct. 1-Nov. 30 | GMU 121, 124 west of Hwy 395 | Any Legal Weapon | 2 | |
((2001)) 2002 Mountain Sheep (Bighorn) Permit Hunts
Who May Apply: Anyone 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. (Waived
for raffle and auction hunts.)
Bag Limit: One bighorn ram.
| Hunt Name |
Permit Season |
Permit Hunt Boundary Description |
Special Restrictions |
(( Permits |
|
| Selah Butte | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 4 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Umtanum | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 5 | Any Legal Weapon | 4 | |
| Cleman Mountain | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 7 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Mt. Hull | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 10 | Any Legal Weapon | 0 | |
| Lincoln Cliffs | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 12 | Any Legal Weapon | 1 | |
| Quilomene | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 13 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Swakane | Sept. 15-Oct. 10 | Sheep Unit 14 | Any Legal Weapon | 1 | |
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: GMU 329.
Sheep Unit 14 Swakane: Permit Area: GMU 250.
((2001)) 2002 Mountain Goat Permit Hunts
Who May Apply: Anyone may apply; except those who drew a
mountain goat permit in Washington state after 1998. Starting in
1999, only one mountain goat permit will be issued during an
individual's lifetime. (Waived for raffle and auction hunts.)
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 equipment.
| Hunt Name |
Permit Season |
Permit Hunt Boundary Description |
Special Restrictions |
(( Permits |
|
| Chelan North | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 2-1 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Methow | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 2-2 | Any Legal Weapon | 2 | |
| Naches Pass | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 3-6 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Bumping River | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 3-7 | Any Legal Weapon | 2 | |
| Tieton River | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 3-9 | Any Legal Weapon | 3 | |
| Blazed Ridge | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 3-10 | Any Legal Weapon | (( |
|
| Kachess Ridge | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 3-11 | Any Legal Weapon | 1 | |
| Jack Mountain | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 4-9 | Any Legal Weapon | 0 | |
| Corral Pass | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 4-38 | Any Legal Weapon | 2 | |
| Tatoosh | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 5-2 | Any Legal Weapon | 3 | |
| Smith Creek | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 5-3 | Any Legal Weapon | 1 | |
| Goat Rocks | Sept. 15-Oct. 31 | Goat Unit 5-4 | Any Legal Weapon | 3 | |
Goat Unit 2-1 Chelan N. (Chelan County): Permit Area: Beginning
at the mouth of Fish Creek on Lake Chelan (Moore Point); then
northeast up Fish Creek and USFS trail 1259 to the Sawtooth crest
near Deephole Spring; then southeast along the Sawtooth crest,
which separates Chelan and Okanogan County, to Horsethief Basin
and the headwaters of Safety Harbor Creek; then south along
Safety Harbor Creek to Lake Chelan, then northwest along the
north shore of Lake Chelan to the mouth of Fish Creek at Moore
Point and the point of beginning.
Goat Unit 2-2 Methow Area: Permit Area: Okanogan County within
the following described boundary: Beginning at the Town of
Twisp, westerly along the Twisp River Road (County Road 4440) to
Roads End; west up the Twisp Pass Trail 432 to Twisp Pass and the
Okanogan County line; northerly along the Okanogan County line
through Washington Pass to Harts Pass; southeast down Harts Pass
(Road 5400) to Lost River; then along the Lost River-Mazama Road
to Mazama; then southwest to State Highway 20; then southeasterly
along State Highway 20 to Twisp and the point of beginning.
Goat Unit 3-6 Naches Pass: Permit Area: Yakima and Kittitas
counties within the following described boundary: Beginning at
Chinook Pass; then north along the Pacific Crest Trail to Naches
Pass; then east to USFS Road 19 and continuing to State Highway
410; then west along State Highway 410 to Chinook Pass and point
of beginning.
Goat Unit 3-7 Bumping River: Permit Area: Yakima County within
the following described boundary: Beginning at White Pass and
the Pacific Crest Trail; then north to Forest Trail 980; then
north to USFS Road 18; then north to State Highway 410; then east
to State Highway 12; then west along State Highway 12 and back to
point of beginning; EXCEPT Timberwolf Mountain, which is closed.
Goat Unit 3-9 Tieton River: Permit Area: Yakima County within
the following described boundary: Beginning at White Pass and
Pacific Crest Trail; then south to the Yakama Indian Reservation
Boundary; then east to USFS Jeep Trail 1137; then west to USFS
Road 1070-578 Spur; then west to Road 1000; then north to USFS
Road 12; then north to State Highway 12; then west on State
Highway 12 to point of beginning.
Goat Unit 3-10 Blazed Ridge: Permit Area: Kittitas and Yakima
counties within the following described boundary: Beginning at
the mouth of Cabin Creek on the Yakima River; then west along
Cabin Creek to the headwaters near Snowshoe Butte; then south
along the Cascade Crest separating the Green and Yakima river
drainage to Pyramid Peak; then southeast along the North Fork,
Little Naches, and Naches River to the Yakima River; then north
along the Yakima River to the mouth of Cabin Creek and point of
beginning.
Goat Unit 3-11 Kachess Ridge: Permit Area: Kittitas County
within the following described boundary: Beginning at the mouth
of the Kachess River on the Yakima River; then north along the
Kachess River and Kachess Lake to USFS Road 4600; then east on
USFS Road 4600 to the Cle Elum River; then south along the Cle
Elum River and Lake Cle Elum to the Yakima River; then northwest
along the Yakima River to the mouth of the Kachess River and
point of beginning.
Goat Unit 4-9 Jack Mountain: Permit Area: Whatcom County within
the following described boundary: Beginning at the confluence of
Ruby Creek and Crater Creek; then north up Crater Creek to the
ridge line between Jerry Lakes and a pinnacle of Jack Mountain
(7,292 ft. elevation); continue due north to Devil's Creek; then
west down Devil's Creek to Ross Lake; then south along the east
shoreline of Ross Lake to Ruby Arm; then easterly up Ruby Arm and
Ruby Creek to the confluence of Crater Creek and the point of
beginning.
Goat Unit 4-38 Corral Pass: Permit Area: Pierce County within
the following described boundary: Beginning where Goat Creek
intersects the Corral Pass Road; then southeast up Goat Creek to
the Cascade Crest; then north along the Crest to USFS Trail 1188;
then northwest along said trail to USFS Trail 1176; then north
along said trail to Corral Pass; then west along Corral Pass Road
to its intersection with Goat Creek and the point of beginning.
Goat Unit 5-2 Tatoosh: Permit Area: Lewis County within the
following described boundary: Beginning at the junction of the
southern Mount Rainier National Park Boundary and State Highway
123; then south along State Highway 123 to U.S. Highway 12; then
southwest along said highway to Skate Creek Road (USFS Road 52);
then northwest along said road to the junction of Morse Creek
Road (old road to Longmire Campground); then north along said
road to the Mount Rainier National Park Boundary; then east along
the southern park boundary to the point of beginning.
Goat Unit 5-3 Smith Creek: Permit area: Lewis County within the
following described boundary: Beginning at the Town of Randle;
then east along U.S. Highway 12 to USFS Road 21; then southeast
along USFS Road 21 to USFS Road 22; then northeast and northwest
along USFS Road 22 to USFS Road 23; then east and northwest on
USFS Road 23 to USFS Road 25; then north along USFS Road 25 to
Randle and point of beginning.
Goat Unit 5-4 Goat Rocks: Permit Area: Lewis County south of
the White Pass Highway (U.S. Highway 12) and east of the Johnson
Creek Road (USFS Road 1302).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-273, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-28-273, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-10-102 (Order 99-40), § 232-28-273, filed 5/5/99, effective 6/5/99; 98-10-005 (Order 98-58), § 232-28-273, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98.]
Reviser's note: The bracketed material preceding the section above was supplied by the code reviser's office.
Reviser's note: RCW 34.05.395 requires the use of underlining and deletion marks to indicate amendments to existing rules. The rule published above varies from its predecessor in certain respects not indicated by the use of these markings.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 00-50, filed 5/23/00,
effective 6/23/00)
WAC 232-28-266
2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003 Landowner
damage hunts.
LANDOWNER DAMAGE HUNTS
Deer:
Tag Required: Deer hunter must have a current valid, unaltered, unnotched deer tag on his/her person.
Hunting Method: Any legal weapon.
Season Framework:
| 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 |
| August 1- | August 1- | August 1- |
| March 31 | March 31 | March 31 |
Legal Deer: Antlerless Only
Kill Quota: 600 Statewide
Elk:
Tag Required: Elk hunter must have a current valid, unaltered,
unnotched elk tag on his/her person.
Hunting Method: Any legal weapon
Season Framework:
| 2000-2001 | 2001-2002 | 2002-2003 |
| August 1- | August 1- | August 1- |
| March 31 | March 31 | March 31 |
Legal Elk: Antlerless Only
Kill Quota: ((100)) 500 Statewide
Special Notes: A landowner with deer/elk damage will enter into
a Cooperative Agreement with WDFW and establish a boundary for
deer/elk hunt, season dates within the framework and number of
animals to be removed. Landowner agrees not to claim damage
payments and will allow access to hunters during the general
hunting seasons. Landowner selects hunters. A landowner damage
access permit provided by the landowner will authorize the hunter
to use an unused general deer/elk tag to hunt and kill a legal
animal during the prescribed damage hunt season.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-28-266, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.020, 77.12.030, 77.12.040 and 77.32.220. 97-05-074, § 232-28-266, filed 2/19/97, effective 3/22/97.]