Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-02-056.

     Purpose: To amend WAC 232-28-277 2001, 2002, 2003 Big game and wild turkey auction permits and raffles.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

     Summary: Higher than expected bull elk mortality has occurred in Game Management Units (GMUs) 162 and 166. As a result of this high mortality, the department will be recommending that no branch-antlered bull tags be issued for GMUs 162 and 168 for the special permit season. Eastside elk auction tag and elk raffle tag holders would likely be hunting these two units.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To maintain consistency, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that GMUs 162 and 168 also be closed to those hunters holding an auction elk tag or raffle elk tag.

     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) 920-2932.

     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: Adult bull elk mortality was higher than acceptable for management objectives.

     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 recommendations involve rules for 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

BIG GAME AUCTION PERMITS

The director will select a conservation organization(s) to conduct the 2001, 2002, and 2003 auction(s). Selection of the conservation organizations will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. The organization shall notify the department of the name and address of the successful bidder within ten days of the auction.

2001 AUCTION PERMIT HUNT(S)

SPECIES - ONE DEER PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 1 - December 31, 2001

Hunt Area: Statewide EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157, 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One additional any buck deer

SPECIES - ONE ELK PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 15-30, 2001

Hunt Area: Statewide in any area open to general or permit season muzzleloader, archery, or modern firearm elk hunting during the 2001 season EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157 and 485 are closed.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One bull elk

SPECIES - ONE BIGHORN SHEEP PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 1 - October 31, 2001

Hunt Area: Sheep Unit 4 (Selah Butte), Sheep Unit 5 (Umtanum), Sheep Unit 7 (Cleman Mountain), or Sheep Unit 13 (Quilomene).

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One bighorn ram

SPECIES - ONE MOOSE PERMIT

Hunting season dates: October 1 - November 30, 2001

Hunt Area: Any moose unit open during the 2001 season.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One moose of either sex

SPECIES - ONE MOUNTAIN GOAT PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 15 - October 31, 2001

Hunt Area: Goat Unit 3-6 (Naches Pass), Goat Unit 3-9 (Tieton River), Goat Unit 3-10 (Blazed Ridge), or Goat Unit 5-4 (Goat Rocks).

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex

2002 AND 2003 AUCTION PERMIT HUNT(S)

SPECIES - ONE DEER PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Statewide EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157, 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One additional any buck deer

SPECIES - ONE WESTSIDE ELK PERMIT

Hunting Season Dates: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag Limit: One additional any bull elk

SPECIES - ONE EASTSIDE ELK PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and ((GMU)) GMUs 157, 162, and 166 are closed.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One additional any bull elk

SPECIES - ONE BIGHORN SHEEP PERMIT

Hunting Season Dates: September 1 - October 31, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Sheep Unit 4 (Selah Butte), Sheep Unit 5 (Umtanum), Sheep Unit 7 (Cleman Mountain), Sheep Unit 12 (Lincoln Cliffs), Sheep Unit 13 (Quilomene), or Sheep Unit 14 (Swakane).

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag Limit: One bighorn ram

SPECIES - ONE MOOSE PERMIT

Hunting Season Dates: October 1 - November 30, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Any open moose unit.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag Limit: One moose of either sex

SPECIES - ONE MOUNTAIN GOAT PERMIT

Hunting season dates: September 15 - October 31, 2002 and 2003

Hunt Area: Goat Unit 3-6 (Naches Pass), Goat Unit 3-9 (Tieton River), Goat Unit 3-10 (Blazed Ridge), or Goat Unit 5-4 (Goat Rocks).

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex

RAFFLE PERMITS

Raffle permits will be issued to individuals selected through a Washington department of fish and wildlife drawing or the director may select a conservation organization(s) to conduct the 2001, 2002, and 2003 raffle(s). Selection of a conservation organization will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. The organization shall notify the department of the name and address of the individual selected, and two alternatives, within two business days of the raffle.

2001 RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT(S)

DEER RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One additional any buck deer

Open area: Statewide EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157, 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Open season: September 1 - December 31, 2001.

Weapon: Any legal weapon EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

ELK RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One additional any bull elk

Open area: Statewide in any area open to general or permit season muzzleloader, archery, or modern firearm elk hunting during the 2001 season, EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157 and 485 are closed.

Open season: The elk raffle permit holder may hunt in any 2001 general or permit archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm season.

Weapon: The raffle permit hunter may use archery equipment during archery seasons, muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons and any legal weapon during modern firearm seasons.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One bighorn ram

Open area: Sheep Unit 4 (Selah Butte), Sheep Unit 5 (Umtanum), Sheep Unit 7 (Cleman Mountain), or Sheep Unit 13 (Quilomene).

Open season: September 1 - October 31, 2001.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $10.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

MOOSE RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One moose of either sex

Open area: Hunter may hunt in any moose unit open during the 2001 season.

Open season: October 1 - November 30, 2001.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

MOUNTAIN GOAT RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex

Open area: Goat Unit 3-6 (Naches Pass), Goat Unit 3-9 (Tieton River), Goat Unit 3-10 (Blazed Ridge), or Goat Unit 5-4 (Goat Rocks).

Open season: September 15 - October 31, 2001.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

2002 AND 2003 RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT(S)

DEER RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One additional any buck deer

Open area: Statewide EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 157, 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Open season: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

WESTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One additional any bull elk

Open area: Western Washington EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMUs 418, 485, and 522 are closed.

Open season: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

EASTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One additional any bull elk

Open area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT all Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) and GMU 157 are closed.

Open season: September 1 - December 31, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One bighorn ram

Open area: Sheep Unit 4 (Selah Butte), Sheep Unit 5 (Umtanum), Sheep Unit 7 (Cleman Mountain), Sheep Unit 12 (Lincoln Cliffs), Sheep Unit 13 (Quilomene), or Sheep Unit 14 (Swakane).

Open season: September 1 - October 31, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $10.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

MOOSE RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One moose of either sex

Open area: Any open moose unit.

Open season: October 1 - November 30, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

MOUNTAIN GOAT RAFFLE PERMIT HUNT

Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex

Open area: Goat Unit 3-6 (Naches Pass), Goat Unit 3-9 (Tieton River), Goat Unit 3-10 (Blazed Ridge), or Goat Unit 5-4 (Goat Rocks).

Open season: September 15 - October 31, 2002 and 2003.

Weapon: Hunter may use any legal weapon.

Number of permits: 1

Raffle tickets cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

TURKEY RAFFLE PERMIT HUNTS

Bag limit: Three (3) additional wild turkeys, but not to exceed more than one turkey in Western Washington or two turkeys in Eastern Washington.

Open area: Statewide.

Open season: April 1 - May 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003.

Weapon: Archery or shotgun only.

Number of permits: 2

Raffle ticket cost: $5.00 including a 50-cent vendor fee.

Auction and raffle hunt permittee rules

     (1) Permittee shall contact the appropriate regional office of the department of fish and wildlife when entering the designated hunt area or entering the region to hunt outside the general season.

     (2) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a legal weapon or harvest an animal.

     (3) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.

     (4) If requested by the department, the permittee is required to direct department officials to the site of the kill.

     (5) The permit is valid during the hunting season dates for the year issued.

     (6) The permittee will present the head and carcass of the bighorn sheep killed to any department office within 72 hours of date of kill.

     (7) The permittee must abide by all local, state, and federal regulations including firearm restriction areas and area closures.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.04.012. 01-04-037 (Order 00-254), § 232-28-277, filed 1/31/01, effective 3/3/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. 00-04-017 (Order 00-05), § 232-28-277, filed 1/24/00, effective 2/24/00.]

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