WSR 02-21-131

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed October 23, 2002, 11:02 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-18-109.

     Purpose: To amend WAC 232-12-104 Falconry definitions, 232-12-106 Provisions for accidental take by falconers, 232-12-114 Permit required for capture of raptors, 232-12-117 Marking and identification of raptors required, 232-28-275 2001 and 2002 Black bear special permit seasons and quotas, 232-28-291 Special hunting season permits, and 232-28-271 Private lands wildlife management area hunting seasons, rules, and boundary descriptions.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

     Summary: WAC 232-12-104, defines "nestling" raptor.

     WAC 232-12-106, authorizes the take of a sensitive species.

     WAC 232-12-114, adds peregrine falcon nestlings as a species for falconry capture and authorizes the director to establish permit procedures and closed areas for take.

     WAC 232-12-117, adds the requirement for banding of wild captured peregrine falcon nestlings.

     WAC 232-28-275, maintain status quo for 2003 spring black bear hunt in the Blue Mountains.

     WAC 232-28-291, increase group size to two for bighorn sheep and moose special hunt applications.

     WAC 232-28-271, the annual hunting seasons, permit quotas, and hunt area descriptions for the Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs) for 201-Buckrun, 401-Rainier, and 600-Merrill and Ring were coordinated with the landowners. Early establishment of seasons and rules provides PLWMA managers ample opportunity to market raffle permits for the fall hunting season.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-12-104, 232-12-106, 232-12-114 and 232-12-117, the peregrine falcon populations in North America were severely decimated by the use of the pesticide DDT during the post World War II era to the level that warranted listings by the federal, state, and foreign governments as endangered/threatened. The banning of DDT and regulations on the use of related chlorinated hydrocarbons in the United States in 1972, along with increased habitat protection, prohibitions on shooting of raptors, and artificial population reintroduction has led to a dramatic recovery of the species. In 1980, in Washington there were only five known occupied territories, whereas in 2001 there were eighty-six, and now approaching one hundred in 2002. The range wide recovery of the peregrine falcon has resulted in delisting or downlisting of the species at federal and state levels. On April 12, 2002, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission downlisted the species from endangered to sensitive. The department, cooperators, and other organizations continue to monitor both the population and productivity status and levels. The species still requires continued cooperative protection, especially habitat management to ensure its continued recovery.

     Subsequent to their delisting of the peregrine falcon, the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) initiated procedures for environmental review of proposals to allow falconry take of nestling peregrine falcons within the framework of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This led to the federal legalization of falconry take of nestlings in 2001. This authorized states to allow a take of 5% of a state's annual peregrine falcon production. This is an insignificant impact to the state's population. For example, in Washington 2001, that would have equated to five nestlings of the then one hundred twelve total young reported per eighty-six occupied territories. The department believes that a limited regulated take of peregrine falcon nestlings in the spring/summer of 2003 is warranted. The falconry community who is dedicated to the recovery of the species, recognizes the need for a regulated take, and supports this position. Due to a public request to revisit the biological models used to determine allowable take, the USFWS withdrew authorization for take in 2002, however, they are revising an environmental assessment for a take in 2003.

     WAC 232-28-275, the commission implemented a spring black bear season in 1998 in an effort to reduce the percentage of females in the harvest and distribute harvest more evenly in the Blue Mountains. Compared to the fall bear season, the spring hunt has proven to be reasonably effective accomplishing these objectives. As such, the department is recommending continuing the spring bear hunt for 2003 in the Blue Mountains at status quo levels. This corresponds to 105 permits distributed in seven GMUs.

     WAC 232-28-291, given the flexibility of applying for special hunts using the new WILD system, group sizes can now range up to twelve, rather than the historic maximum number of two. During the first two years of new application system, the group size for bighorn sheep and moose was set to one. Since that time, the department has received substantial public input requesting that the group sizes for these special hunts be adjusted back to two. Group size does not impact the biological status of the hunted species; impact is influenced by permit number(s).

     WAC 232-28-271, these recommendations will provide incentives to the landowners for managing habitat for wildlife and providing access for hunting.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Assistant Director, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

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

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

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: WAC 232-12-104, 232-12-106, 232-12-114 and 232-12-117, the amendments to the four existing falconry regulations recommended for approval by the Fish and Wildlife Commission will enable the department to establish a limited falconry take of peregrine falcon nestlings in 2003.

     A pivotal issue in the implementation of the 2003 take is a permit structure that maximizes a falconer's probability of opportunity to receive a capture permit. There is substantial interest at the current time by a limited number of falconers to take a nestling peregrine falcon, however, this is expected to decrease over the next few years. The establishment of a take of migrant subadult gyrfalcons in the 1980s provides a parallel case history. There was significant initial interest by falconers in obtaining capture permits for that species. It was new and formerly not permitted. As the years have progressed, the annual quota is frequently not attained due to waning interest by master falconers, and the field challenges in capturing a gyrfalcon.

     WAC 232-28-275, as pertaining to this policy decision, the rule provides season dates and quota levels for special spring bear hunting opportunities. The purpose of the proposed change is to continue to provide this hunting opportunity at season and quota levels consistent (status quo) with last year.

     WAC 232-28-291, as pertaining to this policy decision, the rule provides maximum group sizes for special hunt applications. The purpose of the proposed change is to adjust group sizes consistent with hunter preferences, as there is no anticipated biological effect to the hunted species.

     WAC 232-28-271, this WAC will establish hunting seasons for deer and elk on private lands. The PLWMA program is still under review and during 2003 a review and assessment of the program will be made and recommendations made to determine whether to continue, discontinue or amend the program.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Not hydraulics rules.

     Hearing Location: Skagit County PUD Building, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon, WA, on December 6-7, 2002, at 8:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Nancy Burkhart by December 2, 2002, TDD (360) 902-2207 or (360) 902-2267.

     Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Dave Brittell, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by November 15, 2002.

     Date of Intended Adoption: December 6, 2002.

October 23, 2002

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

OTS-5998.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 96-136, filed 8/30/96, effective 9/30/96)

WAC 232-12-104   Falconry definitions.   (1) "Raptor" means a live migratory bird of the Order Falconiformes or the Order Strigiformes, other than a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

     (2) "Captive-bred raptor" means the progeny of a mating of raptors in captivity.

     (3) "Take" means to trap or capture or attempt to trap or capture a raptor from the wild.

     (4) "Falconry" means the possession and use of raptors for the purpose of hunting or free flight training.

     (5) "Nestling" means a raptor whose age is between the date of hatching to thirty days after leaving the nest.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.12.010. 96-18-060 (Order 96-136), § 232-12-104, filed 8/30/96, effective 9/30/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-104, filed 1/28/82; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-104, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-231.]

OTS-5997.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 00-197, filed 9/27/00, effective 10/28/00)

WAC 232-12-106   Provisions for accidental take by falconers.   (1) When a raptor being used in falconry accidentally takes any species of wildlife (quarry) for which the hunting season is not currently open, the falconer must release the quarry if it is not seriously injured. If the quarry has been seriously injured or killed, the falconer may not retain or possess the quarry, but the raptor may feed upon the quarry before leaving the site of the kill.

     (2) If the accidentally killed quarry is a species identified on the Washington candidate species list (for endangered, threatened, or sensitive status) or specifically identified by the director, the falconer shall, before leaving the site of the kill, record upon a form provided by the department, or upon a facsimile, the falconer's name, falconry permit number, date, species and sex (if known) of the quarry, and exact location of the kill. The falconer shall submit the information to the Washington department of fish and wildlife falconry permit coordinator by April 1 following the close of the current hunting season.

     (3) Accidental kill by any falconer in any license year shall not exceed a total of five individuals of any combination of species designated under subsection (2) of this section. Following an accidental kill by any falconer of any species designated under subsection (2) of this section, the falconer shall cease hunting for the day.

     (4) Notwithstanding any other section of this rule, take of species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act or designated as endangered, threatened, or sensitive in Washington under WAC 232-12-011 or 232-12-014 is not permitted except by permit from the director.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 00-20-032 (Order 00-197), § 232-12-106, filed 9/27/00, effective 10/28/00.]

OTS-5999.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 96-140, filed 8/30/96, effective 9/30/96)

WAC 232-12-114   Permit required for capture of raptors.   (1) It is unlawful for any persons to capture from the wild, any state or federal endangered or threatened species for the purpose of falconry.

     (2) It is unlawful for any persons to take a raptor for the purpose of falconry, without first having in their possession and on their person, a valid Washington state "falconry permit."

     (3) "Raptor capture report forms" may be issued by the director to holders of valid falconry licenses. Forms will be designed by the agency to require information pertaining to location, timing, and other biological elements of the capture.

     (4) It is unlawful to capture raptors at times other than the following times: for Apprentice falconers - January 1 through January 31, and September 1 through December 31; for General and Master falconers - January 1 through January 31, weekends and holidays from May 15 through June 30, weekends and holidays from July 1 through July 31, September 1 through December 31, and great horned owls can also be taken on weekends and holidays from February 15 through March 31.

     (5) It is unlawful to capture a gyrfalcon without having attained the class of Master falconer. Up to five (5) gyrfalcons will be allowed to be taken by Master falconers who must apply for and receive a gyrfalcon capture permit from the department before capturing a gyrfalcon. The actual number of the gyrfalcon quota each year will be determined by the director after evaluating gyrfalcon production for the year in their arctic breeding grounds.

     (6) It is unlawful to capture eyass prairie falcons in western Washington. The director may restrict areas temporarily from raptor capture to accommodate short term research or other biological needs.

     (7) It is unlawful to capture gyrfalcons in western Washington and in Grant County.

     (8) It is unlawful to transfer a wild caught raptor to out-of-state recipients for one (1) year from date of capture.

     (9) It is unlawful to capture peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nestlings without having attained the class of Master falconer. Nestling peregrine falcons may be taken by a Master falconer who possesses, at the time of capture, a permit from the department authorizing such capture in accordance with federal regulations or implementation guidance set forth by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the falconry take of nestling peregrine falcons in the contiguous United States and Alaska. The number of peregrine falcon nestlings to be captured in Washington will be determined by the director in accordance with federal regulations or implementation guidance and may vary annually in response to population and productivity data. The director will establish permit issuance procedures, capture monitoring requirements, and open areas for the capture of nestling peregrine falcons.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.12.010. 96-18-064 (Order 96-140), § 232-12-114, filed 8/30/96, effective 9/30/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 90-22-062 (Order 470), § 232-12-114, filed 11/5/90, effective 12/6/90; 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-114, filed 1/28/82; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-114, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-234.]

OTS-6000.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 471, filed 11/5/90, effective 12/6/90)

WAC 232-12-117   Marking and identification of raptors required.   (1) It is unlawful for any falconry permittees to take, possess, transport, import, export, or otherwise dispose of any golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), or Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) unless such bird is banded either by a seamless numbered band, or a permanent, nonreusable band, which are both provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     (2) Any gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) or peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) taken from the wild must be reported to the department within five days of taking and must be banded with a permanent nonreusable band provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     (3) It is unlawful to band any raptor taken from the wild, or band any raptor produced from an egg taken from the wild, or band any raptor produced from an egg from any source other than bred in captivity under authority of a raptor propagation permit, with a United States Fish and Wildlife Service seamless numbered band.

     (4) Unless otherwise specifically exempted by the conditions of a raptor propagation permit, every raptor possessed for propagation (including offspring produced under the authority of the raptor propagation permit) must be banded in accordance with the following provisions:

     (a) Except for captive-bred raptors lawfully marked with a seamless, numbered band provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, any raptor possessed for propagation purposes shall be banded with a permanent, nonreusable, numbered band issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     (b) Each captive-bred raptor produced under the authority of a raptor propagation permit shall be banded within two weeks of hatching with a numbered, seamless band provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, placed on the raptor's leg (metatarsus), following United States Fish and Wildlife Service banding regulations.

     (5) Any lost band must be replaced with a permanent, nonreusable band supplied by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. A United States Fish and Wildlife Service form 3-186A (Migratory bird acquisition/disposition report) must be filed in accordance with the instructions on the form, with the department within five working days of the loss.

     (6) Unless specifically exempted by the director, all lost or removed bands must be replaced on the bird within 30 days of loss or removal.

     (7) It is unlawful to possess a raptor band that has been altered.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 90-22-063 (Order 471), § 232-12-117, filed 11/5/90, effective 12/6/90; 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-117, filed 1/28/82; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-117, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-235.]

OTS-6002.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 00-254, filed 1/31/01, effective 3/3/01)

WAC 232-28-275   ((2001 and 2002)) 2003 Black bear special permit season and quotas.  


BLACK BEAR SPECIAL PERMIT HUNTS


Who May Apply: Any one with a valid Washington big game license which includes black bear.

Bag Limit: One (1) black bear per black bear special permit season.


Hunt Name Permit Season Permit Hunt Boundary Special Restrictions Permit Level
Blue Creek April 15 - May 31 GMU 154 Any Legal Weapon 15
Dayton April 15 - May 31 GMU 162 Any Legal Weapon 15
Tucannon April 15 - May 31 GMU 166 Any Legal Weapon 10
Wenaha April 15 - May 31 GMU 169 Any Legal Weapon 30
Mt. View April 15 - May 31 GMU 172 Any Legal Weapon 15
Lick Creek April 15 - May 31 GMU 175 Any Legal Weapon 15
Grande Ronde April 15 - May 31 GMU 186 Any Legal Weapon 5
License Required: A valid big game hunting license which includes black bear as a species option is required to hunt black bear. One black bear transport tag is included with a big game hunting license that has black bear as a species option. A second black bear transport tag must be purchased to take a second bear.


Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of hounds and bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.


Submitting Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must submit the black bear premolar tooth located behind the canine tooth of the upper jaw.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.04.012. 01-04-037 (Order 00-254), § 232-28-275, 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), § 232-28-275, filed 1/24/00, effective 2/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-01-145 (Order 98-250), § 232-28-275, filed 12/22/98, effective 1/1/99.]

OTS-6003.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 01-69, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01)

WAC 232-28-291   Special hunting season permits.   The commission may establish special hunting seasons limited to species and/or weapon type.

     1. Deer, elk, cougar, or black bear special hunting season permit applications:

     A. To apply for special hunting season permits for deer, elk, cougar, or black bear applicants must have a valid Washington big game hunting license and a valid transport tag for the appropriate species. To apply for a particular hunt, each applicant for deer or elk must have the proper transport tag as identified in the special deer or elk permit regulations.

     B. No refunds or exchanges for deer, elk, cougar, or black bear hunting licenses or transport tags will be made for persons applying for special hunting season permits after the permit drawing has been held.

     C. A holder of a deer, elk, cougar, or black bear special hunting season permit may hunt only with a weapon in compliance with the special hunting season.

     2. Mountain goat, moose, and bighorn sheep special hunting season permit applications:

     A. Persons who have previously drawn and accepted a special hunting season permit for Washington mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose are ineligible to apply for a special hunting season permit for that species. This lifetime permit holder restriction does not apply to mountain goat permits acquired before 1999, raffle or auction hunt authorizations, or youth-only moose hunts.

     B. Successful applicants under this section must purchase the appropriate hunting license within fifteen days of notification by the department. Failure to purchase forfeits the permit to an alternate applicant.

     C. No refunds for mountain goat, moose, or bighorn sheep hunting licenses will be made for persons successfully drawing and purchasing special hunting season permits.

     3. Wild turkey special hunting season permit applications

     A. To apply for wild turkey special hunting season permits, each applicant must have a valid small game hunting license.

     B. No refunds for small game hunting licenses will be made, regardless of success in the drawing for wild turkey special hunting season permits.

     C. Wild turkey special hunting season permit holders must have a valid turkey transport tag in possession to hunt turkeys in the special hunting season.

     4. Special hunting season permit applications:

     A. Group applications will be accepted for any species with a group size larger than one. Maximum group sizes are determined for each species. If a group application is drawn, all hunters in the group will receive a special hunting season permit and each hunter in the group can take an animal.

     i. Maximum group size for deer is 12.

     ii. Maximum group size for elk is 12.

     iii. Maximum group size for bear is 2.

     iv. Maximum group size for cougar is 2.

     v. Maximum group size for mountain goat is 2.

     vi. Maximum group size for bighorn sheep is ((1)) 2.

     vii. Maximum group size for turkey is 4.

     viii. Maximum group size for moose is ((1)) 2.

     B. An applicant may purchase only one application for a special hunting season permit for each species.

     C. Permits will be drawn by computer selection using a weighted point selection system.

     D. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

     E. If an applicant makes a mistake, applies for the wrong hunt, and is successfully drawn, the special hunting season permit can be returned to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Olympia headquarters before the opening day of the special hunting season or the opening day of the general hunting season, whichever comes first. The applicant's points will be restored to the level prior to the permit drawing.

     F. Anyone may apply for a special hunting season permit for deer, elk, bear, cougar, and wild turkey.

     5. In addition to requirements for special hunting season permit applications, following are application requirements for:

     A. Special hunting seasons for persons of disability: Only applicants with a Washington disabled hunter permit are eligible to apply for any special hunting season permits for persons of disability.

     B. Special hunting seasons for youth: Only persons who are eligible to lawfully purchase a youth hunting license are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for youth.

     C. Special hunting seasons for hunters age 65 and older: Only applicants sixty-five years of age or older on or before March 31 of the current license year will be eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for hunters age 65 and older.

     D. Special hunting seasons for advanced hunter education graduates: Only persons who hold a valid certificate from the Washington department of fish and wildlife advanced hunter education (AHE) program are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for AHE hunters.

     6. Citizen reward for reporting violations - bonus points: A person who provides information which contributes substantially to the arrest of another person for illegally killing big game or an endangered species as defined by Title 77 RCW is eligible to receive ten bonus points toward the special hunting permit drawing for deer or elk special hunting season permits.

     A. Only ten bonus points can be awarded for providing information for each person charged regardless of the number of violations involved.

     B. Selection of bonus points is in lieu of application for a cash award.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-291, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]

OTS-6014.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 01-283, filed 12/28/01, effective 1/28/02)

WAC 232-28-271   Private lands wildlife management area hunting seasons, rules and boundary descriptions.  

DEER GENERAL SEASONS ON PRIVATE LANDS

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

Rainier Timber Company (PLWMA 401) Kapowsin Tree Farm
Hunting Method ((2002)) 2003 Dates Special Restrictions
Archery Aug. ((26)) 22-Sept. 8 Any Buck
Sept. ((30)) 29-Oct. ((10)) 5 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless
Modern Firearm Oct. ((11-24)) 10-26 2 Pt. Min.
Muzzleloader Nov. ((22)) 21-Dec. ((3)) 7 2 Pt. Min. or Antlerless

Merrill and Ring (PLWMA 600) Pysht Tree Farm
Hunting Method ((2002)) 2003 Dates Special Restrictions
Archery Sept. 1-14 and Nov. 25-Dec. 31 ((Either Sex)) Any Buck South Unit (600B)
Modern Firearm Oct. ((12)) 11-31 and Nov. 13-16 Any Buck ((Only)) South Unit (600B)
Muzzleloader ((Nov. 14-17)) Oct. 1-9 ((Buck Only South Unit (600B)))
Any Buck ((Only)) South Unit (600B)

((2002)) 2003 DEER PERMIT SEASONS ON

PRIVATE LANDS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

((2002)) 2003 - Mule and Whitetail Deer

Buckrun Limited Permit Draw Permits. Hunters apply to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in WDFW permit draw process. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for Buckrun Limited draw hunts. Hunters ((are limited)) can expect to one day of hunting during the permit season with written authorization from the PLWMA manager. All hunters must check in and out on hunt day.

Hunt Name Permit Number Permit Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description
((Buckrun A 10 Sept 15-Dec. 31 Antlerless mule deer, Any whitetail PLWMA 201
Buckrun B 20 Sept 15-Dec 31 AHE graduates only, Antlerless mule deer, Any whitetail PLWMA 201))
Buckrun ((C)) A ((20)) 35 ((Sept 15-Dec 31)) Sept. 1-Oct. 10 *Youth hunters, Antlerless ((mule)) deer((, Any whitetail)) PLWMA 201
Buckrun ((D)) B ((20)) 35 ((Sept 15-Dec 31)) Oct. 21-Nov. 15 Disabled hunters, Antlerless ((mule)) deer((, Any whitetail)) PLWMA 201
* Youth hunters on Buckrun must be 12 - 15 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult during the hunt.

Hunts are scheduled by the manager 509-345-2577. All other hunting regulations apply.

((2002)) 2003 - Blacktail Deer

Rainier Timber Company Kapowsin Tree Farm -

Rainier Timber Company Permit Draw Deer Permits - Hunters apply to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in WDFW permit draw process.

Hunt Name Permit Number Permit Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description
Kapowsin Central 30 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only, Age 65 and older Hunters PLWMA 401B Central
20 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only, AHE Hunters PLWMA 401B Central
50 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only PLWMA 401B Central
Kapowsin South 50 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only,

Youth Hunters

PLWMA 401C South
50 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only,

Disabled Hunters

PLWMA 401C South

ACCESS QUOTAS AND RAFFLE SEASONS

ON PRIVATE LANDS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

((2002)) 2003 - Mule and Whitetail Deer

Buckrun Limited Area - Access Quotas and Seasons

Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for access authorizations on PLWMA 201. An access fee will be charged for these hunts. You may contact the PLWMA manager, Derek Stevens, at (509) 345-2577 for information ((on these hunts)).

Hunt Name Quota Access Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description
Buckrun ((100)) 70 ((Sept. 15-Oct. 31)) Oct. 1-Dec. 7 Any Deer (((Access Fee))) PLWMA 201
((Buckrun 50 Nov. 1-Dec. 31 Mule deer, 3 pt. min. or Antlerless, Any whitetail (access fee) PLWMA 201))

((2002)) 2003 - Blacktail Deer

Rainier Timber Company Kapowsin Tree Farm -- Raffle Quotas and Seasons

Hunter must contact Rainier Timber Company for auction/raffle permit opportunity.

Only hunters possessing a valid deer tag (any ((2002)) 2003 deer tag) are eligible for Rainier Timber Company buck permits. Hunters drawing a Rainier Timber Company deer raffle permit may purchase a second deer tag for the hunt. Persons interested in these deer permits should contact Rainier Timber Company, 31716 Camp 1 Road, Orting, WA 98360. For more information, please call 1-800-782-1493.

Hunt Name Permit Number Raffle Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description
Kapowsin North/Buck 8 ((Nov. 8-21)) Oct. 31-Nov. 16 Buck Only (Raffle) PLWMA 401A North
Kapowsin Central/Buck 29 ((Nov. 8-21)) Oct. 31-Nov. 16 Buck Only (Raffle) PLWMA 401B Central
Kapowsin South/Buck 14 ((Nov. 8-21)) Oct. 31-Nov. 16 Buck Only (Raffle) PLWMA 401C South
Kapowsin North 50 Dec. ((6-8)) 12-14 Antlerless Only (Raffle) PLWMA 401A North

((2002)) 2003 - Blacktail Deer

Merrill and Ring's Pysht Tree Farm - Quotas and Seasons

An access fee will be charged by the landowner for hunting on the Pysht Tree Farm. The following hunts are raffle hunts offered by Merrill and Ring. Hunters must possess a valid deer tag when participating in these hunts. Persons interested in these hunts should contact Merrill and Ring, 11 Pysht River Rd., Clallam Bay, WA 98326. For more information, please call Merrill and Ring at 1-800-998-2382.

Hunt Name Quota Raffle Season Special Restrictions Boundary Description
Pysht North A 15 Sept. 1-14 Raffle, Archery, 3 pt. minimum ((or Antlerless)) PLWMA (600A) North Unit
Pysht North B 20 Oct. ((1-9)) 1-10 Raffle, Muzzleloader, 3 pt. minimum ((or Antlerless)) PLWMA (600A) North Unit
Pysht North C ((25)) 30 Nov. ((9-24)) 8-23 Raffle, 3 pt. min. ((or Antlerless)) PLWMA (600A) North Unit
Pysht North D 5 Nov. ((9-24)) 8-23 Restricted, 3 pt. minimum ((or Antlerless)) PLWMA (600 A) North Unit

2003 ELK RAFFLE SEASONS ON PRIVATE LANDS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

((2002)) 2003 - Elk

Rainier Timber Company (PLWMA 401) Kapowsin Tree Farm - Raffle Quotas and Seasons

Only hunters possessing a valid ((2002)) 2003 elk tag and meeting the special restrictions noted for each hunt are eligible for Rainier Timber Company access permits on PLWMA 401. Hunters must contact Rainier Timber Company for auction/raffle permit opportunity. Hunters drawing a Rainier Timber Company elk raffle permit are eligible to purchase a second elk tag for the hunt. Rainier Timber Company, 31716 Camp 1 Road, Orting, Washington 98360. For more information, please call 1-800-782-1493.

Hunt Name Quota Raffle Season Special Restrictions Boundary Descriptions
Kapowsin Bull North 2 Sept. 13-29 Auction/Raffle Any Bull, Any Tag PLWMA 401A North
Kapowsin Bull Central ((2)) 3 Sept. 13-29 Auction/Raffle Any Bull, Any Tag PLWMA 401B Central
Kapowsin Bull South ((2)) 3 Sept. 13-29 Auction/Raffle Any Bull, Any Tag PLWMA 401C South
((Kapowsin All 2 Sept. 13-29 Restricted, Any Bull, Any Tag PLWMA 401-A, B, or C))

((2002)) 2003 - Elk

Merrill and Ring PLWMA 600 Pysht Tree Farm - Raffle Quota and Season

Hunter must contact Merrill and Ring for raffle hunt opportunity. For more information please call Merrill and Ring at 1-800-998-2382 or write to them at Merrill and Ring Tree Farm, 11 Pysht River Rd., Clallam Bay, WA 98326.

Hunt Name Quota Raffle Season Special Restrictions Boundary Descriptions
Pysht A 3 Sept. 15-30 Any ((Bull)) Elk, Any Weapon PLWMA 600
Pysht B 1 Sept. 1-14 Any Elk, Archery PLWMA 600
Pysht C 1 Oct. 1-10 Any Elk, Muzzle Loader PLWMA 600

AREA DESCRIPTIONS - PRIVATE LANDS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

PLWMA 201 - Buckrun Limited (Grant County): ((Beginning at the southwest corner of S27 T23 R27E; 2 miles east, 1/2 mile north, 1 mile east, 1/2 mile south of S25; continuing 2 miles east to the southwest corner of S26 T23 R28E; 1 mile south to the southwest corner of S33 T23 R28E; east 1 mile; thence 1/4 mile north, 1 mile east, 1/4 mile to the intersection with the Stratford Game Reserve; from the southwest corner of S6 T22 R29E; east 1 mile along BNSF right-of-way to the intersection of S5 T22 R29E; south 1.75 miles to the southwest corner of S8 T22 R29E; east 2 miles to the southeast corner of S9 T22 R29E; north 1.5 miles (except the southeast 1/4 of the southeast 1/4 of S4 T22 R29E); east 1.5 miles to the middle 1/4 corner of S2 T22 R29E; north 1/4 mile, west 1/2 mile, north 1/2 mile; east at the northeast corner of S2 T22 R29E; 1 mile east to the southeast corner of S35 T23 R29E; north 1 mile to the southeast corner of S26 T23 R29E; east 1 mile to the southeast corner of S25 T23 R29E; north 4.25 miles to the northeast 1/4 of the southeast 1/4 of S1 T23 R29E; west 1 mile to the northwest corner of the northwest 1/4 of S1 T23 R29E; south 1 mile to the southwest corner of the northwest 1/4 of the southwest 1/4 of S12 T23 R29E; 1/2 mile east to the northwest corner of the southeast 1/4 of the southwest 1/4 of S12 T23 R29E; south 1/4 mile to the southeast corner of the southwest 1/4 of S12 T23 R29E; west 3 miles to the northwest corner of the east 1/2 of S16 T23 R29E; south 1 mile to the southeast corner of the east 1/2 of S16 T23 R29E; west 1/2 mile to the northeast corner of S20 T23 R29E; north 1 mile to the northwest corner of S16 T23 R29E; east 1 mile to the northeast corner of S9 T23 R29E; north 1 mile to the northeast corner of S9 T23 R29E; west 1 mile to the northeast corner of S8 T23 R29E; north 1 mile to the northeast corner of S5 T23 R29E; west 1/2 mile to the southeast corner of the west 1/2 of S32 T23 R29E; north 1 mile to the corner of the west 1/2 of S32 T23 R29E; 1.5 miles west to the northwest corner of S31 T24 R29E; south 1 mile to the northwest corner of S6 T23 R29E; west 1 mile to the northeast corner of S2 T23 R28E; north 1 mile to the northeast corner of S35 T24 R28E; west 1 mile to the northwest corner of S35 T24 R28E; south 1 mile to the northwest corner of S2 T23 R28E; west 3/4 mile to the northwest corner of the northeast 1/4 of S3 T23 R28E; south 1.5 miles to the intersection with the Stratford Game Reserve; continue from the southeast corner of the southeast 1/4 of the northeast 1/4 of S9 T23 R28E; north 1/2 mile to the northeast corner of S9 T23 R28E; west 1/4 mile north to the intersection of the Pinto Ridge Road; southwest on the Pinto Ridge Road to the northeast corner of the southeast 1/4 of S8 T23 R28E; west 1/2 mile to the northwest corner of the southeast 1/4 of S8 T23 R28E; south 1/4 mile to the intersection with the old NPRR bed. Follow the NPRR bed southwest to the southeast corner of the southwest 1/4 of S13 T23 R27E; northeast along the Dry Coulee Road to the northeast corner of S13 T23 R27E; west 1/4 mile to the southwest corner of the southeast 1/4 of S12 T23 R27E; north 1/4 mile, west 1/2 mile, north 1/4 mile, west 1/4 mile to the corner of the southwest 1/4 of S12 T23 R27E; west 1 mile to the northwest corner of the south 1/2 of S11 T23 R27E; south 1.5 miles to the northwest corner of S23 T23 R27E; west 2 miles to the northwest corner of S22 T23 R27E; south 1 mile to the southwest corner of S21 T23 R27E; east 1 mile, south 1 mile to the point of beginning. Public lands within the external boundaries are not part of the PLWMA.)) PLWMA 201 SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LANDS WITHIN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 272 (BEAZLEY) IN GRANT COUNTY:

T23N R26EWM:

E1/2 of SE1/4 of S13.

T23N R27EWM:

E1/2 of SE1/4 and SE1/4 of NE1/4 of S7, S18, S19, S1/2 and S1/2 of NW1/4 of S8 and S17 (except those lands enrolled in the HUNT BY WRITTEN PERMISSION program), W1/2 of S20, S21, S22, S27, S1/2 of S11, S14, S23, S26, S1/2 of SW1/4 and SW1/4 of SE1/4 of S12, S1 (except the area between Dry Coulee Road and the Northern Pacific Railroad bed), S24, and N1/2 of S25.

T23N R28EWM:

S18 (except NW portion lying N of the Northern Pacific Railroad bed), S19, S30, SE1/4 and S1/2 of SW1/4 of S8, S20, N1/2 of S1/2 of S29, S32 lying E of the Pinto Ridge Road, that portion of W1/2 of SE1/4 of S4 lying S of the Pinto Ridge Road, S9 lying S of the Pinto Ridge Road (except the Stratford Game Reserve), S16 (except Stratford Game Reserve), S21, S28, S33, S3 (except W1/2 of W1/2), N1/2 of S10 (except W1/2 of NW1/4), S15 lying S of Stratford Game Reserve, S22, S27, S34 (except S1/2 of S1/2), S2, S23, S26, S35 lying N of the Stratford Game Reserve, S1, and N1/2 of S12.

T24N R28EWM:

S35.

T23N R29EWM:

S5, S6, S7, S18, S19 (except the Stratford Game Reserve), SE1/4 of S30, S31, S8, S17, S20, S29, S32, S9, E1/2 of S16, S21, S28, S33, S15, S22, S27, S34, S14, S23, S26, S35, S1/2 of S1/2 of S1, S12 (except S1/2 of SW1/4), S13, S24, and S25.

T24N R29EWM:

W1/2 of S32, S31.

T22N R29EWM:

Those lands lying N of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad bed and S1/2 of the SE1/4 of S6, S5, S8, S4 (except SE1/4 of SE1/4), S9, N1/2 of S3, and S1/2 of NW1/4 of S2. A map of PLWMA 201 is available from WDFW's Region 2 office in Ephrata, (509) 754-4624.


PLWMA 401 - Rainier Timber Company RTC (Pierce County): Beginning at the intersection of RTC haul road (RTC 1 Rd.) and the Camp One Road near the town of Kapowsin; southwest along the east side of Lake Kapowsin to Ohop Creek; up Ohop Creek to RTC ownership line; along ownership line to S.W. corner of the north half of Section 6, T16N, R5E; easterly along Weyerhaeuser/RTC ownership line to the intersection with Busy Wild Creek; up Busy Wild Creek to intersection with RTC ownership on the section line between Sections 10 & 15, T15N, R6E; west and south along DNR/RTC ownership line and Plum Creek Timber Co./RTC ownership line to most southerly point of RTC ownership (northwest of Ashford, WA); easterly along RTC ownership line to DNR/RTC ownership line; north and east to USFS/RTC ownership line; east along USFS/RTC ownership line to S.W. corner of Section 31, T16N, R7E; north along USFS/RTC ownership line to N.W. corner Section 32, T16N, R7E; east along Plum Creek Timber Co./USFS ownership line to N.E. corner of Section 32, T16N, R7E; south along USFS/RTC ownership line to S.E. corner Section 32, T16N, R7E; east along USFS/RTC ownership line to Mount Rainier National Park Boundary; north along Mount Rainier National Park Boundary to N.E. corner Section 24, T17N, R7E; northwest along SR 165 to intersection with Carbon River; down Carbon River to the BPA Transmission Line; south and west along the powerline to the Fisk Road; south along the Fisk Road to the King Creek Gate; north and west along the Brooks Road BPA Transmission line; southwest along BPA Transmission line to the Puyallup River (excluding all small, private ownerships); up Puyallup River to intersection with RTC haul road bridge; south along RTC haul road to point of beginning. Another portion of PLWMA 401 RTC is the Buckley block (Kapowsin North described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the BPA Transmission line and South Prairie Creek; up South Prairie Creek to East Fork South Prairie Creek; up East Fork South Prairie Creek to Plum Creek Timber Co./RTC ownership line (on south line of Section 33, T19N, R7E); along RTC ownership line to center line of Section 34, T19N, R7E; north and east along DNR/RTC ownership line to S.W. corner of Section 27, T19N, R7E; north along Weyerhaeuser/RTC ownership line to White River; down White River to where it crosses west line Section 6, T19N, R7E; south and west along RTC ownership line to intersection with South Prairie Creek; up South Prairie Creek to point of beginning.


PLWMA 401A - Kapowsin North (Buckley): That portion of PLWMA 401 description which includes the Buckley block.


PLWMA 401B - Kapowsin Central (King Creek): That portion of PLWMA 401 description which lies to the north of the Puyallup River, excluding the Buckley block.


PLWMA 401C - Kapowsin South (Kapowsin): That portion of PLWMA 401 description which lies to the south of the Puyallup River.


PLWMA 600 - Merrill and Ring (Clallam County): Beginning at Clallam Bay, east along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the mouth of Deep Creek, south along Deep Creek to the township line between Townships 30 and 31, west along said township line to Highway 113 (Burnt Mt. Road) and north along Burnt Mt. Road (Highway 112 and 113) to Clallam Bay and point of beginning, except the following described lands: T31N R10W: E 1/2 W 1/2, E 1/2 West of Deep Creek Section 19, Except SW 1/4 NW 1/4, SW 1/4, W 1/2 E 1/2 West of Deep Creek Section 30, Except North & West of Deep Creek Section 31: T31N R11W; Except the SW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 7, Except that portion of NW 1/4 SE 1/4 which is County Park Section 10, Except the NE 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 14, Except W 1/2, W 1/2 E 1/2, SE 1/4 NE 1/4, NE 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 16, Except SW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 17, Except NW 1/4 NW 1/4, SE 1/4 NW 1/4, SE 1/4, NE 1/4, NW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 18, Except W 1/2 SW 1/4, SW 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 19, Except W 1/2 SW 1/4 Section 27, Except S 1/2 S 1/2, N 1/2 SW 1/4 Section 28, Except E 1/2 SE 1/4, SW 1/4 SE 1/4, NE 1/4, SW 1/4 Section 29, Except SW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 30, Except NE 1/4 Section 31, Except All Section 32, Except All Section 33, except SW 1/4 NE 1/4, S 1/2 Section 34, T31N R12W; Except SE 1/4 SE 1/4, W 1/2 SE 1/4 East of Highway 112 Section 4, Except All East of Highway 112 Section 9, Except E 1/2 NE 1/4, SW 1/4 NE 1/4, W 1/2, SW 1/4, NW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 13, Except S 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 14, Except E 1/2 NW 1/4 East of Highway 112 Section 23, Except N 1/2 SW 1/4, SE 1/4 NW 1/4 Section 24, Except SE 1/4 SW 1/4, SW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 26, Except N 1/2 N 1/2, NE 1/4 SW 1/4 Section 35, Except All Section 36: T32N R12W; Except W 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 21, Except All Section 22, Except NW 1/4 Section 27, Except NE 1/4, N 1/2 SE 1/4, E 1/2 W 1/2 East of Highway 112 Section 28, Except E 1/2 W 1/2 East of Highway 112 Section 33, Except S 1/2 Section 36.


PLWMA 600A North - Merrill and Ring North: That portion of PLWMA 600 north of Highway 112.


PLWMA 600B South - Merrill and Ring South: That portion of PLWMA 600 south of Highway 112.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.655, 77.12.020. 02-02-062 (Order 01-283), § 232-28-271, filed 12/28/01, effective 1/28/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.04.012. 01-04-037 (Order 00-254), § 232-28-271, 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), § 232-28-271, filed 1/24/00, effective 2/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 99-10-102 (Order 99-40), § 232-28-271, filed 5/5/99, effective 6/5/99; 99-01-138 (Order 98-249), § 232-28-271, filed 12/22/98, effective 1/22/99; 98-10-009 (Order 98-56), § 232-28-271, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98; 98-01-206 (Order 97-248), § 232-28-271, filed 12/23/97, effective 1/23/98.]

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