PROPOSED RULES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-02-096.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 232-28-352 2003-2005 Elk general seasons and special permits.
Hearing Location(s): Comfort Inn and Conference Center, 1620 74th Avenue S.W., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 596-9100, on April 7-8, 2006, at 8:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: April 7, 2006.
Submit Written Comments to: Attn: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by Monday, March 24, 2006.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Nancy Burkhart by April 5, 2006, TTY (360) 902-2207 or (360) 902-2267.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Elk general hunting seasons are set on a three year basis. Elk general hunting seasons may be adjusted annually in response to elk population changes and damage complaints. This rule sets general elk hunting season opportunities for 2006-2008, adjusts general seasons for 2006 in response to elk population changes and damage complaints, provides for recreational harvest of elk, helps reduce agricultural damage, and provides for population control of elk where needed.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Provides recreational, elk hunting opportunity and protects elk from overharvest. Addresses elk-caused agricultural damage problems.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Washington fish and wildlife commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.
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.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not hydraulics rules.
March 1, 2006
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator
Bag Limit: One (1) elk per hunter during the license year
except where otherwise permitted by fish and wildlife
commission rule.
Hunting Method: Elk hunters must select only one of the
hunting methods (modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader).
Elk Tag Areas: Elk hunters must choose either Eastern or
Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for
that area.
Any Bull Elk Seasons: Open only to the taking of elk with
visible antlers (bull calves are illegal).
Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must
be at least one inch long measured on the longest side.
Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Bull elk taken in ((these))
spike only GMUs must have at least one antler ((that is a
spike)) with only one antler point above the ears (((does not
branch above ears))). An animal with ((branched)) more than
one antler point above the ears on both antlers ((on both
sides)) is illegal ((but an animal with a spike on one side is
legal in spike only units)).
Spike Only GMUs: 145-154, 162-186, 249-251, 328, 329, and
335-368.
3 Point ((Restriction)) Antler Restrictions: Legal bull elk
((taken)) must have at least 3 antler points on one side
((only. Antler points may include eye guards, but)) with at
least 2 antler points ((must be)) on the upper half of the
main beam. ((All antler points must be at least one (1) inch
long, measured from the antler tip to nearest edge of the
beam.)) Eye guards are antler points when they are at least
one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters
during any open season.
3 Point GMUs: All of Western Washington except for GMUs 454,
564, 568, 574, 578, ((588,)) and Elk Area 4941.
Permit Only Units: The following GMUs are closed during
general seasons: 157, 371, 485, 522, 524, 556, 621, 636, and
Elk Area 3068.
GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting: 418, 437 (except for Elk Area
4941), and 490.
((Private Lands Wildlife Management Areas (PLWMAs): Buckrun
(PLWMA 201), Kapowsin (PLWMA 401), and Merrill and Ring (PLWMA
600) are closed to hunting, except by permit or written
permission from the landowner.
Special Permits: Only hunters with elk tag prefix identified
in the Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special bull
or antlerless permits. Please see permit table for tag
eligibility. Hunters drawn for a special permit may hunt only
with a weapon in compliance with their tag and during the
dates listed for the hunt.))
Elk Tag Areas
Eastern Washington: All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs except permit
only for all hunters in GMUs 157 and 371. Modern ((firearm
restrictions)) firearms are restricted in GMU 334.
EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag
EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag
EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Western Washington: All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs except closed
in GMUs 418, 437 (except for Elk Area 4941), 490, and modern
firearm restrictions in portions of GMU 660. GMU 554 is open
only for early archery and muzzleloader seasons. Elk Area
6063 in GMU 638 (Quinault) is open to AHE master hunters only.
Elk hunting by permit only in GMUs 485, 522, 524, 556, 621,
and 636((, and PLWMAs 401 and 600)).
WA - Western Washington Archery Tag
WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag
WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Modern Firearm Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an
elk tag option.
Tag Required: Valid modern firearm elk tag as listed below on
his/her person for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: May use modern firearm, bow and arrow, or
muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.
| Hunt Area | Elk Tag Area | Game Management Units (GMUs) | (( |
(( |
(( |
Legal Elk |
| Eastern Washington |
EF | 111, 113, 117 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any bull |
| (( |
(( |
|||||
| 145 through 154, 162 through 186, 249, 251, 328, 329, 335 through 368 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Spike bull | ||
| Elk Area 3722* | (( |
(( |
(( |
Antlerless | ||
| 101, 105, 108, 121 through 142,372, 382, 388 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any Elk | ||
| 127-142 AHE master hunters only | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Any elk | ||
| 203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties. | Oct. 28-Nov. 15 | Oct. 27-Nov. 15 | Oct. 25-Nov. 15 | Any elk | ||
| 371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 AHE master hunters only | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Antlerless only | ||
| *GMU 372 and Elk Area 3722 are mainly private property, hunters are not advised to try hunting these areas without making prior arrangements for access. | ||||||
| (( |
||||||
| Western Washington |
WF | 407, 448, 460,
466, 503 through
520, 530, 550,
(( |
(( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. |
| 501 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. or antlerless | ||
| 564, 568, 574
through (( |
(( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk | ||
| 454 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any bull | ||
| (( |
||||||
Archery Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an
elk tag option.
Tag Required: Valid archery elk tag as listed below on his/her person for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Bow and arrow only as defined by WAC 232-12-054.
Special Notes: Archery tag holders can hunt only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC 232-12-054). Archery elk hunters may apply for special bull permits. Please see permit table for tag eligibility for all elk permits.
| Hunt Area | Elk Tag Area | Game Management Units (GMUs) | (( |
(( |
(( |
Legal Elk |
| Early Archery Elk Seasons | ||||||
| Eastern Washington |
EA | 101 through 142, 243,
247, (( |
Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Any elk |
| 145, (( |
Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Spike bull | ||
| 149, 154, Elk Area 1010, Elk Area 1012, Elk Area 1013, 163, 175, 178, 330, 334, 336, 340, 352, 356, 364 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Spike bull or antlerless | ||
| Western Washington |
WA | 454, 564, 568, 574, 578,
(( |
Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Any elk |
| 407, 448, 501 through
505, 550, 554, (( |
Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | 3 pt. min. or antlerless | ||
| 460, 466, 506, 510, 513,
516, 520, 530, 601, 602,
603, 607, 612 through
618, 627, 633, 638
through 648, 651,
(( |
Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | Sept. 8-21 | 3 pt. min. | ||
| Elk Area 4941 | Oct. 1-31 | Oct. 1-31 | Oct. 1-31 | Any elk | ||
| Late Archery Elk Seasons | ||||||
| Eastern Washington |
EA | 101, 105, 108, 117 through 127, 388 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Any elk |
| 178(( |
Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Antlerless only | ||
| 127-142 AHE master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange. | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Any elk | ||
| Elk Area 1010, 163 | Dec. 9-Jan. 30 | Dec. 9-Jan. 30 | Dec. 9-Jan. 30 | Antlerless only | ||
| 203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties. Must wear hunter orange. | Oct. 28-Nov. 15 | Oct. 27-Nov. 15 | Oct. 25-Nov. 15 | Any elk | ||
| 371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 AHE Master Hunters only. Must wear hunter orange. | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30 | Antlerless only | ||
| 328(( |
Nov. 20-Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Spike bull | ||
| 335, 336, 346, 352, 364, 368 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Spike bull or antlerless | ||
| Western Washington |
WA | 407, 503, 505, 667, 672, 681, Elk Area 6066 in GMU 660, and 699. Elk Area 6064, except AHE master hunters only in Elk Area 6063 in GMU 638 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
| 454, 564, (( |
(( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk | ||
| 603, 612, 615, 638, and
648(( |
(( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. | ||
| 506, 520, 530 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. or antlerless | ||
| 506, 520, 530 | Dec. 8-15 | Dec. 8-15 | Dec. 8-15 | 3 pt. min. | ||
Muzzleloader Elk Seasons
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an
elk tag option.
Tag Required: Valid muzzleloader elk tag as listed below on his/her person for the area hunted.
Hunting Method: Muzzleloader only as defined by WAC 232-12-051.
Special Notes: Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during the muzzleloader seasons and must hunt with muzzleloader equipment. Only hunters with tags identified in the Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special elk permits.
| Hunt Area | Elk Tag Area | Game Management Units (GMUs) | (( |
(( |
(( |
Legal Elk |
| Early Muzzleloader Elk Seasons | ||||||
| Eastern Washington |
EM | 111, 113, 117, 247 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any bull |
| 101 through 108, 121 through 142 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk | ||
| 172, 245, 250, Elk Area 2051, 335 through 342, 352 through 360, 368 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Spike bull | ||
| Western Washington |
WM | 454, 564, 568, 574, 578, 666, 684 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk |
| 460, 504, 513, 530,
554, 602, 603, 607,
(( |
(( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. | ||
| 501, 652, 663, 667 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. or antlerless | ||
| Late Muzzleloader Elk Seasons | ||||||
| Eastern Washington |
EM | 130 through 142 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 | Any elk |
| 127-142 AHE Master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange. | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Dec. 9-31 | Any elk | ||
| 203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties. Must wear hunter orange. | Oct. 28-Nov. 15 | Oct. 27-Nov 15 | Oct. 25-Nov. 15 | Any elk | ||
| 371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 AHE master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange. | Aug. 1-Jan. 30, 2007 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30, 2008 | Aug. 1-Jan. 30, 2009 | Antlerless only | ||
| Western Washington |
WM | Elk Area 4941 | Nov. 1-Jan. 30, 2007 | Nov. 1-Jan. 30, 2008 | Nov. 1-Jan. 30, 2009 | Any elk |
| 501, 503, 505, 652 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. or antlerless | ||
| 454, 564, 568, 666, 684 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk | ||
| 574, 578 | (( |
(( |
(( |
Any elk | ||
| 504, 550, 601, 667 | (( |
(( |
(( |
3 pt. min. | ||
((Special Elk Hunts Open to Specified Tag Holders
License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an
elk tag option.
Tag Required: Proper elk tags are listed with each GMU below.
Hunting Method: Hunters must use method listed on their tag, except in firearm restriction areas, where some types of weapons are banned from use. See elk tag required, dates, and legal elk in table below. In firearm restriction areas modern firearm hunters may hunt with a muzzleloader equipped with a scope.
Units (GMUs) |
||||||
Washington |
||||||
(muzzleloader only) |
||||||
(archery only) |
(Open to Permit Holders Only)
Permit hunters may hunt only with a weapon in compliance with their tag. Applicants must have purchased the proper tag for these hunts (see elk tag prefix required to apply for each hunt).