HOOK AND FUR By Bob Brown As we head into this year's autumn months, there may be some of us who are wondering what lies ahead in our outdoor world. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently put forth its perspective on this year's hunting seasons, and although there appear to be no real surprises, there have been changes. Mick Cope, wildlife program deputy assistant director, said hunting forecasts on both sides of the Cascade Mountains are similar to last year. Recent surveys of game populations in eastern and western Washington indicate they are in line with previous years, according to Cope. Cope also said hunting seasons will continue despite the presence of several wildfires in eastern Washington, so hunters need to be aware of land access restrictions around the state due to fire. Fire prevention restrictions in WDFW's wildlife areas and water access sites in eastern Washington remain in place. Details on those restrictions are available on the department's web site. Also, pay attention to the following changes in hunting seasons, Cope says: " New baiting regulations for deer and elk have been adopted. See page 86 of the Big Game pamphlet for more information. " General-season archery and muzzleloader hunters are reminded that legal white-tailed in northeast district GMUs 101-121 are bucks only except for six days in late archery. Further, youth, senior,s and hunters with disabilities have a four-day season with a bag limit of any white-tailed deer. " Forest grouse hunters are asked to deposit one wing and the tail of each grouse harvested into wing barrels or by taking them to the closest WDFW office.
Bob Brown is a freelance outdoors writer.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment