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Q. How
do I report a poacher or other fish and wildlife violation?
A. Get as much information as possible on the suspect(s)
and their vehicle(s) or vessel(s) and call, or email,
it in to the Enforcement Program. The phone number is 1-877-933-9847 and the web address is http://wdfw.wa.gov/poaching/
The license plate(s) or vessel registration number/s
are especially important! For example, a poacher may
be from Seattle but is poaching salmon from the Cowlitz
River. During the week, you can call us and we will
pass the information on to an officer. You can call
the Washington State Patrol in the evenings and weekends
and they will get in contact with our officers.
Q. Will the poacher learn my identity?
A. No. The officer and his or her Sergeant are the only
ones who get that information. As a case progresses,
your identity may be provided to the defense attorneys
but that is subject to court proceedings.
Q. How do I get rid of a problem Opossum/Raccoon/other
wild animal?
A. Depending on the situation, a Nuisance Wildlife Control
Operator (NWCO) number can be provided, you can trap
and euthanize animal yourself, or you can use some method
of driving the animal away. Methods for driving off
wildlife include: mothballs, ammonia-soaked rags, loud
noises, objects that move in the breeze, shooting them
with birdshot or slingshots with marbles. Check out
WDFW's Living with Wildlife Series for more ideas on dealing with these and other
problem wildlife.
Q. How do I get rid of a bear?
A. Secure all of your garbage and garbage cans, bird
feeders, grills, or other attractants so the bear cannot
get to them. Loud noises such as sudden bursts from
foghorns, gunshots, or yelling helps. Place a Jalapeño
or Habañero pepper in a Twinkie and throw it
out for the bear. It makes the bear sick and they associate
being sick with coming to your location. Check out WDFW's Living with Wildlife Series for more ideas on dealing with bears and other
problem wildlife.
Q. What is the current status of fishing on a particular
river or in a particular area?
A. You can check the “Fishing
in Washington” pamphlet, or the agency Web
site, for the current regulations as well as calling
either of the hotlines for fish and shellfish rule changes.
Q. Can a felon have a muzzleloader for hunting?
A. If the felon has had his/her rights restored through
the court of sentencing, yes the felon may use a muzzleloader
to hunt. If the felon has NOT had his/her rights restored
through the court, then the felon may NOT possess a
pistol, shotgun, muzzleloader, or other firearm. The
felon can hunt with archery gear but not firearms.
Q. Can I have a daily limit, or possession, for
Oregon and Washington with the reciprocity agreement?
A. No. You can have one or the other, but not both.
Q. How do I have a dead bird checked for bird flu?
Or an animal tested for rabies?
A. You secure the carcass of the bird in a plastic bag
and take it to your local Department
of Health. To be tested for rabies, the animal must
be captured and killed. The carcass is taken to the
Department of Health and a brain tissue sample is collected
and tested for rabies.
Q. Where can I hunt in Washington?
A. Prior to opening day, get a copy of the “Big
Game Hunting Seasons and Rules” and a map
of Washington. Check the pamphlet for areas and dates,
and then plot the area you want to hunt on the map.
Now head to the area, or call, and make contact with
the landowners for permission to hunt their property.
You can contact the Regional Offices for information
on the locations of various deer or elk herds that may
be too big to be supported by the area vegetation. Contacting
an area officer is another method for finding good hunting
areas.
Q. Who do I talk to find out about tribal hunting
and fishing regulations?
A. While the Department of Fish and Wildlife gets most
tribal regulations, you can call the local tribes and
ask for the respective person for that information.
You can find the tribal phone numbers online or in your
local phone book. |
