Changes in 2000-2001 Big Game Hunting Seasons
By Rolf Johnson, Deer and Elk Section Manager
This is the first year of the new three-year hunting season package; major changes in hunting seasons were contemplated and evaluated. Many of the changes initially considered were dropped after thorough review and public comment, but those adopted include the following:
Early muzzleloader seasons were reduced from seven to five days, but the number of units open was more than doubled. In 1999 only 22 Game Management Units (GMUs) were open to early muzzleloader deer, but this year 50 GMUs are open to early muzzleloader deer seasons.
The biggest change this year for elk hunting is consolidating all the eastside tag areas into one tag area. Our elk tags were printed before the hunting seasons were adopted so the tags still read Blue Mountains, Northeast, Yakima, and Colockum. Any of these tags are now valid in all the open eastern Washington units.
The Hanford elk population continues to grow and damage concerns are escalating. Elk seasons have been expanded in GMUs 372 (Kiona) and 382 (East Klickitat) for modern firearm hunters. See the modern firearm elk seasons section in the Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet for restrictions. Nearly all of these areas are private property so hunters should scout the area early and get permission to hunt.
Bull ratios are up in some areas and down in others. All branched bull permits in the Colockum were dropped this year because of poor bull escapement. Branched bull permits in the Yakima and Blue Mountains units varied by GMU consistent with bull escapement ratios.
Elk hunting in GMU 371 (Alkali) is by permit only this year. There are 100 permits for modern firearm, 50 for archery, and 100 for muzzleloader to help control elk expansion into the Yakima Firing Center.
A number of new damage permit hunts were adopted this year to control damage problems. Many of these special permit hunts are for muzzleloader only, but some are for archery and modern firearm.
The hair loss syndrome in western Washington black-tailed deer is adversely affecting populations in some areas. All antlerless deer hunting has been eliminated in five southwest GMUs and permit numbers reduced in others. In response to improving buck numbers, late buck opportunity in three new units in Klickitat County, has been opened on a permit only basis.
More buck permits are available this year in north central Washington in response to improving mule deer buck ratios. The special deer permits for Persons of Disability and Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) Graduates have been dropped this year. Many new road access opportunities for Persons of Disability are available this year. Also, general white-tail, three point minimum, or antlerless opportunities are available in the Blue Mountains this year for Persons of Disability. Advanced hunter deer opportunities have been changed from permit only special permits to focus on damage issues. A new general season hunt for AHE graduates is available in GMUs 127-142 for antlerless white-tail December 9-15.
Access to private lands is a growing problem for Washington hunters. Please treat landowners with respect so your return visit will be welcome.
 Previous section |
Next section  |