The spring hunting season is only a few weeks away, which means it is time to start making those much needed preparations! From renewing permits to checking your equipment, there is a lot to do before the big season starts. Here are three steps you should not skip if you plan on hunting in the Pacific Northwest this spring.
Stock up on a new hardwood hunting knife before the spring season starts.
Are you a hunting, fishing, or outdoor enthusiast? Do you live in the State of Washington? Do you get really excited about helping preserve your state’s amazing fish and wildlife? Well, then the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to hear from you!
According to a press release, the WDFW will begin accepting grant applications on Dec. 1 for volunteer-based projects aimed at benefiting the state’s population of fish and wildlife. The grants will be funded by the Aquatic Land Enhancement Account and will provide reimbursement for volunteer projects that work towards the conservation of fish and wildlife or promote public enjoyment of the state’s native species. Both organizations and individuals are encouraged to apply.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has made an interesting request of Oregon bowhunters: teeth.
Black-tailed deer teeth, to be precise. According to a press release earlier this week, ODFW biologists use teeth collected from hunters to determine the age of the deer, which can then be used for population modeling. The age of the deer is determined by analyzing the roots of the sample tooth, and is apparently quite accurate.
If you think government agencies are nothing more than groups of bureaucratic layabouts, think again! The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been busy recently dealing with very important matters affecting the Northwest’s outdoor enthusiasts. Here are just a few of the goings-on from a recent WDFW 4 meeting:
Wildlife damage response
After a year of working with citizen groups and landowners, the WDFW has adopted new rules addressing property and livestock damage caused by local wildlife. Some of the changes include dropping a $500 deductible on small claims, reducing the minimum amount for livestock claims to $500, and dropping the requirement that hunting be used as a way to deal with livestock depredation problems. The new rules will be posted on the WDFW website.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering implementing a new regulation that has some hunters up in arms.
The proposed hunting regulation would make orange vests and hats a mandatory part of every sportsman’s hunting equipment, requiring hunters to wear them at all times while hunting. Currently, Oregon is one of only ten states that don’t require such attire. The proposal comes after the hunting-related death of a 15-year-old boy last fall. The boy was wearing camouflage clothing at the time he was shot.
Hunters, beware. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is using decoys to keep you accountable. “They have been readily accepted by the courts as a legitimate tool for use by wildlife law enforcement officers to deter illegal behavior,” says Idaho Fish and Game. “All across Idaho they are used throughout the year, in a wide variety of situations.”
I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but after reading the article from Idaho Fish and Game, I actually think the department is providing an admirable and proactive solution to illegal hunting.
Saturday, October 3, deer hunting seasons in Oregon opened. Last year, more than 150,000 hunters combined to participate in western and eastern Oregon deer hunting seasons.
Cougar season is set to begin on September 1 in Washington, and this year, bow hunters will be taking the first shots.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), under new rules, cougar hunting will begin with a statewide archery-only season September 1-25, followed by a muzzleloader-only season September 26-October 16, and beginning October 17, hunters may use any legal weapon to target cougars in most areas of the state.
