Section 232-28-297. 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations.

(1) As used in this section and in the context of general cougar hunting seasons, "harvest guideline" means the estimated allowable harvest; the actual harvest may be less than or more than the harvest guideline.

(2) General cougar season is September 1 to April 30 of the following year.

Season dates and harvest guidelines for each season:

(a) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, the cougar late hunting season may close on or after January 1st in one or more GMUs if cougar harvest meets or exceeds the guideline.

(b) In hunt areas with a harvest guideline, starting January 1st, cougar hunters may hunt cougar from January 1st until the hunt area harvest guideline has been met, and the department has notified licensed cougar hunters by posting the hunt area closure on the department's web site and on the toll-free cougar hunting hotline, or April 30th, whichever occurs first.

(3) Harvest guideline system:

(a) All cougar killed by licensed hunters during the early and late hunting seasons, and seasons authorized under WAC 232-12-243 shall be counted toward the harvest guideline.

(b) Individual problem cougar will continue to be killed on an as-needed basis utilizing depredation permits, landowner kill permits, and WDFW depredation authority regardless of harvest guidelines.

(c) It is each cougar hunter's responsibility to verify if the cougar late hunting season is open or closed in hunt areas with a harvest guideline. Cougar hunters can verify if the season is open or closed by calling the toll-free cougar hunting hotline or visiting the department's web site.

(4) Cougar hunting season requirements and special restrictions.

(a) A valid big game hunting license which includes cougar as a species option is required to hunt cougar.

(b) The statewide bag limit is one (1) cougar per license year; excluding removals authorized under WAC 232-12-243. It is unlawful to kill or possess spotted cougar kittens or adult cougars accompanied by spotted kittens.

(c) The use of dogs to hunt cougar is prohibited; except by a commission authorized permit (WAC 232-12-243).

(d) Any person who takes a cougar must comply with the notification and sealing requirements in WAC 232-12-024.

(e) A special cougar permit is required to hunt cougar in GMU 485.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-28-297, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-066 (Order 15-99), § 232-28-297, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.15.245. WSR 13-16-056 (Order 13-180), § 232-28-297, filed 8/1/13, effective 9/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 12-11-005 (Order 12-70), § 232-28-297, filed 5/2/12, effective 6/2/12.]

RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-28-297, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-066 (Order 15-99), § 232-28-297, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.15.245. WSR 13-16-056 (Order 13-180), § 232-28-297, filed 8/1/13, effective 9/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 12-11-005 (Order 12-70), § 232-28-297, filed 5/2/12, effective 6/2/12.

Rules

232-12-243,232-12-243,232-12-243,232-12-024,