News Flash

FOR THE PUBLIC

Hunting is permitted on public land starting in fall and winter. During these seasons, hikers and hunters share the trail and public lands. Follow these tips to stay safe this season: 

• Research hunting schedules and locations: WDFW regulates hunting in our state. Dates and locations vary based on the type of animal and the style of hunting and change year to year. Check out their schedule and map to plan your trip. Washington's hunting season typically runs August-March but shifts in the location and number and type of permits issued over that time.
• Know your own comfort level: If the idea of hiking during any hunting season makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed, such as one of Washington's national parks or at any of the more than 100 Washington State Parks. (check ahead to be sure) The most heavily hunted seasons last only a few weeks—find out when they occur and schedule your activities around them.
• Be seen and heard: Wear bright clothing. If you are hiking in an area that is open for hunting, be sure to make yourself visible. Choose colors that stand out, like pink, red and orange. Avoid wearing blacks, browns, muted greens and camouflage. Make noise, whistle, sing, or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters will take note. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
• Be alert when hiking with dogs: Keep your pup on leash and consider having them wear a brightly colored pack, coat, or an old orange t-shirt. Dogs or stock can easily be mistaken for coyotes, deer or other game, so make sure they stand out.

Resources: 

• Region 4 Game Management Unit covers the islands in San Juan County. If you are unable to click and open the link, just copy & paste it into your web browser: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/locations/gmu#region4gmu

"We sincerely hope that everyone who chooses to partake in hunting in San Juan County does it safely and with respect for others, for the safety of everyone in our island communities," said Sheriff Peter. Follow these tips to hunt safely this season: 

• Follow the Hunter's Code of Conduct: Hunters are expected to follow a number of guidelines when afield in Washington to help them hunt safely while respecting wildlife and the environment.
• Respect the environment and wildlife: When harvesting game, take shots that you are sure will ensure a humane harvest. Ensure you can retrieve and effectively care for harvested game. Take only what you will use, even if it is under the legal limit. Tread lightly while afield.
• Respect property and landowners: Always get permission to hunt on private land. Leave gates as you found them and never damage crops or property, including fences, outbuildings, or livestock. Thank the landowner.
• Show consideration for non-hunters: Be considerate of non-hunters’ sensibilities and strive to leave them with positive images of hunting and hunters. Do not flaunt your harvested animals.
• Hunt safely: Exercise caution at all times. Only take shots when you are sure of your target and have a good backstop. Use binoculars to identify your target. Remember that hunting and alcohol do not mix.
• Know and obey the law: Obtain proper tags and licenses. Hunt only in allowed areas and during designated times and seasons. Obey bag and possession limits. Use only legal hunting methods and equipment.
• Support wildlife & habitat conservation:  Learn more about the habits and habitats of game and non-game wildlife and their management needs.
• Pass on an ethical hunting tradition: Invite a young person or a non-hunter next time you go afield to scout or hunt. Set high ethical standards for future generations of hunters to help ensure hunting will continue. Hunt only with ethical hunters. Take pride in being an ethical hunter.