Hunting briefs
Deferral for hunter ed
Got a last minute urge to hunt for the first time?’
New this year, beginning hunters can defer Washington’s hunter-education requirements and hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter.
Beginning hunters who qualify can use the one-time deferral option during the current licensing season, but they must apply for the deferral and pay a $20 fee.
Info: (360) 902-8111 or online, http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf /huntered/index.htm.
ATV hunters regulated
ATV use has become a contentious issue in some areas, especially where ATV riders violate road closures and invade areas accessed by non-motorized hunters.
To help manage the issue, Idaho prohibits the use of riding ATVs off main vehicle roads while hunting in 29 of its 99 hunting units.
Electronics banned
Washington hunters can leave at least a few gadgets at home when the go into the field this year. New rules prohibit:
“Hunting waterfowl, turkey, or deer with the use or aid of battery-powered or other electronic devices as decoys.
“Hunting waterfowl, turkey, or deer with the use or aid of electronic calls.
Disease prevention
To reduce the chance of contracting disease from wild game:
“Don’t harvest or handle birds or game that are obviously sick or found dead.
“Wear rubber gloves while cleaning game.
“Don’t eat or drink while cleaning game.
“Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes after handling game.
“Clean tools, etc., in soap and water; disinfect in 10 percent chlorine bleach solution.
“Cook game thoroughly.
Report poaching
Anyone who has information about fish and game violations is encouraged to contact local sheriff’s offices or call special hotlines for game violations:
Idaho: (800) 632-5999.
Washington: (800) 477-6224.
Rewards are offered for information leading to convictions in many cases.
Report bands online
“Report federal migratory bird bands at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl or by calling (800) 327-BAND.
“Learn how to identify ducks by visiting npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/ birds/duckdist/index.htm
Leave the tail
Idaho hunters must leave the fully haired tail attached to all doe deer harvested in the Panhandle.
The rule is needed because hunters are not allowed to kill antlerless mule deer in Panhandle units, and officials must be able to distinguish a mule deer doe carcass from a whitetail doe, which is legal game in many areas.
Apply for Montana bison
Applications are due Oct. 4 for Montana’s fall-winter hunt for bison heading out of Yellowstone National Park.
The state approved 44 either-sex bison licenses and up to 100 cow/calf licenses.
Hunts would take place over three periods: Nov. 15-Dec. 31; Jan. 1-22; and Jan. 23-Feb. 15.
Cost: $125 for residents and $750 for nonresidents.
Details: http://fwp.mt.gov.