For the purposes of this chapter "special hunting season" means a hunting season established by rule of the commission for the purpose of taking specified wildlife under a special hunting permit.
[ 1984 c 240 § 8; ]
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or department rule, a recreational license issued by the director is required to hunt, fish, or take wildlife or seaweed. A recreational fishing or shellfish license is not required for carp, freshwater smelt, and crawfish, and a hunting license is not required for bullfrogs.
A pass or permit issued under RCW 79A.80.020, 79A.80.030, or 79A.80.040 is required to park or operate a motor vehicle on a recreation site or lands, as defined in RCW 79A.80.010.
The commission may, by rule, indicate that a fishing permit issued to a nontribal member by the Colville Tribes shall satisfy the license requirements in subsection (1) of this section on the waters of Lake Rufus Woods and on the north shore of Lake Rufus Woods, and that a Colville Tribes tribal member identification card shall satisfy the license requirements in subsection (1) of this section on all waters of Lake Rufus Woods.
[ 2019 c 290 § 3; 2014 c 48 § 26; 2011 c 320 § 19; 2009 c 564 § 956; 2008 c 329 § 923; 2006 c 57 § 1; 2001 c 253 § 49; 2000 c 107 § 264; 1998 c 191 § 7; 1987 c 506 § 76; 1985 c 457 § 25; 1983 c 284 § 2; 1981 c 310 § 7; 1980 c 78 § 103; 1979 ex.s. c 3 § 1; 1959 c 245 § 1; 1955 c 36 § 77.32.010; 1947 c 275 § 93; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-102; ]
Licenses, tags, and stamps issued pursuant to this chapter shall be revoked and the privileges suspended for any period in which a person is certified by the department of social and health services or a court of competent jurisdiction as a person in noncompliance with a support order. Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers shall enforce this section through checks of the department of licensing's computer database. A listing on the department of licensing's database that an individual's license is currently suspended pursuant to RCW 46.20.291(8) shall be prima facie evidence that the individual is in noncompliance with a support order. Presentation of a written release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the person is in compliance with an order shall serve as prima facie proof of compliance with a support order.
[ 2001 c 253 § 50; 2000 c 107 § 265; 1998 c 191 § 8; 1997 c 58 § 881; ]
Notwithstanding RCW 77.32.010, the commission may adopt rules designating times and places for the purposes of family fishing days when licenses and catch record cards are not required to fish or to harvest shellfish.
[ 1998 c 191 § 9; 1996 c 20 § 2; 1987 c 506 § 103; ]
All recreational and commercial licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and raffle tickets shall be issued under the authority of the commission. The commission shall adopt rules for the issuance of licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and raffle tickets, and for the collection, payment, and handling of license fees, including terms and conditions to govern dealers, and dealer fees. A transaction fee on commercial and recreational documents issued through an automated licensing system may be set by the commission and collected from licensees. The department may authorize all or part of such fee to be paid directly to a contractor providing automated licensing system services. The department and dealers shall collect and retain dealer fees of at least two dollars for purchase of a standard hunting or fishing recreational license document or commercial license document, except that the commission may set a lower dealer fee for issuance of tags or when a licensee buys a license that involves a stamp or display card format rather than a standard department licensing document form. Dealer fees must be uniform throughout the state.
The application fee is waived for all commercial license documents that are issued through the automated licensing system.
[ 2020 c 148 § 17; 2011 c 339 § 5; 2009 c 333 § 71; 2003 c 389 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 266; 1999 c 243 § 2; 1998 c 191 § 10; 1996 c 101 § 8; 1995 c 116 § 1; 1987 c 506 § 77; 1981 c 310 § 16; 1980 c 78 § 106; 1979 ex.s. c 3 § 2; 1955 c 36 § 77.32.050; 1953 c 75 § 2; 1947 c 275 § 97; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-106; ]
Applicants for a license, permit, tag, or stamp shall furnish the information required by the director. However, the director may not require the purchaser of a razor clam license under RCW 77.32.520 to provide any personal information except for proof of residency. The commission may adopt rules requiring licensees or permittees to keep records and make reports concerning the taking of or effort to harvest fish, shellfish, and wildlife. The reporting requirement may be waived where, for any reason, the department is not able to receive the report. The department must provide reasonable options for a licensee to submit information to a live operator prior to the reporting deadline.
The commission may, by rule, set an administrative penalty for failure to comply with rules requiring the reporting of taking or effort to harvest wildlife. The commission may also adopt rules requiring hunters who have not reported for a previous license year to complete a report and pay the assessed administrative penalty before a new hunting license is issued.
The total administrative penalty per hunter set by the commission must not exceed $20.
By December 31st of each year, the department shall report the rate of hunter compliance with the harvest reporting requirement, the administrative penalty imposed for failing to report, and the amount of administrative penalties collected during that year to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the senate and house of representatives.
The commission may, by rule, set an administrative penalty for failure to comply with rules requiring the reporting of data from catch record cards officially endorsed for Puget Sound Dungeness crab. The commission may also adopt rules requiring fishers who possessed a catch record card officially endorsed for Puget Sound Dungeness crab and who have not reported for the previous license year to complete a report and pay the assessed administrative penalty before a new catch record card officially endorsed for Puget Sound Dungeness crab is issued.
The total administrative penalty per fisher set by the commission must not exceed ten dollars.
By December 31st of each year, the department shall report the rate of fisher compliance with the Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card reporting requirement, the administrative penalty imposed for failing to report, and the amount of administrative penalties collected during that year to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the senate and house of representatives.
The commission may adopt rules pertaining to the form, period of validity, use, possession, and display of licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and raffle tickets required by this chapter.
[ 2000 c 107 § 267; 1998 c 191 § 12; 1996 c 101 § 10; 1995 c 116 § 4; 1987 c 506 § 80; 1981 c 310 § 19; 1980 c 78 § 109; 1955 c 36 § 77.32.090; 1947 c 275 § 101; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-110; ]
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When purchasing any hunting license, persons under the age of eighteen shall present certification of completion of a course of instruction of at least ten hours in the safe handling of firearms, safety, conservation, and sporting/hunting behavior. All persons purchasing any hunting license for the first time, if born after January 1, 1972, shall present such certification.
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The director may establish a program for training persons in the safe handling of firearms, conservation, and sporting/hunting behavior and shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of the instructors. The director shall, as part of establishing the training program, exempt the following individuals from the firearms skills portion of any instruction course completed over the internet:
Members of the United States military;
Current or retired general authority Washington peace officers as defined in RCW 10.93.020;
Current or retired limited authority Washington peace officers as defined in RCW 10.93.020, if the officer is or was duly authorized by his or her employer to carry a concealed pistol;
Current or retired specially commissioned Washington peace officers as defined in RCW 10.93.020, if the officer is or was duly authorized by his or her commissioning agency to carry a concealed pistol; and
Current or retired Washington peace officers as defined in RCW 43.101.010 who have met the requirements of RCW 43.101.095 or 43.101.157 and whose certification is in good standing or has not been revoked.
The director may cooperate with the national rifle association, organized sports/outdoor enthusiasts' groups, or other public or private organizations when establishing the training program.
Upon the successful completion of a course established under this section, the trainee shall receive a hunter education certificate signed by an authorized instructor. The certificate is evidence of compliance with this section.
The director may accept certificates from other states that persons have successfully completed firearm safety, hunter education, or similar courses as evidence of compliance with this section.
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The director may authorize a once in a lifetime, one license year deferral of hunter education training for individuals who are accompanied by a nondeferred Washington-licensed hunter who has held a Washington hunting license for the prior three years and is over eighteen years of age. The commission shall adopt rules for the administration of this subsection to avoid potential fraud and abuse.
The director is authorized to collect an application fee, not to exceed twenty dollars, for obtaining the once in a lifetime, one license year deferral of hunter education training from the department. This fee must be deposited into the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account and must be used exclusively to administer the deferral program created in this subsection.
For the purposes of this subsection, "accompanied" means to go along with another person while staying within a range of the other person that permits continual unaided visual and auditory communication.
To encourage the participation of an adequate number of instructors for the training program, the commission shall develop nonmonetary incentives available to individuals who commit to serving as an instructor. The incentives may include additional hunting opportunities for instructors.
[ 2017 c 255 § 1; 2013 c 23 § 243; 2009 c 269 § 1; 2007 c 163 § 1; 2006 c 23 § 1; 1998 c 191 § 17; 1993 c 85 § 1; 1987 c 506 § 81; 1981 c 310 § 21; 1980 c 78 § 104; 1957 c 17 § 1; ]
The commission shall enhance the fish, shellfish, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities for a person with a disability. The commission shall authorize the director to grant a disability designation to a person with a disability who meets eligibility criteria established by the commission by rule. The commission shall adopt rules defining who is a person with a disability for purposes of eligibility for disability designation. A person granted a disability designation is eligible for reasonable accommodations, determined by the director, to allow the person to participate in fish, shellfish, and wildlife-related recreational activities. The commission shall adopt rules governing the conduct of a person with a disability participating in fish, shellfish, and wildlife-related recreational activities and the conduct of companions permitted, as a reasonable accommodation, to assist such a person in fish, shellfish, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities.
[ 2018 c 168 § 2; 2007 c 254 § 6; 1989 c 297 § 1; ]
A scientific permit allows the holder to collect for research or display food fish, game fish, shellfish, and wildlife, including avian nests and eggs as required in RCW 77.32.010, under conditions prescribed by the director. Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall demonstrate to the director their qualifications and establish the need for the permit. The director may require a bond of up to one thousand dollars to ensure compliance with the permit. Permits are valid for the time specified, unless sooner revoked.
Holders of permits may exchange specimens with the approval of the director.
A permit holder who violates this section shall forfeit the permit and bond and shall not receive a similar permit for one year. The fee for a scientific permit is twelve dollars. The application fee is one hundred five dollars.
[ 2011 c 339 § 6; 1998 c 191 § 21; 1991 sp.s. c 7 § 6; 1981 c 310 § 28; 1980 c 78 § 119; 1955 c 36 § 77.32.240; 1947 c 275 § 113; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-122; ]
Except as authorized in RCW 77.32.565, licenses, permits, tags, and stamps required by this chapter and raffle tickets authorized under this chapter shall not be transferred.
[ 2008 c 10 § 3; 2001 c 253 § 51; 2000 c 107 § 269; 1998 c 191 § 22; 1996 c 101 § 12; 1995 c 116 § 5; 1981 c 310 § 29; 1980 c 78 § 120; 1955 c 36 § 77.32.250; 1947 c 275 § 114; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-123; ]
The director shall by rule establish the conditions and fees for issuance of duplicate licenses, rebates, permits, tags, and stamps required by this chapter. The fee for duplicate licenses, rebates, permits, tags, and stamps, except catch record cards, may not exceed the actual cost to the department for issuing the duplicate.
[ 2003 c 318 § 2; 2002 c 222 § 1; 1995 c 116 § 6; 1994 c 255 § 13; 1991 sp.s. c 7 § 7; 1987 c 506 § 86; 1985 c 464 § 7; 1981 c 310 § 30; 1980 c 78 § 121; 1975 1st ex.s. c 15 § 32; ]
The correct licenses and tags are required to hunt deer, elk, black bear, cougar, sheep, mountain goat, moose, or wild turkey except as provided in RCW 77.32.450.
Persons who kill deer, elk, bear, cougar, mountain goat, sheep, moose, or wild turkey shall immediately validate and attach their own transport tag to the carcass as provided by rule of the director.
[ 1998 c 191 § 23; 1997 c 114 § 1; 1990 c 84 § 4; 1987 c 506 § 87; 1981 c 310 § 8; ]
In addition to a small game hunting license, a supplemental permit is required to hunt for migratory birds.
A migratory bird permit is required for all persons sixteen years of age or older to hunt migratory birds. The fee for the permit for hunters is fifteen dollars for residents and nonresidents.
[ 2011 c 339 § 7; 2009 c 333 § 72; 2002 c 283 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 270; 1998 c 191 § 25; 1998 c 191 § 24; 1992 c 41 § 1; 1991 sp.s. c 7 § 9; 1990 c 84 § 6; 1989 c 365 § 1; 1987 c 506 § 105; 1985 c 464 § 9; 1985 c 243 § 1; 1984 c 240 § 6; 1981 c 310 § 12; ]
A special hunting season permit is required to hunt in each special season.
Persons may apply for special hunting season permits as provided by rule of the commission.
The application fee to enter a drawing for a special hunting season permit or authorization is:
Six dollars for residents, or one hundred dollars for nonresidents, for the permits in categories designated by the commission for deer or elk, female big game, or for small game;
Twelve dollars for residents, or one hundred dollars for nonresidents, for the permits that the commission designates as "quality" hunts that allow the harvest of buck deer, bull elk, or allow the harvest of male big game species that are only available for hunting by special permit;
Twelve dollars for residents and nonresidents to apply for special authorizations to hunt for migratory birds; and
Three dollars for youth for any special hunt drawing or special authorization.
[ 2011 c 339 § 8; 1998 c 191 § 26; 1991 sp.s. c 7 § 11; 1987 c 506 § 89; 1984 c 240 § 7; 1981 c 310 § 14; ]
In concurrent waters of the Columbia river and in Washington coastal territorial waters from the Oregon-Washington boundary to a point five nautical miles north, an Oregon angling license comparable to the Washington personal use fishing license is valid if Oregon recognizes as valid the Washington personal use fishing license in comparable Oregon waters.
If Oregon recognizes as valid the Washington personal use fishing license southward to Cape Falcon in the coastal territorial waters from the Washington-Oregon boundary and in concurrent waters of the Columbia river then Washington shall recognize a valid Oregon license comparable to the Washington personal use fishing license northward to Leadbetter Point.
Oregon licenses are not valid for the taking of food fish or game fish when angling in concurrent waters of the Columbia river from the Washington shore.
[ 1998 c 191 § 3; 1994 c 255 § 6; 1993 sp.s. c 17 § 7; 1989 c 305 § 9; 1987 c 87 § 4; 1985 c 174 § 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 96; 1977 ex.s. c 327 § 17; ]
Catch record card information is necessary for proper management of the state's food fish and game fish species and shellfish resources. Catch record card administration shall be under rules adopted by the commission. Except as provided in this section, there is no charge for an initial catch record card. Each subsequent or duplicate catch record card costs eleven dollars.
A license to take and possess Dungeness crab is only valid in Puget Sound waters east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line if the fisher has in possession a valid catch record card officially endorsed for Dungeness crab. The endorsement shall cost no more than seven dollars and fifty cents when purchased for a personal use saltwater, combination, or shellfish and seaweed license. The endorsement shall cost no more than three dollars when purchased for a temporary combination fishing license authorized under RCW 77.32.470(3)(a).
Catch record cards issued with affixed temporary short-term charter stamp licenses are neither subject to the ten-dollar charge nor to the Dungeness crab endorsement fee provided for in this section. Charter boat or guide operators issuing temporary short-term charter stamp licenses shall affix the stamp to each catch record card issued before fishing commences. Catch record cards issued with a temporary short-term charter stamp are valid for one day.
A catch record card for halibut may not cost more than five dollars when purchased with an annual saltwater or combination fishing license and must be provided at no cost for those who purchase a one-day temporary saltwater fishing license or one-day temporary charter stamp.
The department shall include provisions for recording marked and unmarked salmon in catch record cards issued after March 31, 2004.
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The funds received from the sale of catch record cards, catch card penalty fees, and the Dungeness crab endorsement must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1).
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One dollar of the funds received from the sale of each Dungeness crab endorsement must be used for the removal and disposal of derelict shellfish gear either directly by the department or under contract with a third party. The department is required to maintain a separate accounting of these funds and provide an annual report to the commission and the legislature by January 1st of every year.
The remaining portion of the funds received from the sale of each Dungeness crab endorsement must be used for education, sampling, monitoring, and management of catch associated with the Dungeness crab recreational fisheries.
Funds received from the sale of halibut catch record cards must be used for monitoring and management of recreational halibut fisheries, including expanding opportunities for recreational anglers.
Moneys allocated under this section shall supplement and not supplant other federal, state, and local funds used for Dungeness crab recreational fisheries management.
[ 2020 c 148 § 18; 2018 c 190 § 1; 2011 c 339 § 9; 2010 c 193 § 11; 2009 c 333 § 40; 2005 c 192 § 2; 2004 c 107 § 2; 2003 c 318 § 1; 1998 c 191 § 5; 1989 c 305 § 10; ]
The commission shall adopt rules to continue funding current enhancement programs at levels equal to the participation of licensees in each of the individual enhancement programs. All enhancement funding will continue to be deposited directly into the individual accounts created for each enhancement.
In implementing subsection (1) of this section with regard to warm water game fish, the department shall deposit in the warm water game fish account the sum of one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars each fiscal year during the fiscal years 1999 and 2000, based on two hundred fifty thousand warm water anglers. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, and each year thereafter, the deposit to the warm water game fish account established in this subsection shall be adjusted annually to reflect the actual numbers of license holders fishing for warm water game fish based on an annual survey of licensed anglers from the previous year conducted by the department beginning with the April 1, 1999, to March 31, 2000, license year survey.
[ 1999 c 235 § 2; 1998 c 191 § 13; ]
A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. A big game license allows the holder to hunt for forest grouse, unclassified wildlife, and the individual species identified within a specific big game combination license package. Each big game license includes one transport tag for each species purchased in that package. A hunter may not purchase more than one license for each big game species except as authorized by rule of the commission. The fees for annual big game combination packages are as follows:
Big game number 1: Deer, elk, bear, and cougar. The fee for this license is eighty-five dollars for residents, seven hundred eighty dollars for nonresidents, and forty dollars for youth.
Big game number 2: Deer and elk. The fee for this license is seventy-five dollars for residents, six hundred seventy dollars for nonresidents, and thirty-five dollars for youth.
Big game number 3: Deer. The fee for this license is thirty-nine dollars for residents, three hundred ninety-three dollars for nonresidents, and eighteen dollars for youth.
Big game number 4: Elk. The fee for this license is forty-four dollars for residents, four hundred fifty dollars for nonresidents, and eighteen dollars for youth.
Big game number 5: Bear. The fee for this license is twenty dollars for residents, two hundred dollars for nonresidents, and ten dollars for youth.
Big game number 6: Cougar. The fee for this license is twenty dollars for residents, two hundred dollars for nonresidents, and ten dollars for youth.
In the event that the commission authorizes a two animal big game limit, the fees for the second animal are as follows:
Elk: The fee is sixty dollars for residents, three hundred fifty dollars for nonresidents, and twenty dollars for youth.
Deer: The fee is sixty dollars for residents, two hundred fifty dollars for nonresidents, and twenty dollars for youth.
In the event that the commission authorizes a special permit hunt for goat, sheep, moose, or other big game species not specified the permit fees are three hundred dollars for residents, one thousand five hundred dollars for nonresidents, and fifty dollars for youth.
Multiple season big game permit: The commission may, by rule, offer permits for hunters to hunt deer or elk during more than one general season. Only one deer or elk may be harvested annually under a multiple season big game permit. The fee is one hundred sixty-five dollars.
Authorization to hunt the species set out under subsection (3) of this section is by special permit issued under RCW 77.32.370.
[ 2011 c 339 § 10; 2005 c 140 § 1; 2000 c 109 § 1; 1998 c 191 § 14; ]
A small game hunting license is required to hunt for all classified wild animals and wild birds, except big game. A small game license also allows the holder to hunt for unclassified wildlife.
The fee for this license is thirty-five dollars for residents, one hundred sixty-five dollars for nonresidents, and fifteen dollars for youth.
The fee for this license if purchased at the same time as a big game combination license package is twenty dollars for residents, eighty-eight dollars for nonresidents, and eight dollars for youth.
The fee for a three-consecutive-day small game license is sixty dollars for nonresidents.
In addition to a small game license, a turkey tag is required to hunt for turkey.
The fee for a primary turkey tag is fourteen dollars for residents and forty dollars for nonresidents. A primary turkey tag will, on request, be issued to the purchaser of a youth small game license at no charge.
The fee for each additional turkey tag is fourteen dollars for residents, sixty dollars for nonresidents, and ten dollars for youth.
One-third of the moneys received from turkey tags must be appropriated solely for the purposes of turkey management within the limited fish and wildlife account. An additional one-third of the moneys received from turkey tags must be appropriated solely for upland game bird management within the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1). The remainder of the moneys received from turkey tags must be appropriated to the fish, wildlife, and conservation account created in RCW 77.12.170(3). Moneys received from turkey tags may not supplant existing funds provided for these purposes.
[ 2020 c 148 § 19; 2011 c 339 § 11; 2006 c 15 § 1; 2000 c 109 § 2; 1998 c 191 § 15; ]
A personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, temporary, or family fishing weekend license is required for all persons fifteen years of age or older to fish for or possess fish taken for personal use from state waters or offshore waters.
The fees for annual personal use saltwater, freshwater, or combination licenses are as follows:
A combination license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed from state waters or offshore waters. The fee for this license is forty-five dollars for residents, one hundred eight dollars for nonresidents, and five dollars for youth. There is an additional fifty-cent surcharge for this license, to be deposited in the rockfish research account created in RCW 77.12.702.
A saltwater license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish taken from saltwater areas. The fee for this license is twenty-five dollars for residents, fifty-two dollars for nonresidents, and five dollars for resident seniors. There is an additional fifty-cent surcharge for this license, to be deposited in the rockfish research account created in RCW 77.12.702.
A freshwater license allows the holder to fish for, take, or possess food fish or game fish species in all freshwater areas. The fee for this license is twenty-five dollars for residents, seventy-five dollars for nonresidents, and five dollars for resident seniors.
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A temporary combination fishing license is valid for one to three consecutive days and allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed taken from state waters or offshore waters. The fee for this temporary fishing license is:
One day - Eight dollars for residents and sixteen dollars for nonresidents;
Two days - Twelve dollars for residents and twenty-four dollars for nonresidents; and
Three days - Fifteen dollars for residents and thirty dollars for nonresidents.
The fee for a charter stamp is eight dollars for a one-day temporary combination fishing license for residents and nonresidents for use on a charter boat as defined in RCW 77.65.150.
Except for active duty military personnel serving in any branch of the United States armed forces, the temporary combination fishing license is not valid on game fish species for an eight-consecutive-day period beginning on the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season as defined by rule of the commission.
The temporary combination fishing license fee for active duty military personnel serving in any branch of the United States armed forces is the resident rate as set forth in (a) of this subsection. Active duty military personnel must provide a valid military identification card at the time of purchase of the temporary license to qualify for the resident rate.
There is an additional fifty-cent surcharge on the temporary combination fishing license and the associated charter stamp, to be deposited in the rockfish research account created in RCW 77.12.702.
A family fishing weekend license allows for a maximum of six anglers: One resident and five youth; two residents and four youth; or one resident, one nonresident, and four youth. This license allows the holders to fish for or possess fish taken from state waters or offshore waters. The fee for this license is twenty dollars. This license is only valid during periods as specified by rule of the department.
The commission may adopt rules to create and sell combination licenses for all hunting and fishing activities at or below a fee equal to the total cost of the individual license contained within any combination.
The commission may adopt rules to allow the use of two fishing poles per fishing license holder for use on selected state waters. If authorized by the commission, license holders must purchase a two-pole stamp to use a second pole. The proceeds from the sale of the two-pole stamp must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1) and used for the operation and maintenance of state-owned fish hatcheries. The fee for a two-pole stamp is thirteen dollars for residents and nonresidents, and five dollars for seniors.
[ 2020 c 148 § 20; 2011 c 339 § 12; 2009 c 333 § 6; 2008 c 35 § 1; 2007 c 442 § 5; 2005 c 192 § 1; 2003 c 181 § 1; 1998 c 191 § 16; ]
Upon written application, a combination fishing license shall be issued at the reduced rate of five dollars and all hunting licenses shall be issued at the reduced rate of a youth hunting license fee for the following individuals:
A resident sixty-five years old or older who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces having a service-connected disability;
A resident who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces with a thirty percent or more service-connected disability;
A resident with a disability who permanently uses a wheelchair;
A resident who is blind or visually impaired; and
A resident with a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020 with documentation of the disability certified by a physician licensed to practice in this state.
Upon department verification of eligibility, a nonstate resident veteran with a disability who otherwise satisfies the criteria of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section must be issued a combination fishing license or any hunting license at the same cost charged to a nondisabled Washington resident for the same license.
Upon written application and department verification, the following recreational hunting licenses must be issued at no cost to a resident member of the state guard or national guard, as defined in RCW 38.04.010, as long as the state guard or national guard member is: An active full-time state guard or national guard employee; or a state guard or national guard member whose status requires the state guard or national guard member to participate in drill training on a part-time basis:
A small game hunting license under RCW 77.32.460(1);
A supplemental migratory bird permit under RCW 77.32.350; and
A big game hunting license under RCW 77.32.450 (1) and (2).
[ 2016 c 78 § 1; 2013 c 101 § 1; 2007 c 254 § 3; 1998 c 191 § 18; ]
In order to simplify fishing license requirements in transition areas between salt water and fresh water, the commission may adopt rules designating specific waters where either a fresh water or a salt water license is valid.
[ 1998 c 191 § 41; ]
A personal use shellfish and seaweed license is required for all persons other than residents or nonresidents under fifteen years of age to fish for, take, dig for, or possess seaweed or shellfish, including razor clams, for personal use from state waters or offshore waters including national park beaches.
A razor clam license allows a person to harvest only razor clams for personal use from state waters, including national park beaches.
The fees for annual personal use shellfish and seaweed licenses are:
For a resident fifteen years of age or older, ten dollars;
For a nonresident fifteen years of age or older, twenty-seven dollars; and
For a senior, five dollars.
The fee for an annual razor clam license is eight dollars for residents, fifteen dollars for nonresidents, and eight dollars for seniors.
The fee for a three-day razor clam license is five dollars for both residents and nonresidents.
A personal use shellfish and seaweed license or razor clam license must be in immediate possession of the licensee and available for inspection while a licensee is harvesting shellfish or seaweed. However, the license does not need to be visible at all times.
[ 2011 c 339 § 13; 2007 c 336 § 1; 2004 c 248 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 27; 1999 c 243 § 3; 1998 c 191 § 2; 1994 c 255 § 4; 1993 sp.s. c 17 § 3; ]
The director shall administer rules adopted by the commission governing the time, place, and manner of holding hunting and fishing contests and competitive field trials involving live wildlife for hunting dogs. The department shall prohibit contests and field trials that are not in the best interests of wildlife.
[ 1987 c 506 § 48; 1980 c 78 § 67; ]
The commission in consultation with the director may authorize hunting of big game animals and wild turkeys through auction. The department may conduct the auction for the hunt or contract with a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct the auction for the hunt.
The commission in consultation with the director may authorize hunting of up to a total of thirty big game animals and wild turkeys per year through raffle. The department may conduct raffles or contract with a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct raffles for hunting these animals. In consultation with the gambling commission, the director may adopt rules for the implementation of raffles involving hunting.
The director shall establish the procedures for the hunts, which shall require any participants to obtain any required license, permit, or tag. Representatives of the department may participate in the hunt upon the request of the commission to ensure that the animals to be killed are properly identified.
After deducting the expenses of conducting an auction or raffle, any revenues retained by a nonprofit organization, as specified under contract with the department, shall be devoted solely for wildlife conservation, consistent with its qualification as a bona fide nonprofit organization for wildlife conservation.
The department's share of revenues from auctions and raffles shall be deposited in the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1). The revenues shall be used to improve game management and shall supplement, rather than replace, other funds budgeted for management of game species. The commission may solicit input from groups or individuals with special interest in and expertise on a species in determining how to use these revenues.
A nonprofit wildlife conservation organization may petition the commission to authorize an auction or raffle for a special hunt for big game animals and wild turkeys.
[ 2020 c 148 § 21; 2009 c 333 § 41; 1996 c 101 § 5; ]
If a private entity has a private lands wildlife management area agreement in effect with the department, the commission may authorize the private entity to conduct raffles for access to hunt for big game animals and wild turkeys to meet the conditions of the agreement. The private entity shall comply with all applicable rules adopted under RCW 77.32.530 for the implementation of raffles; however, raffle hunts conducted pursuant to this section shall not be counted toward the number of raffle hunts the commission may authorize under RCW 77.32.530. The director shall establish the procedures for the hunts, which shall require any participants to obtain any required license, permit, or tag. Representatives of the department may participate in the hunt upon the request of the commission to ensure that the animals to be killed are properly identified.
[ 2001 c 253 § 52; 1996 c 101 § 6; ]
A person shall not promote, conduct, hold, or sponsor a contest for the hunting or fishing of wildlife or a competitive field trial involving live wildlife for hunting dogs without first obtaining a hunting or fishing contest permit. Contests and field trials shall be held in accordance with established rules.
[ 1998 c 190 § 118; 1987 c 506 § 58; 1980 c 78 § 69; 1955 c 36 § 77.16.010; 1947 c 275 § 39; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-49; ]
A property owner, lessee, or tenant may remove a trap placed on the owner's, lessee's, or tenant's posted or fenced property by a trapper.
Trappers shall attach to the chain of their traps or devices a legible metal tag with either the department identification number of the trapper or the name and address of the trapper in English letters not less than one-eighth inch in height.
When a property owner, lessee, or tenant presents a trapper identification number to the department for a trap found upon the property of the owner, lessee, or tenant and requests identification of the trapper, the department shall provide the requestor with the name and address of the trapper. Prior to disclosure of the trapper's name and address, the department shall obtain the name and address of the requesting individual in writing and after disclosing the trapper's name and address to the requesting individual, the requesting individual's name and address shall be disclosed in writing to the trapper whose name and address was disclosed.
[ 1998 c 190 § 121; 1993 sp.s. c 2 § 75; 1988 c 36 § 51; 1987 c 372 § 1; 1980 c 78 § 85; 1955 c 36 § 77.16.170; 1947 c 275 § 56; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-65; ]
A group fishing permit allows a group of individuals to fish, and harvest shellfish, without individual licenses or the payment of individual license fees. The department must also provide, without charge, any applicable catch record cards.
The director must issue a group fishing permit on a seasonal basis to: A state-operated facility or state-licensed nonprofit facility or program for persons with physical or mental disabilities, hospital patients, seriously or terminally ill persons, persons who are dependent on the state because of emotional or physical developmental disabilities, or senior citizens who are in the care of the facility; or a state or local agency or nonprofit organization operating a program for at-risk youth. The permit is valid only for use during open season.
The director may set conditions and issue a group fishing permit to groups working in partnership with and participating in department outdoor education programs. At the discretion of the director, a processing fee may be applied.
The commission may adopt rules that provide the conditions under which a group fishing permit is issued.
[ 2015 c 98 § 1; 2007 c 254 § 4; 2006 c 16 § 1; 2002 c 266 § 1; ]
In addition to the fees authorized in this chapter, the department shall include a surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring by the department of health of beaches used for recreational shellfishing, and to fund monitoring by the Olympic region harmful algal bloom program of the Olympic natural resources center at the University of Washington. The surcharge on recreational shellfish licenses cannot be increased more than one dollar and can only be increased when the surcharge for commercial shellfish licenses is increased. A surcharge of four dollars applies to resident and nonresident shellfish and seaweed licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(3) (a) and (b); a surcharge of three dollars applies to resident and nonresident adult combination licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.470(2)(a); a surcharge of three dollars applies to annual resident and nonresident razor clam licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(4); and a surcharge of two dollars applies to the three-day razor clam license authorized by RCW 77.32.520(5). Amounts collected from these surcharges must be deposited in the biotoxin account created in subsection (3) of this section. The department may not use any amounts collected from these surcharges to pay for its administrative costs.
Any moneys from surcharges remaining in the general fund—local account after the 2007-2009 biennium must be transferred to the biotoxin account created in subsection (3) of this section and be credited to the appropriate institution. The department of health and the University of Washington shall, by December 1st of each year, provide a letter to the relevant legislative policy and fiscal committees on the status of expenditures. This letter shall include, but is not limited to, the annual appropriation amount, the amount not expended, account fund balance, and reasons for not spending the full annual appropriation.
The biotoxin account is created in the state treasury to be administered by the department of health. All moneys received under subsection (1) of this section must be deposited in the account and used by the department of health and the University of Washington as required by subsection (1) of this section. Of the moneys deposited into the account, one hundred fifty thousand dollars per year must be made available to the University of Washington to implement subsection (1) of this section. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.
[ 2015 c 254 § 1; 2009 c 577 § 1; 2005 c 416 § 1; 2004 c 248 § 2; 2003 c 263 § 2; ]
The department may sell watchable wildlife decals. Proceeds from the sale of the decal must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1) and must be dedicated to the support of the department's watchable wildlife activities. The department may also use proceeds from the sale of the decal for marketing the decal and for marketing watchable wildlife activities in the state.
The term "watchable wildlife activities" includes but is not limited to: Initiating partnerships with communities to jointly develop watchable wildlife projects, building infrastructure to serve wildlife viewers, assisting and training communities in conducting wildlife watching events, developing destination wildlife viewing corridors and trails, tours, maps, brochures, and travel aides, and offering grants to assist rural communities in identifying key wildlife attractions and ways to protect and promote them.
The commission must adopt by rule the cost of the watchable wildlife decal. A person may, at their discretion, contribute more than the cost as set by the commission by rule for the watchable wildlife decal in order to support watchable wildlife activities.
[ 2020 c 148 § 22; 2011 c 320 § 18; 2009 c 333 § 42; 2003 c 317 § 2; ]
In order to facilitate hunting and fishing opportunities for a terminally ill person, the director may provide any licenses, tags, permits, stamps, and other fees without charge including transaction and dealer fees.
The director may accept special permits or other special hunting opportunities, including raffle tags, auction tags, and multiple season opportunities from donors seeking to facilitate hunting opportunities for a terminally ill person. The director shall distribute these donations pursuant to rules adopted under subsection (4) of this section.
The director may take other actions consistent with facilitating hunting and fishing opportunities for a terminally ill person. These actions may include, but are not limited to, entering into agreements with willing landowners pursuant to RCW 77.12.320.
In addition to rules required under subsection (2) of this section, the commission may adopt rules as necessary to effectuate the purpose and policies of this section.
[ 2008 c 10 § 1; ]
In order to effectively manage wildlife in areas or at times when a higher proficiency and demonstrated skill level are needed for resource protection or public safety, the department establishes the master hunter permit program. The master hunter permit program emphasizes safe, ethical, responsible, and lawful hunting practices. Program goals include improving the public's perception of hunting and perpetuating the highest hunting standards.
A master hunter permit is required to participate in controlled hunts to eliminate problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. The commission may establish by rule the requirements an applicant must comply with when applying for or renewing a master hunter permit, including but not limited to a criminal background check. The director may establish an advisory group to assist the department with administering the master hunter [permit] program.
The fee for an initial master hunter permit may not exceed fifty dollars, and the cost of renewing a master hunter permit may not exceed twenty-five dollars. Funds generated under this section must be deposited into the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account established in RCW 77.15.425, and the funds must be used exclusively to administer the master hunter [permit] program.
[ 2009 c 333 § 15; ]
A western Washington pheasant permit is required to hunt for pheasant in western Washington.
The permit is available as a season option, a youth full season option, or a three-day option. The fee for the permit is:
For the resident full season option, seventy-five dollars;
For the nonresident full season option, one hundred fifty dollars;
For the youth full season option, thirty-five dollars;
For the three-day option for a resident, thirty-five dollars and for a nonresident, seventy dollars.
[ 2009 c 333 § 73; ]
The department shall permit the release of wild beavers on public and private lands with agreement from the property owner.
The department may limit the release of wild beavers to areas of the state where:
There is a low probability of released beavers becoming a nuisance or causing damage;
Conditions exist for released beavers to improve, maintain, or manage stream or riparian ecosystem functions; and
There is evidence of historic endemic beaver populations.
The department may condition the release of beaver to maximize the relocation's success and minimize risk. Factors that the department may condition include:
Stream gradient;
Sufficiency of the water supply;
Stream geomorphology;
Adequacy of a food source;
Proper site elevation and valley width;
Age of the beavers relocated;
Times of year for capture and relocation;
Requirements for the capture, handling, and transport of the live beavers;
Minimum and maximum numbers of beavers that can be relocated in one area; and
Requirements for the permit holder to initially provide supplemental food and lodge building materials.
The department may require:
Specific training for those involved with capture, handling, and release of beavers; and
The notification of any potentially affected adjacent landowners before permitting the release of wild beavers.
Nothing in this section creates any liability against the state or those releasing beavers nor authorizes any private right of action for any damages subsequently caused by beavers released pursuant to this section.
For the purposes of this section, "beaver" means the American beaver (Castor canadensis).
For the purposes of this section, beavers may only be released to carry out relocation: (a) Between two areas east of the crest of the Cascade mountains; or (b) between two areas west of the crest of the Cascade mountains.
[ 2017 c 82 § 1; 2012 c 167 § 2; ]
In order to facilitate hunting and fishing opportunities for Washington state resident veterans who are eligible for reduced fishing and hunting license fees, based on a service-related disability, under RCW 77.32.480, the department may accept donations from the public so that resident disabled veterans, on a first-come, first-served basis, may elect to utilize a donation towards their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses.
The director may take other actions consistent with facilitating hunting and fishing opportunities for disabled veterans. These actions may include, but are not limited to, entering into agreements with willing landowners pursuant to RCW 77.12.320.
The department shall adopt rules to implement this section and to define the license products, to include the transaction and dealer fees, available for purchase using donated funds.
[ 2018 c 90 § 1; ]