WAC 232-28-352   2006-2008 Elk general seasons and definitions.  


Bag Limit: One (1) elk per hunter during the license year except where otherwise permitted by fish and wildlife commission rule. Any combination of seasons, tags, and permits set by the fish and wildlife commission will not exceed a maximum of two (2) elk per hunter during the license year.


Hunting Method: Elk hunters must select only one of the hunting methods (modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader).


Elk Tag Areas: Elk hunters must choose either Eastern or Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for that area.


Any Bull Elk Seasons: Open only to the taking of elk with visible antlers (bull calves are illegal).


Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must be at least one inch long measured on the longest side.


Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Bull elk taken in spike only GMUs must have at least one antler with only one antler point above the ear. An animal with more than one antler point above the ears on both antlers is illegal.


Spike Only GMUs: 145-154, 162-186, 249, 251, 328, 329, and 335-368.


3 Point Antler Restrictions: Legal bull elk must have at least 3 antler points on one side with at least 2 antler points above the ear. Eye guards are antler points when they are at least one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters during any open season.


3 Point GMUs: All of Western Washington except for GMUs 454, 564, 568, 574, 578, 652 for archers, 666, 684, and Elk Area 4941.


Permit Only Units: The following GMUs are closed during general seasons: 157, 371, 418, 485, 522, 524, 556, 621, 636, 653, and Elk Area 3068.


GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting: 437 (except for Elk Area 4941), and 490.


Elk Tag Areas


Eastern Washington: All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs except permit only for all hunters in GMUs 157 and 371. Modern firearms are restricted in GMU 334.

EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag

EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag

EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag


Western Washington: All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs except closed in GMUs 418, 437 (except for Elk Area 4941), 490, and modern firearm restrictions in portions of GMU 660. GMU 554 is open only for early archery and muzzleloader seasons. Elk Area 6064 in GMU 638 (Quinault) is open to master hunters only. Elk hunting by permit only in GMUs 485, 522, 524, 556, 621, and 636.

WA - Western Washington Archery Tag

WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag

WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag


Modern Firearm Elk Seasons


License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.


Tag Required: Valid modern firearm elk tag as listed below on his/her person for the area hunted.


Hunting Method: May use modern firearm, bow and arrow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.




Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2006 Dates 2007 Dates 2008 Dates Legal Elk
Eastern

Washington		 EF 111, 113, 117 Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 Oct. 27 - Nov. 4 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Any bull
    145 through 154, 162 through 186, 249, 251, 328, 329, 335 through 368 Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 Oct. 27 - Nov. 4 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Spike bull
    Elk Area 3722* Sept. 9-22 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 6-19 Antlerless
    101, 105, 108, 121 through 142, 372, 382, 388 Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 Oct. 27 - Nov. 4 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Any elk
    127-142 master hunters only Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Any elk
    203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties Oct. 28 - Nov. 15 Oct. 27 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Any elk
    371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 master hunters only Aug. 1 - Jan. 30 Aug. 1 - Jan. 30 Aug. 1 - Jan. 20, 2009 Antlerless only
    Elk Area 3911** master hunters only, 2nd tag     Aug. 1 - Oct. 24 Antlerless only
    *GMU 372 and Elk Area 3722 are mainly private property, hunters are not advised to try hunting these areas without making prior arrangements for access.
    **Master Hunters who hunt in Elk Area 3911 may purchase a master hunter, Elk Area 3911, second elk transport tag. Any legal weapon may be used. Master hunter, Elk Area 3911 second elk transport tags will be valid only for Elk Area 3911 from August 1 - October 24. All hunters participating in the Elk Area 3911 hunt must wear hunter orange.
Western

Washington		 WF 407, 448, 460, 466, 503 through 520, 530, 550, 560, 572, 601 through 618, 624 (except for Elk Area 6071), 627 through 633, 638 through 652, 654 through 684. Except master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 Nov. 4-13 Nov. 3-12 Nov. 1-10 3 pt. min.
    501 Nov. 4-13 Nov. 3-12 Nov. 1-10 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    564, 568, 574 through 578, 666 Nov. 4-13 Nov. 3-12 Nov. 1-10 Any elk
    454 Nov. 4-13 Nov. 3-12 Nov. 1-10 Any bull


Archery Elk Seasons


License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.

Tag Required: Valid archery elk tag as listed below on his/her person for the area hunted.

Hunting Method: Bow and arrow only as defined by WAC 232-12-054.

Special Notes: Archery tag holders can hunt only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC 232-12-054). Archery elk hunters may apply for special bull permits. Please see permit table for tag eligibility for all elk permits.


Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2006 Dates 2007 Dates 2008 Dates Legal Elk
Early Archery Elk Seasons
Eastern

Washington		 EA 101 through 142, 243, 247, 249, 250, 388 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Any elk
    145, 162, 166 through 172, 181, 186, 328, 329, 335 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Spike bull
    149, 154, Elk Area 1010, Elk Area 1013, 163, 175, 178, 330, 334, 336, 340, 352, 356, 364 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Spike bull or antlerless
Western

Washington		 WA 454, 564, 568, 574, 578, 652, 666 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Any elk
    407, 448, 501 through 505, 520, 550, 554, 560, 572, 624, except for Elk Area 6071, Elk Area 6061, 654, 660, 663, 667 through 673, 684, and 699 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    460, 466, 506, 510, 513, 516, 530, 601, 602, 603, 607, 612 through 618, 627, 633, 638 through 648, 651, 658, and 681. Master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 Sept. 8-21 3 pt. min.
    Elk Area 4941 Oct. 1-31 Oct. 1-31 Oct. 1-31 Any elk
Late Archery Elk Seasons
Eastern

Washington		 EA 101, 105, 108, 117 through 127, 388 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Any elk
    178 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Antlerless only
    127-142 master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Any elk
    Elk Area 1010, 163 Dec. 9 - Jan. 30 Dec. 9 - Jan. 30 Dec. 9 - Jan. 20, 2009 Antlerless only
    203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties. Must wear hunter orange Oct. 28 - Nov. 15 Oct. 27 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Any elk
    371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange Aug. 1 - Jan 30 Aug. 1 - Jan. 30 Aug. 1 - Jan. 20, 2009 Antlerless only
    Elk Area 3911* master hunters only, 2nd tag. Must wear hunter orange     Aug. 1 - Oct. 24 Antlerless only
    328 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Spike bull
    335, 336, 346, 352, 364, Elk Area 3681 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Spike bull or antlerless
Western

Washington		 WA 407, 503, 505, 648, 667, 672, 681, Elk Area 6066 in GMU 660, and 699. Elk Area 6064, except master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 in GMU 638 Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    454, 564, 666 Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 Any elk
    603, 612, 615, 638 Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min.
    506, 530 Nov. 22 - Dec. 7 Nov. 21 - Dec. 7 Nov. 19 - Dec. 7 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    520   Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    506, 530 Dec. 8-15 Dec. 8-15 Dec. 8-15 3 pt. min.
    *Master Hunters who hunt in Elk Area 3911 may purchase a master hunter, Elk Area 3911, second elk transport tag. Any legal weapon may be used. Master hunter, Elk Area 3911 second elk transport tags will be valid only for Elk Area 3911 from August 1 - October 24. All hunters participating in the Elk Area 3911 hunt must wear hunter orange.


Muzzleloader Elk Seasons


License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.

Tag Required: Valid muzzleloader elk tag as listed below on his/her person for the area hunted.

Hunting Method: Muzzleloader only as defined by WAC 232-12-051.

Special Notes: Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during the muzzleloader seasons and must hunt with muzzleloader equipment. Only hunters with tags identified in the Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special elk permits.


Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2006 Dates 2007 Dates 2008 Dates Legal Elk
Early Muzzleloader Elk Seasons
Eastern

Washington		 EM 111, 113, 117, 247 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 Any bull
    101 through 108, 121 through 142, 250 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 Any elk
    172, 245, Elk Area 2051, 335 through 342, 352 through 360, 368 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 Spike bull
Western

Washington		 WM 454, 564, 568, 574, 578, 666, 684 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 Any elk
    460, 504, 513, 530, 554, 602, 603, 607, 658, 660, 672 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 3 pt. min.
    501, 503, 652, 654, 663, 667 Oct. 7-13 Oct. 6-12 Oct. 4-10 3 pt. min. or antlerless
Late Muzzleloader Elk Seasons
Eastern

Washington		 EM 130 through 142 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Any elk
    127-142 master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Any elk
    203 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 except closed within 1/2 mile of the Columbia River in Douglas and Grant counties. Must wear hunter orange Oct. 28 - Nov. 15 Oct. 27 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Any elk
    371, Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 master hunters only. Must wear hunter orange Aug. 1 - Jan. 30, 2007 Aug. 1 - Jan. 30, 2008 Aug. 1 - Jan. 20, 2009 Antlerless only
    Elk Area 3911* master hunters only, 2nd tag. Must wear hunter orange     Aug. 1 - Oct. 24 Antlerless only
Western

Washington		 WM Elk Area 4941 Nov. 1 - Jan. 30, 2007 Nov. 1 - Jan. 30, 2008 Nov. 1 - Jan. 20, 2009 Any elk
    501, 503, 505, 652 Nov. 22 - Dec. 8 Nov. 21 - Dec. 8 Nov. 19 - Dec. 8 3 pt. min. or antlerless
    454, 564, 568, 666, 684 Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 Any elk
    574, 578 Nov. 22-30 Nov. 21-30 Nov. 19-30 Any elk
    504, 550, 601, 667 Nov. 22 - Dec. 15 Nov. 21 - Dec. 15 Nov. 19 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min.
    *Master Hunters who hunt in Elk Area 3911 may purchase a master hunter, Elk Area 3911, second elk transport tag. Any legal weapon may be used. Master hunter, Elk Area 3911 second elk transport tags will be valid only for Elk Area 3911 from August 1 - October 24. All hunters participating in the Elk Area 3911 hunt must wear hunter orange.




[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. 08-09-090 (Order 08-78), § 232-28-352, filed 4/18/08, effective 5/19/08; 07-11-017 (Order 07-62), § 232-28-352, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-28-352, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06; 05-11-024 (Order 05-90), § 232-28-352, filed 5/10/05, effective 6/10/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.12.020. 04-11-036 (Order 04-98), § 232-28-352, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-28-352, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03.]