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Chapter 220-414 WAC

Last Update: 5/7/24

WILDLIFE—HUNTING—FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND EQUIPMENT

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF220-414-010Hunting equipment restrictions.
HTMLPDF220-414-020Unlawful methods for hunting—Firearms.
HTMLPDF220-414-030Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk.
HTMLPDF220-414-040Nontoxic shot requirements.
HTMLPDF220-414-050Shotgun shell restriction areas.
HTMLPDF220-414-060Muzzleloading firearms.
HTMLPDF220-414-070Archery requirements.
HTMLPDF220-414-080Hunting—Hunter orange and hunter pink clothing requirements.
HTMLPDF220-414-090Use of decoys and calls.
HTMLPDF220-414-100Crossbow requirements.

PDF220-414-010

Hunting equipment restrictions.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt all big game with the aid of infrared night vision equipment or with laser sights (not to include range finders) capable of projecting a beam onto the target, while in possession or control of a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow.
(2) It is unlawful to use radio-telemetry equipment to locate and hunt wildlife with transmitters attached to them.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-010, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-010, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. WSR 08-09-090 (Order 08-78), § 232-12-045, filed 4/18/08, effective 5/19/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-12-045, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03.]


PDF220-414-020

Unlawful methods for hunting—Firearms.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt any big game with:
(a) A fully automatic firearm.
(b) A centerfire cartridge less than 22 caliber for cougar.
(c) A centerfire cartridge less than 24 caliber for any other big game.
(d) A shotgun, provided that it is a 20 gauge, or larger shotgun, using shells loaded with slugs or buckshot size #1 or larger, may be used to hunt deer, bear, and cougar.
(e) A shotgun for any other big game, except that a 12 gauge or 10 gauge shotgun using slugs may be used.
(f) A handgun during a modern firearm season that does not meet the following criteria: Have a minimum barrel length of four inches, per manufacturer's specification, and fire a centerfire cartridge.
(g) Any rimfire cartridge.
(2) It is unlawful to hunt game birds with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.
(3) It is unlawful to hunt game birds or game animals in a manner other than with a firearm, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, or by falconry, with the following exceptions:
(a) Bullfrogs may be hunted only by methods listed in WAC 220-416-120.
(b) Dusky grouse, sooty grouse, spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, and cottontail rabbit may be hunted with an air rifle no smaller than .22 caliber and no larger than .25 caliber.
(4) It is unlawful to hunt game animals or game birds with a shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
(5) It is unlawful to hunt game birds with a rifle or handgun, with the exception of:
(a) Dusky grouse, sooty grouse, spruce grouse and ruffed grouse; and
(b) Turkey, which it is unlawful to hunt with a weapon other than the following:
(i) Crossbow or bow and arrow;
(ii) Shotgun shooting #4 or smaller shot, or muzzleloading shotgun shooting #4 or smaller shot;
(iii) Legal modern handgun designed for hunting, shooting #4 or smaller shot, and not capable of holding more than three shells. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum of 10 inches, inclusive of choke tube. Modern handguns must shoot a minimum three inch shotshell of .410 caliber or larger;
(iv) Legal muzzleloading handgun designed for hunting and shooting #4 or smaller shot. Handgun barrel length must be a minimum of 10 inches. Muzzleloading handguns must be .45 caliber or larger.
(6) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-020, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-020, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-035 (Order 15-97), § 232-12-047, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-12-047, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 12-11-005 (Order 12-70), § 232-12-047, filed 5/2/12, effective 6/2/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-12-047, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-12-047, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.12.020. WSR 04-11-036 (Order 04-98), § 232-12-047, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. WSR 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-12-047, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 98-10-006 (Order 98-53), § 232-12-047, filed 4/22/98, effective 5/23/98; WSR 90-14-108 (Order 449), § 232-12-047, filed 7/5/90, effective 8/5/90; WSR 83-01-006 (Order 198), § 232-12-047, filed 12/2/82; WSR 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-047, filed 1/28/82; WSR 81-22-002 (Order 174), § 232-12-047, filed 10/22/81; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-047, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-130.]


PDF220-414-030

Baiting for the purposes of hunting deer or elk.

(1) For the purposes of this section: "Bait" is any substance that could serve as a lure, food, or attraction for deer or elk.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful to hunt for deer and elk using any type of bait placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting deer or elk with the intent to hunt them, if the volume of bait accessible to wildlife exceeds 10 gallons.
(3) Bait sites of an individual license holder cannot be placed within 200 yards from another known bait site or another bait site of the same license holder.
(4) Exceptions: Hunting on or over the following is not considered an unlawful use of bait while hunting deer or elk:
(a) Locally common agricultural and ranching practices including salt or mineral distribution, and feeding;
(b) Food that is available from undisturbed wild, volunteer, or planted vegetation; including fruit trees, orchards, vineyards, and food plots;
(c) Scents used for cover and attractant that are not consumed by animals;
(d) Naturally occurring mineral deposits;
(e) As authorized by a department permit issued to address a management objective; or
(f) Exceptions do not include accidental or intentional spills, dumping, or storage of agricultural produce, feed, or bait.
(5) A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 if no animal has been shot or killed and RCW 77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty, if an animal has been shot or killed.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-030, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. 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, § 232-12-245, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16.]


PDF220-414-040

Nontoxic shot requirements.

(1) It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot when hunting for waterfowl, coot, or snipe. Nontoxic shot includes the following approved types:
Approved Nontoxic Shot Type*
Percent Composition by Weight
bismuth-tin
97 bismuth, 3 tin
iron (steel)
iron and carbon
iron-tungsten
any proportion of tungsten, ˃=1 iron
iron-tungsten-nickel
˃=1 iron, any proportion of tungsten, up to 40 nickel
copper-clad iron
84 to 56.59 iron core, with copper cladding up to 44.1 of the shot mass
tungsten-bronze
51.1 tungsten, 44.4 copper, 3.9 tin, 0.6 iron; and 60 tungsten, 35.1 copper, 3.9 tin, 1 iron
tungsten-iron-copper-nickel
40-76 tungsten, 10-37 iron, 9-16 copper, 5-7 nickel
tungsten-matrix
95.9 tungsten, 4.1 polymer
tungsten-polymer
95.5 tungsten, 4.5 nylon 6 or 11
tungsten-tin-iron
any proportions of tungsten and tin, ˃=1 iron
tungsten-tin-bismuth
any proportions of tungsten, tin, and bismuth
tungsten-tin-iron-nickel
65 tungsten, 21.8 tin, 10.4 iron, 2.8 nickel
tungsten-iron-polymer
41.5-95.2 tungsten, 1.5-52.0 iron, and 3.5-8.0 fluoropolymer
*Coatings of copper, nickel, tin, zinc, zinc chloride, zinc chrome, and fluoropolymers on approved nontoxic shot types also are approved.
The director may adopt additional nontoxic shot types consistent with federal regulations.
(2) It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot in the following areas:
(a) Well's Wildlife Area (Bridgeport Bar Unit);
(b) Cowlitz Wildlife Area (all units);
(c) Whatcom Wildlife Area (all units);
(d) Shillapoo Wildlife Area (all units);
(e) Skagit Wildlife Area (all units);
(f) Snoqualmie Wildlife Area (all units);
(g) Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area (Headquarters, Byron and Windmill Ranch units);
(h) Sinlahekin Wildlife Area (Driscoll Island, Hegdahl, and Kline Parcel units);
(i) Johns River Wildlife Area (Chinook, Chehalis, and Elk River units);
(j) South Puget Sound Wildlife Area (Big Beef Creek, Lake Koeneman, Nisqually, Skokomish, and Union River units);
(k) Scatter Creek Wildlife Area (all units);
(l) North Olympic Wildlife Area (all units).
(3) It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading), other than nontoxic shot, when hunting for upland game birds (pheasants, quail, chukar, or gray partridge), mourning doves, band-tailed pigeons, or game animals in the following areas:
(a) Chehalis River pheasant release site;
(b) Hunter Farms pheasant release site;
(c) Two Rivers and Wallula Units of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's McNary National Wildlife Refuge;
(d) All Whidbey Island pheasant release sites.
(4) It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading), other than nontoxic shot, when hunting for upland game birds (pheasant, quail, chukar, and gray partridge), mourning doves, and band-tailed pigeons on all WDFW designated pheasant release sites not listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-040, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-040, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-034 (Order 15-96), § 232-12-068, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.210, and C.F.R. Title 50, Part 21, Subpart C, Section 21.29; Migratory Bird Treaty Act. WSR 10-18-012 (Order 10-214), § 232-12-068, filed 8/20/10, effective 9/20/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-12-068, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020. WSR 08-01-052 (Order 07-292), § 232-12-068, filed 12/13/07, effective 1/13/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-16-133 (Order 06-181), § 232-12-068, filed 8/2/06, effective 9/2/06; WSR 05-17-098 (Order 05-174), § 232-12-068, filed 8/15/05, effective 9/15/05; WSR 03-16-030 (Order 03-165), § 232-12-068, filed 7/29/03, effective 8/29/03; WSR 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-12-068, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 01-17-092 (Order 01-157), § 232-12-068, filed 8/20/01, effective 9/20/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-12-068, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. WSR 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-12-068, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 99-17-034 (Order 99-118), § 232-12-068, filed 8/11/99, effective 9/11/99; WSR 98-17-044 (Order 98-152), § 232-12-068, filed 8/13/98, effective 9/13/98; WSR 97-18-026 (Order 97-164), § 232-12-068, filed 8/25/97, effective 9/25/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.12.010. WSR 96-18-009 (Order 96-127), § 232-12-068, filed 8/22/96, effective 9/22/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 95-18-072 (Order 95-126) § 232-12-068, filed 9/1/95, effective 10/2/95.]


PDF220-414-050

Shotgun shell restriction areas.

(1) It is unlawful to have in possession more than 15 shotgun shells or to fire (shoot) more than 15 shells in one day on the following areas:
(a) The Island Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County.
(b) The Spencer Island Unit of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area in Snohomish County.
(c) The Samish Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County.
(d) The Johnson/DeBay's Slough Hunt Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County: In Skagit County beginning at the intersection of Francis Road and DeBay Isle Road (N 48.467817 W -122.255143); then northeast approximately 125 feet to a white corner marker (N 48.46818 W -122.254977); then east approximately 250 feet along the parking area fence line to a white corner marker (N 48.468087 W -122.25392); then north along the fence line approximately 334 feet to corner of fence line (N 48.469067 W -122.253787); then east along the fence line approximately 250 feet to a white corner marker (N 48.469081 W -122.252834); then north approximately 2185 feet to orange corner marker (N 48.475024 W -122.252937); then west approximately 1421 feet to the white corner marker (N 48.4750691 W -122.2582045); then south approximately 1170 feet to the west shoreline of DeBay Slough white corner marker (N 48.471872 W -122.258097); then move easterly and southerly along the west shoreline of DeBay Slough approximately 1850 feet to white corner marker on the south side of DeBay Isle Road (N 48.4680860 W -122.2563066); then easterly along the south side of DeBay's Isle Road to the intersection of Francis Road and the point of beginning.
(e) The Dungeness Unit of the North Olympic Wildlife Area in Clallam County.
(f) The Samish River Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County.
(g) The South Padilla Bay Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County.
(2) It is unlawful to have in possession more than 25 shotgun shells or to fire (shoot) more than 25 shells in one day on the Nisqually Unit of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area in Thurston County.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-050, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-050, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-034 (Order 15-96), § 232-16-770, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 98-17-042 (Order 98-153), § 232-16-770, filed 8/13/98, effective 9/13/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.12.010. WSR 96-18-008 (Order 96-126), § 232-16-770, filed 8/22/96, effective 9/22/96.]


PDF220-414-060

Muzzleloading firearms.

(1) Definitions.
(a) Muzzleloader: A firearm that is loaded from the muzzle and uses black powder or a black powder substitute as recommended by the manufacturer for use in all muzzleloading firearms. The term load refers to the powder charge and projectile and both must be loaded from the muzzle.
(b) A muzzleloading firearm shall be considered loaded if a powder charge and a projectile, either shot or single projectile are in the barrel and the barrel or breech is capped or primed.
(2) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife using a muzzleloading firearm that does not meet the following specifications:
(a) A muzzleloading shotgun or rifle must have a single or double barrel, rifled or smooth-bored.
(b) A muzzleloading shotgun or rifle used for deer must be .40 caliber or larger. Buckshot size #1 or larger may be used in a smoothbore of .60 caliber or larger for deer.
(c) A muzzleloading shotgun, rifle, or handgun used for all other big game must be .45 caliber or larger.
(d) Persons lawfully hunting small game with a double barrel, muzzleloading shotgun may keep both barrels loaded.
(e) A muzzleloading handgun must have a single or double barrel of at least eight inches, must be rifled, and must be capable of being loaded with 45 grains or more of black powder or black powder substitute per the manufacturer's recommendations.
(f) A muzzleloading handgun used for big game must be .45 caliber or larger.
(g) A handgun designed to be used with black powder, including black powder percussion revolvers, can be used to hunt forest grouse, cottontail rabbits, and snowshoe hares.
(3) In addition to the above requirements, it is unlawful to participate (hunt) in a muzzleloading hunting season using a firearm that does not meet the following specifications for a muzzleloader. However, a modern handgun may be carried for personal protection. Modern handguns cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during a big game hunting season for muzzleloading firearms.
(a) Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock, flintlock, or percussion. Primers designed to be used in modern cartridges are legal.
(b) Sights must be open, peep, of other open sight design, or scopes not exceeding 1x magnification. Fiber optic sights are legal. Telescopic sights are prohibited.
(c) It is unlawful to have any electrical aiming device attached to a muzzleloading firearm while hunting except for red-dot or similar electronically powered scopes not exceeding 1x magnification.
(d) Those persons lawfully hunting big game with a double barrel muzzleloader may only keep one barrel loaded.
(4) Muzzleloading firearms used during a modern firearm season are not required to meet ignition, sight, or double barrel restrictions.
(5) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.08.030, 77.08.045, 77.12.047, 77.12.722, 77.12.800, 77.15.190, 77.32.320, 77.32.530, and 77.32.535. WSR 24-11-029 (Order 23-18), § 220-414-060, filed 5/7/24, effective 6/7/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-060, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, 77.12.040, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.210, 77.12.240, 77.12.320, 77.12.570, 77.12.800, 77.15.245, 77.32.007, 77.32.050, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530. WSR 18-11-061 (Order 18-76), § 220-414-060, filed 5/11/18, effective 6/11/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-060, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-12-051, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-12-051, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-12-051, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-12-051, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06; WSR 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-12-051, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. WSR 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-12-051, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.055 and 77.12.040. WSR 90-14-109 (Order 450), § 232-12-051, filed 7/5/90, effective 8/5/90; WSR 89-11-062 (Order 393), § 232-12-051, filed 5/18/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 84-18-013 (Order 234), § 232-12-051, filed 8/28/84; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-051, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-135.]


PDF220-414-070

Archery requirements.

(1) The following provisions apply to all archery hunting seasons:
(a) It is unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession any firearm while archery hunting in the field during an archery season specified for that area, except for modern handguns carried for personal protection. Modern handguns cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during an archery big game hunting season.
(b) It is unlawful to have any electrical equipment or electric device(s), except for illuminated nocks, attached to the bow or arrow while hunting.
(c) It is unlawful to discharge a bow from a vehicle or from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway.
(d) It is unlawful to use any device secured to or supported by the bow for the purpose of maintaining the bow at full draw or in a firing position.
(e) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or bolt that does not have a sharp broadhead, or with a broadhead blade or blades that are less than seven-eighths of an inch wide.
(f) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with any bow equipped with a scope. A verifier peep sight that magnifies the sights is not considered a scope and is lawful.
(2) The following provisions apply to long bow, recurve bow and compound bow archery equipment:
(a) It is unlawful for any person to hunt big game animals with a bow that does not produce a minimum of 40 pounds of pull measured at 28 inches or at full draw.
(b) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow measuring less than 20 inches in length.
(3) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-070, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.090, 77.04.130, 77.15.568, 77.08.010, 77.65.510, 77.65.515, and 77.65.520. WSR 19-10-011 (Order 19-79), § 220-414-070, filed 4/19/19, effective 5/20/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-070, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-035 (Order 15-97), § 232-12-054, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-12-054, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14; WSR 13-11-078 (Order 13-94), § 232-12-054, filed 5/16/13, effective 6/16/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 12-11-005 (Order 12-70), § 232-12-054, filed 5/2/12, effective 6/2/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-12-054, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-12-054, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-12-054, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.12.020. WSR 04-11-036 (Order 04-98), § 232-12-054, filed 5/12/04, effective 6/12/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-12-054, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03; WSR 01-17-068 (Order 01-167), § 232-12-054, filed 8/15/01, effective 9/15/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. WSR 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-12-054, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 90-03-092 (Order 427), § 232-12-054, filed 1/24/90, effective 2/24/90; WSR 88-13-012 (Order 310), § 232-12-054, filed 6/6/88; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-054, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-140.]


PDF220-414-080

Hunting—Hunter orange and hunter pink clothing requirements.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt upland birds or rabbits with a firearm, other than a muzzleloading firearm, during any upland game bird season unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.
(2) It is unlawful to hunt big game, except bear and cougar, with modern firearm equipment at any time in any manner unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.
(3) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife, except migratory birds, during those times and in those places open to taking of deer or elk during nonmaster hunter, modern firearm general seasons, unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.
(4) Wearing fluorescent hunter clothing means: A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink exterior clothing, worn above the waist and visible from all sides. A combination of both colors may be worn to meet the 400 square inches.
(5) A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.020. WSR 19-20-078 (Order 19-245), § 220-414-080, filed 9/27/19, effective 10/28/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.090, 77.04.130, 77.15.568, 77.08.010, 77.65.510, 77.65.515, and 77.65.520. WSR 19-10-011 (Order 19-79), § 220-414-080, filed 4/19/19, effective 5/20/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, 77.12.040, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.210, 77.12.240, 77.12.320, 77.12.570, 77.12.800, 77.15.245, 77.32.007, 77.32.050, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530. WSR 18-11-061 (Order 18-76), § 220-414-080, filed 5/11/18, effective 6/11/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-080, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-061 (Order 15-100), § 232-12-055, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-12-055, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-09-021 (Order 06-67), § 232-12-055, filed 4/11/06, effective 5/12/06; WSR 03-16-087 (Order 03-175), § 232-12-055, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040. WSR 91-08-075 (Order 489), § 232-12-055, filed 4/3/91, effective 9/1/91; WSR 90-22-059 (Order 467), § 232-12-055, filed 11/5/90, effective 9/1/91.]


PDF220-414-090

Use of decoys and calls.

(1) It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl, wild turkeys, or deer with the use or aid of battery-powered or other electronic devices as decoys.
(2) It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl, wild turkeys, or deer with the use or aid of electronic calls, except electronic calls may be used for lesser snow geese and Ross' geese during season dates occurring after February 1st in Goose Management Area 1 and Goose Management Area 4, when lesser snow geese and Ross' geese are the only species open to harvest as specified in WAC 220-416-060.
(3) Except as otherwise authorized by rule of the commission or by contract or agreement with the department, any person placing waterfowl decoys on any area (including water, access areas, roads, and trails) under the ownership, management, lease, or control of the department, shall not:
(a) Place waterfowl decoys prior to 4:00 a.m.;
(b) Allow or permit waterfowl decoys to be unattended or not in their immediate control for a period greater than one hour;
(c) Fail to remove waterfowl decoys within two hours after the close of established daily hunting hours; or
(d) Place waterfowl decoys on days closed to waterfowl hunting.
(4) This regulation shall be enforced under RCW 77.15.400.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-13-110 (Order 22-70), § 220-414-090, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-090, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 07-21-085 (Order 07-255), § 232-12-257, filed 10/17/07, effective 11/17/07; WSR 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-12-257, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 01-17-092 (Order 01-157), § 232-12-257, filed 8/20/01, effective 9/20/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.010, 77.12.020, 77.12.770, 77.12.780. WSR 00-11-137 (Order 00-50), § 232-12-257, filed 5/23/00, effective 6/23/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-257, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-630.]


PDF220-414-100

Crossbow requirements.

(1) The following provisions apply to hunting with a crossbow:
(a) It is unlawful to hunt big game with a crossbow outside of a modern firearm or muzzleloader season.
(b) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with a crossbow with a draw weight less than 125 pounds and a trigger safety that does not work properly.
(c) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or bolt weighing less than 350 grains.
(d) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with any arrow or bolt that does not have a sharp broadhead and the broadhead blade or blades are less than seven-eighths inch wide.
(e) It is unlawful to hunt big game animals with a broadhead blade unless the broadhead is unbarbed.
(f) It is unlawful to discharge a crossbow from a vehicle or from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway.
(g) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with a crossbow during an archery season.
(2) A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.400, 77.15.410, or 77.15.430, depending on the species hunted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.08.030, 77.08.045, 77.12.047, 77.12.722, 77.12.800, 77.15.190, 77.32.320, 77.32.530, and 77.32.535. WSR 24-11-029 (Order 23-18), § 220-414-100, filed 5/7/24, effective 6/7/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-414-100, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-035 (Order 15-97), § 232-12-052, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15.]