Update: State Game Agent Shares Thoughts on Hunting in Enumclaw Area

UPDATE: State Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologist Brian Kertson shared some thoughts about the upcoming hunting season in the Enumclaw area with Patch today:

"Diverse opportunities abound" for hunting in the Enumclaw area, Kertson said. "You can really get away from the crowds in the private industrial forest."

He added that hunters need to have permits to go on that land if they use vehicles, but they if they "hoof it in, mountain bike or under your own power using a non-motorized method."

Kertson said the Highway 410 corridor is good for hunting black-tailed deer, bear and grouse.

Archery season, which starts Thursday, "can be challenging because of the thick forests and limited sight distance," he added.

Kertson said the White River forest near Enumclaw historically has been good for hunting deer and elk, "but it's more difficult to find them any more, for whatever reason."

He said the nearby Kapowsin area "is legendary in its quality of deer and elk hunting, along with bear and cougar as well."

As for problems between hunters and the public, Kertson said generally it would involve trespassing.

"Know where you are. If it says 'No Trespassing' don't trespass," he said.

Earlier story:

September is right around the corner, and that means hunting season is here. The season starts Thursday, Sept. 1, for a number of game in the Enumclaw area, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife pamphlet.

Archery season for deer starts Thursday and runs through Sept. 18 in the White River hunting area, which includes rural areas around
Enumclaw, including parts of King and Pierce counties.

The seasons for bobcat, fox, raccoon, forest grouse, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare all start Sept. 1 and run through March 15, 2012. Cougar season goes from Sept. 1-23 in this area with a bow, Sept. 24-Oct. 14 with a muzzleloader and Oct. 15-Dec. 31 with any weapon.

The black bear season has already started in the region and runs through Nov. 15. For elk in the area, a special hunt by permit only will
take place Sept. 19-23 where any bull can be taken. In the Enumclaw area Game Management Unit 653, the black-tailed deer season for guns is Oct. 15-31, where any buck can be taken. The late season is Nov. 17-20.

As for other areas of Western Washington, in general, the black bear season has already started, cougar starts Sept. 1, archery starts
Sept. 1 for deer, elk goes from Sept. 6-18 for archery and muzzleloaders,  and upland game starts later in the month.

Cost for a deer and elk license is $69.20. Cost of a small game license is $38. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972 must show proof of taking a
hunter education class when purchasing a license.

Hunting can be done with rifles, handguns, shotguns and crossbows, depending on the game and the area. Check the pamphlet for more.

Wolves are protected under state and federal law, but coyotes are not. To tell the difference, wolves are almost twice the size at 80 to 120 pounds, and they are light gray to black, compared with light
gray/brown.

Hunter orange must be worn during gun season. An orange hat by itself does not meet the requirement, the pamphlet says. However, orange is not required when hunting with a bow or muzzleloading firearm.

To avoid accidents the pamphlet says: keep firearms pointed in a safe direction; treat firearms as if they were loaded; and keep the safety
on, the chamber empty and fingers away from trigger until ready to fire. Also, be careful during the golden hour because as light diminishes so does the ability to identify the target. Never take a shot unless you see the animal clearly, you can identify it, and you know what lies between you, the target and beyond. And buddy up with two or more hunters.

As for hunting etiquette, the pamphlet says to respect property and landowners by getting permission first and then to share your game
or say thanks in some other way.

For more information go to www.wdfw.wa.gov.