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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Hunting Gate => Topic started by: arthury on May 01, 2011, 06:39:40 PM

Title: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 01, 2011, 06:39:40 PM
I just found out that it is even illegal to shoot a native grey squirrel in the state of WA.
What do you guys hunt with your air rifle in WA??
Please share some ideas.

Thanks,
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 01, 2011, 07:12:15 PM
Some people say that they are lots of rabbits in the Ft. Lewis area that's open to the public. Any idea where exactly?
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: RWS-4-Me on May 01, 2011, 08:53:13 PM
I shoot blackbirds, starlings, rabbits, HOSP, sagerats, ect.....I'm in southeastern WA.

Conor
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: wicki67 on May 01, 2011, 08:59:32 PM
arthruy,

Im NO where near your state of Washington; so I can't really give a definitive answer to your predicament... However, in surfing around a bit on the net and checking out the GREAT state of Washington's DNR website, it looks as if ALL squirrels are protected, with exception to the EASTERN GRAY. The EASTERN gray should be CONFIRMED BEFORE PULLING any triggers..... It is mentioned in their pamphlet (available online) that any squirrels can be shot if committing destructive acts on personal property; however, a PERMIT must be obtained before doing this... YIKES!!

As far as what others are shooting with their airguns in your state; it looks as if DNR calls out House Sparrows; European Starlings, Rock Doves (Pigeons) and Magpies...

As usual, it is best to check with ones state DNR agency if there are any questions about what can and what cannot be dispatched at certain times of the year; especially with an airgun...

Hope this helps,

Dave T.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 01, 2011, 09:34:33 PM
arthruy,

Im NO where near your state of Washington; so I can't really give a definitive answer to your predicament... However, in surfing around a bit on the net and checking out the GREAT state of Washington's DNR website, it looks as if ALL squirrels are protected, with exception to the EASTERN GRAY. The EASTERN gray should be CONFIRMED BEFORE PULLING any triggers..... It is mentioned in their pamphlet (available online) that any squirrels can be shot if committing destructive acts on personal property; however, a PERMIT must be obtained before doing this... YIKES!!

As far as what others are shooting with their airguns in your state; it looks as if DNR calls out House Sparrows; European Starlings, Rock Doves (Pigeons) and Magpies...

As usual, it is best to check with ones state DNR agency if there are any questions about what can and what cannot be dispatched at certain times of the year; especially with an airgun...

Hope this helps,

Dave T.

Thanks, Dave, for some ideas.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: VINNY on May 02, 2011, 02:08:48 AM
According to the state hunting regs, you can't "hunt" anything with an airgun, if I understand it right.See below, between == symbols.

Here's a link to download the regs...     http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/)

below is from page 70. :(

11. Prohibited firearms/hunting methods
It is illegal to:
• Hunt game birds with a shotgun capable
of holding more than three shells.
• Hunt game birds with a rifle or pistol,
except forest grouse.
============================

• Hunt game birds or game animals with
anything other than a firearm, a bow and
arrow, or by falconry. Bullfrogs may only
be taken by angling, hand dip netting,
gigging, and bow and arrow.
===========================

• Hunt game animals or game birds with a
shotgun larger than 10 gauge.
• Hunt wildlife with a crossbow, except
in firearm restriction areas. However,
disabled hunter permittees in possession
of a crossbow special use permit may
hunt with a crossbow in any season that
allows archery equipment.
• Hunt wildlife with a fully automatic firearm.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: wicki67 on May 02, 2011, 07:09:33 AM
I'm getting mixed signals, and I think it would probably be wise to contact the state DNR guy/gal for your specific area, because.... reading the regulations, on page 71, topic #9, "Protected Wildlife"...

"....all birds not classified as game birds, except, starlings, house sparrows,
rock doves (pigeons) and magpies;..."

Nothing a phone call couldn't clear up.... Pretty RESTRICTIVE state to say the least....

Dave T.

PS - Sounds like "hunting" for one's car keys could get ya' in a mess of trouble.... just had ta say it!
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 02, 2011, 05:41:22 PM
I have written to the DFW in WA and will report back when they reply.
In the meantime, I saw these which are kinda interesting ...

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=57567.0 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=57567.0)

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/summary_hunting_dates.html (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/summary_hunting_dates.html)
Looks like there are plenty of small games that are open for the taking year round.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: wicki67 on May 02, 2011, 06:44:03 PM
Arthury,

Yes, without a doubt, you definitely have an abundance of game around you; however, you just need to get verification of what you can/cannot do with an airgun.... The only three on the list that could be taken year-round and without a license in the second link were the House Sparrow, European Starling and the Rock dove.... The Magpie could be taken only in an act of depredation.... the Crow is protected and has a legit season....

If you want more than the standard three to shoot; you will need to wait on your reply from the DNR people.....

Hang in there and good shooting,

Dave T.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: jefunjsh on May 02, 2011, 09:28:42 PM
Arthury,

Yes, without a doubt, you definitely have an abundance of game around you; however, you just need to get verification of what you can/cannot do with an airgun.... The only three on the list that could be taken year-round and without a license in the second link were the House Sparrow, European Starling and the Rock dove.... The Magpie could be taken only in an act of depredation.... the Crow is protected and has a legit season....

If you want more than the standard three to shoot; you will need to wait on your reply from the DNR people.....

Hang in there and good shooting,

Dave T.

Crows can also be taken year-round for depredation.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 10, 2011, 02:16:41 PM
For more than a week now, and my email (sent twice) to DFW received no response.
Today, I am extending the TO-list to include the Director and other dept. (beside Hunting). Hopefully, I will get some response this time.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: arthury on May 10, 2011, 04:49:55 PM
How did residents in other states get their local govn't to review the admittance of PC air rifles for hunting in their states?
Seems WA state regulations are a little outdated.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Mebits on May 10, 2011, 08:52:10 PM
I took a look at your regs out there. Sheeze. Statists and lawyers gone wild! I'd definitely research the regs for other states as well as the FPE of the .25 at various velocities. That's way more than enough gun for small game (not much for you anyway).
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Bullit on May 10, 2011, 09:08:16 PM
Yet a fool with a .22 rimfire can shoot poorly....
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Skippingcoyote on July 10, 2013, 03:50:25 AM
I live in western Washington and I emailed the wdfw and they said that you are allowed to hunt unclassified animals with any weapon including air guns. Some game I noticed you can hunt eastern gray and fox squirrel, coyote (high caliber), and some birds like European starling, domestic rabbit, mountain beaver.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Bullit on July 10, 2013, 01:28:15 PM
Have nutria come up to your area?  They can be hunted.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Loki_762 on July 11, 2013, 02:24:55 PM
I personally shoot starlings, HOSPS, and rats.  I have shot crows in the act of depredation before, but I don't actively seek them out to shoot them.  You can also shoot ground squirrels on the East side of the state, as they are also considered pests.  I have contacted people at DFW via phone before, and they told me pest species only with an airgun.
That having been said, my most favorite thing to shoot is rats.  I have made up a homemade night vision setup, and I pick them off the bird feeders and the ground surrounding them using my .22 Talon SS and my Crosman 1720.  If you have bird feeders or raise any animals that eat grain or seed, you probably have rats.  If you have a red light you can attach to your gun, you can spotlight them with red (which they can't see) and just plug away.  Here is a video of some rat shooting I have done at my house with my NV setup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkQmlQV0j44# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkQmlQV0j44#)
Chris
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: yoshi800 on July 11, 2013, 03:48:46 PM
You might want to check hunting  in indian/native american land.  They have usually aren't regulated as much.
Title: Re: WA state
Post by: Bullit on July 11, 2013, 04:42:00 PM
That is not the case in the OP, or W. Washington, I assure you.  Never been.  Heck, I feel for all the cash that a sportsman has to lay out now for all the seasons and such.... ;(