By Beka Compton
The Times
Hunting guidelines explained
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October 10, 2019
Lisa Morrow
Jasper Morrow and his 4-year-old chocolate lab, Finley, show off their day's worth of quail. Jasper (Morrow) was hunting on property owned by family, and was shooting a 20 gauge shotgun.
Waitsburg, WA-It's October, and, for many people around the area, it means it is time to dust off their rifles, get their licenses and permits squared away, and head out to the fields with the hopes of filling their freezer with venison or elk. Hunting seems simple enough; grab a firearm and go hike around until you find the right buck; but there is much more to it.
For conservation purposes, Washington is split into 6 different regions, and each region is split into smaller sub regions, called Game Management Units (GMU's). The GMU's vary in size, and are very comparable to counties. Seasons, the amount of animals permitted, and types of hunts available differ from unit to unit. Hunters buy a tag each season specific to a unit, and they are only allowed to take an animal from that unit. Walla Walla and Columbia Counties offer 7 different units amongst them. GMU/Region Map
Hunters must declare what they will be hunting with. They have their choice of archery, muzzleloader, and modern rifle hunts for big game, and shotguns are used for bird hunting. Each type of tool has its own season for eligible game species. Archery hunts are typically first, followed up by muzzleloader seasons and then modern firearm. There are youth hunts, senior hunts, and modified hunts. It's not uncommon to see two or three generations of hunters together in the fields around here!
Bird hunters have an advantage over big game hunters: they have the opportunity to use a dog to sniff out pheasants and quail, or retrieve their ducks for them. Training these dogs is not an easy task, but dedication and hard work are often rewarded with a successful hunt.
If you plan on going on a jog or going out for a horseback ride, remember that you need to be seen to be safe. During hunting season, incorporate some bright orange into your wardrobe. Orange alerts hunters that another person is there. Also be sure that dogs are leashed on your longer walks or hikes. Those using dogs on a bird hunt will especially appreciate it!
If you are a hunter wondering where to purchase a license, the General Store in Dayton is a licensed dealer. Good luck out there this season!
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