To help hunters have a successful hunting season, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released its Annual Hunting Outlookthat provide orientation and hunting information for each district.
Grays Harbor and Pacific County are part of District 17, and prospects note that the area is best known for elk hunting opportunities in the Willapa Hills and waterfowl hunting opportunities around Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor and in the Chehalis and Willapa river valleys, although WDFW adds that “high-quality hunting opportunities exist for other game species”
In reports, a number of changes in local hunting are noted. This includes changes to access and fees for some private logging companies, and the forest capercaillie season starting two weeks later than many previous years.
“Our district wildlife biologists are writing these popular reports to provide a detailed look at what field conditions should be like this year,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “These brochures have a lot of useful information that can help new and experienced hunters plan their season.”
Hunters can also use the hunting regulations web map, allowing them to find general season and permit hunts based on location, date, choice of weapon and more. Recent surveys indicate that 2022 should be another good hunting year.
Aoude asks that hunters pay special attention to the following items for the upcoming season:
- Wildfire Impacts: Some hunting opportunities may be affected by emergency land closures. Take a look at WDFW wildfire website before leaving.
- Black Bear Identification Test: Hunters who wish to hunt a bear at certain GMUs must first pass the bear identification test (through the WILD system) with a score of 80% or better.
- Juvenile Pheasant Hunting Dates: On Saturday, September 17 and 18 across the state, Youth-Only Hunt Days provide a great opportunity for pheasant success.
- Waterfowl hunting day for youth, veterans and active military personnel: Saturday, February 4, will provide an opportunity for youth, veterans, and active military personnel to experience the hunt at the end of the season with a expanded list of permitted species.
these and others hunting regulations they are described in the WDFW Big Game brochure or the Bird and Small Game Game brochure.