Contact Information

Waterfowlers WSU Extension Island County and WDFW Waterfowl Section Need Your Help

Plastic shotgun wads and shell hulls have become the most common litter items encountered during beach clean ups in Island County in the last several years. This coincides with an uptick in the number of waterfowl hunter days, especially targeting sea ducks.

We can do better.

The WDFW Waterfowl Section is partnering with Washington State University Extension’s Island County Community Beach Litter Project which is funded by a grant through the Department of Ecology to help educate waterfowl hunters about the topic and to work towards solutions.

Keep It Clean

Single-use plastics are harmful to the environment and a number of our natural resources that Washingtonians value. The Waterfowl Section recognizes the legal obligation to retrieve downed birds over chasing spent shotgun wads and shells, but it is litter. And this litter is not only bad for the environment, but it is not consistent with the leadership role waterfowlers have played in the important legacy of conservation efforts for waterfowl and their wetland habitats.

Ways To Help

Seek alternatives: Several shell manufacturing companies are returning to biodegradable wads (something that use to be the norm). Support their efforts!

Volunteer at Community Beach Cleanups: The WSU Island County Community Beach Litter Project is an exceptional example, but this issue occurs everywhere waterfowling takes place over open water. Please consider finding an opportunity near you.

You Can Make A Difference!

For more information, visit: https://extension.wsu.edu/island/nrs/beachlitter/ and https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/waterfowl

Washington Migratory Bird Permit and Artwork Dollars at Work

Thank You Migratory Bird Hunters of Washington!

Every year the revenue from migratory bird permits and artwork have been responsible for improvements in the quality and quantity of wetland habitats in Washington—for the benefit of migratory birds like waterfowl, coot, snipe, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon and others!

Wetland habitats throughout Washington are critical to not only our breeding populations, but birds that are visitors from Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia—more than 35 species! It is only through a network of wetlands that we sustain these populations into the future.

You contribute to this international effort every year by purchasing your Migratory Bird Permit!

But Did You Know? You and others can also promote waterfowl conservation through art!

By giving someone you know waterfowl artwork you pass along the story and importance of wetland stewardship. To learn more and continue this waterfowl legacy, please visit the WDFW website (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/waterfowl/stamp) and see available artwork at Washington Waterfowl Association’s website (washingtonduckstamp.com).

Congratulations to Yvonne Yin of Washington for placing in the Top 10 in the 2024 National Junior Duck Stamp Contest.

For more information on the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest, see: https://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp/junior-duck-stamp-contest-information.

Snow Goose Swimming In Lake. Acrylic painting by artist Yvonne Yin. © USFWS

Federal Migratory Bird Band Reporting

Go to www.ReportBand.gov

You will need to provide the band number and how, when and where it was recovered. You will receive a certificate of appreciation via email, about the bird.

The band is yours to keep.

Washington Waterfowl Advisory Group

The Washington Waterfowl Advisory Group (WAG) was formed by WDFW in early 2003 to increase citizen involvement in the management of Washington’s waterfowl resources This group has members from a broad representation of waterfowl hunters throughout the state. Meetings are scheduled to provide advice to the department on a variety of topics, including planned expenditures of state migratory bird stamp revenues, waterfowl seasons, public access, and other topics. To learn more about the WAG, obtain meeting minutes, or contact a representative in your area, please contact the WDFW Waterfowl Section at (360) 902-2515 or please visit the website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/wwag. If you have comments to pass on to a WAG representative in your area, please email them to [email protected]. State that the comments are for WAG, and note your county of residence. Thank you to those past members for dedicating your time and providing your insights to help shape waterfowl conservation and management here in Washington.

Help Stop Poaching

Every year poachers steal hunting opportunities and hundreds of animals from the citizens of Washington. You can help protect our resources by reporting violations.

The Turn In a Poacher (TIP) program provides the public the opportunity to confidentially report fish and wildlife violations.

A person who provides information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward or bonus points.

WDFW Enforcement Program
(360) 902-2936
wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/reporting_violations.html

Turn In a Poacher

877-WDFW-TIP • (877-933-9847)

Forest Grouse Wing and Tail Collection

Successful forest grouse hunters are requested to submit a wing and tail from each forest grouse harvested. Wings and tails should be placed in a paper bag (one bag for each bird) and can be brought to any WDFW District or Regional office. The wings and tails can also be deposited in collection barrels placed around the state. Paper bags are available at each collection barrel. Check the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/upland-birds/grouse-wing-tail-collection or contact a district office to find out if there are collection barrels in your area.

Report Wild Turkey and Upland Bird Sightings

Help manage Washington's game bird populations by reporting your observations of wild turkeys and upland birds. In July and August, brood surveys that count the number of chicks or poults with hens will help monitor productivity. The rest of the year, your observations will help monitor distribution: where birds are located, what habitats they're using, and how they might move seasonally.

This year, Washington is having a brood survey blitz on the last weekend in July (July 27-28). Rally your friends and family and head to the fields to look for your favorite upland game birds. Report your observations, then share your photos in the photo contest (watch for information coming on WDFW’s Facebook page). Winning photos will be featured in next year’s Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Pamphlet.

For more information or to report sightings, visit
wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/management/game-bird-survey.

Small game harvest reporting is now online!

You can now report your small game hunting activity online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. Your reports of which species, dates you hunted, counties where you hunted, number of days hunted, and number of harvests are crucial for managing these populations. Even if you did not hunt or harvest, your report is essential. You can log your hunting activity throughout the season until March 31st. For more information, visit wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/harvest-reporting.

Review Hunts in the Upgraded Hunt Planner!

Go to https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ and click on
“Hunt Planner Webmap”

• New features, improved functionality, and more intuitive design
• Browser-based, mobile-friendly web map*
• Review harvest statistics and trends alongside hunting opportunities**

* No additional Mobile App download required. Accessible in all modern web browsers

** Not available for all hunting opportunities

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease – Guidance for Rabbit Hunters

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1 and RHDV2) is a contagious, often fatal disease in rabbits. It is classified as a foreign animal disease and is not known to infect humans or dogs, though they can spread the virus. In 2020, an outbreak occurred in southwestern North America, and in 2021, wild rabbits and hares in Oregon and Idaho were infected. RHDV spreads by direct contact with infected rabbits, and the virus can remain active for months in the environment. Please take extra precautions to reduce the risk of spreading this virus:

• Don't release non-native domestic rabbits into the wild.
• Don't move wild rabbits between areas.
• Prevent contact with dead rabbits; if contact is unavoidable, wash hands thoroughly and disinfect clothing with a 10% bleach solution or sterilizing wash.
• If hunting rabbits, bury or discard remains appropriately. Double-bag remains if discarded in the trash.
• Always wash hands after handling rabbits or rabbit meat, domestic or wild.
• Follow disinfection guidelines (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rhdv-cleaning-guidance.pdf) if using gear from states with cases of RHDV2 in wild lagomorphs.
• Don't move rabbit carcasses unless for consumption.
• Do not feed rabbit carcasses to falcons or bring them from out of state.
• If you have pet rabbits, take extra disinfecting precautions before and after entering the field.

For additional details, please visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture website at https://cms.agr.wa.gov/getmedia/07915d2d-bfd5-4cbb-b443-ab3b42b72722/RHDFactsheet. Diseased rabbits may not show outward signs, or they may display bright red blood around the nose and mouth. If you notice more than 3 dead rabbits in close proximity, please reach out to a WDFW Wildlife Veterinarian at [email protected].