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All Washington State Land Closures Extended to May 4 - Update on Other Closures and Restrictions
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/06/20
News # 13453
Campers who have state park reservations through May 4 will be notified and offered a full refund. Visitors can find the latest information about State Park operations at parks.state.wa.us/COVID19.
People should continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene when outdoors and continue to stay as close to home as possible. The agencies will continue to monitor this issue and will keep you updated on the latest updates.
Hunting
Hunting seasons: The youth turkey hunt scheduled for April 4-5 is canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting will now be closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders in northeast Washington would be traveling from outside the area.
Youth who were planning to hunt on April 4 or 5 may still use their tags in the regular spring or fall turkey seasons, pending further impacts. The spring turkey season is scheduled to run April 15 through May 31. WDFW will reassess its ability to open the impacted hunting areas, as well as several other upcoming hunting seasons.
A limited number of open hunting seasons that are winding down or have limited participation that does not create the same public health concerns remain open.
- Sealing bobcats and river otters: Successful hunters/trappers must contact a WDFW office for pelt sealing and submit the associated harvest report to the department by July 20, 2020. (The previous date was April 20.)
- Sealing cougars: A fish and wildlife enforcement officer or available wildlife staff can seal a cougar – contact your regional office to coordinate. Cougar hunters can verify if the season is open or closed by calling the toll free cougar hunting hotline (1-866-364-4868). After Jan. 1, 2020, all hunters must report their kills via the cougar hotline within 72 hours (press 3 after the recording), and kills must be sealed by WDFW staff within 5 days (unfrozen).
Fishing and Shellfishing
- Fishing and shellfishing seasons: Beginning at midnight March 25 and lasting until at least 5 p.m. on April 8, WDFW is closing recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide in response to the governor’s order to "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" and limit the spread of coronavirus.
- Razor clams: Planned razor clam digs have been cancelled until further notice.
- Catch record cards: Return via mail or hold onto them until you are safe to drop off.
- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Check Stations: AIS check stations are still active, and WDFW staff are inspecting watercraft for invasive species.
For the latest Updates see; https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates
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In accordance with the governor’s extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, all Washington state lands will continue to be closed to the public through May 4.
This action is a continuation of the state’s efforts to protect residents by stemming the spread of the coronavirus. This extension will apply to all camping on state lands, boat launches and water access sites, wildlife areas, and day-use recreation areas.
We understand and appreciate the hardship the park’s closure has on the outdoor-recreating public,” said Parks Director Don Hoch. We all need to do whatever we can to help contain the spread of this virus. That means postponing a trip to a state park and staying home and staying healthy.”
