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W ASHINGTON 2014 May 2014 Volume 19 Issue 5

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Page 1: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

Washington 2014May 2014

Volume 19 • Issue 5

Page 2: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

Washington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules are available in pamphlet form at WDFW

offices, license dealers, and on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations. The 2014 special hunt application deadline is May 22nd at midnight. Results will be available at the end of June by going to https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/specialhuntlookup.

Application Process: To apply for sheep, goat, and/or moose, you must go online or call and purchase a special hunt application for each species you are applying for and then select the hunt choices and submit it. Hunters may purchase multiple applications for sheep and moose but only one application per hunt category, such as antlerless, any moose, rams, ewes, etc. The application submission period is April 22-May 22, 2014 at midnight.

Online Applications: You may apply online for Washington’s big game tags at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/oc_system/index.html.

Paper Applications: Paper applications are not accepted.

Phone Applications: Phone applications may be made by calling 866-320-9933. Operators are available 24 hours a day.

Application Payment: To apply online or over the phone, you may only use a MasterCard or Visa.

Non-Refundable Application Fees: Anyone 16 years old and older pays $110.50 per application for moose, goat, and sheep, which is non-refundable. Anyone 15 years old and younger only pays $3.80 per application for moose, goat, and sheep, which is non-refundable.

Withdraw/Amendment of Applications: Applications cannot be withdrawn. Applications may be amended before the draw takes place by calling the license division.

Tag Refunds: There are no refunds for hunting licenses or transport tags. Exchanges of hunting license documents will not be made after applying for a special permit or after the hunting season opens.

Point System: Washington has a bonus point system where bonus points accumulated are squared and a particular

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2014 Washington Non-resident Fees

Sheep License ............................................... $1,652Moose License .............................................. $1,652Goat License ................................................. $1,652Special Permit Application ...............................$110.50Youth (Under 16) Special Permit Application ............$3.80Youth Sheep, Moose, and Goat License ..................... $57

This information is not intended to replace Washington’s official hunting regulations. Use it only as a guide. Refer to the state regulations when applying.n

ote:

Sheep, Moose, and GoatWashington Department of Fish and Wildlife600 Capitol Way North • Olympia, WA 98501-1091360-902-2200 • http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting

Mitch SyverSon, california Bighorn Sheep

WaShington

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applicant receives that many names in the hat. Bonus points accumulate in each species category and will revert back to zero when drawn for any hunt choice.

Points Only Option: Applicants may apply for “Points Only” by using hunt code 5999 for sheep, 6999 for goat, and 8999 for moose.

Leftover Licenses: With the demand for moose, goat, and sheep licenses, there will be no leftover licenses.

Non-Resident Tag Quota: All of Washington’s sheep, goat, and moose draw permits are allocated through the draw process without regard to resident or non-resident hunter status, thus the draw odds are the same for residents and non-residents.

Draw Odds: The draw odds we list are not the true odds of drawing a particular tag as they do not reflect the number of bonus points each applicant has accumulated. They are calculated by dividing the total number of applications by the total number of tags authorized for a particular hunt. Residents and non-residents have the same odds of drawing. There are no resident versus non-resident tag quotas.

Sequence of the Draw: You will be given four hunt choices when applying for the special drawings. All of your choices will be considered before the next applicant is drawn. It is possible to draw a tag on your second, third, or fourth hunt choice. Your points will revert back to zero when drawn for any choice.

Party Applications: Party applications are accepted in Washington for all species. A maximum of two applicants may apply for sheep, goat, and moose hunts. Bonus points of all party members will be averaged and applied to the group application. The group leader will select the desired

hunts, apply, and choose a pass code. The other group member may then apply separately using the same pass code and will automatically be assigned the hunt choices the group leader selected.

Landowner Tags: There are no landowner tags available for moose, goat, or sheep in Washington.

Hunter Education Requirements: All individuals born after January 1, 1972 must show proof that they have completed a hunter education class or that they are not first-time hunting license buyers in Washington when buying a license. A Washington hunting license from a preceding year is considered legal proof if the previous year’s license has the hunter education certificate number or the previous year’s license number entered in the box.

Minimum Age to Hunt and to Apply: There are no minimum age restrictions other than the hunter education requirements.

Hunter Orange Requirements: Hunter orange is not required during the sheep, goat, or moose seasons.

Waiting Periods: If you draw a ram sheep or bull moose tag, you may not apply again if you harvest that species. Anyone who has harvested a Mountain goat since 1999 may not apply again.

Private Land Access Program: Wildlife’s Private Lands Program has increased public hunting access to private land. Currently there are approximately 500 private landowners and over one million acres enrolled in public access and habitat development agreements through the program.

Youth Hunter Program: Hunters under 16 years of age at the time of application may purchase a youth-priced special hunt permit application for $3.80 for each species, which is a significant savings compared to the adult price. Additionally, if youth are drawn for moose, sheep, or goat permits, they are only required to pay a youth permit fee of $57, compared to $1,652 for non-resident adults.

Raffle Tag Program: Washington offers raffle permits for California Bighorn sheep, moose, goat, deer, and elk. California Bighorn sheep raffle tickets are $11.50, and all others are $6. Raffle tickets are no longer available to purchase online or over the phone. For more information on the raffle tag program, go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/permits/raffles/index.html.

Washington Wild Sheep Foundation Raffle: The Washington Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation is conducting a raffle for one Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep permit. Visit their website at http://www.wafnaws.com/ for more information.

Mike little, ShiraS MooSe

WaShington

Page 4: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

Muzzleloader Restrictions: To be a legal muzzleloader for big game, it must meet all of the following requirements: be loaded from the barrel with black powder or black powder substitute, have a single or double barrel, be at least .45 caliber, sights must be open or peep, fiber optic sights are legal, ignition must be wheel-lock, matchlock, or flintlock, and the firing cap must be exposed to the weather.

Archery Restrictions: It is unlawful to use any of the following: electrical equipment or electric devices on your bow, any device secured to or supported by the bow for the purpose of maintaining the bow at full draw, use of a retractable broadhead, a bow that does not produce a minimum of 40 pounds of draw weight, any arrow measuring less than 20" and weighing less than 300 grains, or a bow equipped with a scope. Crossbows are illegal to use during the archery season unless you have a disabled hunter permit. Illuminated nocks are legal in Washington.

Maps: You can build your own maps at http://www.huntinfool.com/maps/. A list of map sources for BLM and US Forest Service maps can also be found in the 2014 Big Game Hunting Regulations on page 100 or you can go to http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/gohunt/.

Harvest Reporting Requirements: Hunter reports are required from deer, elk, Black bear, moose, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat, and turkey hunters. Reports are due by January 31, 2014, even if you did not hunt. The two ways to report are online or by phone at 877-945-3492.

Horn Marking Requirements: Anyone who harvests a Bighorn sheep ram must present the horns for inspection and marking within 10 days to a WDFW regional office.

Wolf Opportunities/Updates: Based on field reports and aerial monitoring, the 2013 survey confirms the presence of at least 52 wolves in 13 wolf packs with a total of five successful breeding pairs. The actual number of wolves in Washington is likely much higher than the number confirmed by the survey.

Did You Know:• Applicants may apply for “Points Only” by using

hunt code 5999 for sheep, 6999 for goat, and 8999 for moose.

• You may apply for up to four hunt choices and all will be considered before the next applicant is drawn.

• You must purchase a special permit application to apply for the special hunts.

• Bonus points will be averaged for group applications.

• Applicants for special hunt permits will receive notification of drawing status by the end of June. Draw results may also be obtained by logging onto https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/specialhuntlookup.

• Special hunting licenses for goat, moose, or sheep must be purchased within 15 days of the notification date or the permit will be void and offered to the alternate.

• Non-residents and residents are in the same drawing pool for sheep, moose, and goat draws.

• A legal Mountain goat must have horns of 4" or longer. The WDFW encourages hunters to refrain from harvesting nannies.

Comments:Washington has a lot of diverse habitat throughout the state. They allow hunters the opportunity to hunt California Bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat, Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk, Mule deer, Columbia Blacktail deer, and Whitetail deer.

For non-residents, it is difficult to justify applying for Washington’s special, better quality draw hunts for deer and/or elk. In order to apply for these draw hunts, you must first purchase a non-refundable deer and/or elk license, both of which are well over $400. If you are unsuccessful in the draw, you are stuck with a general tag. Unless you have connections in Washington, we do not recommend that you try the general hunts; therefore, in the Huntin’ Fool® magazine, since we cover all of the western states from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington.

In Washington, when you apply as a non-resident for sheep, goat, or moose, you must purchase a $110.50 Special Hunt Permit Application for each species. You then submit the application, and if you are lucky enough to draw, you purchase the $1,652 sheep, goat, or moose license. Hunters under the age of 16 at the time of application pay $3.80 for each application for moose, sheep, or goat, and if drawn, they then pay $57 for the tag. Washington manages their

www.huntinfool.com112

WilliaM roozen, Mtn goat, WaShington With caScade WilderneSS outfitterS

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sheep, goat, and moose populations very conservatively, so hunters typically run extremely high success rates.

Washington has different categories of permits for moose and sheep, such as 65 years and over permits, youth permits, disabled permits, master hunter permits, and antlerless and ewe permits. Typically all of these permits are for female animals only. Hunters can apply for these permits in addition to the regular permits, so you may receive more than one sheep or moose permit in 1 year, just not two trophy permits. Check the regulations for more information on these types of hunts. All of Washington’s sheep, goat, and moose draw permits are allocated through the draw process without regard to resident or non-resident hunter status; therefore, the draw odds are the same for residents and non-residents.

In addition to Washington’s regular drawing, they also have a unique raffle permit drawing system for deer, elk, moose, Mountain goat, and sheep. The raffle tickets you purchase may be for a single species or a package of multiple species. These raffle tickets must be purchased through Washington’s license vendors. For more information on these raffle packages, species available, and cost, consult Washington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Seasons

and Regulations booklet or go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/permits/.

Non-resident hunters looking to hunt sheep, goat, or moose should look hard at Washington and decide if it’s one of the states they should apply in. It costs a non-refundable $110.50 per application for moose, goat, and sheep. That is a lot of money for a state with tough draw odds.

The best piece of information in this whole state section is what Washington does for the youth. If you have kids that have their hunter education and are under 16 years old, then you should be applying them for moose, goat, and sheep. You will be able to apply a kid for moose, goat, and sheep for $11.40 total for all three! That’s right, it is only $3.80 to apply a youth for sheep, goat, or moose. If they are lucky enough to draw the tag, it will only cost $57. Thank you Washington for treating the youth right!

The raffle tags are another way to go. Just remember that you cannot buy raffle tags online or over the phone. You must buy them at a vendor in Washington. Check out this year’s raffle packages on the WDFW website.

Washington Sheep

Washington California Bighorns are amongst the highest scoring in the West with the occasional 180" ram

taken. They also harvest a few great Rocky Mountain Bighorns every year. For 2014, there will be 27 total Washington sheep tags available. Last year there were only 26 tags available.

The Swakane unit is the best California Bighorn sheep unit in the state. It has a lot of older age class rams available with a 175" ram potential. All other units in

the state have great rams, scoring 165" plus. Most of the California Bighorn hunts in Washington are relatively easy, averaging 2-3 days to harvest a ram. The statewide California Bighorn sheep harvest success for 2012 was 92%. Lincoln Cliffs and Umtanum both added another tag for 2014.

Drawing a sheep tag anywhere is difficult, but Washington is one of the most difficult and expensive states. In 2013, 26 ram tags were issued with 14,348 applicants. That is

Brian clintWorth, california Bighorn Sheep

WaShington

toM little, california Bighorn Sheep

WaShington

Page 6: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

1 in 551 odds of a hunter drawing a tag. Remember that since Washington allows an applicant four valid choices for each species, all of your choices are considered before the next applicant is considered. Your odds are essentially four times better for drawing a tag than what we list in the tables. If you are a sheep nut needing a Bighorn sheep, Washington gives hunters another opportunity to apply for a tag.

The big thing to remember is that if you have or know of youth with hunter safety under 16 years of age, you are crazy not to apply them for sheep. It only costs $3.80 to apply, and if they draw, the tag is only $57.

Biologists in Washington are conservative when it comes to issuing a ram tag. For every eight or more 1/2 curl rams, with at least two of those being 3/4 curl or better in the surveys, they will issue one tag. That formula ensures healthy sheep populations and provides extremely high success and a quality hunt for the lucky hunter.

When it comes to sheep hunting in Washington, do not forget the auction and raffle tags. The Washington Wild Sheep Foundation will raffle off the one Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep tag. Washington WDFW will raffle off

three California Bighorn tags. The raffle Bighorn sheep tags oftentimes offer as good of odds or better than the regular draw.

www.huntinfool.com114

Sheep Any Ram

Points Applications20 6

19 6

18 448

17 266

16 241

15 472

14 444

13 479

12 561

11 661

10 647

9 768

8 772

7 960

6 945

5 1,004

4 1,140

3 1,172

2 1,242

1 1,760

All Washington Bighorn Sheep Ram Units

Unit Hunt Code

Total # of Tags 2010 2011 201220132014

2014Hunt Dates

Draw Odds 2009 2010 201120122013

Harvest Success 2008 2009 201020112012

Comments

Asotin5010

22201

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,6431 in 8291 in 1,1771 in 1,100N/A

100%0%100%100%100%

Rocky Mountain Bighorns. Reopened for 2014. 180+ rams available in this small population of sheep. Good access with a lot of public land. Some timber pockets will be used by the rams in warm weather. This unit is located in the southeast corner of the state and is the only true Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep unit. Hunter averaged 3 days on this unit in 2012.

Vulcan Mt.5000

1 1 111

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,540 1 in 1,146 N/A1 in 1,0341 in 1,209

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. This is an easy hunt for 160+ rams. This unit borders Canada. Sheep live mostly on public land, but some private land limits access. Hunters can pay trespass fees or access the country from the top without having to pay fees. Hunter averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.

Selah Butte5001

5 4 333

Nov 3-30 1 in 1,138 1 in 986 1 in 1,0941 in 1,0421 in 1,461

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. A lot of rams available. This is an easy hunt to harvest a 165+ ram. Good access with some private land which requires a trespass fee. There is plenty of public land, so a hunter does not need to hunt the private land. Steep, rocky country with no timber. Rams can be glassed from the highway. Sheep cross back and forth with the Umtanum unit. East side of the Yakima River. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.

Umtanum5002

5 4 223

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,377 1 in 1,148 1 in 1,3561 in 1,8641 in 2,284

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. 100% public land with great access on the unit. One of the easiest sheep hunts in Washington. 165+ rams. Steep, rocky country with no timber. Most people spot the rams from the highway then float the river for access. West side of Yakima River. Hunters averaged 4 days on this unit in 2012.

Cleman Mt. A 5003

3 3 654

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,742 1 in 1,547 1 in 1,5351 in 7961 in 1,169

67% 100% 100%100%80%

California Bighorns. Really good unit for 165+ rams. Hunters can expect to see a lot of mature rams on this hunt. Vehicle access to the top and hunt downhill to the highway. Sheep can be bunched up during the hunt. Small unit with some timber areas. Hunters averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012.

Cleman Mt. B 5004

3 3 654

Nov 3-30 1 in 1,442 1 in 1,187 1 in 1,1411 in 6881 in 1,016

100% 100% 100%100%100%

Same as above, but this hunt takes place during the rut. Expect cooler weather and the sheep being easier to locate. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.

Mt. Hull A 5005

1 1 122

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,363 1 in 1,143 1 in 1,1351 in 9501 in 781

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. Easy hunt for 165+ rams. This population is doing really well with a lot of rams available. A lot of private land, but enough public land to allow for a good hunt. Good road access. Sheep are concentrated on Mt. Hull. Canadian sheep will mix with these sheep. Hunters averaged 7 days on this unit in 2012.

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115435-865-1020

All Washington Bighorn Sheep Ram Units (Continued)

Unit Hunt Code

Total # of Tags 2010 2011 201220132014

2014Hunt Dates

Draw Odds 2009 2010 201120122013

Harvest Success 2008 2009 201020112012

Comments

Lincoln Cliffs 5006

1 1 112

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,608 1 in 1,456 1 in 1,4881 in 1,2061 in 1,596

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. This can be a tough hunt due to having to secure private land access to hunt this unit. A lot of smaller five acre ranches spread throughout. Not a remote area. Good hunt for 160-165" rams with a potential for 170+. Some sheep will be at higher elevations, but others will be spread throughout the unit. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012 and saw 50 sheep.

Quilomene 5007

4 4 333

Sept 15- Oct 10

1 in 1,129 1 in 936 1 in 9431 in 9951 in 1,294

100% 100% 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. 160+ rams on this unit. A lot of rams available on this hunt. Most hunters access from a boat as sheep are found in the Columbia River Breaks. A 2-mile hike from the access road will also put you in the sheep. Public land but will require serious hiking. Hunters averaged 2 days on this unit in 2012.

Swakane 5008

1 1 111

Sept 15- Oct 10

N/A 1 in 3,209 1 in 3,7731 in 3,1591 in 4,295

100% N/A 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. Best unit in the state for California Bighorns. Terrible odds but always a fun hunt if you are lucky enough to draw. 170+ rams with the potential for a giant to be taken. Rough, steep, rocky, open country with some scattered timber but is very glassable. Hunter averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012 and saw 16 sheep.

Manson 5009

2 2 222

Nov 5-30 1 in 1,288 1 in 1,075 1 in 1,0421 in 8961 in 1,215

100% 100% 100%100%50%

California Bighorns. Physically demanding hunt for 165+ rams. For best access plan on backpacking in or use a boat for access. Sheep move around a lot. A few roads to higher elevations. Public land. North shore of Lake Chelan. Hunters averaged 4 days on this unit in 2012.

Chelan Butte5011

1 1 111

Sept 15- Oct 10

New in 2010 1 in 2,002 1 in 2,0781 in 2,1131 in 2,977

New in 2010 100%100%100%

California Bighorns. Very easy unit to hunt with great access. A lot of rams with 170+ rams available. A good number of older rams available in this herd. Unit is east of the town of Chelan. Hunter averaged 1 day on this unit in 2012 and saw 35 sheep.

Washington Sheep Units Map

This map is for general reference only. Refer to the state proclamation for exact boundaries.

Page 8: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

Washington is a great place to hunt Shiras moose if you can get lucky enough to beat the odds and draw a tag.

Every unit in the state has the potential to produce a great bull. If you want to hunt a big Shiras moose and a non-refundable fee of $110.50 is in your budget, then apply.

Washington’s moose units are all located in the northeast quarter of the state. Last year Washington issued 82 either-sex moose tags with a total of 20,597 applicants, equaling about 1 moose tag per 251 applicants. Their overall success on their either-sex moose hunts yielded 96% success. Remember that since Washington allows an applicant four valid choices for each species, all of your choices are considered before the next applicant is considered. Your odds are essentially four times better for drawing a tag than we list in the tables.

An applicant may apply more than once if they select different types of hunts. For example, you can apply for an antlerless moose tag as well as an either-sex moose tag, just not two either-sex moose tags.

A big change for 2014 is the opening of the Parker Lake unit. This unit will have different hunts for 2014. The

first hunt is an archery hunt from September 1-26, and the second hunt is a muzzleloader hunt from September 27-October 5. The muzzleloader hunt will be someone’s best opportunity to harvest a great bull. Washington’s moose are managed very conservatively and provide high quality moose hunts for those who are lucky enough to draw a tag.

Moose hunters will have a long season to hunt with season dates from October 1-November 30 in all units other than the new Parker Lake unit. The first two weeks of October will be the best time to hunt if you want to call in rutting bulls. Late November is another great time to hunt as the leaves are off the trees and snow will help in moving the bulls to lower country. The best unit in the state is still 49 Degrees North, but 40" bulls will be taken in every unit. Washington averages the highest hunter success in the West on its moose hunts.

In addition to the regular moose draw, several moose tags will be available through their raffle program. Refer to Washington’s 2014 Big Game Hunting Season and Rules pamphlet for more information or go to their website.

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Washington Shiras Moose

lindy ruSSell, ShiraS MooSe

WaShington

Any Moose

Points Applications20 5

19 7

18 372

17 238

16 244

15 638

14 648

13 675

12 766

11 873

10 1,032

9 1,107

8 1,147

7 1,303

6 1,430

5 1,505

4 1,608

3 1,790

2 1,766

1 2,533

Washington Youth OpportunitiesHunters under 16 years of age at the time of application may purchase a youth-priced special hunt

permit application for $3.80 for each species, which is a significant savings compared to the adult price. Additionally, if youth are drawn for moose, sheep, or goat permits, they are only required to pay a youth

permit fee of $57, compared to $1,652 for non-resident adults.

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larry gitch, 151 3/8" ShiraS MooSe

WaShington

rachel BurnS, 40" ShiraS MooSe

WaShington

All Washington Moose Units

Unit Hunt Code

Total # of Tags 2010 2011 201220132014

2014Hunt Dates

Draw Odds 2009 2010 201120122013

Harvest Success 2008 2009 201020112012

Comments

Kettle Range/East Okanogan 8000

3 8 101010

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 1,146 1 in 1,229 1 in 6011 in 4251 in 460

100% 67% 100%71%80%

Moose population is doing very well. Good hunt for 40+ bulls. Great vehicle access. Hunt the first part of the season for the rut or wait until vegetation has fallen from trees and you get snow to find bulls. Highest moose densities are found on the southern and eastern part of the unit. Look toward Sherman Creek drainages for a starting spot. Hunters averaged 9 days of hunting in 2012.

Selkirk Mtns. A 8001

22 17 151515

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 542 1 in 582 1 in 7011 in 6161 in 658

100% 100% 100%94%100%

Can be tough to locate moose early in the season due to thick timber and brush. USFS gated roads on the northern end of the unit, but the southern end of the unit has great access. Timber company land will allow walk-in access. Bulls move into lower country that is more open toward the end of the season. 40+ bulls available. It took hunters an average of 4 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.

Mt. Spokane South A 8002

New in 2012 888

Oct 1- Nov 30

Unit Split in 20121 in 7271 in 754

Unit Split in 2012100%

90% private timber company land that allows access for a small fee. 40+ bulls are available. Mainly walk-in type hunting from the main roads. Thick country with some glassable logging areas. Look to Thompson Creek and Brickle Creek for good bulls. Hunt the opener unless temperatures are unseasonably warm. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.

Mt. Spokane North A 8003

New in 2012 888

Oct 1- Nov 30

Unit Split in 20121 in 8211 in 911

Unit Split in 2012100%

40+ bulls. 90% private timber company land that allows access for a small fee. Most access is walk-in behind gated roads. Less pressure on the northern side of the unit. Northern end of unit has the highest densities of moose. Moose will be near 5-15 year old logging cuts. Hunt the opener unless temperatures are unseasonably warm. Hunters averaged 2 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.

49 Degrees North A 8004

22 22 212121

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 656 1 in 720 1 in 7291 in 6221 in 674

100% 100% 100%100%100%

Best moose unit in the state. A lot of moose with 45+ bulls available. Easy hunt with good access with a mix of USFS and private timber land. Well-roaded throughout the unit. Hunt the rut if you draw. This is a very glassable unit. Southern end of the unit has some closed roads with bigger bulls. Hunters averaged 3 days of hunting to harvest in 2012.

Three Forks 8005

6 6 666

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 724 1 in 770 1 in 7421 in 5761 in 754

100% 100% 100%100%83%

Good unit with some 40+ bulls. Good access. May have to hunt harder to locate big bulls. Mix of USFS, DNR, and private timber land that allows walk-in access. Hunt the clear-cuts as this unit has a lot of thick timber. Moose concentrated in the eastern and central parts of this unit. Look toward Big Meadow Lake for good bulls. Hunters averaged 6 days of hunting to take a moose in 2012.

Hangman A 8006

7 7 777

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 403 1 in 489 1 in 4511 in 3381 in 337

100% 100% 100%100%100%

Increasing moose population with 40+ bulls available. Steep terrain with thick timber and brush. Plenty of bulls. Private land is the best. Secure private trespass from tree farms for best success. Scout and locate a bull prior to season opener or hunt late when the foliage falls from the trees and brush. Hunters averaged 3 days of hunting in 2012 to harvest a moose.

Huckleberry Range A 8007

6 6 777

Oct 1- Nov 30

1 in 964 1 in 1,152 1 in 1,1661 in 8181 in 847

100% 100% 100%100%100%

Good moose unit for 40+ bulls. This unit has a lot of the moose habitat that is mainly owned by Boise Cascade Timber Company. No USFS land. Some state and BLM land. Gated roads limit vehicle access. You must hunt hard for a trophy bull. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting in 2012.

Parker Lake A8008Archery Only

New for 20142

Sept 1-26

New for 2014

New for 2014 New archery hunt. Potential for a great older age class bull. Thick timber that will be challenging for archery hunters. Scout entire unit before opener and try to locate a good bull, then hunt early if you find one. If you have no time to scout, wait for the rut to pick up at the end of the season. Good access, but hunters will have to walk in. Bulls should be up high.

Parker Lake B8009Muzzleloader Only

New for 20142

Sept 27- Oct 5

New for 2014

New for 2014 New muzzleloader hunt in the same unit as the archery hunt above. Great rut dates on this moose hunt. Thick timber will be challenging for locating bulls. Scout before season opener and try to locate a good bull. Calling should provide plenty of action. Good access, but hunters will have to cover ground to find the best bulls. Bulls should be up high.

Page 10: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

Of all the states that have Mountain goats, there is no other state that manages their Mountain goats more

conservatively than Washington. Their harvest guidelines limit the harvest opportunity to 4% or less of the total population. Also, a unit must have a minimum goat population of 100 total animals for one tag to be issued. Their populations are stable to increasing with great goat populations in all of their huntable units. If you are lucky enough to draw a goat tag, you can expect a high quality goat hunt without any other hunting pressure.

New for 2014, Washington will be opening two new Mountain goat units. Both of the units are located on the Olympic Peninsula and border the National Park. The Brothers unit will have two permits with a season from September 15-25. This unit will produce some really good goats. Be prepared for a backpack wilderness type hunt. The other new unit is Mt. Washington. It will have two different seasons with two permits offered for each season. The first season will be September 15-25 followed

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Washington Goat & Moose Units Map

Washington Mountain Goat

This map is for general reference only. Refer to the state proclamation for exact boundaries.

Mountain Goat

Points Applications20 4

19 5

18 370

17 220

16 221

15 305

14 301

13 363

12 358

11 423

10 438

9 504

8 532

7 687

6 642

5 699

4 742

3 847

2 901

1 1,372

Page 11: Sheep, Moose, and Goat - Huntin' Fool · from a non-resident perspective, we only cover the sheep, moose, and goat draw information in Washington. In Washington, when you apply as

119435-865-1020

by the second season of September 26-October 5. This unit will produce some older age class billies. The southern end of the unit will have the highest goat densities. Due to lower goat counts, the state of Washington closed the Methow unit for 2014.

Washington is planning on issuing 22 goats tags in 2014. That is an eight tag increase from 2013. Washington always produces some giant goats, and honestly, a great billy can come from any unit. If you are an archery hunter, realize that if you draw a tag you can start archery hunting September 1st and have through September 14th in all units except the Mt. Washington and Brothers units. If unsuccessful on your archery hunt, you still have from September 15-October 31 to try to fill your tag.

The best goats typically come from the Mt. Baker subunits or the Goat Rocks/Tieton River unit. The Mt. Baker subunits are made up of Avalanche Gorge, Chowder Ridge, and Lincoln Peaks. These are very physically tough goat hunts, so be in shape if you apply for them. Washington’s goat hunts have very high success rates, and hunters usually do not spend more than 4 days afield to harvest.

In 2013, Washington issued 14 goat tags with 10,136 hunters applying. That is 1 in 724 odds. The odds of drawing a goat tag in Washington are not good at all, but if you are crazy about big goats, spend the $110.50 to apply. Remember

that since Washington allows an applicant four valid choices for each species, all of your choices are considered before the next applicant is considered. Your odds are essentially four times better for drawing a tag than we list in the tables, so make sure you apply for four hunt codes to increase your chances. You may also consider buying raffle tickets. Last year 1,711 tickets were purchased for the one governor type Mountain goat permit. Those are not great odds, but still it is another chance to draw.

traviS aMundSon, Mtn goat

WaShington

Photo Courtesy of AAron hulett

WAshington MountAin goAts

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All Washington Mountain Goat Units

Unit Hunt Code

Total # of Tags 2010 2011 201220132014

2014 Hunt Dates

Draw Odds 2009 2010201120122013

Harvest Success 2008 2009 201020112012

Comments

North Lake Chelan6001

22222

Sept 15- Oct 31

1 in 1,2091 in 1,1511 in 1,2031 in 9391 in 1,091

100%100%100%100%100%

Great unit for 9+ goats. Physical, rough country with steep, sheer cliffs. Being in good shape will make for a more enjoyable hunt. Early in the year goats will be up high. Late October goats may move toward Lake Chelan. Stable population of goats. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting to take a goat in 2012.

South Lake Chelan6002

New in 2012111

Sept 15- Oct 15

New in 20121 in 1,6531 in 1,460

New in 20120%

Smaller population of goats, but a good unit for 9" goats. Steep, physical, rough country. Being in good shape will make for a more enjoyable hunt. Best hunting will be in wilderness. Backpack 4-6 miles for best success. Hunt area consists of the south shore of Lake Chelan. The hunter did not hunt in 2012.

Avalanche Gorge6003

New in 201322

Sept 15- Oct 15

New in 20131 in 834

New in 2013 Great goat unit with 9+ goats with potential for a giant billy. One of the three subunits of Mt. Baker. Tough, steep country. 4-6 mile hike to access goat country. Expect recreational rock climbers and hikers during hunt. Weekday hunting might be best. Hunt was new in 2013, so no harvest data at this time.

Naches Pass6004

11112

Sept 15- Oct 15

1 in 4,6571 in 4,3121 in 4,4831 in 3,4811 in 3,515

100%100%100%100%100%

Good unit with a lot of goats. Larger herds of 40-60 goats. Will have to glass carefully to find best goat. Wilderness unit with good vehicle access to trailheads and then a 2-6 mile hike to access goat country. Population estimated at 147 goats. Hunters averaged 2 days of hunting to take a goat in 2012.

Bumping River6005

11112

Sept 15- Oct 15

1 in 2,5491 in 4,4221 in 4,4061 in 3,1641 in 3,228

100%100%100%100%100%

9" goats available. Mostly wilderness with good access from trailhead to goat country. Rugged, physical country. Expect to hike 2-4 miles. Use horses or backpack in for best chance at success. Population estimated at 142 goats. Hunters averaged 4 days of hunting to take a goat in 2012.

Blazed Ridge6006

11111

Sept 15- Oct 15

1 in 4,2561 in 4,0601 in 4,1971 in 3,2201 in 3,293

50%0%100%100%100%

Good hunt for big goats. Look for goats in groups of 10-12. Timber pockets will provide cover, making goats hard to locate. Easy vehicle access to top and bottom of ridges. Population estimated at 104 goats. 2012 hunter averaged 11 days for harvest.

Chowder Ridge 6007

1 1 212

Sept 15- Oct 15

Unit Split in 2010 1 in 1,218 1 in 1,4181 in 8201 in 1,380

Unit Split in 2010 100%100%100%

One of the best units in the state. One of three subunits of Mt. Baker. Rough, physical country. Good hunt with 9+ goats available. Expect 4-6 mile backpack hike into goat country. Goats will be between 5,000-6,500' elevations. Population estimated at 322. Hunters had 100% success in 2012, but neither hunter reported how many days it took to harvest.

Lincoln Peak 6008

2 2 111

Sept 15- Oct 15

Unit Split in 2010 1 in 761 1 in 7791 in 1,1351 in 992

Unit Split in 2010 100%100%0%

The toughest of the three Mt. Baker subunits. A good unit with some big goats. Good access into rough country. Goats will be up high in cliffs. 9+ goats available. 2012 hunter did not harvest.

Goat Rocks/ Tieton River 6009

5 3 333

Sept 15- Oct 15

1 in 1,271 1 in 1,290 1 in 2,1131 in 1,7211 in 1,777

100% 100% 100%67%100%

Possibly the best goat unit. Big 9+ goats. Wilderness hunt, so use horses or backpack to access backcountry. On some years goats may be found as close as 2 miles from trailhead. Good trailhead access. Unit holds a larger population of goats. Population estimated at 231. Hunters averaged 1 day of hunting to take a goat in 2012.

Mt. Washington-A6010

New for 20142

Sept 15-25 New for 2014 New for 2014 This huge unit hasn’t been hunted in years. Wilderness backpack type hunt. Goats will be spread out in very steep, physical country. Should be a good hunt for older age class goats. Southern end of unit will have highest densities of goats. Use GPS to know National Park boundaries. Look for goats on Mt. Washington and Mt. Pershing. High country buck hunt at same time. Goats will go back and forth between National Park and wilderness. Be very careful of hikers. Hunting weekdays is recommended. Very stable population of goats. Can be very dry on some years, so pack water.

Mt. Washington-B6011

New for 20142

Sept 26- Oct 5

New for 2014 New for 2014 This is the second hunt of the Mt. Washington unit. Same information as above but later dates.

Brothers6012

New for 20142

Sept 15-25 New for 2014 New for 2014 Increasing population of goats with 9+ goats available. This unit has not been hunted in years. This is not going to be an easy hunt. Very physical hunt with steep, rugged mountains. Huge area with goats spread throughout. Backpack wilderness type hunt. Scout prior to season opener from Lena Lake trail. Goats will be above timberline in big, wide open country. Use GPS to know National Park boundaries. Goats could be in the park. Area has many recreational hikers, so hunting weekdays is recommended.

Washington State-Held RaffleSometimes the Washington state-held raffle offers better odds dollar-for-dollar than the state draw tags for some species. Tickets

for moose and goat are about $6 each, and the Bighorn sheep tickets are $11.50. With the high cost of application fees at $110 per application, you might have better odds of drawing a tag in the state-held raffle than the state issued draw tags. If you bought 18 tickets for the moose and/or goat raffle (which equates to the non-resident application fee of $110), you would have 1 in 95 odds of drawing the goat raffle tag and 1 in 263 odds of drawing the moose raffle tag. If you bought 9 tickets for the sheep raffle (which

equates to the non-resident application fee of $110), you would have 1 in 208 odds of drawing the sheep raffle tag.

Total tickets sold per species for 2013 were 1,711 tickets for Mountain goat, 4,731 tickets for moose, and 1,870 tickets for sheep.