Washington Administrative Code
Title 220 - Fish and Wildlife, Department of
WILDLIFE
Chapter 220-415 - Wildlife-Hunting-Big game
Section 220-415-090 - Fall black bear hunting seasons and regulations
It is unlawful to fail to comply with the provisions below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410, 77.15.245, or 77.15.280.
Bag Limit: Two (2) black bear per annual hunting season.
Area Restriction: GMUs 157, 490, and 522 are closed to fall bear hunting. Special deer permit required to hunt black bear in GMU 485. Hunters that choose to hunt in GMUs located in grizzly bear recovery areas, as identified by the department, must successfully complete the annual WDFW online bear identification test or equivalent test from another state and carry proof of successful completion.
License Required: A valid big game hunting license, which includes black bear as a species option, is required to hunt black bear. One black bear transport tag is included with a big game hunting license that has black bear as a species option. A second black bear transport tag must be purchased to take a second bear.
Hunting Method: Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear. The use of hounds and bait to hunt black bear is prohibited statewide.
Other Requirements: Hunters that choose to hunt in GMUs located in grizzly bear recovery areas as identified by the department must successfully complete the annual WDFW online bear identification test with a passing score (80% or higher) or carry proof that they have passed an equivalent test from another state. The WDFW test may be taken repeatedly until a passing score is achieved. All hunters must carry proof of passing a bear identification test while hunting in the GMUs identified by the department.
Submitting Biological Samples and Bear Teeth: Successful bear hunters must comply with harvest reporting and submission of biological samples including the black bear premolar tooth located behind the canine tooth of the upper jaw. Failure to comply with the submission of biological samples is a misdemeanor pursuant to RCW 77.15.280.
Fall black bear season dates: August 1 to November 15.
Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 12-12-006 (Order 12-90), § 232-28-288, filed 5/23/12, effective 6/23/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-28-288, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10.
