New fishing and hunting pamphlets require study

Two new pamphlets require angler and hunter study. The new Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet became effective May 1, and will continue to be the angling guide through April 30, 2013.

Columbia River Sockeye:

A healthy forecast of sockeye bound for the upper Columbia River is expected to provide a number of sockeye angling opportunities in the Columbia River upstream of Pasco.

The sockeye forecast is interesting. The season dates vary, but from Priest Rapids Dam up to Chief Joseph Dam the minimum size is 12 inches with a limit of six chinook and six sockeye. Up to three adult chinook may be retained of which only one may be a wild adult chinook.

The season dates begin on July 1 and continues through Oct. 15, but the dates vary on different sections of the river, so consult the pamphlet for the section you wish to fish. From July 1 through Aug. 31 anglers may fish with two rods if they have purchased a two-pole endorsement. The endorsement cost is $14.80 this year, down from $24.50 last year.

General freshwater rules:

Some state freshwater rules include: Hook and line angling only. Barbed or barbless hooks may be used, and a hook may be single-point, double or treble, but not more than one line with up to three hooks per angler may be used.

Single-point barbless hooks are required in areas designated as fly fishing only or selective gear rules. All fishing gear must be kept in immediate control and may not be left unattended while fishing.

Rod holders may be used, but the rod must be easily removed without delay; rod may be left in holder while playing the fish.

A club or dip net may be used to assist landing a legal fish taken by legal gear. A gaff hook may not be used.

It's unlawful to possess a fish taken from freshwater that was not hooked inside the mouth or on the head. The head is defined as any portion forward of the rear margin of the gill plate.

This is a generous rule. Many states require the fish to be caught with the hook in the mouth.

Where use of bait is prohibited or where lures or flies are used voluntarily, game fish may be caught and released until the daily limit is retained. If any fish has swallowed the hook or is hooked in the gill, eye or tongue, it should be kept if legal to do so.

It is unlawful to chum or broadcast any substance to attract game fish. However, this rule has exceptions, such as Banks Lake where chumming is permitted.

Hunting pamphlet

The 2012 Washington Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet is now available and ready for study. This pamphlet is effective from April 1 through March 31 of next year.

Hunters first need to realize the deadline to submit special permit applications is May 18, just one week from tomorrow.  These applications can be submitted as an individual or as a group. I have been using the Fish and Wildlife's website to apply for our group of four hunt partners during the past several years. This is an easy and quick procedure.

There are several categories for each species. Including eight separate types of hunts for deer, seven for elk, six for moose four for sheep. The dates of the hunt and number of permits regulate the desire to apply to a specific area.

The quality deer hunts, for example, offer two hunts for Game Management Unit 290, which is designated the desert unit. If drawn, the hunter can shoot any buck.

There are two hunts involved in the modern firearm section. The first takes place from Oct. 27 through Nov. 4 and 17 permits will be awarded. The second is Nov. 17 through 25 and involves five hunts.

My thinking has me hunting my favorite area during the modern firearm general deer season Oct. 13 through 21. If I don't connect, I will hunt whichever desert hunt if drawn.

Another category is titled second deer, with a big change from last year. If drawn, the hunter will need to cough up $68 for the second tag, as opposed to $26. A Fish and Wildlife spokesman relayed the reason for the increase is about making money for the department and payment for a quality hunt or for getting another deer.

This is a shame. Yes, I know the budget has been cut, but these tags are supposedly to help control the deer herds. Too bad these tags couldn't be given to youth for another hunting opportunity.

Other tag increases include moose, bighorn sheep and goat from $122 to $332. It will be interesting to find out if hunters will stay away from these drawings because of the increase in prices.

Acquire both of the new pamphlets. Study them in order to assure you are legal when participating in the sports of hunting and fishing.