Modern, high-powered rifles are not allowed for hunting in
San Juan County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has
adopted a firearm restriction for all of San Juan County. Use of modern
rimfire and centerfire rifles for hunting is prohibited. Revolver
pistols, shotguns that use slugs or buckshot, bow and arrows and
muzzleloader rifles are still allowed during the hunting season.
This is the first year the firearm restriction has been in
place. "The new regulation will require education of all hunters," said
Prosecutor Randall K. Gaylord. Hunters receive a hunting pamphlet with
their license that explains the firearm restrictions on pages 57 and 58.
Gaylord explained that the firearm restrictions were adopted at the
request of property owners and with the widespread support of local
officials. "Many homes are close to areas where people hunt, and these
regulations are a way to allow hunting to continue while minimizing the
chance an errant bullet will hurt someone," said Gaylord.
In addition, San Juan County Code 9.08.040 makes it unlawful
to discharge a firearm or arrow across the property of another without
the written permission of the property owner. "This written permission
must be carried by the person when hunting, just like a license," said
Undersheriff Jon Zerby. A copy of a sample authorization form is
below.
PRIVATE PROPERTY HUNTING PERMIT
San Juan County Ordinance #9.08.040 states, in part, that it shall be
unlawful for any person to discharge upon or across the land or premises
of another (whether or not posted or fenced) any firearm or bow and
arrow type device without first obtaining the written permission on the
owner or lessee of such real property and without carrying the original
of such written permission on their person. Violation of this ordinance
is a misdemeanor punished by fine, jail or both.
Name of Person(s) to whom Permit Issued:
Name Address
Phone#
TYPE OF ACTIVITY FOR WHICH PERMIT ISSUED:_______________________
Time period for which permit issued: (not to exceed one year)_______________
Description of Property for which permit
issued:______________________________
Person Issuing Permit: I________________________________, do hereby
grant the
(print name)
above listed persons my permission to engage in the above listed
activity, for the length of time stated, and only on the above-described
property. I also certify that at the time I granted this permission I
was the owner/lessee, and or person having legal control of this
property.
Time:_______________ Date:____________
Signature:______________________
Phone #_______________________
It is unlawful to Alter or Falsify any information on this permit.
.
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