October 13, 2006
Notice to Hunters:
Firearm Restrictions Apply in San Juan County
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.
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This is the first year the firearm restriction has
been in place. “The new regulation will require education
of all hunters,” says Bob Myhr, Council Member, District
6 (Lopez/ Shaw/ Decatur/ Blakely/ Center Islands). Hunters receive
a hunting pamphlet with their license that explains the firearm
restrictions on pages 57 and 58.
Myhr points out that the firearm restrictions were
adopted at the request of property owners and with the widespread
support of the County Council. 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.
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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,” according to Undersheriff Jon Zerby.
Hunters must have written permission from the property owner
to discharge a firearm across private property. |
