Hunting seasons underway; tips for sharing space in the Skagit Valley
This blog post, originally published by Skagit Audubon Society for their member newsletter in coordination with the Be Bird Wise coalition, offers tips for sharing space during hunting seasons in the Skagit Valley and beyond. Learn more at bebirdwise.org.
The Skagit Valley in Washington’s North Puget Sound Region is a rich landscape with diverse fish, wildlife, and bird species as well as vibrant human communities. The lower valley and Skagit Delta in particular are renowned for exceptionally fertile farmlands and world-class birdwatching along with some of North America’s best waterfowl hunting, particularly for ducks and snow geese.
Within the Skagit Valley are 18,138 acres of diverse lands, marshes, estuaries, and tidelands across 21 units that makeup the Skagit Wildlife Area, managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Of particular note for birders and hunters alike, much of the South Fork Skagit River estuary and southwestern portions of Fir Island are included within this wildlife area, as well as areas of marsh and intertidal estuary bordering Padilla Bay, Samish Bay, and Port Susan.
Mallards, green-winged teal, pintail, and wigeon are the main dabbling duck species present in the Skagit Valley area. Gadwall, northern shovelers, and various diving and sea ducks such as bufflehead, scaup, and goldeneye are among other waterfowl species that may be encountered, along with coots.
Snow geese are plentiful in the region throughout the season, though hunting opportunity on public land is limited. Small numbers of Canada geese are also present during the early and regular hunting seasons. Raptors like short-eared owls, northern harriers, and bald eagles are also popular sights observed by bird enthusiasts, both birders and hunters pursuing waterfowl.
Tips for responsible hunting and birding
With the return of cooler weather comes the return of hunting seasons as well as prime bird watching opportunities for migrating species. Hunting is a regulated activity with numerous restrictions around the time, manner, and places that it occurs. Hunting is allowed on most state public lands (excluding State Parks and designated Game Reserves, like Fir Island Farm). Some hunters may also have landowner permission to hunt on private properties such as farm fields or timberlands.
WDFW also works with private landowners to secure and manage hunting access through its Private Lands Hunting Access program.
Respecting private property and not trespassing is crucial for everyone, in the Skagit Valley and beyond. The Be Bird Wise coalition has tips for viewing, photographing, or hunting winter waterfowl — including a Code of Conduct to respect the land, landowners and wildlife — on their website.
Farm fields are typically private property closed to all public access without specific permission from the landowner. It’s the responsibility of hunters and other visitors to avoid trespassing on private property without permission; private landowners are not required to post signs or fences.
Hunters, birders, and other outdoor recreationists are also reminded to be respectful of each other, to safely and responsibly share public lands and waters, and to appreciate that each cares deeply about abundant wildlife, and their habitat.
Respectful communication and dialogue go a long way toward creating positive connections between outdoors enthusiasts and avoiding potentially negative encounters while recreating. Many visitors may be unaware of hunting seasons or regulations, and a polite conversation can often resolve issues before they become a dispute.
Setting hunting seasons
WDFW sets state hunting seasons, in coordination with federal wildlife biologists and Native American treaty tribes with whom the state has co-management agreements. Depending on the area, WDFW may create “Safety Zones” where shooting is not allowed for visitor safety. Other restrictions such as “Hunt by Reservation” and “Register to Hunt” areas, limits on how many hunters may enter certain areas at a time, and firearm restriction areas all support orderly hunting and public safety.
The hunting season for waterfowl runs from the second Saturday in October through the last Sunday in January with additional days for youth, active-duty military, and veterans, and additional snow goose hunting opportunity in early to mid-February. Robust population monitoring and objectives are in place to determine daily hunter harvest limits, possession limits, and season structures across the Pacific Flyway.
WDFW Wildlife Areas and Water Access Areas are state public lands and are open to the public during posted access hours. Visitors include hunters, anglers, bird watchers, photographers, and other outdoor recreationists. Visitors must obey all posted rules, including area restrictions or closures.
The Samish River Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area (sometimes referred to by birders as the “East 90” site) now has a designated Hunters Only Area to support visitor safety and reduce the potential for conflict. Access rules are posted at the field entrances and there is increased signage at the boundary of the Hunters Only Zone. This is a seasonal access rule, applying from the beginning of the general waterfowl hunting season and running through the first Saturday in February. Spatially separating user groups on this small Wildlife Area Unit will increase safety and improve experiences for all users while reducing the potential for negative interactions or conflict.
Reminder to all that intentionally obstructing the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife — including waterfowl and upland game birds — is a crime in Washington as detailed in our state’s “hunter harassment” law RCW 77.15.210.
Anyone who experiences legitimate hunter harassment or intentional obstruction of lawful hunting, fishing or shellfish gathering should contact WDFW Police immediately: wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/report or call 360–902–2936 Option 1.
Hunting is a vital way of life for many people in Washington, and it contributes to important statewide conservation efforts. Most hunters are happy to talk about why they hunt, how it contributes to their family, natural, and cultural heritage, and why hunting is important for wildlife conservation and management.
Detailed tips for hunting public lands and waters in the Skagit Valley are available in WDFW’s Skagit Wildlife Area Hunting Guide publication. For places to go on public lands, visit our Skagit Wildlife Area webpage. More information on hunting in Washington and how to get started are available in this WDFW blog post.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
