10/14/2006: "At Long Last: Firearm Restrictions Apply in County"

Local hunters have noticed a new restriction has shown up on the licensing information when applying for a hunting licenses. After years of attempting to restrict the use of modern, high-powered rifles for hunting in the county, the State acted , and they are no longer 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 Under sheriff Jon Zerby. The regulation is as follows:

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 (weather 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.