09/02/2008: "A Fluorescent Orange Jacket May Be Wise"

By David Dehlendorf

Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and other recreational users of public and private land on San Juan Island should be aware that the deer hunting season starts on September 1 and continues on specified dates through December 31, 2008. The wearing of bright-colored clothing when working or walking in the woods may not be ill-advised.

There are various openings and closings during this period depending upon the type of weapon used. For example, the entire month of September is open for bow hunting. For details, consult the State of Washington's website at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/seasons.htm.

There are two properties with maps on the Trails Committee's website where the owners allow hunting. One is the Mitchell Hill property owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The other is that portion of the Roche Harbor Resort property bordered on the south and west by Roche Harbor Rd., on the east by Rouleau Rd., and on the north by the resorts unpaved service road running east-west between Roche Harbor Rd. and Rouleau Rd.

Hunting is not allowed on the Roche Harbor Highlands property to the south of Roche Harbor Rd.
Under state law, hunters on private property are required to have prior written permission on their person from the owner of the property. Roche Harbor Resort provides written permission to hunters on a limited basis for the area described above.

The DNR allows hunting on Mitchell Hill without permission in any form. However, all other requirements of state hunting laws, including the allowed hunting seasons, apply equally to hunting on Mitchell Hill. Hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and other recreational users of the Roche Harbor Resort and Mitchell Hill trail networks, as well as of other properties where hunting is allowed, are advised to take appropriate precautions, such as wearing bright-colored clothing, to help ensure their safety when entering and recreating on these properties.

(David Dehlendorf is the Vice Chair of the San Juan Island Trails Committee)