Washington State Prairie Dog Hunting

Washington state allows prairie dog hunting.

Washington state allows prairie dog hunting and trapping year-round if the hunter has a state small-game license. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, prairie dogs are considered ground squirrels, an unspecified species group that has few restrictions on hunting.

Function

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) operates under a dual mandate from the Washington Legislature to protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats as well as to provide sustainable, fish- and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities, according to its website. Hunting regulations regarding prairie dogs are listed on page 132 of the 2009-2015 Game Management Plan. There are 31 mid- to small-sized mammals or mammal groups that can be hunted or trapped.

Identification

Prairie dogs, an unclassified species, are listed as ground squirrels (Sperophilus spp.) in the plan. Unclassified species can be trapped and hunted year-round with a small-game license. There are exceptions; golden-mantled ground squirrels (S. saturatus and S. lateralis) and Washington ground squirrels (S. washingtoni) are protected and cannot be hunted or trapped. One of the WDFW's objectives in its last game management plan was to educate hunters on the differences among these protected and non-protected species.

Considerations

The state currently does not have exact numbers of populations on unclassified wildlife such as prairie dogs. The game management plan states that harvest pressure is low for the majority of these animals, as there is little to no documented harvest on them. Those animals that are harvested or trapped are usually associated with human conflict so hunting them is seen as a mitigating tool for property damage or nuisance activities.

Goals

The statewide goals for prairie dogs and other unspecified species, small-game mammals and fur-bearing animals include managing them and their habitats to ensure a healthy population, as well as managing them for a variety of recreational purposes such as hunting, trapping and scientific study. The plan states that another goal is to manage statewide populations for a sustained yield and to set up a web-based reporting system so keep track of harvests.

Requirements

Any individual participating in hunting activities in the State of Washington is required to have a hunting license, regardless of age. Any individual parking a vehicle at any WDFW access site must obtain and display a Vehicle Use Permit. The license plate of the vehicle parking at the access site must be written on the Vehicle Use Permit and must be visibly displayed. To purchase a license, visit fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/licenses.html.

References

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Hunting Regulations & Seasons