Subject: Hunting Season
Date: September 1, 2008

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 on our island, and elsewhere in the State of Washington, started on September 1 and continues on specified dates through December 31, 2008. There are various openings and closings during this period depending upon the type of weapon used. For example, the entire month of September was 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 Road, on the east by Rouleau Road, and on the north by the resort’s unpaved service road running east-west between Roche Harbor Road and Rouleau Road. 

Hunting is not allowed on the Roche Harbor Highlands property to the south of Roche Harbor Road.

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.