Different hunting prospects in Whitman County

In 2021, White Tail deer in Whitman County saw a disease outbreak related to the drought conditions in the state. The drought had caused the water conditions to stagnate, resulting in Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and blue tongue in the White Tail deer population.

Both diseases were similar and could kill a deer within 48 hours. Although the disease was present in the species of deer throughout eastern Washington, it was most prevalent in Whitman County.

The outbreaks caused there to be hunting restrictions placed on the hunting of White Tail deer.

In 2021, the population of White Tail doe rose in comparison to the White Tail buck population decreasing as a result of the diseases.

On Oct. 15, White Tail bucks will again be open for hunting in the general season until Oct. 25, with a few caveats.

Whitman County is separated into two general GMUs, or Game Management Units: GMUs 139 and 140. These units are marked physically and are visible to hunters to assist them in knowing where they are and what lands they’re on to avoid potential poaching or trespassing.

Through GMUs 127 and 149, White-Tail buck with a 3-point minimum will be available to hunt.

From Oct. 15-25, the youth general season will also open up for White Tail deer. The hunted deer will need to have a 3-point minimum or be antlerless.

Mule deer, although not as severely impacted by the blue tongue disease outbreak in 2021, will also have a general season from Oct. 15-25 with a 3-point minimum. There will be no youth general season for Mule deer.

There is a “one deer per hunter during the license year except where otherwise permitted by department rule, even if permits are drawn for more than one deer hunt category,” according to the WDFW.

There are also new baiting regulations for deer that have been adopted, which can be found on the WDFW’s website.

Modern firearm tag holders can only hunt during modern firearm seasons but can use bows, muzzleloaders and crossbows, as well.

There will be a completely open season for elk, on the other hand. According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife District biologist Michael Atamian, the elk in the Whitman County area have been trampling through fields in their herds, creating loss for farmers and private landowners in their wake, resulting in less protections for elk compared to White Tail deer.

In part because of this, modern firearm hunters from Oct. 29-Nov. 15 will be allowed to hunt “any elk” in GMUs 139 and 140, according to the WDFW’s website.

More information on hunting regulations and weaponry guidelines can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/summary-of-seasons.

Kowatsch can be contacted at [email protected], by phone at 509-397-4333 EXT: 0004, by cell at 208-305-1814, or on Twitter @tkseahawk13.