Security concerns lead to hunting changes on military lands

OLYMPIA - Hunters who like to hunt on one of the many federal military reserves in Washington state will face additional procedures to ensure base safety, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

In an effort to ensure security, Fort Lewis, the Yakima Training Center and the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island have instituted additional steps that hunters will be required to take to hunt on military lands in 2002.

Pheasant hunters interested in accessing Fort Lewis must first contact the Fort Lewis Adventure Center, (253) 967-8260 or (253) 967-8295. In addition, non-military personnel must register at the Fort Lewis Golf Course on Fridays from 3-6 p.m., or on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Once registered, hunters must call the Adventure Center to sign up for a hunting area and have their weapons registered.

Hunters should be prepared to provide their name, address, social security number and specific information about each weapon brought on the base. The information will be kept on file, and hunters will be given a copy to show any military police who contact them in the field. More information is available under the Outdoor Recreation section of the www.lewis.army.mil on the Internet.

Hunters interested in accessing the Yakima Training Center will need to visit the Training Center's Operations Center for an orientation video and a recreation orientation card. Hunters are also required to sign in and out at the operations center each day, and all vehicles must display a "Down Range" vehicle placard.

Areas open to hunters are determined on a daily basis. More information is available online at http://www.lewis.army.mil/yakima on the Internet.

New hunter registration procedures have been put in place on the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island property. Hunters must register with the Environmental Affairs office, (360) 257-1009, and buy a $10 annual hunting permit. Hunters can send a cashiers check or money order (no cash or personal checks) by mail to NASWI, Environmental Affairs, Code N44, 1155 West Lexington St., Oak Harbor, WA., 98278, or visit the Air Station in person.

While the permit alone will allow hunters to access the OLF Coupeville site, hunters wishing to access the upper game range at the Sea Plane Base will need to be accompanied by a hunter affiliated with the military as a security measure.