Local partnership promotes safe hunting on Lopez Island

||| FROM BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT |||

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA – The BLM’s San Juan Islands National Monument, San Juan County Land Bank, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) engaged in a joint outreach effort during the 2024 deer hunting season on Lopez Island.

The partnership created a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for visitors, including hunters, wildlife watchers, and hikers.

The three organizations staffed information booths at Watmough Bay, part of the San Juan Islands National Monument on the southern part of Lopez Island. They engaged with visitors, provided information, and answered questions about hunting rules, property boundaries, and trail etiquette. Additionally, they distributed educational materials and encouraged responsible outdoor practices.

The agencies also built three wooden kiosks on site during hunting season. Each bright-orange kiosks had a sign in/out sheet, a map of the area, and high-visibility vests for the public to use.

“We balance managing land for both conservation and multiple recreation uses, and this is a big challenge,” said Brie Chartier, BLM San Juan Islands National Monument Manager. “The only way we can move forward is with the support of our amazing partners and involved community.”

The approach aimed to foster a positive space and ensure participants enjoy the outdoors. The partnership demonstrated the power of cooperation and promoting safe and enjoyable experiences.

Those staffing the information booth reported quality conversations with visitors who were glad to have conversations with experts. Hunters, while a minority of the contacted visitors, had questions about access and property lines. Many hikers said they weren’t aware of hunting season and appreciated having the information. WDFW also provided materials on state regulations, hunting season dates, and the many benefits of hunting.

“We greatly value this partnership between the BLM, San Juan County Land Bank, local residents, and visitors,” said Kurt Licence, WDFW’s district wildlife biologist. “Ensuring healthy wildlife populations and habitats as well as the continuation of our hunting and outdoor recreation heritage takes a village.”

Washington state’s general hunting seasons for black-tailed deer were open in this area Oct. 12-31 and Nov. 14-17. San Juan County is a Firearm Restriction Area where hunting with centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited for safety reasons. There is also a late archery hunt Nov. 27 through Dec. 15. More information is available in this WDFW fact sheet.

BLM
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.