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15 most hunted animals in Washington state

Ducks, or waterfowl, are the most hunted animal in Washington and it's most evident in Grant County which is traditionally Eastern Washington's top duck producer, averaging just under 70,000 birds harvested annually. Total harvest in 2013: 407,925 Total hunters: 23,689 According to the WDFW, quail tend to feed most actively in the morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times to pursue them around grain fields and places where weed and grass seeds are available. Total harvest in 2013: 72,699 Total hunters: 10,314 Don't get these birds confused with domestic pigeons: Mourning doves are smaller and have a long, pointed tail, large dark eyes, a dark bill, and a mournful who-ooh, who-who-who call. Total harvest in 2013: 50,358 Total hunters: 4,313 Two groups of Canada geese populate Washington, migrating geese as well as nonmigrating geese, often called "resident." Total harvest in 2013: 61,504* Total hunters: 12,347 *Does not reflect Sept. Canada goose. There are four grouse species native to Washington and at least one of the four is found in 34 of our 39 counties in the state. Total harvest in 2013: 50,317 Total hunters: 22,362 Deer are among the most familiar animals of Washington, says the WDFW. In many places they are the largest wildlife that people encounter. Total Harvest in 2013: 31,094 Total hunters: 123,928 When hunting pheasant, the WDFW says to be as sneaky and quiet as possible, avoiding loud talking, whistling for your dog too frequently and other noises that might alert the birds you're there. Total harvest in 2013: 36,752 Total hunters: 14,085 The chukar partridge is found through the western United States and in parts of British Columbia and Mexico, but some of the best chukar hunting is found in the Snake River region of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Total harvest in 2013: 5,739 Total hunters: 2,920 There are two types of cottontail rabbit in Washington, Nutell's and the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Total harvest in 2013: 6,793 Total hunters: 2,206 There are 10 identified elk herds in Washington state. Total harvest in 2013: 4,950 Total hunters: 62,106 According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it's a safe bet that many, if not most gray partridges are taken incidentally by hunters targeting pheasant, quail or chukar. Total harvest in 2013: 3,253 Total hunters: 1,856 The WDFW says when hunters are in search of turkeys they should avoid using a gobbler call, and they shouldn't stalk the bird because you can never presume what you hear is a turkey. Many hunters are convincing callers. Harvest total in 2013: 4,873 Total hunters: N/A A blind 14-year-old from Yakima went hunting with a Washington group to kill a 300-pound black bear. (AP) The snowshoe hare was named for the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail leaves. Harvest total in 2013: 614 Total hunters: 644 The snipe is more common in Eastern Washington than in Western Washington. Harvest total in 2013: 1,155 Total hunters: 375
15 most hunted animals in Washington state