WASHINGTON — The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police want to remind hunters about laws on the use of infrared or thermal imaging devices that recently took effect.
According to WDFW:
Per WAC 220-413-070: “It is unlawful while in or on a motorized vehicle to hunt wildlife with the aid of a spotlight, other artificial light, thermal imaging devices, or night vision equipment while in possession or control of a firearm, air rifle, bow and arrow, or crossbow.”
WAC 220-414-010: “For big game, it is unlawful to use or possess any infrared or night vision equipment, or thermal imaging devices, and other comparable equipment, except trail cameras, while hunting, spotting, locating, or reporting the location of big game for the purpose of hunting.”
“For hunting wildlife other than big game, it is unlawful to use or possess any infrared or night vision equipment, or thermal imaging devices, and other comparable equipment, except trail cameras, while hunting, spotting, locating, or reporting the location of wildlife for the purpose of hunting, during the dates established for eastern and western Washington modern firearm deer or elk general seasons in October and November,” WDFW wrote.
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