The laws governing hunting on black lake in Olympia WA. are outdated and unsafe. This lake is fully developed and in an urban area, with homes surrounding it. As Homeowners we object to hearing gunshots, we are concerned about our safety, and we exert ownership rights over the land and water near our property and common areas.

#1 Safety- we do not feel safe. This communities Safety is at risk- people are boating, jetskiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing all in the same area THAT HUNTERS ARE SHOOTING.

#2. These hunters trespass on our private Evergreen Shores and Dock and the fish and wildlife department have done nothing to charge the hunters or prevent their trespass. After months of surveillance, we finally caught them on shore, on video. There are many eyewitness accounts, and video of the hunters shooting from the shoreline of evergreen shores property in total 5 acres, that boundary the black river refuge.  Only 500 feet of shoreline is the property of the Black River Refuge. The property to the left is a Private land owner. 

RCW 77.15.435 1) A person is guilty of unlawfully hunting on, or retrieving hunted wildlife from, the property of another if the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or on the premises of another for the purpose of hunting for wildlife or retrieving hunted wildlife.
The Law does not allow hunters to enter private property without permission or to use private property to access public lands and waters. Hunters must avoid using private property for access to public lands and waters and any additional areas posted with a warning for trespass. Trespassing is illegal even on unposted property. If a hunter wounds game, they must obtain permission from the landowner prior to accessing the land in pursuit of the wounded game. If permission is refused, the hunter may not access the property in pursuit. If the hunter has reason to believe the landowner intends to illegally possess the wounded game, it should be reported.  At any time, anyone asked to leave the premises (posted or not), by the landowner, occupant, or authorized person, they must do so immediately.      Unlawfully hunting on or retrieving hunted wildlife from the property of another is a misdemeanor.

Discharging a Firearm while Hunting near Dwellings

The law generally prohibits discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a dwelling or other occupied structure, unless permission is received from the owner. However, for waterfowl hunting, the Legislature recognized that human settlement patterns and waterfowl habits warranted special consideration. When hunting ducks or geese that congregate on near-shore waters, it is safer for a hunter to shoot away from shore than to shoot toward shore from open water. The law recognizes and specifies that when hunting waterfowl and shooting over water, discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a dwelling is allowed, as long as there is not any dwelling, public structure, livestock, or person within 500 feet of the shooter in the direction they are shooting. A waterfowl hunter may legally hunt from shore, a boat, or blind even if there is a house less than 500 feet behind him or her, as long as shooting occurs out over the water and away from the house.

Two homeowners were on the Evergreen Shores Dock and hunters shot in their direction hitting the duck, but it did not die right away, and was never retrieved.

#3. These hunters violate our right to: Quiet enjoyment. Gunshots that occur unexpectedly, particularly in early morning hours, cause landowners, and domestic animals to be alarmed and disturbed. The shooting is excessive, extremely loud and getting worse.

 ( QUIET ENJOYMENT- the right of an occupant of real property, particularly of a residence, to enjoy and use premises in peace and without interference. The constant gunshots infringe on properties owners rights to quiet enjoyment, and waterfront Owners Riparian rights.