Limited deer hunt set for Oct. 16 – 31 at King County’s Island Center Forest

August 6, 2021

Summary

While Island Center Forest will be open for deer hunting during an abbreviated season in October, the King County Parks-managed forestland will not be part of the special August deer-hunting season on private land on Vashon-Maury Island that was recently established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Story

A recently added hunting season for deer on private land on Vashon-Maury Island does not include King County Parks’ Island Center Forest, where the annual limited deer-hunting season is set for Oct. 16-31, and when no other access will be permitted on 200 acres of forestland.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) added a special deer-hunting season on private lands to better control the growing deer population on Vashon-Maury Island, where the deer have no natural predators.

The brief Island Center Forest hunting season during the second half of October coincides with WDFW’s designated modern firearm hunting season, when all firearms can be used, except rifles. This limited hunt replaces the state’s established five-month-long hunting season in Island Center Forest.

Formerly owned and managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources, Island Center Forest is the only public land on Vashon Island where deer hunting has been allowed. The state transferred ownership of the forest to King County in 2004, and an agreement to continue a limited annual deer-hunting season was a part of the ownership transfer.

Vashon Island’s largest public open space, Island Center Forest and Natural Area has 9 miles of trails that are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, runners and equestrians. 

King County Parks manages the land in collaboration with community partners who make up the Friends of Island Center Forest, a diverse group that includes the Vashon Forest Stewards, Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association, Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, Vashon-Maury Island Audubon, outdoor enthusiasts and other community members.

More information about the Island Center Forest deer hunt is available by contacting David Kimmett, 206-477-4573; david.kimmett@kingcounty.gov.
  
 RELEVANT LINKS
•          Island Center Forest and Natural Area

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Doug Williams, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4543

About King County Parks
King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 200 parks and 28,000 acres of open space, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 215 miles of backcountry trails and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs.