Other News
Apr 11, 2024: Community Meeting: Sea Level Rise Adaptation for Outer Bay and Agate Beach Areas on Lopez Island
Mar 11, 2024: Queers in Unexpected Places: Searching for (and Finding) Gender and Sexual Non-Conformity in the Rural and Early PNW
Mar 7, 2024: DRAFT Richardson Marsh Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Dec 5, 2023: County Council Member Jane Fuller and Senator Liz Lovelett to Host Public Meeting on Lopez
Nov 3, 2023: County and Town Send Open Letter to State Officials Regarding Impacts of Poor Ferry Service
Sep 29, 2023: Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmough Bay Preserve Addition
Sep 14, 2023: The mobile dental van is coming to Lopez! // ¡La camioneta dental móvil ya llega a López!
Aug 22, 2023: San Juan County Adopts 32-Hour Work Week in the Name of Fiscal Health, Recruitment, and Islander Wellness
May 25, 2023: Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities
May 23, 2023: District 3 Councilmember Jane Fuller Opens Office on Lopez and Hosts Community Conversation
Apr 17, 2023: Give Lopez Starts April 17th - A two week fundraiser benefiting 15 Lopez Island Non-Profits
Sep 22, 2022: Interim Watmough Preserve Addition Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Update Regarding Hunting Accident on Lopez Island
Dec 7, 2023
By San Juan County
At this time, the Sheriff’s Office cannot disseminate details of an ongoing investigation.
San Juan County, WA December 7, 2023 - The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the community’s questions and continued interest in the November 18 hunting accident on Lopez Island. This is still an active investigation and the Sheriff’s Office is waiting to receive the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) portion of the investigation. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office cannot disseminate details of an ongoing investigation.
According to WDFW, deer season is still ongoing through December 15th for muzzle loader and December 31st for archery. Modern firearm (which includes shotguns) hunting is over for this season. As with any area where the state allows hunting on public lands, is it always advisable to be cautious when walking or hiking in those areas.
In Washington, about 50% of land is publicly owned and open to hunters and recreationists. These lands are managed by state or federal entities. State-owned lands open to hunting are managed by WDFW and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Washington State Parks also owns public lands, however, hunting is not allowed in state parks. Federally owned lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, etc. State and federal lands all have different land management mandates that affect when and where hunting is permitted.
More details regarding the Lopez hunting accident will be released once the investigation is completed and doing so wouldn't compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Visit the WDFW website to learn more about hunting in the State of Washington: https://wdfw.wa.gov/.
According to WDFW, deer season is still ongoing through December 15th for muzzle loader and December 31st for archery. Modern firearm (which includes shotguns) hunting is over for this season. As with any area where the state allows hunting on public lands, is it always advisable to be cautious when walking or hiking in those areas.
In Washington, about 50% of land is publicly owned and open to hunters and recreationists. These lands are managed by state or federal entities. State-owned lands open to hunting are managed by WDFW and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Washington State Parks also owns public lands, however, hunting is not allowed in state parks. Federally owned lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, etc. State and federal lands all have different land management mandates that affect when and where hunting is permitted.
More details regarding the Lopez hunting accident will be released once the investigation is completed and doing so wouldn't compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Visit the WDFW website to learn more about hunting in the State of Washington: https://wdfw.wa.gov/.