Hunting on JBLM evolves

Photo By Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke | Children get a safety brief during a September Youth Pheasant Hunt at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. JBLM strives to make the hunting experience on base safe, enjoyable and productive for participants. Every year dozens of experienced hunters, most retired service members, volunteer their time to help make this happen. (Courtesy photo provided by David Pedroza)  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

02.03.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke 

19th Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Joint Base Lewis-McChord has long been considered a popular duty station thanks to its variety of outdoor activities for service and family members, especially hunters. However, just as seasons change, open training areas for hunting have also changed.

“Hunting on JBLM is a great activity because it gets everyone together, military and local communities,” said David Pedroza, JBLM Skeet/Trap Shooting Complex facility manager.

Before anyone can hunt in Washington, if born after Jan. 1, 1972, they must attend a hunter education course. For 2015, the base will provide three weeklong courses April 13-17, May 11-15 and June 15-19. Active duty military can complete an online course in lieu of attending the on-base course.

JBLM strives to make the hunting experience on base safe, enjoyable and productive for participants. Every year dozens of experienced hunters, most retired service members, volunteer their time to help make this happen.

Of roughly 60,000 acres, many popular training areas were affected by the 2014 Federal Endangered Species Act. Off-leash dog use for pheasant hunting was affected the most, due to hunting areas 14, 15, 21 and 23 becoming off-limits. The newly-endangered Mazama Pocket Gophers, found only in Thurston and Pierce counties, have been spotted in these well-liked training areas.

Streak Horned Larks and the rare Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterflies have also affected several other areas popular for hunting. Inspections by officials determined the areas inhabited by the newly-added species.

To offset these changes, the JBLM Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation, Range Control, Department of Public Works and base leadership teamed up to re-open several training areas to hunters. These areas include areas 8, 12 and 13.

Within the next few seasons, the new methods used to access the training areas should streamline the process.

“JBLM is working on a Web-based sign-in where people can go on their smartphone and sign into an area,” said Pedroza. “We look forward to use of other ways to sign in to an area without hunters having to call in.”

In the meantime, after JBLM hunters receive a permit number, they must call for access to the reservation phone number 253-967-4653 between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (for service members). Civilian hunters can call between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For further information, please contact the Skeet Range at 253-967-7056 or the NW Adventure Center Information Desk at 253-967-6263 or log onto http://www.jblmmwr.com/pdf/nw_adv/2015/hunter_education.pdf.

• Date Taken: 02.03.2015
• Date Posted: 02.05.2015 17:21
• Story ID: 153690
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US