The 2012-13 recreational razor clam season has come to an end.

From October 2012 through May 2013, diggers harvested more than five million clams on Washingtons coastal beaches, the highest number in more than 20 years.

In the months ahead, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife  will conduct a coast-wide assessment of razor clam stocks and develop recommendations for the 2013-14 season.

That season is expected to get under way sometime in October 2013.

The Peninsula is among five state-designated razor-clam digging beaches on the Washington coast, along with Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks  and Kalaloch.

The peninsula, stretches 24 miles, from Beards Hollow near North Head Lighthouse to Leadbetter Point State Park.

Thousands maybe even tens of  thousands will dig for clams along the beach when tides get low in the spring.

Rules and Regulations

Before harvesting, check the beach to determine if a  beach is open or if there are any health restrictions. You can check if there are any marine toxin level restrictions by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline maintained by the Washington Department of Health at                    1-800-562-5632

License Requirements
A Shellfish/Seaweed License  is required for harvesting razor clams and must be in the harvester's  immediate possession and available for inspection during harvest and  transport. Everyone claiming a limit must actively participate in the harvesting process, unless they possess a disability permit.

Bag Limit
The first fifteen razor clams regardless of size or condition must be retained. One daily limit of fresh shellfish may be in possession. Additional shellfish may be possessed in a frozen or processed form. Razor clams may not be returned to the beach. For razor clams, holes do not have to be refilled as is required for hardshell clam digging.

Allowable Harvesting Gear
Razor clams may be taken by hand, hand-operated shovel, or tube with a minimum outside diameter of 4" or (4" x 3" if elliptical). Each digger must use a separate container, but may share digging equipment.

Beach Use
It is illegal to drive any vehicle, or  lead or ride a horse on the clam beds. You must stay on the upper "hard-sand area". Pressure from the weight of the vehicles or digging action of horses' hooves cause clam mortality.

For more information see: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/rules_regs.html