The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is opening the floor to public comments on potential changes to hunting season rules for this year. Anglers, hunters, and others interested in the state's wildlife regulations can have their say on the proposed rules for black bear, cougar, deer, elk, and waterfowl seasons, among others. Details on these proposals can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rule-making webpage. Comments are being accepted until various dates in March, depending on the specific proposal.
With chronic wasting disease posing a threat to wildlife populations, one of the primary proposals includes a statewide ban on feeding deer, elk, and moose. Unwittingly perhaps, humans at feeding sites can facilitate the spread of diseases by congregating wildlife, which the ban is designed to prevent. Baiting these animals while hunting would also be prohibited under the new rules. Baiting of deer, elk, and moose would be banned while hunting as part of the efforts to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Along with new rules for general hunting seasons, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is introducing multi-season tags for deer and elk. These tags would be available to members of federally recognized tribes who have reached an agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The proposed changes include special permit opportunities for deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Furthermore, they aim to clarify regulations surrounding special closures, firearm restriction areas, and deer areas. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the public feedback process regardless of background or identity, as stated in the announcement.
An environmental policy assessment is also in the works, accompanying these proposed feeding restrictions. Enshrined in a SEPA determination, which will be issued for the statewide feeding ban, it seeks to bolster the Department’s efforts in fighting chronic wasting disease. As part of the public consultation process, people can submit their comments online, via email, by phone, or through traditional mail. The Department has scheduled public hearings as well, for those preferring to give their feedback in person. All the necessary information about the forthcoming public hearings and comment submission can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
The decisions on these proposals, except for those on black bear and cougar hunting, will be made by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind by late March, as reported by the Department. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is set to decide on the remaining rules at their April meeting. The Department’s hunting season setting process is an integral system that regularly adapts to new data, public input, and an evolving ecosystem. As so, hunting seasons are founded on these public engagements and staff recommendations. For more details on the state's commitment to sustainable fish and wildlife opportunities, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife dedication to preserving ecosystems, and related regulations, visit their official site.
