The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is opening the floor for public commentary on proposed changes to private landowner hunting permits in Eastern Washington. WDFW's updates follow recent property ownership and management shifts in Grant and Spokane counties, which are influencing local hunting opportunities.
In Grant County, a significant parcel of private land totaling 7,880 acres, once part of the Buckrun landowner hunting permit program, has exchanged hands. The former property owners still retain 30,213 acres, but the recent transaction has clipped the available land for hunting by 20%. Over in Spokane County, the Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association (CPWMA) has ceased operations, disrupting land management for 19 elk hunting permits across 3,877 acres.
In response, WDFW proposes adjusting the number of deer hunting permits to align with the new availability of huntable acres on the Buckrun property. For the Spokane County lands formerly managed by the CPWMA, WDFW is engaged in discussions with the previous three landowners to transition their properties into a different public lands access program under the department's umbrella.
Individuals interested in the proposed policy updates can review the rulemaking proposal via the WDFW website. Public comments are accepted online, via email, or by phone at (855-925-2801, project code 11816). Written feedback should be addressed to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: WDFW Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504. According to the WDFW announcement, the comment period will run through Sept. 30.
The final decision on these proposed adjustments rests with the WDFW director, entrusted with decision-making authority by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. A virtual public hearing for these proposals is on the books for Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. To have your say in the proceedings, pre-register online by Sept. 29. WDFW plans to determine the issue in early October.
WDFW emphasizes that public feedback opportunities are open to all, regardless of personal demographics such as race, color, sex, age, language proficiency, or disability. This is in line with the agency's mission to sustain and manage the state's fish and wildlife resources for the enjoyment and benefit of the public.
