WSR 97-06-125

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

(Wildlife)

[Filed March 5, 1997, 10:40 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-01-111.

Title of Rule: To adopt WAC 232-28-269 1998 Elk, bighorn sheep and other big game auction permits.

Purpose: To adopt 1998 elk and bighorn sheep auction permits so conservation organizations can bid for the right to auction the hunt. The auction permit is designed to raise funds for elk and bighorn sheep management.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.020, 77.12.030, 77.12.040, or 77.32.220.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.020, 77.12.030, 77.12.040, or 77.32.220.

Summary: One elk and one bighorn sheep permit will be auctioned for 1998. The hunting season dates and geographic area for the hunt are identified.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Revenue raised for the auction permits will be dedicated to that species' management. Without this funding, management of programs would be reduced.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management Program, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Ron Swatfigure, Acting Assistant Director, Enforcement Program, Olympia, (360) 902-2927.

Name of Proponent: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The purpose of the auction permit is to raise funds for the elk and bighorn programs. We anticipate the auction hunter will pay $30-35,000 for the bighorn permit and $8-9,000 for the elk permit.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules do not affect small business. The auction permit is limited to one individual for elk and bighorn sheep so the business impact is small. We expect the auction hunter will pay $30-35,000 for the bighorn permit. We expect the elk auction hunter will pay $8-9,000 for the elk permit. The auction hunters will hire guides and spend 1-30 days hunting.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Longview Elks Lodge, 1265 12th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632, on April 18-19, 1997, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by April 1, 1997, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Evan Jacoby, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, FAX (360) 902-2930, by April 4, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: April 19, 1997.

March 5, 1997

Evan Jacoby

Legal Counsel

NEW SECTION

WAC 232-28-269 1998 Elk, bighorn sheep, and other big game auction permits.

auctioning of permit

The Director will select a conservation organization(s) to conduct the 1998 auction(s). Selection of the conservation organizations will be based on criteria developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The organization shall notify the Department of the name of and address of the successful bidder within ten days of the auction.

auction permit hunt(s)

species - one elk permit

Hunting Season Dates: September 15-30, 1998

Hunt Area: GMU 485 (Green River) and GMU 346 (Little Naches)

Hunting Season Dates: October 1-16, 1998

Hunting Area: GMUs 145-154, 160-185

Bag Limit: One bull elk

auction hunt permittee rules

(1) Permittee shall contact the appropriate regional office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife when entering the designated hunt area.

(2) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a legal weapon or harvest an animal.

(3) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.

(4) If requested by the Department, the permittee is required to direct Department officials to the site of the kill.

species - one bighorn sheep permit

Hunting Season Dates: September 1 - October 31, 1998

Hunt Area: Sheep Unit 4 (Selah Butte), Sheep Unit 5 (Umtanum), Sheep Unit 7 (Clemon Mountain), or Sheep Unit 12 (Lincoln Cliffs).

Bag Limit: One Bighorn Ram

auction hunt permittee rules

(1) Permittee shall contact the appropriate regional office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife when entering the designated hunt area.

(2) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a firearm and harvest an animal.

(3) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.

(4) If requested by the Department, the permittee is required to direct Department officials to the site of the kill.

(5) The permittee will present the head and carcass of the bighorn sheep killed to any Department office within 72 hours of date of kill.

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