Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 98-10-099.

Purpose: To amend WAC 232-12-131 Permits for special hunting and trapping seasons.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040.

Summary: The amendment will provide consistency with language recently adopted in WAC 232-28-273, that created a youth only, Mount Spokane moose hunt and waived the once in a lifetime moose permit opportunity for hunters fifteen years old and younger. The amendment also changes mountain goat permit hunts to a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Consistency with WAC 232-28-273 that created a youth only, Mount Spokane moose hunt. The availability of mountain goat permits continues to decrease, therefore we recommend that an individual be allowed only one permit in a lifetime.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Mike Kuttel, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Ron Swatfigure, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

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 amendment is necessary so that youth that have successfully drawn 1998 moose permit hunts for the Mount Spokane, youth only hunt (Hunt Choice No. 8003) are not denied a moose permit hunt later as an adult applicant. The amendment also changes mountain goat permit hunts from an "eligible every year" system to a "once in a lifetime" permit. This change is recommended due to the decreasing availability of mountain goat permits, which is a result of both declining goat populations and difficulty in obtaining survey information.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

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

Hearing Location: Natural Resources Building, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA, on August 7-8, 1998, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by July 31, 1998, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mike Kuttel, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by July 31, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: August 7, 1998.

June 30, 1998

Robin Ayers

for Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

WAC 232-12-131  Permits for special hunting and trapping seasons. (1) Holders of valid hunting licenses may apply for permits for special hunting seasons as prescribed by the commission.

(2) Holders of valid trapping licenses may apply for permits for special trapping seasons as prescribed by the commission.

(3) It is unlawful for a person receiving a special hunting season permit for mountain sheep to apply for another permit for that species.

(4) It is unlawful for a person receiving a special hunting season permit for moose to apply for another permit for that species((.)), except as prescribed by the commission for the Mount Spokane, youth only moose hunt.

(5) It is unlawful for a person receiving a special hunting season permit for mountain goat to apply for another permit for that species.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040. 96-04-027, § 232-12-131, filed 2/1/96, effective 3/3/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. 95-03-034 (Order 94-145), § 232-12-131, filed 1/10/95, effective 2/10/95; 94-11-030 (Order 638), § 232-12-131, filed 5/10/94, effective 6/10/94; 87-12-034 (Order 289), § 232-12-131, filed 5/29/87; 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-131, filed 1/28/82; 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-131, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-255.]

Reviser's note: The bracketed material preceding the section above was supplied by the code reviser's office.