WSR 12-20-051

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 12-224 -- Filed October 1, 2012, 5:28 p.m. , effective October 1, 2012, 5:28 p.m. ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.

     Purpose: To amend cougar hunting rules described in WAC 232-28-297.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-28-297.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

     Reasons for this Finding: To correct an error that establishes contradictory rules governing areas open for hunting cougar. The seasons for cougar hunting have started so there is not time for standard rule-making timeframes and this correction will help prevent hunters from jeopardy of hunting illegally.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: October 1, 2012.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-29700A   2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015 Cougar hunting seasons and regulations.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-297, effective immediately until further notice:

     General cougar seasons in Game Management Units (GMUs) 157 and 522 are closed.

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