WSR 13-24-098

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 3, 2013, 12:32 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule making for the following: Deer and elk seasons and permits; cougar seasons and regulations; black bear seasons and regulations; mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose seasons, permits, and regulations; bighorn sheep marking requirements; game bird regulations; small game seasons; landowner hunting permit program; deer and elk area boundaries; game management units, special closures and firearm restriction areas; unlawful methods for hunting; hunting equipment rules; special hunting season permits, hunters with disabilities, and other hunting regulations.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.007, and 77.32.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments are needed to provide clarification, expand recreational opportunity, and mitigate wildlife conflicts, while maintaining sustainable game populations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Migratory birds are also regulated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and coordination is managed through the Pacific Flyway. State regulations are designed to fit within the parameters of the USFWS regulation guidelines.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Nate Pamplin, Wildlife Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by January 17, 2014. Expected proposal filing on or after January 22, 2014.

December 3, 2013

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator