WSR 15-24-136

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 2, 2015, 11:01 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule changes for the following topics: Hunting regulations and seasons for big game, small game, and migratory birds; rules concerning dead nonresident wildlife; rules relating to vehicle-killed wildlife salvage; rules relating to hunters with disabilities; hunter education deferrals; and other related rule changes as needed.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.800, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments are needed to provide clarification to rules, expand recreational opportunity and opportunity for harvest, 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 8, 2016. Expected proposal filing on or after January 15, 2016.

December 2, 2014 [2015]

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator