WSR 16-24-010

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 28, 2016, 4:02 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule changes for the following topics: Hunting regulations, seasons, permits and area descriptions for big game, small game, and migratory birds; big game and wild turkey auctions, raffle, and permits; importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife; mandatory hunter reporting; landowner hunting permits; special closures and firearm restriction areas; 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 Eric Gardner, 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 24, 2017. Expected proposal filing on or after January 31, 2017.

November 28, 2016

Scott Bird

Rules Coordinator