WSR 20-09-043
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 20-56—Filed April 8, 2020, 8:41 a.m., effective April 8, 2020, 8:41 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is delaying the opening of the spring bear hunts scheduled to open on April 15, 2020, until further notice. We will reassess to determine when the spring bear hunt can open.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-415-080.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240.
Other Authority: None.
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: WDFW is delaying the spring bear hunt as part of an effort to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. This decision is necessary to comply with Governor Inslee's recent statewide proclamation to extend "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" for all Washingtonians through May 4, 2020.
There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: April 8, 2020.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-415-08000B2020 Spring black bear special permits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-415-080, effective immediately, until further notice, the hunt areas, permit levels, and season dates for each license year shall be as follows:
Hunt Areas, Permit Levels, and Season Dates for Each License Year:
Hunt Name
Hunt Area
Permits
Season Dates
Sherman
GMU 101 Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
50
 
Kelly Hill
GMU 105 Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
50
 
Douglas
GMU 108 Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
40
 
Aladdin
GMU 111 Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
50
 
49 Degrees North
GMU 117 Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
100
 
Huckleberry
GMU 121
100
 
Blue Creek
GMU 154
18
 
Dayton
GMU 162
18
 
Tucannon
GMU 166
5
 
Wenaha
GMU 169
60
 
Mt. View
GMU 172
24
 
Lick Creek
GMU 175
18
Delayed until further notice
Peola
GMU 178
5
 
Couse
GMU 181
5
 
Grande Ronde
GMU 186
5
 
Kitsap
GMU 627
5
 
Mason
GMU 633
5
 
Bear River
GMU 681
20
 
Long Beach
GMU 684
12
 
North Skagit
That portion of GMU 418 that is designated as the hunt area by DNR, Sierra Pacific, Weyerhaeuser-Columbia Timber Lands, and Grandy Lake Timber company. Note: Mandatory bear identification test required.
30
 
Copalis
GMU 642, 648, and 638 (excluding U.S. Forest Service lands).
50