WSR 22-10-098
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order P2022-09—Filed May 4, 2022, 7:26 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule changes to WAC 220-415-080, 2021 Spring black bear special permits, to set season dates and permit numbers for spring of 2023, as well as potential changes to inspection requirements.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments would be needed to set season dates and permit numbers in order to offer a 2023 spring black bear season. In addition to providing recreational hunting opportunity, a special permit season could assist the department with addressing specific management needs that include, but are not limited to, tree damage on industrial managed timberlands, human-bear conflict and damage, and harvest distribution.
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 Wildlife Program Rule Making, phone voicemail comments 855-925-2801, project code 4328, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email 2023SpringBearCR101@PublicInput.com, commenting portal https://publicinput.com/2023SpringBearCR101; or Eric Gardner, phone 360-902-2515, email eric.gardner@dfw.wa.gov.
Additional comments: Website https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development/2023-spring-bear-rule-making.
May 4, 2022
Annie Szvetecz
Rules Coordinator