HB 2497-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that:  (1) Certain Washington elk populations are at risk due to habitat changes and to increased hunting pressure;

     (2) different cultural perspectives toward hunting, different tribal and nontribal regulations and enforcement procedures, and different views regarding treaty hunting rights have contributed to tensions between tribal and nontribal elk hunters and between elk hunters and residents of areas where elk are hunted;

     (3) while they bring different perspectives to the hunt, tribal and nontribal elk hunters share a common interest in working to maintain and rebuild elk populations in order to ensure that there will continue to be elk hunting opportunities; and

     (4) a combination of policies and discussions to cultivate this common interest could yield ways to reduce the tensions and maintain and rebuild the elk populations.

     Requires emphasis on the Packwood, Olympic Peninsula, Nooksack, and North Rainier elk herds.