WSR 98-19-022
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 98-187--Filed September 9, 1998, 11:38 a.m.]
Date of Adoption: September 8, 1998.
Purpose: Amend hunting rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-16-810 and 232-28-264.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.
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: The Port Susan Bay closure is intended to protect Vancouver Canada geese, which will arrive in the area in November. The early goose season takes geese of local origin, reducing agricultural damage and urban nuisance problems. Protection of local goose stocks is not warranted. The early goose season in southwest Washington reduces crop damage. Limiting shooting hours during the early season will not discourage feeding geese and not accomplish the intended results. Additional hunting pressure is needed to reduce the number of geese and limit agricultural damage. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, amended 2, repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.
September 8, 1998
Larry W. Peck
for Bern Shanks
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-16-81000A Port Susan Bay Canada goose opening. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-16-810:
(1) Effective immediately through September 14, 1998, and on September 26, 1998, it is lawful to hunt Canada geese in the area described in WAC 232-16-810. The September 26th hunt is restricted to youth only.
(2) October 10 through October 11, and October 13 through October 31, 1998, it is lawful to hunt geese in the area described in WAC 232-16-810.
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NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-26400C Early goose season--Southwest Washington hunting hours. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-264, effective immediately through September 14, 1998, the hunting hours for Canada geese in one-half hour before sunrise to sunset in the following areas: Clark (except areas south of the Washougal River), Cowlitz, Grays Harbor (except areas north of Highway 12 and west of Highway 101), Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.
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