WSR 17-24-106
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Filed December 6, 2017, 8:09 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule making for the following: Deer and elk seasons and permits; cougar seasons and regulations; black bear seasons and regulations; mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose seasons, permits, and regulations; bighorn sheep marking requirements; wildlife management and wildlife interactions; game bird regulations; small game seasons; game farms and shooting preserves; trapping; landowner hunting permit program; deer and elk area boundaries; game management units, special closures and firearm restriction areas; unlawful methods for hunting; hunting equipment rules; special hunting season permits; hunters with disabilities; general recreational licensing rules; general rules; and other hunting regulations
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments are needed to provide clarification, expand recreational opportunity, 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 Council. 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, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-902-2515, fax 360-902-2162, email wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, web site wdfw.wa.gov.
December 6, 2017
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator