WSR 19-10-025

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Filed April 23, 2019, 11:35 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 19-06-080 on March 5, 2019.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 220-415-090 2018-2020 Fall black bear hunting seasons and regulations.

Hearing Location(s): On June 14-15, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 North Lincoln, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Date of Intended Adoption: June 14-15, 2019.

Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504, email wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax 360-902-2162, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZN5J298, by May 16, 2019.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Delores Noyes, phone 360-902-2349, TTY 360-902-2207, email delores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov, by June 7, 2019.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 220-415-090, the proposed changes provide more recreational hunting opportunity in Eastern Washington by increasing the bag limit to two bears per license year. Also the proposed changes increase recreational opportunity in the South Cascades, Okanogan, Northeastern A, Northeastern B, Blue Mountains, and Long Island by opening the season August 1 statewide. Game management units (GMU) 419, 420, and 421 are being removed because bear hunting opportunities in these GMUs is extremely rare and it may be misleading to hunters. The final edit is to remove the 2018 dates as they have already occurred.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 220-415-090, the proposed amendments will simplify rules by creating a statewide bag limit and season opener. Additionally, the proposed amendments will remove emphasis on GMUs where bear harvest is unlikely.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Washington department of fish and wildlife, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Eric Gardner, Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2515; and Enforcement: Steve Bear, Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2373.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The rule proposal does not require a cost-benefit analysis.

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect; and rules adopt, amend, or repeal a procedure, practice, or requirement relating to agency hearings; or a filing or related process requirement for applying to an agency for a license or permit.

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).

April 23, 2019

Scott Bird

Rules Coordinator