Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 98-10-099.

Purpose: To amend WAC 232-16-770 Skagit Wildlife Area shotgun shell restriction.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.010 and 77.12.040.

Summary: The amendment adds additional public hunting areas to the fifteen shell restriction for hunters using the areas.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Shell limits are successful in encouraging hunters to select shots more carefully, decrease interference with nearby hunters, and increase turnover time for popular hunting locations.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Mike Kuttel, Assistant Director, Wildlife Management, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Ron Swatfigure, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, governmental.

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

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The amendment protects the waterfowl resource and improves recreation quality.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Natural Resources Building, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA, on August 7-8, 1998, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by July 31, 1998, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mike Kuttel, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, fax (360) 902-2162, by July 31, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: August 7, 1998.

June 30, 1998

Robin Ayers

for Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

WAC 232-16-770  ((Skagit wildlife area)) Shotgun shell restriction areas It is unlawful to have in possession more than 15 shotgun shells or to fire (shoot) more than 15 shells in one day on the following areas:

Section 1. The farmed island segment of the Skagit Wildlife Area ((public hunting area)), between the south fork of the Skagit River and Fresh Water Slough in Skagit County.

Section 2. The Spencer Island Unit of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area in Snohomish County.

Section 3. The Welts (West 90) Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area in Skagit County.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.12.010. 96-18-008 (96-126) § 232-16-770, filed 8/22/96, effective 9/22/96.]

Reviser's note: The bracketed material preceding the section above was supplied by the code reviser's office.