WDFW seeks public comments on proposed 2016-17 hunting seasons

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for the 2016-17 hunting seasons.

Through Feb. 25, WDFW will accept written comments from the public to help finalize hunting rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming hunting seasons. The proposals and comment forms are posted on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/hunting_regulations/

Most of the proposals address changes in special permit levels and other issues that were not included in the broader 2015-17 hunting plan approved last April by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, said Mick Cope, WDFW game manager.

However, at the commission’s request, two proposals included in the three-year plan are again available for public comment. One relates to cougar-hunting seasons and the other to the use of bait when hunting deer and elk.

“We encourage everyone interested in the upcoming hunting seasons to provide comments before final action is taken,” Cope said.

The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will also accept public comments on the proposed recommendations at its March 18-19 meeting at the Civic Center in Moses Lake. Final action by the commission is scheduled at a public meeting April 8-9 in Olympia.