Senate Bills to manage and list wolves as a game species

[bearpaw]

Introduced by our new 7th District Senator John Smith (who replaced Bob Morton)

From: Senator Smith

LIVE FROM OLYMPIA RADIO SHOW
Every Monday morning at 8:05, I participate in an hour-long, live radio program hosted by John Andrist of KOMW Okanogan AM 680. You can listen live HERE. Along with Reps. Kretz and Short, we talk about the legislation we are working on and answer questions from callers. It is a great way to start the week and it provides another opportunity for us to stay connected.
 
NEW LEGISLATION
As mentioned above, I’ve been hard at work to introduce legislation regarding the wolf issue, specifically citizens’ right to defend against predatory attacks.
 
Senate Bill 5193 – This bill would list wolves as a game species so that as recovery levels are met, immediate steps can be taken to manage the population at a sustainable level without jeopardizing cattlemen interests. Proper management is best for all wild species, and wolves are no exception.
 
Senate Bill 5187 – This measure proposes a change to state law that would give individuals the authority to kill an animal predator that is threatening human safety or causing property damage. I believe that we should have the fundamental human right to defend our lives, families, property, pets and livelihoods.
 
Senate Bill 5188 – would authorize county commissioners to use lethal force against wolves if an imminent threat to commercial livestock is declared. I think our local governments need to be empowered with the authority to address specific localized threats.
 
The bills have been referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee, of which I am vice chairman. They are scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. I will be sure to keep you updated on their progress. You can watch coverage of the hearings on www.TVW.org.
 
I hope you find these e-newsletters informative. As always, please forward it to your friends or encourage them to sign up by visiting my website. I welcome any feedback you may have. My door is always open; please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or ideas you may have.
 
Sincerely,
Senator John Smith

[villageidiot]

Having doubts this will get voted on.  Seems like the head of the Natural Resource committee was the one responsible for bringing up the Pilot Program for cougars over a year ago.  He pulled a rotten trick and did not bring it up to be voted on so we lost hound hunting for cougars.  If the same guy is in charge he will find a way to table these bill too.   
  4 cougars were killed by hunters in the Methow Valley last Sunday.  The cougar population is starting to escalate and will get worse every year.

[nwwanderer]

New guy does good.  Encourage him.

[bearpaw]

Collectively there are many wolf bills submitted by 7th legislative district lagislators in the house and senate.... 

[lucky33]

aaahhhhooooooooooooooooooo!

[bearpaw]

WDFW has requested the bill changing the wolf to a big game animal. 

[kevinlisa06]

A step in the right direction I hope.