Hunting on state parks lands BILL 1346

[fireweed]

http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1346&year=2015

Authorizes the parks and recreation commission to
expressly authorize hunting in specific state parks or
specific portions of state parks as long as all hunting
activities are conducted consistent with the fish and wildlife
code.

[Curly]

That would be excellent to be able to hunt some parks lands........especially since so much of the Discover Pass money goes to state parks.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Crazy .. Sounds good 

[Maverick]

Impressive. I know right where I'd want to hunt!

[fireweed]

Here's an example   Seaquest state park has bought up the shores of Silver Lake to conserve habitat.  Much of it is far from people and can only be reached by boat.  It WAS a great place for duck hunting, and similar areas next door are owned by WDFW, and allow duck hunting.  But no hunting is allowed simply because the owner is State parks, not WDFW.  Oregon allows big game hunting on some of its park owned lands.

[JimmyHoffa]

sounds good, more access.  And might generate the $ to get them back into a better financial point.

[bigtex]

Oregon, California, and Colorado all have state park lands that are open to hunting.

If this does pass, I think the most we would see is duck hunting.

Also not that this can pass and State Parks can keep all parks closed to hunting, noting says they must open lands to hunting.

[pd]

Oregon, California, and Colorado all have state park lands that are open to hunting.

If this does pass, I think the most we would see is duck hunting.

Also not that this can pass and State Parks can keep all parks closed to hunting, noting says they must open lands to hunting.

Even if it were just for duck hunting, that would be better than nothing.

I believe Idaho is just the opposite: All state parks are open to hunting unless expressly closed.  For example, Farragut State Park is (has always been) closed, but most other parks are open.

HB 1346 is a good idea.

[Special T]

I could see the Potholes state park open to deer hunting with a bunch of the sage they own and since its mostly closed to the general public during hunting season. Im sure there are a few other state parks operated on the E side that could allow it.... Even if it was just archery only...

[fireweed]

Duck hunting needs a boost in this state.  Duck hunters spend lots of cash, and as clubs lease prime private lands, more public lands should be open.  If hunting in park lands mostly affects duck hunting, it also has a better chance of passing since it might be a bit less controversial from the "safety" argument.  Also, federal wildlife refuges could serve as a model because they have lots on non-hunters hiking around watching birds etc, but they also allow hunting in specific areas-- and it works.   Duck hunters pay extra into conservation with the federal stamp requirements.  There are some strong arguments to "try this out" with duck hunting areas.

[fireweed]

listened to the hearing on the bill on TV.  Park is against and anti's starting to organize.. Park commission received 37 against emails and only 4 for.