WDFW seeks public comments on proposed 2017-18 hunting seasons

[bearpaw]

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
February 8, 2017
Contact: Wildlife Program, (360) 902-2515

WDFW seeks public comments on proposed 2017-18 hunting seasons

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for the 2017-18 hunting seasons.
Through Feb. 22, WDFW will accept written comments from the public to help finalize hunting rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming year. The proposals and comment forms are posted on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/
Most of the proposals address changes in special permit levels and hunting-area descriptions proposed since the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the state's last three-year hunting plan in 2015.

However, one change proposed by WDFW would significantly increase the daily limit of white-fronted geese and white geese throughout the state in response to those species' growing abundance. Another would allow the department to restore points to hunters who draw a permit for a damage hunt but are not called to participate in a hunt.
"We encourage everyone interested in the upcoming hunting seasons to check the proposed changes and send us your comments," said Anis Aoude, WDFW game manager.
The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will also accept public comments on the proposed recommendations at its March 17-18 meeting in Olympia. Final action by the commission is scheduled at a public meeting April 14-15 in Spokane.

Season Proposals: http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/2017/wsr_17-04-103.pdf

Submit Comments Online:

WAC 232-28-248 Special closures and firearm restriction areas.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RWT3T72

WAC 232-28-273 2017 Moose seasons, permit quotas, and areas.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTBWPHW

WAC 232-28-291 Special hunting season permits.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BHRR6HK

WAC 232-28-296 Landowner hunting permits.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RB2J5P6

WAC 232-28-337 Elk area descriptions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHHHS5G

WAC 232-28-342 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 Small game and other wildlife seasons and regulations.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RPTNL2S

WAC 232-28-357 2015-2017 Deer general seasons and definitions.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R69JRNL

WAC 232-28-359 2016 Deer special permits.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R6TVCM8

WAC 232-28-360 2016 Elk special permits.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R6PP7RK

WAC 232-28-436 2016-2017 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R5LQJWR

WAC 232-28-622 2015-2017 Bighorn sheep seasons and permit quotas.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R5XLHWN

WAC 232-28-624 Deer area description.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/666Z5VS

[BULLBLASTER]

I commented on the reduction of mica moose permits. It's about time.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks for posting Dale. 

[huntnphool]

 Doesn't look as though WDFW are proposing any changes as to how "vague" their rules are concerning the eastside elk auction and raffle tags.

 It also looks like they have eliminated all the antlerless mule deer tags in the Methow, except for a few youth and maybe senior or disabled?

[Mr Mykiss]

Yawn...

[ElaphusElatus]

A proposed 20 Cleman ewe tags is nothing to yawn about!

[Karl Blanchard]

Tag

[huntnphool]

 Yeah, and with the declining Methow mule deer numbers, they not only maintain the number of rut tags, but they decide to increase the numbers in a couple units.