Spring Bear Petition

[LongBomb]

  submitted

[Rainier10]

Done.   



I am writing to let you know I am strongly in favor of a spring bear season as vital management tool for our state wildlife. I would suggest that you look at expanding the spring bear season to other units. Since the ban on baiting bears went into effect it has become increasingly difficult to field judge bears and make sure you are taking out mature males. You need to have time to do that and what is happening now is bears are being taken by opportunity only, not by targeting mature males or females without cubs. A broader spring bear season would give hunters more time to view more bears and make sound decisions on whether to take a bear or not. The bear population must be kept in check to allow our ungulate population to be at its target levels as well.

I hope that you will look at reinstating the spring bear season and will also look to expand the GMU's that are open for spring bear hunting in the name of sound wildlife management.

[Karl Blanchard]

My mom is so cool! She just submitted her comments, emailed our legislators as well as the governors office to urge all parties to manage based on science and follow the wdfw bio's recommendation to have a 2022 spring season. AS A NON HUNTER!

[buckfvr]

What really chaps my behind is that a commissioner used her agenda driven OPINION to override the scientific evidence provided by WDFW bios.

That should not have been allowed.

[Viking360]

Done, sent.

[Cougeyes]

I didn't see anyone mention this.  My understanding is on 21 January, the commission has to either accept the formal petition that is challenging the rule making decision on spring bear (likely reinstating the season for 2022), or deny the petition (not having a 2022 season). With Koontz gone there are 7 commissioners, 3 of which voted against spring bear and 4 that voted to have the hunt. If this petition is voted on, then I would surely hope that the original 4 that voted in favor of having the spring bear hunt would all vote in favor again.

[Rainier10]

This is no time to assume or hope for anything.

We need to send a loud clear message that will let the entire commission know this is a hot topic and they should all vote in favor of it.  I assure you the opposite side is going to be expressing there desire to keep the season cancelled and will be in full force knowing they are down a vote.  They are going to try very hard to swing more votes in their favor.

[andersonjk4]

I didn't see anyone mention this.  My understanding is on 21 January, the commission has to either accept the formal petition that is challenging the rule making decision on spring bear (likely reinstating the season for 2022), or deny the petition (not having a 2022 season). With Koontz gone there are 7 commissioners, 3 of which voted against spring bear and 4 that voted to have the hunt. If this petition is voted on, then I would surely hope that the original 4 that voted in favor of having the spring bear hunt would all vote in favor again.

From what I gathered from what Director Susewind said in the video clip above is that the original proposal for the 2022 season is done and over with. The petition is to propose a new rule for a 2022 season.

I am guessing now, but I think that if the commission accepts the petition that the WDFW would then come back with a proposal for a 2022 season (likely the same proposal they originally presented). But not knowing what the petition says this is pure speculation.

[Tbar]

I didn't see anyone mention this.  My understanding is on 21 January, the commission has to either accept the formal petition that is challenging the rule making decision on spring bear (likely reinstating the season for 2022), or deny the petition (not having a 2022 season). With Koontz gone there are 7 commissioners, 3 of which voted against spring bear and 4 that voted to have the hunt. If this petition is voted on, then I would surely hope that the original 4 that voted in favor of having the spring bear hunt would all vote in favor again.

What are the rules when a topic is brought back? Does it need a new cr101? Cr102? Also what are the timelines for a response vs an action?

[trophyhunt]

My mom is so cool! She just submitted her comments, emailed our legislators as well as the governors office to urge all parties to manage based on science and follow the wdfw bio's recommendation to have a 2022 spring season. AS A NON HUNTER!

God bless her!!!  That's very cool.

[Russ McDonald]

Imagine that a turkey organization is going to get involved with bear hunting.  I contacted the NWTF and we are sending a letter to the commission.  I am also asking that it also gets sent to the governor.  Even if people don't hunt bear we should all be involved.  This is just a prelude to what could be coming. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Imagine that a turkey organization is going to get involved with bear hunting.  I contacted the NWTF and we are sending a letter to the commission.  I am also asking that it also gets sent to the governor.  Even if people don't hunt bear we should all be involved.  This is just a prelude to what could be coming.

good to hear! Their attacks are incremental and what's starts with bears will end with small game and birds. All these organizations should be speaking up.

[Goose74]

Done!

[mcrawfordaf]

Busy day for Nikki today 

[Tbar]

Imagine that a turkey organization is going to get involved with bear hunting.  I contacted the NWTF and we are sending a letter to the commission.  I am also asking that it also gets sent to the governor.  Even if people don't hunt bear we should all be involved.  This is just a prelude to what could be coming.

Thanks Russ. I think it's worth noting that the deviation started with forest grouse. Blatant disregard and arbitrary decision. There was some great conversation on here about that decision but little to no action at the commission. The GMAC provided input to the commission but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.