WCO permit expirations, WDFW Policy change

[Humptulips]

If you have a WCO permit, you would be wise to be aware of the expiration date and apply for renewal early.
As a result of a WSTA members WCO expiration I have had a conversation via e-mail about this.
We have been used to getting a renewal of our permits at any time when we realized they were expired. That apparently has come to an end. If your permit expires without a request for renewal, they are going to make you take the class again.
WDFW has had a FAQ on their website implying that they would renew a WCO permit if applied for within three years. Do not rely on this.
On a personal note, this spurred me to check my permit and I see it expired about 3 months ago. I'll request a renewal and report on what happens.

An issue came up with Special trapping permits also but I will make a separate post on that.

[Humptulips]

Well, My permit expired on 10/9/22 and they are going to make me retake the class.

[redi]

That’s unfortunate Bruce. Sorry for your troubles. Thanks for the update.

[carpsniperg2]

When I took the class around a year or so ago. They told us that it was up to us to watch the date and apply before it expires.
They should have let all the previous WCO know by email of this change.

[HillHound]

Well, My permit expired on 10/9/22 and they are going to make me retake the class.

Wow! That’s just ridiculous. I’m not sure who they have teach the class but I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that you probably have far more field experience than them. You should probably be teaching them a class

[Trapper John]

Bruce,
They use to let us know when your permit expired, is there some where on the WDFW site you could look up to see if yours expired?
JC

[Humptulips]

I suggested they send out notification of impending permit expirations. They were unresponsive.
As far as I know there is only one way to check on your permit expiration and that is to look at the permit they sent you. You could call and ask them to check or e-mail but they seem disinclined to help a person out.

[Machias]

Well, My permit expired on 10/9/22 and they are going to make me retake the class.

   What a crock!

[Norman89]

Just got an email saying basically we are responsible for renewal when needed and there is no plan in place for renewal after expiration except take the class again

[Machias]

Just got this email:

Good morning,

 

This email is to inform you that we are hosting our spring 2023 Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) training on March 8th. Please use this opportunity to review your certification expiration date to ensure it is currently valid. As noted on your signed copy of your certificate, your certification is valid for three (3) years, and is the responsibility of each WCO to request a renewal. If your certification has expired as of December 31st, 2022 and you plan on continuing to provide WCO services in the state of Washington, you are required to attend this training to renew your certificate. If you continue to operate with an expired certification, you risk a violation of WAC 220-440-100. Information on how to register for the March training can be found at the link below.

 

At this time, there is no procedure in place for a grace period for expired certifications. Application for renewal must happen before your expiration date in order to simply renew.

 

Instructions on registration for this course can be found on our website using the following link: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/nuisance-wildlife/wildlife-control-operators/faq#online.

 

Thank you for understanding and we look forward to our continued collaboration.

 

This message was sent using an automated distribution list based on available records. If you are no longer in service due to a previous violation, you must be in compliance with RCW 77.15 and cleared prior to applying for this training. If you are no longer in service due to retirement from the WCO industry, you may disregard this message.

 

 

Respectfully,

WDFW Special Trapping

[Humptulips]

Yea, I asked them to inform WCOs if they were going to go this route. They never replied but I guess they rethought things and decided to send out a notice.
Imagine this if you will, if you didn't renew your hunting license before the old one expired, every year having to retake hunter education. Makes about as much sense.

[Machias]

Yea, I asked them to inform WCOs if they were going to go this route. They never replied but I guess they rethought things and decided to send out a notice.
Imagine this if you will, if you didn't renew your hunting license before the old one expired, every year having to retake hunter education. Makes about as much sense.

 

[Mt.Beaver]

 The course is online but they charge  $50  to take it.    At least you don't have to drive to Olympia to take it.  Can we say AS_ _OLES on this forum   I'm good until 2025 but will be marking my calendar

[bugs n bones]

Well they used to email us prior to expiration and come to find out yesterday mines been expired for 2.5 years , been filling out my reports and getting a Thankyou and email confirmation but not a peep about my permit expired . I emailed the head in charge and he said there are no records of me trapping or filing my reports . I said I have email confirmations and then he went silent . Not a word after that .

[Trapper John]

I suggested they send out notification of impending permit expirations. They were unresponsive.
As far as I know there is only one way to check on your permit expiration and that is to look at the permit they sent you. You could call and ask them to check or e-mail but they seem disinclined to help a person out.

Found mine .............. ............... in the last place I would look.  My wallet 

I'm still good have been ............. yep ........... since 1986 when they were called "Department of Game" 
I'm Probably one of the last originals  guys that started with this prigram.
Damn I'm getting old   
JC