Upcoming Commission meeting 20-22 June

[Frank The Tank]

Here's a blurb from another group regarding the upcoming Commission Meeting.  It's crucial for us to develop relationships with sister organizations and stand up with them.  Here's their piece:

"My name is Kelsey Ross. I am part of the Conservation Coalition of Washington. I am helping Dane who made the poll on the Washington elk hunting page reach those who wanted to know more about how to engage in next week’s commission meeting.
This meeting is going to be a big one because we are facing the loss of opportunity and management of cougars, following a petition from anti-hunting orgs. As you know, this will not only impact cougar hunting, but will cause trickle down effect two other species’ numbers. This is the low hanging fruit in which more opportunity will be taken in the future, due to the overall mission of anti-hunting individuals to eventually get rid of all hunting. We are also wanting to support the down listing of gray wolves to sensitive from endangered. The population has surpassed recovery objectives by far and we are seeing negative impacts of the overabundant population of wolves in certain regions of the state, it’s time for policy to reflect what is happening on the ground.
We also want to reject the best available science policy because the commission looking to use that as a way to bring in outside, biased (likely anti-hunting) science, that does not reflect what the department recommends. The commission is a policymaking and not science panel.
The commission meeting will take place on  the 20-22nd, but public comment will only occur on Friday the 21st and on Saturday the 22nd. The meeting is in Vancouver, Washington at the Heathman Lodge. Friday will be the best day to show up in person because there will be, both, general public comment in the morning and comment specifically focused on cougars later on in the day.
The meeting is a hybrid meeting, so you can comment  in person or virtually (zoom or phone) by signing up when the sign ups open and the agenda is posted. I expect to see this happen anytime from now to the end of the week.
Our coalition is offering to sign up members of the hunting community so we don’t get pushed out by anti-hunters. They often try to take up all the speaking slots. It requires giving us information that the WDFW needs, but we will be posting on our Conservation Coalition Facebook, and Instagram when the sign ups open, and the agenda up. I can also messaged you on here when it opens with a link to the WDFW website, but you can also find it by looking up “WDFW commission meetings” when everything is live.
If you show up in person you’ll definitely get a slot to talk, if you can’t be at the meeting plan on signing the day it is posted because the roster is going to fill quite quickly. If you do not want to speak, but still want to show up your presence will be appreciated!
Let me know if you want more information on the cougar and wolf situation or if I can assist you in any other way!"

I came across these folks as they were cross-pollinating between the Washington Elk hunting Facebook page and other pages, sharing their connections and networking.   

I'm curious to hear our official stance and details of how we are approaching this and other upcoming matters.

Here's their link to their Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555373932967&mibextid=LQQJ4d

[trophyhunt]

I think if enough people voice their opinion and bring facts, the commission will change their minds and not be anti hunting! 







🤣🤣🤣

[James]

I think if enough people voice their opinion and bring facts, the commission will change their minds and not be anti hunting! 







🤣🤣🤣

No, but we can close in the Overton window on them.

Hell, we have already done that, look at the serious change in their tune from last fall to early this year.

[Loup Loup]

Thanks Frank.
Is it possible to post this over on the Agency board also?

[Frank The Tank]

Thanks Frank.
Is it possible to post this over on the Agency board also?

Sure thing!

[UrbanTrapper]

Thanks for posting this Frank.  I would attend but I'm a lightweight  ... my son gets married that weekend.

[Mustelidae]

The commission meeting agenda has been posted and you can now sign up to give public comment. Looks like there going to go over the beaver relocation and fox trapping rules.

Sign up here!
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=F-LQEU4mCkCLoFfcwSfXLTdqLLUzKwVGoNxSOUk4bFdUNVEyM1BNSUNKNU5SMlpFTVo0OVMzQlBISyQlQCN0PWcu

[Frank The Tank]

Perhaps I missed a posting or a memo, but the only information I've seen (or discussion thereof) regarding this meeting here
 on a forum, or our Facebook page has been what I happened to pick up from a Eastern WA hunting group that sent me the link which I posted. 

I would GREATLY appreciate any information someone has to be shared for the good of the group on those topics relevant to us and to our hunting group associations, so we can intelligently comment on these topics:

  Agenda Topics:

Beaver Relocation Rulemaking: Rulemaking to Finalize the Pilot Rule
Status Update on Development of Ecosystem Beaver Habitat Management Guidelines & Associated Rulemaking Timelines (BoD OKed our logo on signage as long as there weren't outright Beaver trapping closures...I wonder if these signs have gone to print yet...? IMO, If there were a closure of any area, it should be done hand-in-hand with WSTA, and in partnership with lots of MOAs/MOUs.)
Cascade Red Fox: Permanent Rulemaking to Codify the Existing Emergency Rule
Cougar Conflict Resolution Team Update

Curious how the HHC that we are part of plans to approach this.

Attached you will find a PDF of one of the 2025 legislative proposals. In it you will find the desire to raise license fees, among other stuff.  Enjoy.

[James]

Perhaps I missed a posting or a memo, but the only information I've seen (or discussion thereof) regarding this meeting here
 on a forum, or our Facebook page has been what I happened to pick up from a Eastern WA hunting group that sent me the link which I posted. 

I would GREATLY appreciate any information someone has to be shared for the good of the group on those topics relevant to us and to our hunting group associations, so we can intelligently comment on these topics:

  Agenda Topics:

Beaver Relocation Rulemaking: Rulemaking to Finalize the Pilot Rule
Status Update on Development of Ecosystem Beaver Habitat Management Guidelines & Associated Rulemaking Timelines (BoD OKed our logo on signage as long as there weren't outright Beaver trapping closures...I wonder if these signs have gone to print yet...? IMO, If there were a closure of any area, it should be done hand-in-hand with WSTA, and in partnership with lots of MOAs/MOUs.)
Cascade Red Fox: Permanent Rulemaking to Codify the Existing Emergency Rule
Cougar Conflict Resolution Team Update

Curious how the HHC that we are part of plans to approach this.

Attached you will find a PDF of one of the 2025 legislative proposals. In it you will find the desire to raise license fees, among other stuff.  Enjoy.

Any idea what this means?

"1. Explore strengthening the recreational immunity statute in light or recent court decisions."

[RC]

On the radio this morning, I heard an ad for Wa wildlife first stressing how they want people to bring up the wolf delisting at the upcoming commission meeting, so I went to their website and found this:

𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀
Washington’s wolves are still “endangered,” according to state law and the state wolf recovery plan. But the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife is throwing both the law and its own plan out the window by pushing to prematurely downlist wolves to “sensitive”—just to placate powerful anti-wolf special interests.
https://tinyurl.com/protectwawolves
This proposal is an outrage.  Prematurely downlisting wolves would have real world consequences, including lowering the penalties for wolf poaching—just as poaching rates are climbing alarmingly—and allowing the Department to issue permits allowing ranchers to shoot and trap wolves on public lands
Most significantly, prematurely removing wolves from the state endangered species list would send poachers and wolf haters the message that Washington no longer considers its wolves worth protecting—and science shows that when a state does this, it results in more poaching. It would also take wolves to the brink of being delisted altogether, which would allow the Department to begin the wolf-hunting season it has been planning for years.
The June 21-22 WA Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Vancouver will be the last public meeting before the Commission votes on this proposal in July.  If we are to defeat this outrageous proposal, we need the Washington public to show their outrage by joining us at the commission meeting, writing to commissioners, and helping us spread the word. Learn how you can help at the link below or by sending us a DM.


I don't see anything on the agenda regarding wolves, so what's going on here?  Are they trying to hijack the meeting with this info?  Either way, it's a good reminder to send in your comments and be aware that this will likely be brought up, even though it's not on the schedule.  Never a bad time to email the commission members.

[James]

On the radio this morning, I heard an ad for Wa wildlife first stressing how they want people to bring up the wolf delisting at the upcoming commission meeting, so I went to their website and found this:

𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀
Washington’s wolves are still “endangered,” according to state law and the state wolf recovery plan. But the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife is throwing both the law and its own plan out the window by pushing to prematurely downlist wolves to “sensitive”—just to placate powerful anti-wolf special interests.
https://tinyurl.com/protectwawolves
This proposal is an outrage.  Prematurely downlisting wolves would have real world consequences, including lowering the penalties for wolf poaching—just as poaching rates are climbing alarmingly—and allowing the Department to issue permits allowing ranchers to shoot and trap wolves on public lands
Most significantly, prematurely removing wolves from the state endangered species list would send poachers and wolf haters the message that Washington no longer considers its wolves worth protecting—and science shows that when a state does this, it results in more poaching. It would also take wolves to the brink of being delisted altogether, which would allow the Department to begin the wolf-hunting season it has been planning for years.
The June 21-22 WA Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Vancouver will be the last public meeting before the Commission votes on this proposal in July.  If we are to defeat this outrageous proposal, we need the Washington public to show their outrage by joining us at the commission meeting, writing to commissioners, and helping us spread the word. Learn how you can help at the link below or by sending us a DM.


I don't see anything on the agenda regarding wolves, so what's going on here?  Are they trying to hijack the meeting with this info?  Either way, it's a good reminder to send in your comments and be aware that this will likely be brought up, even though it's not on the schedule.  Never a bad time to email the commission members.

I have no idea, but if they are willing to throw down cash on advertising that must mean they are worried.

[KNOPHISH]

Wa wildlife first? WTH is wrong with people? Caring about wolves but not all the wildlife they murder. Didn’t they already move the goal posts for recovery. They will not go extinct, what a bunch of lies.

[actionshooter]

On the radio this morning, I heard an ad for Wa wildlife first stressing how they want people to bring up the wolf delisting at the upcoming commission meeting, so I went to their website and found this:

𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀
Washington’s wolves are still “endangered,” according to state law and the state wolf recovery plan. But the WA Department of Fish & Wildlife is throwing both the law and its own plan out the window by pushing to prematurely downlist wolves to “sensitive”—just to placate powerful anti-wolf special interests.
https://tinyurl.com/protectwawolves
This proposal is an outrage.  Prematurely downlisting wolves would have real world consequences, including lowering the penalties for wolf poaching—just as poaching rates are climbing alarmingly—and allowing the Department to issue permits allowing ranchers to shoot and trap wolves on public lands
Most significantly, prematurely removing wolves from the state endangered species list would send poachers and wolf haters the message that Washington no longer considers its wolves worth protecting—and science shows that when a state does this, it results in more poaching. It would also take wolves to the brink of being delisted altogether, which would allow the Department to begin the wolf-hunting season it has been planning for years.
The June 21-22 WA Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Vancouver will be the last public meeting before the Commission votes on this proposal in July.  If we are to defeat this outrageous proposal, we need the Washington public to show their outrage by joining us at the commission meeting, writing to commissioners, and helping us spread the word. Learn how you can help at the link below or by sending us a DM.


I don't see anything on the agenda regarding wolves, so what's going on here?  Are they trying to hijack the meeting with this info?  Either way, it's a good reminder to send in your comments and be aware that this will likely be brought up, even though it's not on the schedule.  Never a bad time to email the commission members.

OH--- How they love to make up thier own "facts"...  this kind of propaganda is hard to argue.... most people who read it don't bother to learn the truth.

[actionshooter]

Here's a blurb from another group regarding the upcoming Commission Meeting.  It's crucial for us to develop relationships with sister organizations and stand up with them.  Here's their piece:

"My name is Kelsey Ross. I am part of the Conservation Coalition of Washington. I am helping Dane who made the poll on the Washington elk hunting page reach those who wanted to know more about how to engage in next week’s commission meeting.
This meeting is going to be a big one because we are facing the loss of opportunity and management of cougars, following a petition from anti-hunting orgs. As you know, this will not only impact cougar hunting, but will cause trickle down effect two other species’ numbers. This is the low hanging fruit in which more opportunity will be taken in the future, due to the overall mission of anti-hunting individuals to eventually get rid of all hunting. We are also wanting to support the down listing of gray wolves to sensitive from endangered. The population has surpassed recovery objectives by far and we are seeing negative impacts of the overabundant population of wolves in certain regions of the state, it’s time for policy to reflect what is happening on the ground.
We also want to reject the best available science policy because the commission looking to use that as a way to bring in outside, biased (likely anti-hunting) science, that does not reflect what the department recommends. The commission is a policymaking and not science panel.
The commission meeting will take place on  the 20-22nd, but public comment will only occur on Friday the 21st and on Saturday the 22nd. The meeting is in Vancouver, Washington at the Heathman Lodge. Friday will be the best day to show up in person because there will be, both, general public comment in the morning and comment specifically focused on cougars later on in the day.
The meeting is a hybrid meeting, so you can comment  in person or virtually (zoom or phone) by signing up when the sign ups open and the agenda is posted. I expect to see this happen anytime from now to the end of the week.
Our coalition is offering to sign up members of the hunting community so we don’t get pushed out by anti-hunters. They often try to take up all the speaking slots. It requires giving us information that the WDFW needs, but we will be posting on our Conservation Coalition Facebook, and Instagram when the sign ups open, and the agenda up. I can also messaged you on here when it opens with a link to the WDFW website, but you can also find it by looking up “WDFW commission meetings” when everything is live.
If you show up in person you’ll definitely get a slot to talk, if you can’t be at the meeting plan on signing the day it is posted because the roster is going to fill quite quickly. If you do not want to speak, but still want to show up your presence will be appreciated!
Let me know if you want more information on the cougar and wolf situation or if I can assist you in any other way!"

I came across these folks as they were cross-pollinating between the Washington Elk hunting Facebook page and other pages, sharing their connections and networking.   

I'm curious to hear our official stance and details of how we are approaching this and other upcoming matters.

Here's their link to their Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555373932967&mibextid=LQQJ4d

  Kelsey is a rock star!   She has been in the forefront of the fight for a long time.

[Frank The Tank]

Thanks for sharing the advertising propaganda that's out there.  Many of us don't see or hear it and for one, that helps me immensely when framing arguments for the commission etc where these folks use emotion vs facts.  Idaho is a perfect example of numbers of ungulates, especially elk, that have rebounded once the wolves started to be managed.  We also see how emotion in Idaho has them stopping a large percentage of wolf trapping because Grizzlies get caught in wolf traps....although there's never been a documented case of this happening. 

This and the tightening on cougar hunting only create more apex predators to target a shrinking prey base.  In the Methow, the deer population seems to have plummeted, yet this is probably shifted to snowy winters, warm winters, climate change, poaching, everything but wolf predation.

BTW there's more docs, presentations being posted now as we get closer to this meeting.  Anyone have source docs or any direct insight into the Thursday 1-3pm breakout regarding: "Beaver Relocation Rulemaking: Rulemaking to Finalize the Pilot Rule; Status Update on Development of Ecosystem Beaver Habitat Management Guidelines & Associated Rulemaking Timelines"