Comments are open on the new State Game Management Plan. It can be seen at
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/02631/wdfw02631.pdfIf you scroll down to the bottom Furbearers are included in the Game Management Plan and it is open for public comment until August 7th. Most of the plan is pretty straightforward and I don’t see much to argue about but there are two items I would ask you to comment on.
First, is under Recreation Management Objective 2.1 Strategy d. Consider reducing the cost of fur dealer licenses to improve current license holder satisfaction and influence participation. This will be on page 211.
I would ask you to comment on this item and ask that elimination of the Fur Dealer License be considered. It makes it very hard to get Out-of-state fur dealers to come to our fur sales. The cost of the license has become a restraint on our markets for our furs.
Second, is a little bit farther down on page 212 Objective 2.2 Strategy h. Provide guidance and clarify definitions of “common rat and mouse traps” (RCW 77.15.192) and their role in trapping furbearing wildlife.
This is very important if we wish to continue using the KORO rodent trap. Several things to stress.
How humane they are. They are a killing trap, so an animal does not suffer.
Their small size precludes any but the smallest furbearers and so eliminates any chance of catching pets. Bycatch in these traps is non-existent.
Trappers have so few options in WA the elimination of their use will severely impact trappers.
A useful tool for trapping muskrat, mink, marten, spotted skunk.
And they are clearly a legal trap under the wording of RCW 77.15.192
You can comment at
https://publicinput.com/GameManagementPlan or by emailing GameManagementPlan@publicinput.com
Please take the time to comment. We only have until August 7th to comment in this format.
