I’ll post a couple email drafts that can be copy and pasted to send if anyone is interested in advocating against this.
1:
To the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission,
I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposal to delay the opening of Washington’s black bear hunting season in an effort to “minimize conflict between user groups.” This proposal is not supported by wildlife management science, conflicts with existing Washington law, and risks reducing critical conservation funding generated through regulated hunting.
Washington’s black bear population remains robust and widely distributed, with long-standing estimates of approximately 25,000–30,000 bears statewide. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Big Game Management Plan identifies regulated hunting as a primary and effective tool for maintaining sustainable bear populations, reducing human–bear conflicts, and managing ecological impacts. Earlier season timing is particularly important for addressing conflict issues that occur during late summer when bears are actively foraging near human developments.
Participation data further demonstrates strong and consistent public engagement in bear hunting. From 2014 through 2023, annual bear tag sales ranged from approximately 56,000 to over 77,000 tags per year. At a cost of $27.60 per bear tag, this represents roughly $1.6 million to over $2.1 million in annual revenue, with more than $17 million generated over the last decade from bear tags alone. These funds directly support wildlife management, habitat conservation, enforcement, and public access programs statewide.
Shortening the season by delaying opening dates will predictably reduce hunter participation and associated revenue, undermining WDFW’s ability to meet its conservation and management objectives. This concern is especially relevant given that hunting-generated revenue is a cornerstone of Washington’s wildlife funding model.
The stated justification of minimizing “user conflict” is also inconsistent with Washington law. Under RCW 77.15.210, intentional interference with lawful hunting activity (commonly referred to as hunter harassment) is prohibited. Washington’s legal framework already provides protections to ensure lawful hunting can occur alongside other recreational uses. Adjusting biologically justified hunting seasons to accommodate potential interference undermines this statute and sets a concerning precedent.
Decades of agency research and wildlife management practice demonstrate that regulated bear hunting:
Maintains populations within biological carrying capacity
Reduces human–bear conflict and property damage
Supports ecosystem balance
Generates essential conservation funding
No biological or population-based justification has been presented to support shortening Washington’s bear season. Wildlife management decisions should remain rooted in science, conservation outcomes, and statutory mandates—not social pressure from specific interest groups.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Commission to reject the proposed changes and retain Washington’s current, science-based black bear season structure.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2:
I oppose the proposal by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to delay Washington’s black bear hunting season.
The WDFW Big Game Management Plan states that wildlife management should “provide sustainable hunting opportunities” and recognizes that “hunting is an important tool for managing wildlife populations.” Shortening bear season conflicts with these goals and reduces an effective management tool that helps maintain healthy bear populations and reduce human–bear conflict.
Bear hunting also provides critical conservation funding. First bear tag sales alone generate approximately $1.5–$2.1 million annually for wildlife management programs. Reducing hunting opportunity will reduce participation and conservation funding.
The stated goal of minimizing user conflict is also unnecessary. Washington law (RCW 77.15.210) already prohibits interference with lawful hunting activity and protects the rights of all user groups.
Wildlife management decisions should be based on science, conservation outcomes, and statutory mandates. I respectfully request that the Commission reject the proposed changes and maintain the current bear season structure.
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]
