Commission to set new hunting rules at April 9-10 meeting in Leavenworth

[Kain]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=mar3010a

Commission to set new hunting rules
at April 9-10 meeting in Leavenworth

OLYMPIA - The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider adopting changes to this year’s hunting seasons and special-hunt permit drawings during a public meeting April 9-10 in Leavenworth.

The nine-member citizen commission will also accept public comments on proposed new rules designed to address property damage and other concerns related to wildlife.

The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. both days at the Best Western Icicle Inn, 505 State Route 2, in Leavenworth. An agenda is available on the commission’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings.html

The commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), heard public comments on the proposed changes to hunting rules and special hunting permit drawings at its March 12-13 meeting in Olympia. Those proposals are available under WAC 232-28-291 on the WDFW website at http://bit.ly/d3a41n.

Dave Ware, WDFW game manager, said the new hunting rules proposed for 2010 reflect changes in state game populations observed since the current three-year hunting plan was adopted last year. The proposed rules include a combination of new conservation measures and hunting opportunities for species such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, cougar and small game.

The commission also will consider a new approach for conducting drawings for special-hunt permits, which provide additional hunting options beyond those authorized by a general hunting license. The new approach proposed by WDFW would create separate applications for several categories of deer and elk permits, giving hunters more options in applying for permits, Ware said.

Under that proposal, “points” accrued by hunters toward special permits in previous years would be applied to each of the new permit categories created under the new plan.

In other matters, the commission will accept public comments on a proposal to help address property damage and other conflicts with wildlife, and consider approving easements and acquisitions of properties in Chelan, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pierce counties.

As directed by the 2009 Washington Legislature (SHB 1778), the wildlife-control proposal includes specific requirements for both lethal and non-lethal control, and identifies new sources of technical assistance for property owners. Claims for crop damage would be paid only after an assessment by a professional crop insurance adjustor.

The proposed Wildlife Interaction Rules are posted on the commission’s website at http://bit.ly/db1aCT. The commission is scheduled to take action on the proposed rules during a May 7 conference call meeting.

[6x6in6]

Note the word "consider" used a few times.

Such a nice way of saying "we will hear what you have to say but your comments mean nothing because we are just going to jamb this down your throat because we feel it's an excellent way to generate more revenue."

[bobcat]

Exactly!

Here are the necessary changes in the first sentence in order to make it a true statement:

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider adopting changes to this year’s hunting seasons and special-hunt permit drawings during a public meeting April 9-10 in Leavenworth.

[Elkaholic daWg]

Note the word "consider" used a few times.

Such a nice way of saying "we will hear what you have to say but your comments mean nothing because we are just going to jamb this down your throat because we feel it's an excellent way to generate more revenue."

 Very true, but I plan to be there at least one of those days

[Bob33]

(Why does this remind me so much of the health care bill?)

[littlemac]

(Why does this remind me so much of the health care bill?)

   Your   The government at work

[boneaddict]

Commission set the rules months ago....all PR or CYA at this point

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Looks like Friday to me. Isn't it great that no one has to work on Fridays ? I'm sure this was part of thier agenda makeup!


FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010 8:30 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Commissioners' Discussion
Director's Report (Phil Anderson)
Budget & Operations Update (Joe Stohr)
2. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting. NOTE: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues not on the agenda for action or decision.
 
  BREAK 
  3. SPECIAL HUNTING SEASON PERMITS AND DEALER FEES – RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of permanent amendments to WAC 232-28-291 Special Hunting Season Permits and WAC 220-55-115 Recreational License Dealer Fees, which would accommodate changes to special permit drawings. The Commission held a public hearing on these proposals during its March 12-13, 2010, meeting in Olympia.

Staff Report:
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program
 

[Curly]

I got a letter the other day from the commission saying that they received my letters and that they will consider what I had to say, but that it was after the public comment period was over.  I'm not sure why it matters if it is part of the official public comment, because they should be able to change their mind up until the time they vote on the proposal.

Although, we all know that they have to have already made up their minds on the issue in order for WDFW to get the drawing system setup and the regulations all prepared and to the printer in time.

[littlemac]

Looks like Friday to me. Isn't it great that no one has to work on Fridays ? I'm sure this was part of thier agenda makeup!


FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010 8:30 AM 1. CALL TO ORDER

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Commissioners' Discussion
Director's Report (Phil Anderson)
Budget & Operations Update (Joe Stohr)
2. OPEN PUBLIC INPUT
The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting. NOTE: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues not on the agenda for action or decision.
 
  BREAK  
  3. SPECIAL HUNTING SEASON PERMITS AND DEALER FEES – RULE ACTION:
The Commission will consider adoption of permanent amendments to WAC 232-28-291 Special Hunting Season Permits and WAC 220-55-115 Recreational License Dealer Fees, which would accommodate changes to special permit drawings. The Commission held a public hearing on these proposals during its March 12-13, 2010, meeting in Olympia.
Staff Report:
Dave Ware, Game Division Manager, Wildlife Program
 

Good point daWg, as we know this here's a done deal.

[Elkaholic daWg]

Who plans on being there tomorrow??

[Built4Outdoors]

I was lucky enough to have planned a short vacation to Leavenworth the same weekend they had this meeting and I have to say I was very disappointed for several reasons. First, I prepared for the meeting by reading everything I could online about the reg. changes. Then, I showed up (Sat.) only to be presented with 100 pages more than what was online. I was then immediately asked if I would like to address the Commission, you will be given 3 minutes (what am I suppose to do in 3 minutes? Can't even fry an egg that fast...). I opted out of addressing the commission having not seen all the new material yet. 3 citizens spoke on regulation changes and 3 on changes affecting landowner hunts and such out of 16 citizens in the room. WDFW is only holding meetings in Olympia, leavenworth, Bellingham, and Spokane; what happened to Southern Washington? Doesn't the Columbia represent one of the largest fisheries in the state? and who is representing the citizens living around it? (NO ONE!)

It was clear to me, this Commission has no interest in the wellfare of hunting or fishing in this state. But more suprising was the lack of turnout on our part! I'm guilty too and instead of complaining about the commission I'm taking action. I've submitted my application to be on the Commission and I'm trying to attend more meetings. We can make a difference if we ban together and take this commission head on! It will be difficult as the current commission has done a great job of marginalizing the sportsman of this state and turned the commission into a political position. I encourage everyone to get involved and don't be afraid to stand up and fight. Here is how you get on the Commission: http://www.governor.wa.gov/boards/application/application.asp
Just fill out the application and hopefully we start getting some people that know what they are doing on this Commission.

[Curly]

Very good points, Built4Outdoors.  I wish I would have gotten more involved with what WDFW was doing.  The first Commission meeting I attended was in March.  I went even though I was really sick. I also elected not to make any comments.  I had never been to one before and didn't know what to expect.  After listening to some of the lies that the WDFW staff were spouting I wish I would have signed up to make some comments.  Next time hopefully I won't be sick and I'll sign up in advance to rebut any b.s. that the staff is going to try to lay on the commission.  I did write letters to the commission before and after the meeting, but apparently their minds were already made up or I didn't make my points well enough.

I hope you get on the commission.  There seemed to be 2 guys on the commission that really cared and were knowledgeable about hunting issues.  We need commissioners that question everything WDFW staff tell them and they need to look out for the sportsman's interests.

[littlemac]

good luck on your application Built 4 Outdoors......

Here's the problem I see with the process:

Application for Gubernatorial Appointment to a Board or Commission

I'm pretty sure my political contributions have been going to the wrong place to make it onto a list our governor has any interest in.

I see you are correct about us getting involved though based on the folks who are currently on the board.

Occupation: Retired, Professor of fisheries
Occupation: Retired, fisheries biologist
Occupation: Environmental public health
Occupation: Retired firefighter, former state legislator
Occupation: Consultant, rangeland/grazing sustainability
Occupation: Marine Resources Consultant
Occupation: Dean, Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University