2009-2011 Hunting Season Setting Process

It’s that time again…

It’s time to develop the 2009-2011 hunting seasons. Major hunting objectives and season structures are set on a three-year cycle with minor adjustments during the off years. The process for developing a three-year hunting season package is an expanded version of the annual season-setting process. The exception is the major migratory bird hunting seasons, which are all set on an annual cycle to coincide with federal season-setting processes.

Establishment of all hunting seasons is guided by goals, objectives, and strategies contained in the 2009-2015 Game Management Plan. Starting in June, the Department will ask for your help to determine the major issues that you feel are important for the next three-year hunting season cycle. As outlined below, there will be several opportunities for you to provide your input throughout the process.

Watch this website for regular updates on the season-setting process.

Timeline:

1. Issue Scoping: April 2008 – July 2008

Public Comment Period: June 20 – July 13

• Comments Being Accepted Now
  2009-2011 Hunting Season Package Issue Scoping Survey

2. Refining Alternatives: July 2008 – November 2008

Public Comment Period: August 12, 2008 – September 30, 2008

• After the initial issue-scoping phase, Department staff will refine the issues into preferred alternatives based on public comments received. These alternatives will be discussed at the public meetings held throughout the state in August and September.

Public Meetings:

• Western Washington:
  - August 25 – Everett or Bellingham
  - August 26 – Aberdeen
  - August 27 – Tacoma
  - August 28 – Vancouver
  
  
• Eastern Washington:
  - September 2 – Wenatchee
  - September 3 – Spokane
  - September 4 – Pasco

3. Developing Recommendations (dates below are preliminary, final dates available in October):

Public Comment Period on specific rule proposals: January 20, 2009 – February 5, 2009

• After the public meetings are held, Department staff will develop recommendations for consideration by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in March and April 2009. These recommendations will be based on the biological needs of a species and information collected during the public meetings.

Commission Meetings:

• March 2009
• April 2009