Cougar Hunting Seasons

Rule-making status: Permanent
Rule-making reference: #P2024-07

Summary of proposed rule

The rule proposal seeks to maintain a sustainable cougar hunting season. The rule proposal sets a “cap” on the number of cougars that may be harvested or otherwise taken per year per population management unit and sets the cougar hunting season to start on September 1 and end on March 31 each year. The rule proposal also eliminates the allowance for harvesting a second cougar within the same license year statewide.

Scope and rationale for proposed rule

This rule proposal is responding to and supporting a rule petition (PDF) that the Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted on December 15, 2023. The petition requests that the department revisit the topic of cougar hunting seasons and a previous rule that was adopted in 2020.The rule proposal amends WAC 220-415-100 based on the rule petition. 

Public comments

To view comments on the public engagement page for this rule making proposal, please visit the https://publicinput.com/2024cougarseasonsetting

This comment period is closed. 

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA determination: Exempt

The rule making for this proposal is exempt from SEPA under WAC 197-11-835(6).

For more information

Staff Contact: Heather Bonagofski  at Heather.Bonagofksi@dfw.wa.gov

Assistance for additional accessibility and persons with disabilities contact:
833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.