Summary of proposed rule
The department proposed amendments to carry forward a long-standing recreational hunting opportunity to address bear management by continuing to use recreational hunting under a spring bear special permit in 2022.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
The purpose and anticipated effect of the amendments was to continue geographically focused spring hunting of black bear in areas where WDFW have observed on-going human-bear conflicts, low fall harvest results, commercial timber damage, or concerns for ungulate species recruitment. This amendment would also have made minor modifications to harvest and inspection procedures. These amendments would have provided a limited hunting opportunity to approximately 664 hunters who receive permits and WDFW anticipates approximately 145 black bears would be harvested through this limited permit hunting opportunity.
Documents
Public hearing
Public Hearing: October 22, 2021 at 12:50 PM (Agenda Item # 8) - Webinar
Listen to the Commission Meeting audio recording
Special Commission Meeting: November 15, 2021 at 8:00 AM
WDFW staff provided the commission responses to their questions from the initial briefing and provided responses to follow up questions. The meeting was held over Zoom.
Listen to the Special Commission Meeting audio recording
Access the Meeting Materials (PDF) for the Special Commission Meeting
Commission Decision Meeting: November 19, 2021 at 8:00 AM
WDFW staff provided a brief presentation to the Commission. The rule making proposal did not receive a majority vote to adopt, ending in a tied 4-4 vote. Therefore, the proposed changes for a 2022 Spring Black Bear hunting season were not adopted.
Listen to the Commission Decision Meeting audio recording
Access the Presentation (PDF) provided at the Commission Decision Meeting
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December 10, 2021
WDFW withdraws the proposed rule
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November 19, 2021
Commission Decision Meeting
The commission decision ended in a 4-4 tied vote. Therefore, the rule proposal was not adopted.
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November 15, 2021
Special Commission Meeting
A special commission meeting is scheduled at 8 AM, where WDFW staff will provide the Commission responses to their questions from the initial briefing and provide responses to follow up questions.
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October 22-23, 2021
Commission Meeting & Public Hearing
Public comments are accepted during this commission meeting.
Note: In light of a high level of public interest, the comment period is officially extended and will now conclude at 5 PM on Nov 1.
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August 30, 2021
Rule proposal CR-102 filed with the Code Reviser
The public comment period begins. The public is encouraged to comment on the rule proposal at this time.
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June 21, 2021
Preproposal CR-101 filed with the Code Reviser
Agency announces that it is considering rule proposal development.
For more information
Staff Contact: Heather.Bonagofski@dfw.wa.gov
Assistance for Additional Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities Contact:
Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator
Phone: (360) 902-2349, TTY: 1-800-833-6388 OR 711
Email: Title6@dfw.wa.gov
Public comments
The comment period, which was extended until 5 pm on November 1, has closed. To view public comments submitted on this proposal during the comment period, please visit the Spring Black Bear comment home page. In addition to those comments, you can also view comments submitted via email to the Spring Black Bear PublicInput email addresses here (XLSX).