Summary of proposed rule
The purpose of the proposed amendments was to carry forward a long-standing recreational hunting opportunity under a spring bear special permit. This rule making was initiated by a majority affirmative vote to grant one of six rule making petitions brought before the Fish and Wildlife Commission on January 21, 2022.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
If adopted, the proposed amendments would have provided a limited hunting opportunity to approximately 664 hunters who receive permits and WDFW anticipated approximately 145 black bears would be harvested through this limited permit hunting opportunity. The purpose and anticipated effect of the amendments was to continue geographically focused spring hunting of black bear, that can in some instances help address other management issues such as human-bear conflict, commercial timber damage or concerns for ungulate species neonate recruitment.
During the March 19, 2022 Special Commission Meeting, the commission voted on a motion that sought to approve the rules as proposed. That motion was defeated with a 4-5 vote. Similarly, a motion to include additional changes to the proposed rule was also defeated by a 4-5 vote. Therefore, the proposed rules were not approved and a 2022 spring bear hunting season will not be held.
Documents
Public hearing
March 11, 2022 at 8:00 am via webinar
March 11, 2022 Fish and Wildlife Commission Special Meeting Agenda
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April 11, 2022
Withdrawal of Rule Proposal
WDFW formally files a notice of withdrawal of the proposed rule with the Code Reviser.
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March 19, 2022
Commission Decision
During the meeting, the motion to approve the rule amendments as proposed was voted down by a 4-5 vote. Similarly, a motion to include additional changes to the rule was also voted down by a 4-5 vote. Therefore, the proposed rule amendments were not approved and a spring bear hunting season will not be held.
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March 11, 2022
Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held during a special commission meeting. The public is encouraged to give verbal public comment.
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February 1, 2022
CR-102 Rule Proposal filed
The public is encouraged to comment at this time.
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January 21, 2022
FWC vote to approve petition
The Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 4-3 to approve one of six rule making petitions.
For more information
Visit the Spring Black Bear Special Permits page
See the Spring Black Bear Commission Presentation
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 public comment period has closed as of March 12, 2022 at 11:59 pm.
You can view comments received during the comment period here (PDF).