WDFW seeks comments on proposed hunting seasons

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for the 2017-18 hunting seasons.

Through Feb. 22, WDFW will accept written comments from the public to help finalize hunting rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming year. The proposals and comment forms are posted on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/.

Most of the proposals address changes in special permit levels and hunting-area descriptions proposed since the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the state's last three-year hunting plan in 2015.

However, one change proposed by WDFW would significantly increase the daily limit of white-fronted geese and white geese throughout the state in response to those species' growing abundance. Another would allow the department to restore points to hunters who draw a permit for a damage hunt but are not called to participate in a hunt.

"We encourage everyone interested in the upcoming hunting seasons to check the proposed changes and send us your comments," said Anis Aoude, WDFW game manager.

The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, will also accept public comments on the proposed recommendations at its March 17-18 meeting in Olympia. Final action by the commission is scheduled at a public meeting April 14-15 in Spokane.