Olympia, Washington Following ownership and management changes, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public feedback on proposed revisions to landowner hunting permits granted on private properties in Grant and Spokane counties.
In Grant County, 7,880 acres of private land that were previously available for hunting permits under the Buckrun landowner program have been sold. The amount of land accessible for hunting access was reduced by 20% as the property owners kept 30,213 acres. Furthermore, Spokane County’s Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association (CPWMA) has collapsed. Through WDFW’s landowner hunting permit program, the CPWMA historically managed land on a number of private holdings to provide 19 elk hunting permits on 3,877 acres.
WDFW is suggesting lowering the quantity of deer hunting permits available on the Buckrun property in huntable acres in response to these modifications. As a result, fewer permits will be available. Furthermore, WDFW is proposing to move the properties into a different WDFW public lands access program while collaborating with the three landowners who were previously involved in the CPWMA.
WDFW’s website has a copy of the rule-making proposal. Comments can be sent by mail to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: WDFW Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504, by phone at 855-925-2801, project code 11816, or online. The deadline for public comments is September 30.
The director of WDFW was given decision-making responsibility over this rulemaking by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. The proposed rule change will be the subject of a virtual public hearing by WDFW on Tuesday, September 30 at 2:00 p.m. Public commenters who wish to participate in the hearing must pre-register online by September 29. Early October is the tentative date for a decision.
No matter their race, color, sex, age, national origin, language ability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability, the public is encouraged to participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities and share their thoughts.
In addition to offering sustainable possibilities for commercial and recreational fish and wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife strives to conserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and habitats.
