Fish and Wildlife is requesting input from the public about two hunting plans. Although these seem confusing at first, they are important and your input will help. Read on.

Assist game management at upcoming meetings

Hunters and other members of the public will have an opportunity to help shape the state's game management plan for 2015-21 at a series of public open house meetings scheduled by Fish and Wildlife this month.

The remaining meetings are scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates and locations: June 24 - Vancouver, Heathman Lodge, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Dr.; June 25 - Lynnwood, Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. S.W. and June 26 - Olympia, Red Lion Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. S.W.

Once adopted, the plan will be used by Fish and Wildlife to guide development of hunting seasons and other management policies in future years.

Key issues in the draft plan include hunter recruitment and retention, hunter access to timberlands and possible new rules requiring the use of non-toxic shot. Fish and Wildlife will also consider new proposals for managing predator/prey relationships and developing a plan to manage wolves after they are no longer classified as an endangered species.

Final recommendations will be presented to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for a public hearing in August and adoption in September.

Fish and Wildlife accepting proposals for 2015-17 hunting seasons

Fish and Wildlife is now accepting proposals for changes in state hunting rules during the 2015-17 seasons.

Hunters and other members of the public can post their proposals on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/, which includes a timetable for rule development.

The department also plans to host six public meetings around the state in August to discuss options for proposed hunting rules.

Changes proposed by the public will play an important role in shaping hunting seasons and associated hunting regulations for 2015-17.

They want to hear people's comments and concerns, especially those that address a significant conservation or management issue, according to Fish and Wildlife. They don't implement every proposal received, but they do take a close look at all of them and incorporate a lot of those ideas into the state's hunting rules.

Meanwhile, Fish and Wildlife is also accepting public input on the state's draft game management plan 2015-21, which lays out guiding principles for upcoming hunting seasons. See story above.

The public can also comment on key aspects of the six-year plan via an on-line survey, available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gmpobjectives through July 18.

Key issues considered in the draft plan include: Promoting hunter recruitment and retention; Managing predator/prey relationships; Maintaining hunter access to timberlands; Managing wolves after they are no longer classified as an endangered species; and Possible new rules requiring the use of non-toxic shot.

Final recommendations for the six-year plan will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission for a public hearing in August and adoption in September. Final rules for the 2015-17 hunting seasons will be submitted to the commission next spring.

Brewster King Salmon Derby

Yes, this is two months ahead of time, but we want to make sure you have this on your calendar. Aug. 1, 2 and 3 is the Brewster King Salmon Derby this year.

This year: Cash awarded to the top 10 in the Adult Division and the top five in the Youth Division. Adult Winner will receive $1500, with the youth prize for 9 through 14 year olds of $600 and ages 8 and under receiving $100.

Here are some of the last year's stats: 265 paid entries with 28 being 17 and under; 102 King salmon weighed in and six Sockeye weighed (51 on Friday, 38 on Sat. & 13 on Sun). There was approximately an eight to one release ratio with wild kings having to be released.

More than $30,000 in cash and prizes were given away. 120 boats on the water Sat. morning and the winning king was weighed in on Sat.

From Don Kraege, Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl Section Manager:

A message to past goose banders:

We have been getting several inquiries regarding the status of Canada goose banding by Fish and Wildlife in 2014, which typically occurs in June.

During the past seven years we have banded almost 5,000 geese in eastern Washington, a very successful program. This would not have been possible without the support of our many volunteers.

Unfortunately, due to several vacancies of staff positions involved with this effort in the past, as well as commitments of other staff on various projects, we are scaling back the dates and locations of banding operations this year.