Fish and Wildlife Commission to take public comments on hunting proposals at Moses Lake meeting

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept comments on proposed changes to state hunting rules for deer, elk, moose and other game species during a public meeting March 7-8 in Moses Lake. The meeting is scheduled to recess at 5:30 p.m. today, so it is likely over by the time you read this.

However, the commission will convene at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Here is the agenda for Saturday:

8:30 a.m.: Open Public Input

The Commission is a direct link between citizens of Washington and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Comments on Department programs and topics of concern are welcome during this portion of the meeting.

Note: During this portion of the meeting, the public is encouraged to comment on issues that do not already have public input time on the agenda.

9 a.m.: Annual Wolf Management Report

Department staff will provide the Commission with a briefing on wolf plan implementation for 2013.

Staff Report: Donny Martorello, Ph.D., Carnivore Section Manager, Wildlife Program and Stephanie Simek, Conflict Section Manager, Wildlife Program

10:15: Miscellaneous and Meeting Debrief

The Commission will discuss items that arise immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda is published.

10:30: Adjourn.

The commission was scheduled be briefed and take public comment on proposed changes to hunting rules for 2014. Those changes include: Reducing fees for multi-season deer permit holders; master hunters with special permits for deer or elk damage tags; special permit holders who purchase a second deer tag; and hunters who are issued damage prevention or kill permits for second deer tags.

Also, decreasing elk hunting permits by more than 400 in the Mount St. Helens area now that the elk population is more in balance with area habitat. Boosting the number of antlerless elk hunting permits by 620 for the Colockum area, where the population exceeds management goals.

Plus, streamlining the process for issuing hunters with disabilities special use permits, which enable them to use modified hunting equipment.

The commission is scheduled to consider adoption of all the proposals at its April 11-12 meeting in Olympia.

Better weather may mean good fishing

Our best suggestion for catching a stringer of fish is to head to Martha Lake near George and put PowerBait on the hook. The warmer weather should improve fishing considerably. At least the higher temps are sure to entice more anglers to participate. Good luck.

Hunters have until March 31 to apply for multiple-season permits

Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their name in a drawing for a 2014 multiple-season permit, which can greatly increase their opportunities for success in the field.

In mid-April, Fish and Wildlife will randomly draw names for 8,500 multiple-season deer permits and 1,000 multiple-season elk permits.

Winners of the drawing will be eligible to purchase a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2014. Winners who purchase the multiple-season elk tag by Aug. 31 can participate in general elk-hunting season in both eastern and western Washington.