WILSON CREEK — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for public comments on proposed updates to landowner hunting permits following recent changes in property ownership and management in Grant and Spokane counties.  

In Grant County, 7,880 acres previously available through the Buckrun landowner hunting permit program have been sold, resulting in a substantial 20% reduction in huntable acreage. Buckrun is located near Wilson Creek. Although the new owners retained 30,213 acres, hunters will find fewer opportunities for deer hunting access. 

Additionally, the Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association in Spokane County has dissolved, affecting 19 elk hunting permits on 3,877 acres that the CPWMA once managed.  

The disappearances of these hunting opportunities have prompted WDFW to propose a reduction in the number of deer hunting permits for the Buckrun property to adjust to the new context. 

To mitigate the impact of these changes, WDFW is collaborating with the three landowners previously involved with the CPWMA to transfer the affected properties into a different public lands access program managed by WDFW. 

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process by submitting their thoughts through various channels.  

Comments can be submitted online at the WDFW website, by phone at 855-925-2801 with the project code 11816, or through traditional mail to the WDFW Rules Coordinator at P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.  

The public comment period is open until Sept. 30.