WDFW looking for public input on hunting season planning
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for public comment for the upcoming three-year planning process. The public is asked to share suggestions related to specific game species, permits, access or game management practices.
FILE PHOTO
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging public involvement as it embarks on a three-year planning process for hunting seasons from 2027 to 2029. The department has opened a scoping period, inviting feedback on potential changes to hunting regulations that will help inform future proposals.
The public is invited to share suggestions related to specific game species, permits, access, or overarching game management practices. The feedback collected during this period, which runs until Oct. 31, will play a role in shaping the rule-making proposals the WDFW will consider, according to the statement from WDFW.
Individuals can submit their comments through WDFW’s public scoping survey, via email, or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering code 11994. Written suggestions can also be mailed to the WDFW Wildlife Program at P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.
“We encourage everyone interested in game species management to send us feedback to help inform the rule making process,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “This process helps us better understand the experiences you want; we need your feedback to help us determine the path forward.”
WDFW undertakes this rulemaking process every three years, enabling the agency to propose changes to hunting regulations. Between these cycles, WDFW also makes minor adjustments to seasons or rules if immediate needs arise, ensuring that regulations remain relevant and responsive to both wildlife populations and community interests.
After the public comment period closes, additional opportunities will emerge for the community to weigh in on specific proposed rule changes. The final recommendations from WDFW will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in early 2027.
For more information about hunting seasons and regulations in Washington, visit the WDFW website.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.