Hunting reg changes

A reduction in whitetail hunting opportunity in northeast Washington, due to recent population losses, is probably the most important set of regulation changes due to emerge from a meeting of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission April 8-9 in Olympia.

New hunting rules proposed for commission action include adjustment of elk and deer general seasons and special-permit levels in response to population changes and crop and property damage problems in various parts of the state. Modifications include reducing antlerless whitetail deer hunting in northeast units, while maintaining opportunity for youth, senior and disabled hunters. The commission will also consider a proposal to implement antler point restrictions for whitetails in two northeast game management units.

Other proposals would increase spring black bear hunting seasons and permits in western and northeast Washington to help reduce timber damage, address bear nuisance activity and expand hunting opportunity.

Game management unit boundary descriptions for deer and elk hunting could be simplified, and certain landowners in Asotin County could be authorized to issue hunting permits for access to deer and elk on private lands. Hunting permits for those properties would also be available to the public through state special permit drawings.