ATTENDANCE:
Commission	Public
Ron Ozment, Chair	Senator Bob Oke
Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair	Phil Arnold, Arnold Map Service
Ken Chew	Dennis VonBargen
Conrad Mahnken	Leonard Baker, WA State Bowhunters
Chuck Perry	Pat Newsome, WA State Bowhunters
Shirley Solomon	Loyd Fergestrom
Miranda Wecker	Bill Vincent, Adv. Committee for Persons with Disabilities
	John Robert
	Steve Link, WA State Bowhunters
Commission Staff:	Brian Kellogg, WA Falconers Assoc.
Nancy Burkhart	Rich Nall
	Dick Jacobs
	Martha Jordan, The Trumpeter Swan Society
Department	Dan Cox
Larry Peck, Deputy Director	Walt Christensen, Wa Muzzleloaders Assoc.
Ron McQueen	Gary Richter
Tom Davis	Dean Cook WA Bowhunters Coalition
Dave Brittell	Julie Cox
Jeff Tayer	Annette Crews, WA State Archery Assoc.
Bruce Bjork	Tony L. Wells
Bill Jarmon, Jr.	Dave Mack, WA State Archery Assoc.
Dennis Beich	Dave Garrison
Greg Hueckel	Ed Orcutt
Morris Barker	Clifford Kellogg, WA Falconers Assoc.
Evan Jacoby	Jim Pearson, SCI
Kristi Lynett	Nina Carter, Audubon Society of WA
Nicole Ricketts	Tom Perry, SCI
Harriet Allen	Jack Nyman
Frank Hawley	B.J. Thorniley, Hunters Heritage Council; WA Hound Council; State Trappers Assoc.
Dave Ware	Diane Cooper, Pacific Shellfish Growers Assoc.
Mick Cope	Molly Arrandale
Jerry Nelson	Jack Laufer
Donny Martorello	John Blankenship, Wolf Haven, Int.
Don Kraege	Nancy Jacobs
Jo Wadsworth	Byron Warrington, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe
Christy Vassar	Dana Roberts, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe
Kirt Hughes	Robert E. Burdick, WA State Bowhunters
Annette Hoffman	Kathy Arnold, Arnold Map Service
Craig Parsons	Phil Arnold, Jr., Arnold Map Service
	John Rhodes

FRIDAY, APRIL 7:

Vice Chair Shiosaki called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2006, Commission conference call. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Ozment and Mahnken were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION:
Commissioners discussed recent activities and items of general interest and provided status reports on Commission committees.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Deputy Director Peck reviewed significant Department issues and activities.

BUDGET UPDATE:
Ron McQueen provided a status report on the Department's budget.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Tom Davis provided an update on the 2006 Legislative Session.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
Seven individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.

RETENTION OF TAGGED BOTTOMFISH AND HERRING -- RULE ACTION:
Morris Barker presented WAC 220-56-177, Retention of tagged bottomfish and herring, for repeal. This would close a loophole that currently allows the retention of tagged fish during closed seasons.

No oral testimony on the proposed repeal was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Chew moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to repeal WAC 220-56-177, Retention of tagged bottomfish and herring. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

FISH AND WILDLIFE INFRACTIONS -- RULE ACTION:
Bruce Bjork and Evan Jacoby presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would make certain criminal violations into infractions, and repeal of an unnecessary duplicative section:

- Amend WAC 220-56-115, Angling gear--Lawful and unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-116, Statewide saltwater hook rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-122, Statewide bait rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-123, Statewide freshwater hook rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-128, Food fish fishing--Closed areas;
- Amend WAC 220-56-130, Unclassified marine invertebrates and fish;
- Amend WAC 220-56-131, Elliott Bay public fishing pier underwater artificial reef area;
- Amend WAC 220-56-132, Les Davis public fishing pier underwater artificial reef area;
- Amend WAC 220-56-133, Des Moines public fishing pier;
- Amend WAC 220-56-134, Edmonds public fishing pier;
- Amend WAC 220-56-210, Fly fishing;
- Amend WAC 220-56-265, Forage fish--lawful gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-270, Smelt--Areas and seasons;
- Amend WAC 220-56-280, Carp--Lawful gear and seasons;
- Amend WAC 220-56-282, Sturgeon--Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-320, Shellfish gear--Unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-326, Shrimp containers;
- Amend WAC 220-56-340, General provisions--Clams, cockles, mussels--gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-375, Oysters and scallops--Gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-390, Squid, octopus;
- Amend WAC 232-12-027, Game farm license provisions;
- Amend WAC 232-12-055, Hunting--Hunter orange clothing requirements;
- Amend WAC 232-12-106, Provisions for accidental take by falconers;
- Amend WAC 232-12-134, Report required of licensed trapper;
- Amend WAC 232-12-177, Vehicles using department lands;
- Amend WAC 232-12-272, Juvenile fishing events;
- Amend WAC 232-12-275, Wildlife rehabilitation permits;
- Amend WAC 232-28-619, Washington food fish and game fish--Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules; and
- Repeal WAC 220-56-126, Nonbuoyant lures and night closures--Saltwater.

One individual provided oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to adopt the following permanent rule amendments as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff, and repeal WAC 220-56-126, Nonbuoyant lures and night closures--Saltwater:

- Amend WAC 220-56-115, Angling gear--Lawful and unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-116, Statewide saltwater hook rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-122, Statewide bait rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-123, Statewide freshwater hook rules;
- Amend WAC 220-56-128, Food fish fishing--Closed areas;
- Amend WAC 220-56-130, Unclassified marine invertebrates and fish;
- Amend WAC 220-56-131, Elliott Bay public fishing pier underwater artificial reef area;
- Amend WAC 220-56-132, Les Davis public fishing pier underwater artificial reef area;
- Amend WAC 220-56-133, Des Moines public fishing pier;
- Amend WAC 220-56-134, Edmonds public fishing pier;
- Amend WAC 220-56-210, Fly fishing;
- Amend WAC 220-56-265, Forage fish--lawful gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-270, Smelt--Areas and seasons;
- Amend WAC 220-56-280, Carp--Lawful gear and seasons;
- Amend WAC 220-56-282, Sturgeon--Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-320, Shellfish gear--Unlawful acts;
- Amend WAC 220-56-326, Shrimp containers;
- Amend WAC 220-56-340, General provisions--Clams, cockles, mussels--gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-375, Oysters and scallops--Gear;
- Amend WAC 220-56-390, Squid, octopus;
- Amend WAC 232-12-027, Game farm license provisions;
- Amend WAC 232-12-055, Hunting--Hunter orange clothing requirements;
- Amend WAC 232-12-106, Provisions for accidental take by falconers;
- Amend WAC 232-12-134, Report required of licensed trapper;
- Amend WAC 232-12-177, Vehicles using department lands;
- Amend WAC 232-12-272, Juvenile fishing events;
- Amend WAC 232-12-275, Wildlife rehabilitation permits; and
- Amend WAC 232-28-619, Washington food fish and game fish--Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules.

The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

AQUATIC FARM REGISTRATION -- RULE ACTION:
Evan Jacoby, presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-76-015, Aquatic farm--Definition, that would change identification requirements for aquatic farm registration. This is a housekeeping amendment.

One individual provided oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments during the meeting.

Commissioner Chew moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt the permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-76-015, Aquatic farm--Definition, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Commissioner Solomon moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to have Department staff meet with the Washington Department of Health and the Puget Coast Shellfish Growers Association to resolve any matters concerning the differences in the two state agencies' descriptions of aquatic farms. Staff is to come back to the Commission at its October 6-7, 2006, meeting in Olympia with the results of those meetings. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

WASHINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION -- DISCUSSION:
Because of scheduling conflicts, Mark Clark (Executive Director, Washington Conservation Commission) was unable to attend the meeting. The discussion will take place at a future meeting.

SUSTAINABILITY -- BRIEFING:
Kristi Lynett and Nicole Ricketts briefed the Commission on the Sustainability Committee's efforts and strategies developed to meet the goals and objectives of the Department's Sustainability Strategy.

WOLF MANAGEMENT IN WASHINGTON STATE -- BRIEFING:
Harriet Allen, Jim Michaels (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), and Roger Woodruff (U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services) briefed the Commission on the current status of the wolf in Washington and surrounding states, and the preparations, issues, and concerns related to anticipated natural immigration and establishment of wolves in the state.

STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT -- BRIEFING:
Sue Patnude, briefed and updated the Commission on the framework for the Department's 2007-09 Biennial Strategic Plan that is due to the Office of Financial Management June 1, 2006 (previous date was early May 2006). The Commission will provide direction to the Department on its April 21, 2006, Commission conference call. No public input will be accepted at that time.

No oral testimony on the 2007-09 Biennial Strategic Plan was received during the meeting.

REFUNDS AND TAG EXCHANGE GUIDELINES -- RULE ACTION:
Frank Hawley and Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 220-55-040, Recreational license, tag, permit, and stamp refunds and exchanges, that would establish guidelines for issuing refunds or authorizing tag exchanges.

No oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to adopt WAC 220-55-040, Recreational license, tag, permit, and stamp refunds and exchanges, as presented by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTION -- DECISION:
Department staff withdrew this request for a land transaction.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
Eight individuals provided oral testimony on issues of concern during this portion of the meeting.

Vice Chair Shiosaki recessed the meeting at 4:38 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8:

Chair Ozment called the meeting back to order at 8:33 a.m.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
No oral testimony on issues of concern was received during this portion of the meeting.

GoHUNT -- BRIEFING:
Mick Cope briefed and demonstrated to the Commission the Department's comprehensive mapping information site that is an internet-based interactive mapping program hosted on the Department's website.

2006-07, 2007-08, AND 2008-09 SMALL GAME SEASONS -- RULE ACTION:
Mick Cope presented for adoption WAC 232-28-342, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, Small game seasons, and for repeal WAC 232-28-341, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, Small game seasons. This will provide hunting opportunity for small game species.

Two individuals provided oral testimony on the rule proposals during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to adopt WAC 232-28-342, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, Small game seasons, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff, and to repeal WAC 232-28-341, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, Small game seasons.

Because of concerns that the ring-necked pheasant seasons began prior to the modern firearm seasons for deer, Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to amend the motion by changing the opening dates for ring-necked pheasant to October 14, 2006, October 13, 2007, and October 11, 2008. The motion failed after Department staff pointed out that the proposed opening dates were the opening dates for modern firearm deer seasons.

Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to amend the motion by changing the opening dates for ring-necked pheasant to October 21, 2006, October 20, 2007, and October 18, 2008. The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.

Because the main motion had not mentioned June 1, 2006, as the effective date for the repeal, Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to amend the motion, to repeal WAC 232-28-341, 2003-04, 2004-05, and 2005-06, Small game seasons, on June 1, 2006. The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Shiosaki, to amend the motion, to change the cottontail and snowshoe hare possession limit to three times the daily bag limit. The motion to amend the motion carried.

The motion, as amended, carried unanimously.

HUNTING EQUIPMENT RULES -- RULE ACTION:

Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would amend equipment regulations to maintain hunter ethics and standards of fair chase:

- WAC 232-12-051, Muzzleloading firearms;
- WAC 232-12-054, Archery requirements--Archery special use permits; and
- WAC 232-12-257, Use of decoys and calls.

Five individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments during the meeting.

Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to adopt the following as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff:

- WAC 232-12-051, Muzzleloading firearms;
- WAC 232-12-054, Archery requirements--Archery special use permits; and
- WAC 232-12-257, Use of decoys and calls.

Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Chew, to amend the motion by retaining "and are exposed to the elements". The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.

The motion, as amended, carried unanimously.

LANDOWNER DAMAGE PERMITS AND HUNTING PERMITS -- RULE ACTION:
Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would help address deer and elk damage problems and provide hunter access to private lands:

- WAC 232-28-266, Landowner damage hunts; and
- WAC 232-28-295, Landowner hunting permits.

No oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to adopt WAC 232-28-266, Landowner damage hunts, and WAC 232-28-295, Landowner hunting permits, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.

2006-08 DEER GENERAL SEASONS AND SPECIAL PERMITS -- RULE ACTION:
Jerry Nelson and Dave Ware presented rule proposals that would maintain general deer hunting season opportunities, and adjust deer special permits in response to population changes and damage complaints:

- Amend WAC 232-28-351, 2006-2008 Deer general seasons and definitions; and
- Adopt WAC 232-28-353, 2006 Deer special permits.

Six individuals provided oral testimony on the rule proposals during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to adopt WAC 232-28-351, 2006-2008 Deer general seasons and definitions, and WAC 232-28-353, 2006 Deer special permits, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff.

Commissioner Shiosaki moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to amend the motion, that for GMUs 127 through 142 maintain the general late whitetail deer season as in the past, with legal deer being whitetail 3 point minimum, and season dates consistent with the northeast units, which would be November 6-19, 2006, November 5-19, 2007, and November 3-19, 2008, and delete the late modern firearm season buck permits recommended for these units. The motion failed.

The motion carried unanimously.

2006-08 ELK GENERAL SEASONS AND SPECIAL PERMITS -- RULE ACTION:
Jerry Nelson and Dave Ware presented rule proposals that would maintain general elk season opportunities, provide new special permit opportunities, and adjust elk special permits in response to population changes and damage complaints:

- Amend WAC 232-28-352, 2006-2008 Elk general seasons and definitions; and
- Adopt WAC 232-28-354, 2006 Elk special permits.

Six individuals provided oral testimony on the rule proposals during the meeting.

Commissioner Solomon moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, to adopt WAC 232-28-351, 2006-2008 Elk general seasons and definitions, and WAC 232-28-354, 2006 Elk special permits, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff.

Because of concerns about Mount St. Helens' area to address the area's ability to sustain the size of the local elk herd, Commissioner Solomon moved, seconded by Commissioner Wecker, moved to amend the motion by adding: (1) five additional special-hunt permits to GMU 524 (total 30) and 15 additional special-hunt permits to GMU 556 (total 50) for modern firearms; and (2) five additional special-hunt permits to GMU 524 (total 15), and five additional special-hunt permits to GMU 556 (total 15) for muzzleloaders. The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

Motion by Perry, second by Mahnken, to amend the motion by retaining GMU 249 as "any elk" during the early archery elk season. The motion to amend by motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS FOR GMUs AND DEER AND ELK AREAS -- RULE ACTION:
Jerry Nelson and Dave Ware presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would provide means to address wildlife damage issues by modifying or creating new deer and elk areas:

- WAC 232-28-333, Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions--Region three;
- WAC 232-28-335, Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions--Region five;
- WAC 232-28-337, Deer and elk area descriptions; and
- WAC 232-28-248, Special closures and firearm restriction areas.

The Department withdrew WAC 232-12-809, Definition of Eastern and Western Washington, and WAC 232-28-336, Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions--Region six, for consideration by the Commission.

Two individuals provided oral testimony on the proposed amendments during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, moved to adopt:

- WAC 232-28-333, Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions--Region three;
- WAC 232-28-335, Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions;--Region five;
- WAC 232-28-337, Deer and elk area descriptions; and
- WAC 232-28-248, Special closures and firearm restriction areas

as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

2006-007, 2007-08, AND 2008-09 BLACK BEAR AND COUGAR SEASONS -- RULE ACTION:
Donny Martorello presented rule proposals that would establish 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 black bear and cougar seasons:

- WAC 232-28-286, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring black bear seasons and regulations;
- Amend WAC 232-28-272, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Black bear and cougar hunting seasons and regulations;
- Amend WAC 232-12-024, Requirements for sealing of pelts and collection of biological information for river otter, cougar, lynx, and bobcat; and
- Repeal WAC 232-28-284, Spring black bear seasons and regulations.

Two individuals provided oral testimony on the rule proposals during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry, to adopt the following as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff, and repeal WAC 232-28-284, Spring black bear seasons and regulations:

- WAC 232-28-286, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Spring black bear seasons and regulations;
- Amend WAC 232-28-272, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Black bear and cougar hunting seasons and regulations; and
- Amend WAC 232-12-024, Requirements for sealing of pelts and collection of biological information for river otter, cougar, lynx, and bobcat.

Commissioner Perry moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to amend the motion by adding to spring black bear seasons: (1) five additional permits to GMU 154 (total 30); (2) seven additional permits to GMU 162 (total 22); (3) two additional permits to GMU 166 (total 7); (4) fifteen additional permits to GMU 169 (total 45); (5) seven additional permits to GMU 172 (total 22); (6) seven additional permits to GMU 175 (total 22); and two additional permits to GMU 186 (total 7). The motion to amend the motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

The motion, as amended, carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

2006-08 MOOSE, BIGHORN SHEEP, AND MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASONS AND PERMIT QUOTAS -- RULE ACTION:
Donny Martorello presented proposed permanent rule amendments to WAC 232-28-273, 2006-2008 Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and permit quotas, that would establish the 2006-08 moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and permit quotas.

One individual provided oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to adopt WAC 232-28-273, 2006-2008 Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons and permit quotas, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

BIG GAME AND WILD TURKEY AUCTION, RAFFLE, AND SPECIAL INCENTIVE PERMITS / SPECIAL HUNTING SEASON PERMITS -- RULE ACTION:
Donny Martorello presented proposed permanent rule amendments that would establish seasons for all big game and auction and raffle hunts:

- WAC 232-28-282, Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits; and
- WAC 232-28-291, Special hunting season permits.

No oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken, to adopt:

- WAC 232-28-282, Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits; and
- WAC 232-28-291, Special hunting season permits

as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

2006-07 AND 2008-09 TRAPPING SEASONS -- RULE ACTION:
Donny Martorello presented proposed rule amendments to WAC 232-28-515, Trapping seasons and regulations, that would establish 2006-07 and 2008-09 trapping seasons.

No oral testimony on the proposed rule amendments was received during the meeting.

Commissioner Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Solomon, to adopt WAC 232-28-515, Trapping seasons and regulations, as filed with the Code Reviser's Office and amended by staff. The motion carried unanimously.
(Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.)

MISCELLANEOUS AND MEETING DEBRIEF:
The Commission discussed items that arose immediately before or during the meeting and after the preliminary agenda was published.

OPEN PUBLIC INPUT:
No oral testimony on issues of concern was received during this portion of the meeting.

Chair Ozment adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.

* Commissioners Ozment and Mahnken were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.
** Commissioner Ozment was absent during discussion and vote on the motion.
*** Commissioners Chew and Shiosaki were absent during discussion and vote on the motion.

Commissioners in Attendance:
Ron Ozment, Chair
Fred Shiosaki, Vice Chair (via speakerphone)
Ken Chew
Conrad Mahnken
Chuck Perry
Shirley Solomon
Miranda Wecker

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