2009-2011
Hunting Season Setting Process
It’s
that time again…
It’s time to
develop the 2009-2011 hunting seasons. Major hunting objectives and
season structures are set on a three-year cycle with minor adjustments
during the off years. The process for developing a three-year hunting
season package is an expanded version of the annual season-setting
process. The exception is the major migratory bird hunting seasons,
which are all set on an annual cycle to coincide with federal season-setting
processes.
Establishment of
all hunting seasons is guided by goals, objectives, and strategies
contained in the 2009-2015
Game Management Plan. Starting in June, the Department will ask
for your help to determine the major issues that you feel are important
for the next three-year hunting season cycle. As outlined below, there
will be several opportunities for you to provide your input throughout
the process.
Watch this website
for regular updates on the season-setting process.
Timeline:
1. Issue
Scoping: April 2008 – July 2008
Public Comment
Period: June 20 – July 14
- An online “Scoping
Survey,” will be used to solicit input on major issues
and options to address those issues.
2. Refining
Alternatives: July 2008 – November 2008
Public Comment
Period: August 12, 2008 – September 30, 2008
- After the
initial issue-scoping phase, Department staff will refine the
issues into preferred alternatives based on public comments received.
These alternatives will be discussed at the public meetings held
throughout the state in August and September.
Public Meetings:
- Western
Washington:
- August 25 – Mill Creek or Everett
- August 26 – Aberdeen
- August 27 – Tacoma
- August 28 – Vancouver
- Eastern
Washington:
- September 2 – Wenatchee
- September 3 – Spokane
- September 4 – Pasco
3. Developing
Recommendations (dates below are preliminary, final dates available
in October):
Public Comment
Period on specific rule proposals: January 20, 2009 – February
5, 2009
- After the
public meetings are held, Department staff will develop recommendations
for consideration by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in March
and April 2009. These recommendations will be based on the biological
needs of a species and information collected during the public
meetings.
Commission
Meetings:
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