Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-10-115.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 232-28-295 Landowner hunting permits and 232-28-354 2007 Elk special permits; adopting WAC 232-28-431 2007-08 Migratory waterfowl seasons and regulations; and repealing WAC 232-28-430.

     Hearing Location(s): Seafarer's Memorial Park Building, 601 14th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221, (360) 293-0694, on August 3-4, 2007, at 8:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: August 3, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: Wildlife Program Commission Meeting Public Comments, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2162, by Tuesday, July 17, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager by July 31, 2007, TTY (800) 833-6388 or (360) 902-2267.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 232-28-295, in 2006, the landowner hunting permit (LHP) program was implemented to increase hunter access to private lands (Buckrun and 4-O Cattle Company) and to help a landowner (4-O Cattle Company) address long-standing elk damage issues. In 2007, the LHP program was expanded to include three new hunting areas in central Washington. The department is recommending changing the 24 "any bull" permits to 24 "any elk" permits. This amendment will affect permits for the Silver Dollar Association Landowner Hunting Permits.

     WAC 232-28-354, increase the number of modern firearm bull elk special permits for the Nooksack A hunt from 6 to 7.

     WAC 232-28-431, the new WAC specifies legal season dates, bag limits, and open areas to hunt waterfowl, coot, and snipe for the 2007-08 hunting season. WAC 232-28-431 replaces 232-28-430.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 232-28-295, the proposed permits are consistent with the commission's policy on private lands hunter access program. They will result in general public hunter access on private property and will help mitigate deer and elk foraging on private agricultural lands. The effectiveness of the existing agreement should increase by allowing hunters to harvest any elk instead of being limited to bull elk only.

     WAC 232-28-354, public welfare.

     WAC 232-28-431, waterfowl seasons and regulations are developed based on cooperative management programs among states of the Pacific Flyway and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, considering population status and other biological parameters. The rule establishes waterfowl seasons and regulations to provide recreational opportunity, control waterfowl damage, and conserve the waterfowl resources of Washington.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington fish and wildlife commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Dave Brittell, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2504; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, Natural Resources Building, Olympia, (360) 902-2373.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules regulate recreational hunters and do not directly regulate small business.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not hydraulic rules.

June 20, 2007

Morris Barker

for Lori Preuss

Rules Coordinator

OTS-9812.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 07-62, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07)

WAC 232-28-295   Landowner hunting permits.   A landowner may enter into a contract with the department and establish boundaries and other requirements for hunter access consistent with commission policy.

Hunters must possess both an access permit from the landowner and a hunting permit from the department when hunting on lands and for species covered under contract.

(1) Buckrun

Buckrun is located in Grant County, near the town of Wilson Creek. A legal description of the property has been filed with the county and is in the contract between Buckrun and the department.

Hunting on Buckrun is managed for a quality experience by scheduling hunt dates and keeping the number of hunters in the field low. Hunters with limited flexibility for hunt dates may experience scheduling problems. Hunters can generally expect one day hunts with written authorization from the Buckrun manager. All hunters must check in and out on hunt day. Schedule hunts in advance by calling 509-345-2577.

Deer

2007 Buckrun Landowner Hunting Permits

The manager of Buckrun will distribute these hunting permits. An access fee may be charged in order to utilize these permits. No access fee will be charged for the raffle permit winners. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for permits on Buckrun properties. Contact the manager at 509-345-2577 for additional information.

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Buckrun	10	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Antlerless Mule Deer or any Whitetail Deer	Buckrun
Buckrun	30	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Any deer	Buckrun
Buckrun Raffle	10	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Any deer	Buckrun

Deer

2007 Buckrun Special Hunting Permits

Hunters apply to Washington department of fish and wildlife for these permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for Buckrun special permits. All hunters must check in and out on hunt day. Schedule hunts in advance by calling 509-345-2577.

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Buckrun	10	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Antlerless Mule Deer or any Whitetail Deer	Buckrun

(2) 4-O Cattle Company

The 4-O Cattle Company is located in southwest Asotin County near the Washington/Oregon border. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the 4-O Cattle Company and the department.

2007 4-O Cattle Company Landowner Hunting Permits

The manager of the 4-O Cattle Company will distribute these hunting permits. An access fee may be charged in order to utilize these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O Cattle Company	1	Sept. 15-24	Any Bull	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Cattle Company	6	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Spike Bull Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Cattle Company - A	5	Oct. 1-7	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Cattle Company - B	10	Oct. 31 - Nov. 6	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Cattle Company - C	3	Nov. 23-30	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Cattle Company - D	5	Dec. 29 - Jan. 4	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company

Whitetail Deer

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O Cattle Company	1	Nov. 15-19	Any Whitetail Buck	4-O Cattle Company

Mule Deer

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O Cattle Company	6	Oct. 13-16	Any Mule Deer Buck	4-O Cattle Company

2007 4-O Cattle Company Special Hunting Permits

Hunters apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O Any Bull Elk	1	Sept. 26 - Oct. 6	Any Bull	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Spike Bull Elk	2	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Spike Bull Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk A	15	Oct. 1-7	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk B	10	Oct. 31 - Nov. 6	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk C	7	Nov. 23-30	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk D	5	Dec. 1-7	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk E	5	Dec. 8-14	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk F	5	Dec. 15-21	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk G	5	Dec. 22-28	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk H	3	Dec. 29 - Jan. 4	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk I	5	Jan. 12-18	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company
4-O Antlerless Elk J	5	Jan. 26-31	Antlerless Only	4-O Cattle Company

Whitetail Deer

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O White-tailed Buck	1	Nov. 20-25	Any White-tailed Deer Buck	4-O Cattle Company

Mule Deer

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
4-O Mule Deer Buck	2	Oct. 17-21	Any Mule Deer Buck	4-O Cattle Company

(3) Silver Dollar Association

The Silver Dollar Association is located in Yakima and Benton counties, on the western edge of the Hanford Reservation. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the Silver Dollar Association and the department.

2007 Silver Dollar Association Landowner Hunting Permits

The manager of the Silver Dollar Association will distribute these hunting permits. An access fee may be charged in order to utilize these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Silver Dollar	24	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any ((Bull)) Elk	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar	15	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless	Silver Dollar

2007 Silver Dollar Special Hunting Permits

Hunters apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Silver Dollar	6	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Any Elk	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar Antlerless Elk	12	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Antlerless Elk Only	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar Any Elk	2	Aug. 1 - March 31	Persons of Disability Only, Any Elk	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar Antlerless Elk	3	Aug. 1 - March 31	Persons of Disability Only, Antlerless Elk Only	Silver Dollar

(4) Blackrock Ranches

Blackrock Ranches is located in Yakima County, west of the Hanford Reservation. A legal description of the property is in the contract between Blackrock Ranches and the department.

2007 Blackrock Ranches Landowner Hunting Permits

The manager of Blackrock Ranches will distribute these hunting permits. An access fee may be charged in order to utilize these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Blackrock Ranches	6	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	8	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless	Blackrock Ranches

2007 Blackrock Ranches Special Hunting Permits

Hunters apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for these permits.

Elk

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Blackrock Ranches	1	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	4	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless Only	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	1	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	4	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Antlerless Only	Blackrock Ranches

(5) Teanaway Ranch

The Teanaway Ranch is located in Kittitas County, 7 miles west of Cle Elum. A legal description of the property is in the contract between the Teanaway Ranch and the department.

2007 Teanaway Ranch Landowner Hunting Permits

The manager of the Teanaway Ranch will distribute this hunting permit. An access fee may be charged in order to utilize this permit.

Elk

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Teanaway Ranch	1	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Bull	Teanaway Ranch

2007 Teanaway Ranch Special Hunting Permits

Hunters apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for this permit.

ELK

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Teanaway Ranch	1	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Bull	Teanaway Ranch

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. 07-11-017 (Order 07-62), § 232-28-295, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 07-01-049 (Order 06-300), § 232-28-295, filed 12/14/06, effective 1/14/07; 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-28-295, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020. 06-04-066 (Order 06-09), § 232-28-295, filed 1/30/06, effective 3/2/06.]

OTS-9830.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 07-62, filed 5/3/07, effective 6/3/07)

WAC 232-28-354   2007 Elk special permits.  

Special Elk Permit Hunting Seasons

(Open to Permit Holders Only)

Hunters must purchase an elk hunting license prior to purchase of a permit application. Hunters may only apply for permits consistent with the tag required for the hunt choice; however, Multiple Season Permit holders may apply for Eastern or Western Washington archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm permit hunts. Applicants must have purchased the proper tag for these hunts. The elk tag prefixes required to apply for each hunt are shown in the following table. Hunters drawn for a special permit hunt must comply with weapon restrictions and dates listed for the hunt.

Hunt Name	Permit Season Dates	Special Restrictions	Elk Tag Prefix	Boundary Description	Permits
Modern Firearm Bull Permit Hunts (Only modern firearm elk tag holders may apply.)
Prescott A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 149	2
Blue Creek A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 154	2
Watershed	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	3 pt. min. or Antlerless	EA, EF, EM	GMU 157	45
Dayton A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 162	13
Tucannon A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	Elk Area 1014	4
Wenaha A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 169	17
Mountain View A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 172	6
Couse A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 181	1
Mission A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 251	2
Colockum A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMUs 328, 329	9
Teanaway A	Dec. 19-30	Any bull	EF	GMU 335	22
Teanaway A-1	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 335	1
Peaches Ridge A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMUs 336, 346	135
Little Naches A	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EF	GMU 346	15
Observatory A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMUs 340, 342	80
Goose Prairie A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMUs 352, 356	96
Bethel A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 360	62
Rimrock A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 364	123
Cowiche A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	GMU 368	24
Klickitat Meadows A	Oct. 22 - Nov. 4	Any bull	EF	Elk Area 3068	1
Nooksack A	Oct. 13 - Nov. 11	Any bull	WF	GMU 418	((6)) 7
Green River	Oct. 27 - Nov. 2	Any bull	WF	GMU 485	3
Margaret A	Nov. 3-12	Any bull	WF	GMU 524	35
Toutle A	Nov. 3-12	Any bull	WF	GMU 556	130
Clearwater	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	WA, WF, WM	GMU 615	2
Matheny	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	WA, WF, WM	GMU 618	3
Olympic A	Nov. 1-9	3 pt. min.	WF	GMU 621, EXCEPT for Elk Area 6071	14
Skokomish A	Nov. 1-9	3 pt. min.	WF	GMU 636	9
Wynoochee	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	WA, WF, WM	GMU 648	1
White River A	Nov. 3-12	Any bull	WF	GMU 653	40
Modern Firearm Elk Permit Hunts (Only modern firearm elk tag holders may apply.)
Aladdin A	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Any elk	EF	GMU 111	15
Selkirk A	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Any elk	EF	GMU 113	20
49 Degrees North A	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Any elk	EF	GMU 117	45
Blue Creek B	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMUs 149, 154	100
Prescott B	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 149	75
Dayton B	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 163 and Elk Area 1011	100
Dayton C	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 149 and Elk Area 1012	100
Peola A	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 178	50
Couse B	Oct. 1-12	Antlerless	EF	GMU 181	30
Mountain View B	Oct. 27 - Nov. 6	Antlerless	EF	Elk Area 1013	20
Lick Creek A	Oct. 27 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 175	25
Malaga A	Sept. 8-30	Any elk	EF	Elk Area 2032	5
Malaga B	Sept. 15-25	Antlerless	EF	Elk Area 2032	35
Malaga C	Nov. 6 - Dec. 31	Antlerless	EF	Elk Area 2032	100
Malaga D	Nov. 6 - Dec. 18	Any elk	EF	Elk Area 2032	7
Peshastin A	Sept. 15 - Oct. 5	Antlerless	EF	Elk Area 2033	20
Peshastin B	Oct. 13-31	Any elk	EF	Elk Area 2033	5
West Bar A	Oct. 27-31	Antlerless	EF	GMU 330	5
West Bar B	Nov. 1-4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 330	5
Teanaway B	Dec. 19 - Jan. 13, 2008	Antlerless	EF	GMU 335	100
Taneum A	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 336	150
Manastash A	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 340	250
Umtanum A	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 342	250
Cleman	Dec. 1-15	Antlerless	EF	Elk Area 3944	50
Little Naches B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 346	150
Nile A	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 352	50
Bumping B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 356	100
Bethel B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 360	100
Rimrock B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 364	150
Cowiche B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Antlerless	EF	GMU 368	150
Klickitat Meadows B	Oct. 31 - Nov. 4	Spike bull or antlerless	EF	Elk Area 3068	9
Alkali A	Oct. 20 - Nov. 4	Any elk	EF	GMU 371	25
Mossyrock A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 505	50
Willapa Hills A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 506	35
Winston A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 520	130
Margaret B	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 524	50
Margaret C	Nov. 24 - Dec. 2	Antlerless	WF	GMU 524	50
Ryderwood A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 530	35
Coweeman A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 550	225
Coweeman B	Jan. 1-15, 2008	Antlerless	WF	GMU 550	50
Toutle B	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 556	70
Toutle C	Nov. 24 - Dec. 2	Antlerless	WF	GMU 556	100
Toledo A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 5029	20
Green Mtn C	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 5051	10
Carlton	Sept. 22-30	Any bull	WF	Elk Area 5057	5
West Goat Rocks	Sept. 22-30	Any bull	WF	Elk Area 5058	5
Mt. Adams	Sept. 22-30	Any bull	WF	Elk Area 5059	5
Wildwood A	Jan. 16-30, 2008	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 5061	15
Lewis River A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 560	375
Siouxon A	Nov. 3-12	Antlerless	WF	GMU 572	125
Raymond A	Nov. 5-10	3 pt. min. or antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6010	20
Raymond B	Dec. 16-31	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6010	30
Raymond C	Jan. 1-30, 2008	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6010	15
Raymond D	Feb. 1-28, 2008	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6010	15
Chehalis Valley A	Oct. 1-31	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6066	5
Chehalis Valley B	Nov. 5-10	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6066	5
North Minot A	Oct. 20-31	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6067	20
Deschutes	Jan. 15-23, 2008	Antlerless	WF	GMU 666	10
North River	Nov. 8-13	Antlerless	WF	GMU 658	10
Williams Creek	Nov. 8-13	Antlerless	WF	GMU 673	50
Tri Valley A	Dec. 1 - Jan. 30, 2008	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6012	10
North Shore A	Nov. 4-8	Antlerless	WF	Elk Area 6068	5
Muzzleloader Bull Permit Hunts (Only muzzleloader elk tag holders may apply.)
Note: Fire closures may limit access during early October seasons.
Prescott C	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 149	1
Blue Creek C	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 154	1
Dayton D	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 162	2
Tucannon B	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	Elk Area 1014	1
Wenaha B	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 169	3
Mountain View C	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 172	2
Couse D	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 181	1
Mission B	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMU 251	1
Colockum B	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMUs 328, 329	2
Teanaway C	Dec. 9-18	Any elk	EM	GMU 335	7
Peaches Ridge B	Oct. 1-10	Any bull	EM	GMUs 336, 346	19