WSR 17-10-070

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 3, 2017, 9:54 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering rule changes for the following topics: Spring bear hunting seasons and regulations, hoof disease, and auctions and raffles.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.12.240, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.32.090, and 77.32.530.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments are needed to provide clarification to rules, expand recreational opportunity, mitigate wildlife conflicts, and reduce the risk of spreading wildlife disease, while maintaining sustainable game populations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Eric Gardner, Wildlife Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2515, fax (360) 902-2162, email Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by June 13, 2017. Expected proposal filing on or after June 20, 2017.

May 3, 2017

Scott Bird

Rules Coordinator