The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has opened the door for public comments on what could be a contentious issue - tweaking the rules for cougar hunting seasons. According to the recent press release from WDFW, anyone with an opinion on whether the Evergreen State should adjust its hunting timelines and caps for these large predators has until June 21 to speak up.
The proposed rule would mark the hunting season from September 1 to March 31, capping the take at 13% of each population management unit (PMU), factoring in a statewide density measure. In a twist that might ruffle some feathers, if a PMU hits that 13% cap before the season even kicks off, hunters could see an elevated limit of 20%, though these changes would only stand until the end of the 2024-2025 season. As outlined on the WDFW website, the department is also looking to include all known human-caused cougar mortalities in the calculus for when to close a PMU during the season.
Lending your voice to the debate is simple. The public can submit their comments online or via email, make a call to 1-855-925-2801 and enter project code 1261, or send a letter to WDFW's Wildlife Program. Just remember, if you want to weigh in, the clock's ticking — the metaphorical hunter's gun will go off on that June deadline.
For individuals itching to offer their two cents in person, there's an opportunity to provide verbal comments during the Fish and Wildlife Commission's public hearing slated for June 21-22 in Vancouver. But don't just show up and expect to gab - you'll need to pre-register online. Details and the necessary form for public input will be available on the Commission's webpage as the meeting nears.
WDFW assures that this platform is open to all, promising an inclusive environment "regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability." The rule-making initiative comes from a petition in December 2023 that aimed to review black bear and cougar hunting seasons in Washington. Above all, WDFW's mission continues to tread the line between conservation and providing outdoor enthusiasts with sustainable, wildlife-related sport and commercial opportunities.
