Speak up for Washington’s wolves, cougars, bears, and orcas!

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to hear updates on wolf, cougar, and bear management at its upcoming October meeting.

The commission, a volunteer panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will meet Oct. 18-19 at the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. SE in Olympia.

Commissioners will also hear an update on the implementation of House Bill 1579, which directs WDFW to adopt rules liberalizing the bag limits for bass, walleye, and catfish in many waters throughout the state. This language was passed in part to implement task force recommendations meant to increase the abundance of Chinook salmon for the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population.

The commission will also hear a briefing and public comment on proposed amendments to the spring black bear rule (WAC 220-415-080).

During Saturday’s meeting, staff will brief the commission on current cougar management. The briefing will include how the department currently manages cougars, the science behind it and comparison to neighboring states.

A full agenda is available online at wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings.

Send comments here: https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact