OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is calling for public input on proposed updates to landowner hunting permits in Grant and Spokane counties.
In Grant County, the sale of 7,880 acres of private land has resulted in a 20% decrease in accessible hunting acreage. The Buckrun landowner hunting permit program now covers 30,213 acres after the sale.
In Spokane County, the Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association (CPWMA) has dissolved. This association previously managed elk hunting permits over 3,877 acres. Due to these changes, WDFW has proposed reducing the number of deer hunting permits on the Buckrun property.
WDFW is also working with former CPWMA-affiliated landowners on potentially transferring properties into another public lands access program.
Public comments on these proposals are open until September 30. Those interested in learning more about the rule making proposal can find additional information on the WDFW website. Public comments can be submitted online, by email, by calling 855-925-2801 and referencing project code 11816, or by mailing written comments to the following address:
P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504. (Addressed to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: WDFW Rules Coordinator)
A virtual public hearing is scheduled for September 30 at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required by September 29 for those wishing to comment during the hearing. A decision on the proposals is expected in early October.
