WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT -- Gov. Jay Inslee is taking advantage of his authority to appoint members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

As rumored last week, commissioner Gary Douvia of Kettle Falls has been removed from his position and his slot is vacant. His term expired Dec. 31.  See current list of commissioners.  

Often Fish and Wildlife commissioners continue their roles even when governors change.

Even commissioners whose terms have expired usually are allowed to continue on the panel until a replacement is named, if that ever happens.

But in Douvia's case, the ax has fallen with no explanation and the governor's staff is activey interviewing candidates for the postition.

One candidate is retired Spokane firefighter George Orr, a Democrat, former state legislator and former Fish and Wildlife Commissioner.   His interview is this morning.

I've also learned that commissioner Chuck Perry of Moses Lake has been given his walking papers, but is being allowed to continue on the commission until he's replaced.

It's rumored that commission chair Miranda Wecker's expired position is in question.

More details on the shifting of commission positions are offered here in a post by Andy Walgamott of Northwest Sportsman.