HUNTING -- The public is getting a chance to help shape the Washington's game management plan at a series of public “open house” meetings scheduled by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this month.

The public can also comment on key aspects of the six-year plan via an on-line survey, from today through July 18.

The meetings are scheduled to run in Eastern Washington from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. as follows:

• June 17 – Wenatchee, Red Lion Inn Wenatchee , 1225 N. Wenatchee Ave.
• June 18 – Kennewick, Red Lion Inn Kennewick, N. 1101 Columbia Center Blvd.
• June 19 – Spokane, Double Tree by Hilton Spokane City Center, 322 N. Spokane Falls Court..

Once adopted, the plan will be used by WDFW to guide development of hunting seasons and other management policies in future years, said Dave Ware, WDFW game program manager.

“We want to hear people’s concerns, especially those that address significant conservation or management issues,” he said.

• Key issues in the draft plan include:
• Hunter recruitment and retention.
• Hunter access to timberlands.
• Possible new rules requiring the use of non-toxic shot. 
• New proposals for managing predator/prey relationships.
• Developing a plan to manage wolves after they are no longer classified as an endangered species.

Ware said comments received at the public meetings and from the online survey will be used to develop additional recommendations, which will be available for further review.

Final recommendations will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission for a public hearing in August and adoption in September.