HUNTING -- An additional public meeting to discuss Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife proposals for 2015-17 hunting seasons is scheduled for7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Colville Ag Trade Center at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds, 317 West Astor Ave, Colville.

Hunting issues that have been discussed online, in Spokane and at other meetings across the state in August include:

• Antler point restrictions on white-tailed deer, including the four-point minimum for whitetails in Units 119 and 121;
• Antlerless deer opportunity for youth, senior, and disabled hunters; 
• Spring and fall black bear seasons;
• Special permit drawings and the  emphasis on bonus points;
• Baiting of big game;
• Hunting equipment, including non-toxic ammunition, expandable broadheads and crossbows.

Fish and Wildlife officials from the regions and Olympia headquarters have conducted a series of meetings on the hunting proposals in Spokane, Moses Lake and Ellensburg and western Washington meetings cities. 

WDFW Eastern Region Wildlife Program Manager Kevin Robinette said the Colville meeting will be conducted by regional staff only, with emphasis on northeast Washington hunting issues.

The proposals are available online, where comments can be provided through Sept. 22.

Comments received will be used to develop specific recommendations for 2015-17 hunting seasons, which will be available for further review in January. 

Final recommendations will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission for adoption next spring.