OLYMPIA -- Here' s a sampling of legislation of interest to sportsmen that's been introduced in the Washington Legislature and is up for major public hearings. It's a version reduced from a list being watched by the Fishing and Hunting Natural Resources Forum.

SB 5201 and companion bill HB 1248 regarding issues that impact the department of fish and wildlife: The bill has a variety of measures, such as increasing the prenalty for poaching protected wildlife such as eagles, swans and loons to $2,000.  The bill also would prohibit feeding bears, cougars and wolves.

Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters at 1:30 p.m. today.  House version scheduled for public hearing in Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 26.

 HB 1124 and companion SB 5356 establishing seasons for hunting cougars with the aid of dogs: sThe bill would extend the current pilot project to allow hound hunting for northern tier counties from Chelan across to Pend Oreille. It's being oppposed by groups such as the Humane Society of the United States. 

Referred to Agriculture & Natural Resources; public hearing held on Jan 18; scheduled for executive action on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.

SB 5112 restrictions on firearm noise suppressors:

Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Judiciary at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 26.

 HB 1095 Regarding payments in lieu of taxes for lands managed by the department of fish and wildlife:

Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 26.