HUNTING -- Restrictions on using bait and other possible changes to hunting rules and seasons will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Friday and Saturday in Moses Lake.

Public comments will be taken on proposed changes to state hunting rules for deer, elk, upland birds and other game species during the public meeting at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St.  This is the last of several opportunities for public comment.

Proposed changes to state hunting rules for 2015 include:

• Maintaining the current 4-point antler restriction for white-tailed deer in GMUs 117 and 121, or allowing hunters to take “any buck.”
• Doubling the amount of spring bear permits available in northeast Washington.
• Extending the hunting season for pheasants in eastern Washington through Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Adding two days to the modern firearm season for mule deer.
• Limiting or banning the use of bait to hunt deer and elk.

The meeting agenda calls for discussions on other topics, too, including proposed season changes for clams and oysters on 20 Puget Sound public beaches and and update on wolves in Washington.

The commission is scheduled to make final decisions on statewide hunting seasons in April.