Commission to consider fishing proposals

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT — The last round of public comment on proposed 2012 fishing rules will be taken at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting Jan. 6-7 in Olympia.

The commission also will consider increasing the number of multiple-season hunting permits available

Multiple-season hunting permits allow selected hunters to hunt for deer or elk during all general hunting seasons, rather than having to choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons. Hunting data show that the wider range of options increases hunters’ chance of success in the field.

WDFW has proposed increasing the number multiple-season hunting permits available each year to 8,500 deer permits and 1,250 elk permits. In 2011, WDFW conducted a drawing for 4,000 deer permits and 850 elk permits from among the hunters who paid an application fee.

State wildlife managers say increasing those permit levels will not pose a risk to Washington wildlife, adding that fees generated by applicants for a higher number of permits would be used to expand efforts to prevent property damage caused by wildlife.

See the Fish and Wildlife’s complete meeting agenda .

See all the details and proposals on the WDFW 2012 fishing proposals web page .

Here are details of the specific proposal to allow bait fishing on the Kettle River: