Legislation Looks To Ensure Ungulate Numbers In Washington

What do the deer, elk and moose populations look like in Washington, and are they being properly managed?  Those are a few of the questions Senate Bill 5960 looks to answer.

NE Washington Republican Shelly Short pointed out that one of the many responsibilities the state department of Fish and Wildlife is tasked with is ensuring the state has a healthy ungulate population.  She added as predator populations continue to grow, her district and other districts are feeling the economic impact on hunting.

“We're really concerned about the lack of ungulate numbers that frankly are their main food source," Short said.  "You know, right now the wolves go directly, you know, after the livestock.  The interesting thing is the bill just takes language from their own documents, by the way, including their wolf conservation plan that says if numbers fall below certain percentages, then they have to manage the situation, which could be translocation. It could be just reducing populations, predator populations, but they need to take action.”

Short said the issue of predators and ungulate numbers has frustrated her constituents for years.

“Everybody knows wolves are present, and people are trying to accept that," Short said.  "But I think the state of Washington needs to do more on their end. And the beauty of this bill, it just stays right in line with that. Perfect, transition into work they should already be doing. Shouldn't cost anything, they should already be doing it.”

Short added, whether for or against the proposal, she encourages all Washingtonians to provide testimony.  SB 5960 will be heard in Monday's Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee at 1:30 p.m. 

Click Here to provide testimony.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com