WDFW Opens Public Comment for Cougar Management

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has opened the public comment period now until February 26 for those looking to add input on the proposed recommendations to the cougar management guidelines. Four options are being proposed and can be viewed online by folks for an in depth explanation of the options.

"We'd like to hear their input on those four and which one they think would be best as a change to the cougar harvest guidelines," said Sam Montgomery, public affairs officer.

One option is to include using a median versus a mean to calculate density and another option is to tweak the way WDFW counts animals toward the guideline. Further details on the handful of proposed changes will be shared at a digital open house set for February 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

These guidelines steer the direction for recreational harvest and the public comments help finalize hunting rules and regulations.