OLYMPIA — Hunters, anglers and two tribes attacked the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, while wildlife advocates praised it at a hearing held Feb. 21 by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Sportsmen and tribal officials said the commission has strayed from its mandate to maximize hunting and fishing opportunities. Wildlife advocates praised the commission’s attention to conservation.

Testifying against a proposal to disband the nine-member commission, John Rosapepe, Pacific Northwest field director of the Endangered Species Coalition, defended the commission.

“It’s no longer the Washington Department of Game. It’s Fish and Wildlife. This commission is working on biodiversity. It’s also working on climate change,” Rosapepe said.

The hearing highlighted a rift over the direction and priorities of the commission, whose members have all been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee over his three terms.

The commission hires the Fish and Wildlife director and makes major rule decisions. Some decisions have gone in favor of wildlife advocates, but against the recommendations of department game managers.

Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, proposed a bill eliminating the commission past the legislature’s deadline. Nevertheless, the committee gave a courtesy hearing to Wilcox’s proposal, House Bill 2434.

The bill would hand the commission’s duties to a department director appointed by the governor. The House and Senate would have to confirm the governor’s pick, which is not required of other gubernatorial appointees.

Wilcox told the committee he wants to start a discussion about the commission’s direction. He said he wants Fish and Wildlife to be better governed.

“When I say that, I don’t mean to criticize the staff of the Department of Fish and Wildlife,” he said. “Over time the commission, I think, has lost sight of its mission.”

Commission supported

Hunters were particularly critical of the commission’s decision to end spring bear hunting in 2022. More recently, the commission voted to grant a petition from wildlife advocates to review harvest limits for cougars and black bears.

Lummi and Stillaguamish tribal officials asserted the commission has failed to consult with tribes, including about a conservation policy the commission is considering. Disbanding the commission would end “policy quagmires,” Stillaguamish wildlife policy leader Gary Tatro said.

Wilcox’s legislation accuses the commission of letting special interests dictate policy. The accusations are unjustified, Washington Wildlife First President Claire Loebs Davis said.

The commissioners are thoughtful and trying to do the best they can, she said. “All too often all they get in return is insults, attacks and threats,” she said.