No spring bear hunts in Washington – again

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission denied two petitions for a spring black bear hunting season next year.

The commission paused spring bear hunts starting in 2022. Animal advocacy groups had called the hunts cruel. They said the spring hunts could orphan cubs.

However, hunters said the hunts taught people how to make ethical choices and protected timber from bears that emerged from hibernation. They say the hunts also protect elk and deer numbers and people’s safety.

The ongoing discussion and subsequent pauses have been met with multiple petitions asking to reinstate spring bear season, many by the same petitioner.

Commissioner Melanie Rowland said the commission won’t authorize a hunt until there is a new, proven management reason to do so.