A Victory for Washington bears!

In a MONUMENTAL win, WDFW Commissioners voted 5-4 to end the spring bear hunt in Washington. The WDFW received over 26,000 comments regarding reinstating the state's spring bear hunt. Many commissioners stated that they read every public comment and thanked the public for weighing in. The five commissioners who voted against the spring bear hunt said the science did not support the hunt and that sustainability should not be the only question asked. They also noted that bear/trophy hunters argued that those who opposed the hunt acted on emotion. Commissioner John Lehmkuhl pointed out that many of the arguments put forth by the hunters were emotionally based. It is incredible what we can accomplish when working together. We humbly and graciously thank every person who signed our petition, wrote a public comment, gave testimony at the commission meeting, called, and emailed.

We also commend the commissioners who voted against the spring bear hunt. Our collective voices were heard. Thank you, Bear Defenders! Please email the WDFW Commissioners who voted against the hunt and thank them for listening to the overwhelming majority of their stakeholders. https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact

Commissioner, Lorna Smith.

Commissioner, Tim Ragen.

Commissioner, Melanie Rowland.

Commissioner, Barbara Baker.

Commissioner, John Lehmkuhl.