SB 5001: Cougar hunting

Summary

• $ Allows the use of dogs to hunt cougars within selected areas of a game management unit to address a public safety need presented by one or more cougar, but only after the Fish and Wildlife Commission has determined that no practical alternative to the use of dogs exists, and has adopted rules describing the conditions in which dogs may be used.
• $ Allows the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a permit to a public agency, university, or scientific or educational institution for the use of dogs to capture and relocate black bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynx for scientific purposes.
• $ Allows the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a permit to a public agency, university, or scientific or educational institution for the use of dogs to kill black bear, cougar, or bobcat for the protection of endangered species.

From the Substitute House Bill Report (SSB 5001), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗