Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking comments on proposed alternatives for 2015-17 hunting seasons, and has scheduled several meetings this month to discuss the proposals with the public.

The alternatives will be posted by Aug. 18 on WDFW’s website athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/seasonsetting/, where people can also provide comments. The Game Management Plan and scoping criteria for the 2015-17 season-setting process is available on the website as well.

WDFW is accepting comments on the alternatives through Sept. 20.

The department has also scheduled a series of public meetings in August to discuss the alternatives. The meetings will run from 7-9 p.m.and are scheduled for:

• Aug. 19 – Spokane: Centerplace Regional Events Center, 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Great Room.
  • Aug. 20 – Moses Lake: Big Bend Community College ATEC Building, 7611 Bolling St. NE, Moses Lake, Masto Conference Center.
  • Aug. 21 – Ellensburg: CWU Campus 400 E University Way, Ellensburg, Wellington’s Event Center.
  • Aug. 26 – Everett: Holiday Inn Downtown, 3105 Pine St., Everett, Everett Ball Room 2.
  • Aug. 27 – Tacoma: Pacific Grill Event Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, Chinook/Klickitat Conference Room.
  • Aug. 28 – Vancouver: Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, Pacific Ballroom.

Issues currently under consideration by the department for upcoming seasons include:

• Setting spring and fall black bear seasons.
• Early archery elk seasons.
• Modern firearm mule deer seasons.
• Hunting equipment, including non-toxic ammunition, expandable broadheads and crossbows.
• Special permit drawings.
• Baiting big game.

Dave Ware, WDFW game program manager, said comments received from the public will be used to develop specific recommendations for 2015-17 hunting seasons, which will be available for further review in January.

Final recommendations will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission for adoption next spring.