The Associated Press/File
A cougar is shown near La Grande, Ore., after it had been chased up a tree by dogs.

Rules for removing cougars using dogs modified

Originally published August 21, 2001

CLE ELUM -- The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has changed the permit system for using dogs to hunt and kill cougars that officials say pose a threat to public safety.

The change nearly doubles the number of cougar permits for hound hunters across the state, but the number for Thurston County will stay at two. The permit criteria are based on the number of public safety complaints, Fish and Wildlife spokesman Craig Bartlett said.

The changes come in response to public concerns. Hunting cougars with hounds was banned in Washington in 1996. Other hunters still hunt and kill cougars.

- Fish and Wildlife will issue 109 permits in 21 Game Management Units during this season, including two in unit 666, which includes Thurston County. Last year, the agency issued 74 permits in 17 units.

- Permit criteria requires 11 confirmed complaints involving human-cougar interaction, at least four of which must involve a threat to the safety of humans, pets or livestock.

- Participants must use their own dogs to be eligible for a permit.

- Participants who kill a cougar in a designated area by Jan. 15, 2002, may be eligible for a second permit.

- A permit holder must contact Fish and Wildlife 24 hours before pursuing a cougar with dogs, and within 24 hours after killing a cougar.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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