Comment from Washington Waterfowl Association
Washington Waterfowl AssociationOpposeTrade association
Summary: The Washington Waterfowl Association argues that the proposed addition of snipe and doves to harvestable species provides minimal opportunities because the waterfowl hunting area is too small. They request that the refuge expand hunting opportunities by opening up more land to waterfowls.
The addition of snipe and doves to harvestable species on RNWR will result in minimal harvest opportunities while confined to the waterfowl hunting blinds. The waterfowl hunting area needs to be expanded. The refuge has added 1000's of acres over the years adding Ridgeport Dairy, Franz Lake, Pierce Lakes and Steigerwald. Our hunting opportunities were actually reduced when the auto tour route was introduced. As public waterfowl hunting land shrinks each year we need Ridgefield to open up more opportunities to the waterfowler.
Doug Hargin
Washington Waterfowl Association