Last summer, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted landmark new rules that centered the scientific research on cougar biology to cap all human-caused cougar deaths at 13% in each hunting region. Those rules were developed by over almost a year of debate and hearings, feedback from diverse groups of scientists, and the a consensus among commissioners that balanced the needs of wildlife with the recreational wishes of hunters.

Less than a year later, before the first full hunting season under that new system is even finished, the Commission is requesting comment on a new system of rules that would once more increase hunting at the expense of cougar's needs. Urge them to stick with the science-based rules and revise them based on evidence.

Please write to the commission politely and be sure to phrase your letter in your own words. The sample letter will suggest talking points, but the more you make your letter original and personal, the less likely they are to screen it out as a form letter. Be personal, be specific, be respectful, and be original!