Public commenters condemn lethal control as WAG members debate hunting and classification

Public comment at the Washington Wolf Advisory Group meeting included sharp criticism of recent lethal removals and appeals for stronger protections for wolves.

Wayne Johnson told the group he viewed recent lethal operations as unacceptable and urged an immediate end to lethal control: "Stop lethal control," he said, characterizing one incident as lawless and criticizing what he called silence from environmental groups. Rachel Bjork, a second commenter, said the department’s decision to kill a wolf after discovering a poached animal felt like rewarding illegal activity and questioned whether department actions undermine public trust.

Those comments framed a wider WAG discussion about classification and hunting. Some members—including hunters and producers—argued classification should be considered early because it determines funding pathways, monitoring methods and whether a species could be legally hunted. Others, including environmental representatives, said conversations about hunting are likely to be contentious and urged the group to start with monitoring details and shared assumptions. Facilitator Corey Archer and WDFW staff recommended beginning with focused, lower‑pressure elements (monitoring options and background assumptions) while allowing parallel, structured conversations about classification.

No formal recommendations or votes were taken; WAG agreed to prepare materials and to devote time at the November in‑person meeting in Wenatchee to initial classification discussions, monitoring options and communications work. The department noted an upcoming public comment window on rule changes from late September through November.