Action Needed – Support SB 5892

Dear Washington Cattlemen's Association Members,

Please support Senate Bill 5892 which allows for the harvest of elk out of season and without a tag if they have diseased hooves.

In seventeen Washington counties, elk populations suffer from treponeme-associated hoof disease, impacting not only the elk but also the health of our livestock’s hooves.

SB 5892 recognizes the challenges in managing this disease and emphasizes the role of private individuals in humane treatment and disease control. With proper documentation and reporting, private citizens would be allowed to harvest affected elk out of season and without a tag. This is a three-year pilot program which could provide valuable insights for future management efforts.

The Public Hearing is on MONDAY, January 15, 2024, at 1:30 PM – Please come in person to testify or sign in to testify live over zoom (see below):

Sign in as “Pro” on the senate website. Follow the instructions below, no later than 1 hour before the hearing at 1:30 PM:

1.     Click HERE

2.     Under the Meetings Drop Down, select 1/15/2024 1:30 PM

3.     Click SB 5892 Diseased elk, then select type of testimony (there are zoom instructions on the same page)

4.     Choose Position (Pro) then fill in your name, address, etc., and ‘submit’. 

If you are not able to testify, you can use the steps above to have your position (Pro) noted for the record, just choose that option.

Your involvement is crucial in making an impact. 

Thank you for all you do!