Commission halts unethical and unscientific spring black bear hunt from proceeding after hunting groups petitioned to reinstate itOlympia, Wash.— The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 today to oppose a permanent spring black bear hunting season. The decision follows on the heels of a 4-4 split decision in November to cancel permits for the 2022 spring bear hunt. “This vote is a huge win for Washington’s black bears and for democratic process,” said Michelle Lute, PhD in wildlife management and national carnivore conservation manager for Project Coyote. “Washingtonians consistently showed up to voice their strong opposition to an ethically indefensible spring bear hunt that is also not supported by science. Today they were heard.” Following the November decision, a group of hunting groups petitioned the Commission to reinstate the spring 2022 hunting season and enact a permanent spring bear hunt. On March…