Budget Information

The Washington State Legislature and Governor enact operating, capital, and transportation budgets on a two-year cycle, beginning July 1 of each odd numbered year.   

Collectively, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) 2023-25 operating and capital budgets are more than a billion dollars to fund more than 2,000 employees. WDFW’s funding is derived from a variety of state, federal, and local fund sources.   

The Department’s Budget Office ensures all budget decisions are made consistent with the Revised Code of Washington Title 77, state and federal law, and the agency’s strategic plan. We make budget choices that optimize the use of all fund sources, and we view the spending authority from the State Legislature as a commitment to do work.  

More information about the operating and capital budget, as well as the Department’s legislative requests, can be found on this section of the website. 

  • Operating Budget

    The operating budget pays for the day-to-day expenses that support WDFW's stewardship of fish and wildlife resources in the state of Washington.

  • Capital Budget

    The capital budget primarily uses borrowed money generated by state bond sales to fund items that benefit future users, such as the benefits provided by a new wildlife area, or state hatchery facility will last 30 years or more.

  • Current Legislative Budget Requests

    Information on current and past legislative funding requests.

  • Budget FAQs

    Frequently asked questions about WDFW's fund sources and expenditures.