WDFW COVID-19 response and updates

Closures and restrictions

Last updated: Oct. 18, 2021

WDFW offices: Regional offices and the Olympia headquarters office remain closed to the public until further notice. Staff will not be available for walk-in services but are still on the clock, and available by telephone. If you need to pick up an item, they may still be available to assist you. For phone and email contact information, visit the Contact Us webpage.
Hatcheries: WDFW fish hatcheries are closed to the public.
Outreach: We are looking forward to attending and hosting in-person events again in the future. Please watch our web calendar for ways to connect with us.

Fishing contests: All fishing contests and events must comply with any COVID-19-related gathering restrictions currently in place through the governor’s Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan. If any portion of the fishing contest takes place on WDFW-managed lands, a Commercial Use Permit or Temporary Use Permit may be required. Please contact the regional lands agent to learn about any additional restrictions.

Changes to animal sealing: When you harvest a bighorn sheep, black bear, bobcat, cougar, mountain goat, river otter, any other animal that requires sealing or pinning this season, you must schedule an inspection through a regional office or Olympia headquarters. In addition to scheduling your inspection, we ask that you practice physical distancing and wear a face covering to your inspection appointment.
Hunter Education and Master Hunter Permit Program: WDFW is offering in-person hunter education classes, and also has an online course option. Visit the hunter education webpage for details.

WDFW's event calendar has updated information on commission meetings, advisory group meetings, and other public meetings.
Guidance to Prevent Human Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to Wildlife Trappers, WCOs, Hunters
See the Center for Disease Control information for information on this disease and animal concerns. WDFW veterinarians and emergency response staff have been serving as a part of the response management team helping to inform necessary precautions regarding the COVID-19/coronavirus situation in Washington.
Official information on COVID-19/Coronavirus in Washington from the Washington State Department of Health.
COVID-19 Resources for the Commercial Seafood Industry from the Washington Sea Grant
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act fisheries assistance funding information from NOAA Fisheries
Civil Rights protections during COVID-19 from the U.S. Department of Justice
WDFW Employee Information