2025 Clarification on Hunting Penalties

The passage of SHB 1325 adds several civil infractions for hunting violations that include the following:

1. Hunting for Big Game without possessing the appropriate license or tag for Big Game;
2. Hunting for Big Game and violates agency rules
3. Failing to properly notch a transport tag; carrying, transporting, conveying, possessing, or controlling a rifle or shotgun that contains live shells or cartridges in the magazine in a motor vehicle;
4. Discharging a firearm from or across the maintained portion of a public highway.

In addition, the department needs to clarify enforcement provisions in existing rules. Since passage of Senate Bill 6071 in 2020, the legislature has passed laws in RCW chapter 77.15 that have provided WDFW Officers discretion to use various enforcement provisions based on the circumstances for each contact or violation involving the public. The language in current rules reduces the ability of WDFW Officers to fully utilize laws passed in 2020 and most recently in 2025. The department needs to remove language from existing rules that stipulates which law must be used for the violation; this clarification will allow WDFW Officers the discretion needed in applying Fish and Wildlife penalties for laws passed in 2025.