2025 Hunting Regulations: Prohibition of Feeding Deer, Elk, and Moose

Rule-making status: Pending
Rule-making reference: #P2024-16D

Summary of proposed rule

The department seeks to create a new rule to restrict the feeding of deer, elk and moose in the state. 

Scope and rationale for proposed rule

Based on the recent detection and spread of CWD in Washington's ungulate population, the department proposes a new rule to ban the feeding of deer, elk and moose. The rule would help reduce the unnatural concentration and congregation of deer, elk and moose that occurs when they are fed by people. CWD and other diseases have been shown to spread when deer, elk or moose congregate.    

Public comments

To submit comments on this proposal, please visit the 2025 season setting prohibition of feeding deer, elk and moose public engagement page.     

You may also submit a comment via email to cwdfeedingcr102@publicinput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 11053.

The comment period ends at 11:59 pm on March 21, 2025.

Public hearing

A public hearing for this rule proposal will be held March 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

 View the Zoom webinar recording

Topic: Season Setting Director Hearing

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)

SEPA determination: DNS

This rule making has undergone SEPA review for environmental impacts and WDFW has issued a SEPA determination, DNS 24-026. The SEPA determination is available for public comment on the Prohibition of feeding deer, elk and moose SEPA engagement page.

Please visit WDFW's SEPA page for more information.

Assistance for additional accessibility and persons with disabilities contact:
833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.