Managing game populations
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is tasked with responsibly preserving, protecting, and perpetuating wildlife in the state, while maximizing hunting opportunities to all residents. To that end, the department develops management plans for individual species, tracks statewide harvests of game species, and monitors the status of populations around the state.
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Game management plans
WDFW closely tracks populations and harvests of game species around the state, including big and small game, waterfowl, and migratory birds.
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Game harvest reports
These reports provide annual hunting and trapping statistics for elk, deer, turkey, cougar, black bear and small game.
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North Cascades elk management
This elk herd resides in Skagit and Whatcom counties and is the northernmost elk herd in western Washington.
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Biweekly wildlife activity reports
These biweekly reports summarize the current wildlife-related activities of WDFW staff around the state.
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Tribal hunting
Native American tribes and the first governor of the Washington Territory negotiated treaties for the peaceful settlement of their traditional lands.
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Washington Predator-Prey Project
The Washington Predator-Prey Project is a five-year research effort to investigate the effects of wolves and their competitors on ungulate populations in managed landscapes.
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Eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program
The Eastern Washington Pheasant Enhancement Fund is used for pheasant habitat enhancement on public and private lands.
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Western Washington pheasant release program
Download the Western Washington Pheasant Release Program pamphlet to find information on release sites, licensing fees, and the state's pheasant enhancement program.
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Report wild turkey and upland bird observations
Report your observations of wild turkeys and upland birds to help us monitor summer broods and year-round distribution.