Hunting season setting timeline

Buck staring into camera
Photo by Matt Gunter

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors game population and harvest around the state, including big and small game, waterfowl, and migratory birds. 

Three-year season setting is an in-depth rulemaking process. The department collects proposals for seasons both internally and externally. The department then usually conducts two rounds of public comment on the proposals. The Fish and Wildlife Commission sets seasons based on public input and staff recommendations.

Annual season setting is rulemaking for minor season changes or due to emerging needs. The Fish and Wildlife Commission also sets these seasons based on public input and staff recommendations.

WDFW worked with an external contractor to conduct two surveys to better understand Washington residents' attitudes toward wildlife management and Washington hunters' attitudes toward wildlife management. The results of those surveys are linked below.

    2021-2023 Hunting Season Setting Timeline

    2021
    • 2021-2023 Season setting rulemaking

      Feb. - April

      WDFW sought comments on the second round of proposed alternatives for 2021-23 hunting seasons. WDFW accepted public comments through Thursday, March 4.

      March 25-27

      Fish and Wildlife Commission members were briefed on 2021-23 hunting season setting proposals including deer and elk seasons, waterfowl, equipment, regulations, and hunting boundary changes for most game species. 

      April 9

      Fish and Wildlife Commission decision on 2021-23 hunting seasons

    • 2022

    • ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2022-2023 HUNTING SEASONS

      • Annual adjustment for 2022-23 hunting seasons
      • Public comment on 2022-23 season setting
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2022-23 season setting briefing (March)
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2022-23 season setting decision (April)
    • GAME MANAGEMENT PLAN PLANNING

      • Species' plan development ongoing
    • 2023

    • ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2023-2024 HUNTING SEASONS

      Spring

      • Annual adjustment for 2023-24 hunting seasons
      • Public comment on 2023-24 season setting
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2023-24 season setting briefing (March)
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2023-24 season setting decision (April)
    • 2024

    • 2024-2026 Season setting rulemaking

      • Start 2024-26 season setting process
      • Public comment on 2024-26 season setting rulemaking
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2024-26 season setting briefing
      • Fish and Wildlife Commission 2024-26 season setting decision
    Updates to Game Management Plans and hunting seasons continue