The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors game population and harvest around the state, including big and small game, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Management of game species is primarily guided by the Game Management Plan.
The department uses the Game Management Plan as guidance for setting seasons annually and three-year season settings. Three-year season setting is an in-depth rulemaking process. From 2017-2020, the department passively collected proposals for seasons both internally and externally. The department then conducted two rounds of public comment on the proposals. Objectives from the GMP help shape these 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.
Responsive Management: Washington Residents’ Attitudes Toward Wildlife Management
Responsive Management: Washington Hunters’ Attitudes Toward Wildlife and Hunting Management
Season setting and rulemaking
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2015-2021 Game Management Plan approved
September
Management of game species is primarily guided by the Game Management Plan, which has traditionally been reviewed and updated every six years.
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2021-2023 Season setting
Aug. - Sept.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sought comments on proposed alternatives for 2021-23 hunting seasons. The comment period ran from Aug. 17 to Sept. 15.
WDFW held a series of virtual public meetings by topic to discuss the 2021-23 hunting season alternatives.
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Next Game Management Plan
Fall
SEPA extension for existing Game Management Plan
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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
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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)
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GAME MANAGEMENT PLAN PLANNING
- Species' plan development ongoing
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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)
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2024-2026 Season setting
- Annual adjustment for 2023-24 hunting seasons
- Start 2024-26 season setting process
- Public comment on 2024-26 season setting
- Fish and Wildlife Commission 2024-26 season setting briefing
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2024-2026 Season setting rulemaking
- 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
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024