We invite you to participate in our rule-making process. WDFW is actively considering the rule-making proceedings listed below. Chapter 220-111 WAC provides procedures for inspecting or requesting copies of rule-making files.
You will see rules in various stages of the rule-making process:
- “Pending rule making” means that we have filed proposed rules with the Washington State Legislature’s Code Reviser’s Office. These links will take you to the documents that include the information, timeline, and contact information for each.
- "Preproposals” means that we may develop and file proposed rules on these topics.
See the Rule-making glossary for more information about the terms used here.
Contact information
Agency rules coordinator
Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov
Pending rule making
This rule proposal is responding to and supporting a rule petition (PDF) that the Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted on December 15, 2023. The petition requests that the department revisit the topic of cougar hunting seasons and a previous rule that was adopted in 2020.
WDFW is proposing a new WAC chapter implementing RCW 77.57.
The department is conducting a periodic status review for the gray wolf.
Preproposals
The department is developing a new permit that is specific to beaver relocation and consistent with RCW 77.32.585.
Establish logbook requirements for Columbia River commercial fishing downstream of Bonneville Dam.
The department is considering updates to beach designations (Oyster Drill Restricted Areas) according to shellfish pest status.
The department is considering adding new sections to WAC chapter 220-500.
The agency is initiating rulemaking to explore modification of the Quick Reporting rules to require additional information for Puget Sound Commercial and Coastal Troll salmon fisheries.
The Department is considering rule changes Chapter 220-500 WAC which regulates the use of WDFW lands.
Amendments would be needed to set season dates and permit numbers in order to offer a 2023 spring black bear season. In addition to providing recreational hunting opportunity, a special permit season could assist the department with addressing specific management needs that include, but are not limited to, tree damage on industrial managed timberlands, human-bear conflict and damage, and harvest distribution.
The department is seeking to amend and clarify rules regarding the collection and retrieval of wildlife parts from public lands.
Currently, the department provides the public certain administrative hearing rights based on agency actions and decisions that are described in numerous rules scattered within WAC Title 220.
Because of passage of EHB 2957 in the 2018 legislative session, the department needs to amend regulations in WAC chapter 220-370 and make additional changes to these rules.