OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to attend a series of informational virtual meetings about potential Washington hunting rule proposals. These rule change considerations are part of WDFW’s latest three-year season setting effort – a robust rule making process where the Department considers changes to hunting seasons or rules.
WDFW will host three meetings each focused on specific hunting topics. The public is encouraged to attend some or all of the meetings depending on their personal area(s) of interest.
Meeting schedule
Each meeting takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. online via Zoom.
- Aug. 11: Ungulates (deer, elk, moose)
- Meeting ID: 831 3013 3384
- Passcode: 189749
- Aug. 12: Waterfowl
- Meeting ID: 850 6133 4781
- Passcode: 825046
- Aug. 17: Turkey, small game, upland birds, carnivores, furbearers
- Meeting ID: 857 2754 6773
- Passcode: 077770
The upcoming virtual meetings are an early-stage public feedback opportunity for the Department’s 2027 – 2029 hunting season setting. WDFW considers recommendations by staff, partners, advisory groups, and members of the public when developing rule change proposals.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to thoroughly discuss details about the hunting rule changes we are considering with members of the public,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “After reviewing over 1,000 comments in an earlier public comment opportunity, WDFW has narrowed it down to about 60 proposals we are considering for this three-year season setting. We have not yet determined which of those potential proposals will move forward for the formal rule making process, and public input now can shape which proposals we consider.”
How to submit public comments
The upcoming virtual meetings are informational only. WDFW won’t collect formal public comments during these meetings, but WDFW staff will answer questions and provide clarity on the potential rule proposals.
WDFW is accepting public input on these potential proposals online, by email, and by phone. The following public comment surveys will open on Monday, Aug. 10 and remain open through Sunday, Aug. 30:
- Ungulates (deer, elk, moose)
- Ungulate online public survey
- 20263yrungulate@publicinput.com
- 855-925-2801, project code 7295
- Waterfowl
- Waterfowl online public survey
- 20263yrwaterfowl@publicinput.com
- 855-925-2801, project code 10519
- Turkey, small game, upland game, furbearers, carnivores
- Upland and small game online public survey
- 20263yruplandsmallgame@publicinput.com
- 855-925-2801, project code 7300
- Hunting methods
- Hunting methods online public survey
- 20263yrhuntmethod@publicinput.com
- 855-925-2801, project code 10521
- Hunting methods will be discussed during the virtual public meetings on Aug. 11 and Aug. 17
All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
Proposed hunting rule changes for 2027 – 2029 will be announced in late 2026, when the public will have another opportunity to comment on the official rule change proposals. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and/or WDFW director will decide on the final rule change proposals in early 2027. Refer to WDFW’s online three-year season setting timeline for an overview of the season setting process.
Hunting season setting is an in-depth rule making process that allows WDFW to propose and collect public feedback on changes to Washington hunting rules. In between more robust three-year rule making cycles, annual season setting allows the Department to propose minor season changes or changes due to emerging needs. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission or WDFW director set hunting seasons based on staff recommendations and public input.
The Department previously accepted public feedback on potential 2027 – 2029 hunting rule changes during a public comment period in Oct. 2025. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
