WDFW opened a public survey through Oct. 31 to guide its three-year hunting season planning and possible changes to state hunting laws. Image assets courtesy wdfw.wa.gov

Three-year season setting is an in-depth rule making process that allows WDFW to propose and collect public feedback on changes to Washington hunting laws

OLYMPIA – The public is invited to weigh in on longer-term hunting season planning as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) begins its latest three-year season setting effort. Game managers will use public feedback to inform proposals for upcoming hunting seasons.

The public can submit proposed Washington Administrative Code (WAC) changes for 2027 – 2029 hunting seasons through WDFW’s scoping survey. WDFW invites suggestions related to specific game species, permits, access, or general game management. Suggestions submitted during the scoping period will play a role in the Department deciding which hunting rule change proposals to consider in the rule making process.

The current scoping period is open now through Oct. 31. The public may submit comments online through WDFW’s public scoping survey, by email, or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering code 11994. Written comments may also be mailed to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.

Three-year season setting is an in-depth rule making process that allows WDFW to propose and collect public feedback on changes to Washington hunting laws. In between 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 sets hunting seasons based on public input and staff recommendations.

“We encourage everyone interested in game species management to send us feedback to help inform the rule making process,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “This process helps us better understand the experiences you want; we need your feedback to help us determine the path forward.”

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.

A public comment period on specific proposed rule changes will take place before WDFW presents final rule making recommendations to the Commission in early 2027.

Learn more about Washington hunting seasons and regulations on the WDFW website.

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.