Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women rely on science-based management consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation for sound regulations, sustainable harvest opportunities, and proper stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. When fish and wildlife commissions receive undue influence from anti-hunting and anti-fishing interests, the result can be obstruction of proven conservation practices, reduced access and opportunities, and decisions driven by ideology rather than the best available science.
Highlights
- An independent investigation ordered by Governor Bob Ferguson found that certain Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission members did not consistently comply with the state’s Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act.
- The investigation substantiated in part concerns regarding undisclosed communications with advocacy organizations and continued use of personal devices for commission business after agency devices were provided.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) continues to advocate for transparent, science-based wildlife management.
On July 31, 2026, the final report of an independent investigation into the conduct of certain Washington Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Commission members was released. The investigation examined allegations spanning five categories: compliance with the Public Records Act, the Open Public Meetings Act, the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, alleged mistreatment of WDFW staff and retaliation, and improper timekeeping and compensation practices.
According to the report, four of the five allegations were substantiated in part under a preponderance of evidence standard. The investigator found that Commissioners did not consistently comply with Public Records Act requirements, including ongoing use of personal devices for Commission business, incomplete searches, and, in some instances, resistance to record production until compelled. Documentary evidence also corroborated coordination among Commissioners on votes, policy drafting, and leadership elections conducted through private communications outside of publicly noticed meetings – a practice known as serial meetings, or daisy chaining. Additionally, multiple Commissioners engaged in repeated, undisclosed communications and meetings with advocacy organizations actively litigating against the Department, in violation of the Commission’s own Rules of Procedure governing disclosure and the avoidance of conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof.
Importantly, the final investigation report does not make any formal recommendations for direct action. The investigator rather emphasized that legal obligations existed, compliance was inconsistent, and the consequences of that inconsistency presented real legal risks for the agency. Additionally, an addendum to the final investigation report did revise the finding on Allegation 1, Public Records Act compliance, finding that some named Commissioners submitted inaccurate search certifications for responsive records searches. That addendum in the investigation report established “individual instances of inadequate search, inaccurate certification, intentional delay, and incomplete production.”
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation remains committed to supporting transparent, science-based fish and wildlife management across the West and maintaining the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation —a proven framework that has powered conservation success for more than a century, relying on sportsmen and women.
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