Why It Matters: Washington’s outdoor heritage relies heavily on the contributions of trappers, anglers, and hunters who utilize natural resources responsibly to support wildlife management and local economies. House Bill 1775, which seeks to prohibit activities related to the production and manufacturing of fur products, poses potential and significant challenges to these time-honored traditions. As the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) remains vigilant, we are committed to ensuring that legislation does not unnecessarily hinder the sportsmen’s community or the sustainable use of wildlife resources.
Highlights:
- House Bill 1775 claims to be a fur farming reform; however, it would have impacts on trapping, fly-fishing, and other outdoor activities and products.
- The bill narrowly passed out of the WA House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and will likely head to the House floor for further consideration
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will continue working with Washington Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus members and partners to emphasize the value of regulated trapping and the practical uses of furs for outdoor recreation.
On January 23, 2025, House Bill 1775, titled “Prohibiting activities related to the production and manufacturing of fur products,” was introduced in the Washington state House of Representatives. The bill claims that its goal is to curtail the fur farming and creates an account to “help fur farmers transition to another industry.” However, the bill’s broad language raises questions about its potential impact on legal, regulated trapping and the availability of fur-based products, including those used in fly-tying for fishing – a critical component of Washington’s recreational angling community.
During a hearing on February 11, 2025, the sporting community turned out in large numbers opposing the bill and sharing information with the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee about the role of trapping in wildlife management. Washington state relies on the services provided by licensed trappers to aid in human-wildlife conflict mitigation through their Wildlife Control Operator program. These specialized trappers help mitigate conflict and improve coexistence on the landscape. Additionally, the fly-fishing community pointed out how the bill would ban sales of fur swatches to individuals who enjoy the hobby of fly-tying. Despite that testimony, HB 1775 passed out of committee on February 19, 2025, by a narrow vote of 6 in favor to 5 opposed.
CSF has been actively engaged on this issue, drawing from our successful efforts in 2024 when we opposed Senate Bill 6294, a similar fur ban proposal that was successfully killed. That victory underscored the importance of collaboration with the Washington Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and coalition partners to protect trapping and the utilization of fur products for activities like fly fishing. This year, CSF is once again mobilizing to ensure that HB 1775 does not inadvertently disrupt wildlife management practices. Our team is closely monitoring the bill’s progress and preparing to provide testimony if it advances to further hearings, emphasizing the value of regulated trapping and the practical uses of fur in outdoor recreation.
