Washington

The 42^nd state admitted to the Union, Washington features a diversity of landscapes from the towering skyscrapers of Seattle on the Puget sound, to temperate rainforests, high desert, and the iconic Mount Rainier. Washington has a strong sporting history, and its culture is deeply tied to the landscape, including many of the state’s largest industries such as commercial fishing, timber harvest, and livestock cultivation. The opportunity to swing up a steelhead on the famed Olympic Peninsula draws anglers from across the nation, as does the chance to pursue a mixed bag of species such as pheasants, ducks, wild turkey, elk, and cougar for hunters.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Washington, please contact: Marie Neumiller

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Dan Newhouse Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Senator Phil Fortunato Representative Mari Leavitt Senator Jesse Salomon Representative Jim Walsh

Washington Policy Highlights

In 2025, through close coordination with caucus members on amendments and concerns, the WA Coalition defeated WA SB 5098 which would have banned the open carry of weapons at state owned facilities, parks, and the adjoining lands and right of ways. **Pending 02/25/2026 committee deadline** This bill was again defeated during the 2026 legislative session.

In 2023 The Washington Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus helped to secure Governor Jay Inslee’s signature on the National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation showing state support for sportsmen’s heritage.

The 2023 Bio-Diversity Funding Package brought diverse support around wildlife and habitat conservation in Washington State.

Paid Hunting License Holders

Paid Angling License Holders

.8 M

Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Considering Recreational Angling Access in Transportation Projects

Opportunities to expand angling access throughout the country have become increasingly limited in recent years due to increases in private ownership along waterways and attendant… Read more.

Federal Land Hunting & Angling Access

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

Anti-Hunters Pushing for Seats on Game Commissions

Established with the dedicated purpose of protecting and conserving wildlife, game commissions have been understandably staffed by experts in the field throughout their existence. Such… Read more.

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February 17, 2026

Looming Budget Shortfalls in the Pacific Northwest Threaten Conservation Efforts

Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife agencies in the Pacific Northwest are facing significant budget pressures amid economic challenges and competing demands for decreasing state general funds. In Oregon and Washington, directives for cuts and proposed reductions threaten core conservation programs, habitat management, and recreational access that sportsmen and women rely on. Highlights In preparation for the 2026…

January 26, 2026

Sportsmen and Women Converge in Washington for Day of Advocacy and Education

Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women are the backbone of wildlife conservation in the United States, funding the majority of state fish and wildlife agency efforts through the American System of Conservation Funding. In Washington state, challenges like steep budget cuts, predator-prey imbalances, habitat loss, and disease are all negatively impacting fish and wildlife populations. However, active legislative engagement is key to…

December 22, 2025

Oregon and Washington Natural Resources Committees Hold Interim Meetings

Why It Matters: Interim committee meetings provide valuable insight into the legislative priorities for the coming legislative session and offer sportsmen and women an opportunity to engage with legislators on policies impacting hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational shooting, and other conservation issues. Early stakeholder involvement can help shape outcomes that support science-based wildlife management and access…

November 17, 2025

Washington Court Lifts Block on Wolf Management Amid Ongoing Livestock Conflicts

Why It Matters: Wolf management in Washington State has been a rollercoaster following October 9, 2025, when lethal removal authorization was approved by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in response to chronic wolf livestock depredations. Shortly after the authorization was made public, a lawsuit was filed in Western Washington’s King County against…

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Washington: American System of Conservation Funding Fact Sheet

2013 Sportsmen’s Economic Impact Report – Washington

2006 Economic Impact Report — Washington

View All Washington Reports

Impact You Can See

The legal, regulated sale of fur products remain protected in WA.

Sportsmen and women may continue to use firearms and knives on public lands in WA.

Sportsmen and women in MD, VA, VT, and WA were protected against “sin taxes” on firearms and ammunition.

State agency authority was defended and/or enhanced in AL, CO, IN, MD, ME, MO, MT, NH, ND, NM, SD, TN, TX, and WA.