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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August 10, 2026

Report on Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Investigation Released

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, […]

July 20, 2026

Budget Pressures Mount in Washington: Sportsmen’s Engagement Can Help

Why It Matters: In response to an estimated budget shortfall between $2-$12 billion, every agency in Washington state has been instructed to begin a budget reduction exercise. Natural resource agencies, while only representing 1.4% of the state’s budget, are not exempt. With a portion of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) budget supplemented by the state’s general fund, we could see cuts to […]

April 13, 2026

WDFW Commission Prepares to Meet Amid Ongoing Controversy

Why It Matters: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Commission is set to convene April 16-18, 2026, amid mounting legal challenges that could distract from essential, science-driven wildlife management decisions. Sportsmen and women depend on stable, predictable policies rooted in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation to sustain hunting, fishing, and habitat […]

March 23, 2026

Key Wins and Challenges for Sportsmen and Women, as Oregon and Washington Adjourn Sine Die

Why It Matters: The 2026 legislative sessions in Oregon and Washington recently concluded, delivering a mix of victories and setbacks for sportsmen and women amid competing priorities and tight budgets in both states. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), Washington and Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucuses, and coalition partners helped secure protection and funding in some areas while defending against threats. Staying actively involved with lawmakers, agencies, and […]

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