State: WA

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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…

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…

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…

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…