State: WA

Why It Matters: Anti-hunting groups have been seeking a restructuring of representation on Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission), which over the years has shifted Washington’s wildlife management away from the science-based, sportsmen-funded model that supports conservation, instead favoring a preservation-based “precautionary” model. Over time, this has eroded the public’s role in rulemaking, reduced hunting …

New Commission Appointments Bring Balance to Washington State Read More »

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 …

Fur Ban Bill Narrowly Passes Committee in Washington Read More »

Why It Matters: During the 2023 legislative session, the Washington Legislature commissioned a $300,000 study to review the governance, climate adaptability, and the mandate of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The results of that study have led some legislators to consider sweeping revisions to the WDFW governance structure. One of the seven …

Commission VS Cabinet: WA Grapples with Wildlife Management Read More »

Why It Matters: As the Washington State 2025 legislative session nears, we are anticipating that several anti-gun bills will be revisited. Previous sponsors of Washington House Bill 1902 have demonstrated public support for renewing a “permit to purchase” bill that failed in 2024. Bills like this place unnecessary burdens on local police departments, legal hunters …

Renewal of Anti-Firearms Legislation Anticipated for the 2025 WA Legislative Session Read More »

Why It Matters: Chronic Wasting Disease is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that impacts members of the cervid family including deer, elk, caribou, and moose. This highly transmissible neurological disease is always fatal to infected animals, complicating wildlife management. While there is currently no evidence of CWD passing from deer to humans the CDC does …

CWD Detected in Eastern Washington State Read More »

Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife agencies throughout our country are tasked with the difficult job of balancing recreation with conservation and wildlife management. Extra work goes into special hunts and the raffle permit systems. The carefully planned 2024-2025 special hunt season in Washington State was thrown into chaos after a software error was …

Computer Glitch Impacts Washington State Special Hunt Permits Read More »

Why It Matters: Many sportsmen and sportswomen head to the outdoors to get away from their phones and technology, so it can be easy to forget that technology has many benefits for, as well as impacts on, conservation efforts. From GIS mapping systems that will help improve sagebrush habitat, to debates over hunting and fishing …

Technology Reigns at WAFWA Read More »

Why It Matters: Despite existing security and reporting requirements on Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, a bill is making its way through Washington State that would add onerous restrictions on firearms businesses. During recent testimony, licensed firearms dealers warned that these proposed restrictions will put them out of business. Should FFL locations begin closing as …

Washington State FFL Restrictions Heading to the Governor’s Desk Read More »