The public is invited to weigh in on longer-term hunting season planning as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) begins its latest three-year season-setting effort, a news release from the WDFW stated.
The public can submit proposed Washington Administrative Code (WAC) changes for 2027–2029 hunting seasons through WDFW’s scoping survey. WDFW invites suggestions related to specific game species, permits, access or general game management. Suggestions submitted during the scoping period will play a role in the department deciding which hunting rule change proposals to consider in the rule making process.
For more information on the rule making process, visit tinyurl.com/4shhshvu.
The current scoping period is open now through Oct. 31, according to the release. The public may submit comments online through WDFW’s public scoping survey at tinyurl.com/mu6unzhj; by email at 2027-2029huntingseasonsetting@publicinput.com; or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering code 11994. Written comments may also be mailed to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.
Three-year season-setting is a rulemaking process that allows WDFW to propose and collect public feedback on changes to Washington hunting laws. In between three-year rule-making cycles, annual season setting allows the department to propose changes. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission sets hunting seasons based on public input and staff recommendations.
A public comment period on specific proposed rule changes will take place before WDFW presents final rule making recommendations to the commission in early 2027.
Learn more about Washington hunting seasons and regulations on the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations.
