Below is a news release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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. Game managers will use public feedback to inform proposals for upcoming hunting seasons.

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 rulemaking process.

The current scoping period is open now through Oct. 31. The public may submit comments online through WDFW’s public scoping survey, by email 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 an in-depth rulemaking process that allows WDFW to propose and collect public feedback on changes to Washington hunting laws. In between three-year rulemaking cycles, annual season setting allows the department to propose minor season changes or changes due to emerging needs. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission sets hunting seasons based on public input and staff recommendations.

“We encourage everyone interested in game species management to send us feedback to help inform the rulemaking process,” said Anis Aoude, WDFW game division manager. “This process helps us better understand the experiences you want; we need your feedback to help us determine the path forward.”

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran or basis of disability.

A public comment period on specific proposed rule changes will take place before WDFW presents final rulemaking recommendations to the commission in early 2027.

Learn more about Washington hunting seasons and regulations on the WDFW website.

(Photo credit: Cole Gunter/Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)