This morning, Wednesday, March 11, WDFW is hosting a virtual public hearing at 10:30 am on the 2026 – 2027 Hunting Season Proposals. The proposed changes include:
Proposed 2026-2027 Hunting Rule Changes
Proposed Changes Include:
- Adjustments to deer and elk general seasons and special permits.
- Proposed reduction of Canada goose limits (from 4 to 3) in most GMAs and White goose limits (from 10 to 6) in GMA 1.
- Revised requirements for hunter orange/pink clothing.
- Updates to landowner hunting permits and equipment regulations (e.g., archery and muzzleloader specifications), and more.
Deadlines for Public Comment
Public Comment Window: If you cannot attend, written comments are accepted until noon on March 12, 2026, via the WDFW Public Input portal.
How to Watch the Hearing
How to Watch: The session will be held via Zoom found below. The link is also available on the WDFW Hunting Rulemaking page.
WDFW Commission Meeting: March 12-14
Thursday, March 12, to Saturday, March 14, the WDFW is holding a hybrid meeting from Walla Walla to address a range of critical policy and conservation issues, including public hearing opportunities.
Key Agenda Items
Rulemaking Briefings & Hearings:
- Commercial Non-Spot Shrimp Pot: Briefing and public hearing on converting Puget Sound shrimp trawl licenses.
- Livestock Compensation: Briefing and public hearing on rules for compensating landowners for livestock loss.
- Wildlife Briefings: Updates on the Periodic Status Review for species, including the North American Lynx, Sea Otter, and a new listing for the Burrowing Owl.
- Agency Operations: Budget and legislation “kick-off” conversation and a vote on changes to the Commission’s Rules of Procedure.
Meeting Schedule
- Thursday, March 12: Committee meetings (Big Tent, Fish, Habitat, and Wildlife) starting at 9:00 a.m.
- Friday, March 13: Regular meeting starting at 9:00 a.m.
- Saturday, March 14: Regular meeting starting at 8:00 a.m.
Virtual Public Comment Registration
To speak during the meeting, you must sign up in advance.
Deadline: You must register by 5:00 p.m. the day before the session you wish to join (e.g., register by Wednesday for Thursday’s committee meetings).
Protect Your Outdoor Heritage
Don’t let these decisions be made without you. Our strength lies in our numbers, so take a moment to share this with your hunting and fishing buddies. Our collective voice is only as strong as our participation, so take a moment to forward this update or text your family and friends to ensure they know what’s on the line for the 2026 season.
Washington sportsmen and women have long understood that active participation is necessary for protecting our outdoor heritage and lifestyle. In a rapidly changing landscape, showing up to testify or submitting written comments isn’t just a right; it is a vital responsibility to ensure that hunting and fishing opportunities and healthy fish and wildlife populations are preserved for the next generation.
