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Washington House Bill 1685 proposes moving the Fish and Wildlife Commission under direct gubernatorial control, effectively sidelining the Commission’s independent authority. Instead of improving accountability and transparency, this approach consolidates decision-making into a single political appointee, reducing public oversight and potentially disregarding science-based management and Tribal co-management needs.We believe in strengthening the existing Commission by:

Implementing formal Tribal consultation requirementsEnforcing transparent appointment processes and rigorous qualificationsRequiring annual performance reports and clear rules of conduct

These targeted reforms uphold the public trust, keep politics in check, and ensure that wildlife decisions are made objectively, guided by science and broad stakeholder input.

Take action now: Oppose HB 1685 and support reform that empowers a functional, transparent Commission—one that honors the diverse voices of hunters, anglers, farmers, Tribal co-managers, conservationists, and the public at large. Your voice makes a difference in ensuring Washington’s wildlife and natural resources are managed responsibly for current and future generations.Action link in story, bio and

Adult onset hunter, mostly own Magellan Realtree Edge™️ even my bow has it on there… looking at hunting bear, black tail and Roosevelts..

Should I keep my camo and keep buying additions to my set or get some more expensive gear like ASIO, Firstlight? Maybe use what I have as a base and just upgrade my rain gear?

Looking for suggestions on mobile saddles up there as well, most of what I know is on long leaf pines that have no base?

Any suggestions on hunting communities/groups out there anything near Mt. Vernon/Oak harbor?

I’ll be up there this summer for my first season.

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Have you seen House Bill 1685 yet? This the anti-hunting community sponsored bill that we’ve been waiting to drop since the Ruckelshaus Review of the WFW Commission wrapped up. Don’t be swayed or coerced by the idea of the commission losing influence over fish and wildlife decisions.. there’s more to it! This legislation threatens to undermine the very principles of conservation and wildlife management. It is a top-down power grab and shouldn’t be confused with a genuine attempt at reform, as recommended by the Ruckelshaus review. The bill places the WDFW into a cabinet agency with a single, Governor-appointed director at its head, and the Commission downgraded to a powerless advisory board. Consolidating control over the agency into the Governor’s office will make leadership more politically controllable, reduce oversight, and threaten the integrity of wildlife management decisions.This bill is unlikely to deliver the full scope of necessary co-management with the tribes, nor adequately represent the interests of hunters, anglers, trappers, agricultural producers and those live with wildlife. Instead, it would reduce diverse representation and prioritize special interests, who falsely claim to speak for the majority. Instead of solely opposing HB 1685, we must advocate for targeted reforms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and public input. This could include formalizing tribal consultation requirements, establishing annual performance reports for the Commission, increasing appointment transparency, collaboration, and qualification standards, as well as creating binding procedural expectations and duties for commissioners and a means of recusal for those acting out personal agendas.Let your representatives know that know that HB 1685 is bad for wildlife and Washingtonians. We must push the House and Senate to do their duty to create a path towards better wildlife governance and reforms that resolve the dysfunctions (that have been in clear view to us all), leaving conservation and opportunities of the public in a better place, instead of amplifying the problem.Please act and be part of the change by making your voice heard! Say no to HB1685

What is the hunting like in the Colville area? Elk, Deer, Cougars, etc.

Because I’m a veteran, I didn’t have to take the in person portion of hunters Ed. But if my wife and daughter want to join me, they will have to. What does it consist of and what is it like?

Anyone have any coyote issues near Spokane? Looking for more spots to hunt, and would be more than happy to help with nuisance wildlife issues!

I am potentially moving to Washington with my wife and kid this spring from central Virginia. I am an avid upland bird and waterfowl hunter. I by no means am asking for pins, really just how to navigate a different states rules on where I can hunt. In VA there are some hard to navigate rules about migratory birds... ESPECIALLY ducks; for example you generally can not hunt for waterfowl east of interstate 95 unless you are a land owner or have a licensed blind, this is a huge bummer because that is like half of the state.

How does public access work for bird hunting in the state of WA?

I have a 4 year old GSP that is a finished upland dog. She is a very competent woodcock and grouse hunting dog, will point rabbits, and a great companion in wood duck holes for retrieves. I would be very interested on focused areas for grouse, chukar, woodcock, and puddle ducks.

Any help is appreciated, if I do move to WA I am not opposed to driving several hours for a good bird hunt.

I've always used M81, and last year I got some Predator camo. It seems to work really well (at least to the human eye), and the concept behind it seems sound. But some of this Realtree and Mossy Oak 3d stuff looks like it would be a perfect blend with the background. That's up close though. Does it actually blend in, or does it get all mottled up at a distance and look solid? Has anyone used both traditional camo and 3D camo and noticed a difference from one to the other? My primary hunting is turkey, and they have excellent vision.

Passed my in person class today and got my certification of completion.. then went to my local yeagers and bought my small game license.. just wondering if the actual “hunting license” that’s coming in the mail looks like a driver license or CPL card?

I am currently researching hunting public lands in Washington state. I downloaded onX hunt and it shows road access some say (private) which is straight forward. Some are public roads which shows a gate or barrier on the road or service road.

Am I allowed to park at a closed gate or barrier on public lands and walk in on foot? Or if the gate is closed am I not allowed to enter? Any information would be appreciated.

Planning ahead for the fall, anyone know a taxidermist that’ll do bear rugs? I’m in pierce county but willing to drive a couple hours if needed. Critters taxidermy in gig harbor is close but he doesn’t do rugs or mounts anymore and says very few will.

I’m gonna be moving (military PCS) from south eastern Virginia to North West Washington (Mount Vernon area) I grew up hunting white tail in the corn fields of Michigan and have adjusted to hunting white tails in the blue ridge mountains of northern Virginia. I am trying to get some advice for hunting mule deer and elk in Washington. Gear, techniques, locations, really any advice anyone has to offer would be appreciated.

Excited to go on my first hunt and I plan on basically going for everything but moose and Goat - for now at least.

What are some essential pieces of gear that you all recommend for first timers?

Does anyone know any public lands to duck hunt in SW WA?

When I lived in Eastern Washington, I always wanted to target those Eurasian Collard Doves that are now all over the state as well as pigeons, but since I have moved to Snohomish County (Everett) I haven't found any good spots where I can use either my shotgun or my air rifles to go after them even though they're all over my neighborhood. They love to hang out in the dairy farms and I use air rifles, which are quiet and safe. I know a lot of dairy farmers have problems with these birds, and I've tried looking at open hunting areas such as Cherry Valley, Crescent Lake and Ebey Island but have yet to find any. Andy suggestions?

No image for this post. Does not synch with Reddit, to see what she looks like to go NW Sportsmen's Magazine or CCW facebook or insta.

Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Lynn O'Connor of the Kettle Range Conservation Group to fill Molly Linville's position on the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. O'Connor has recently been in the news after surviving a bear attack in September, and notably, she asked game wardens to not to euthanize the sow that left her with wounds that required 18 stitches to her head and shoulder.The Kettle Range Conservation Group has a history of collaborating with Washington Wildlife First, a leading preservationist organization in Washington. Specifically, they worked together on cases against the US Forest Service in 2021 and 2023, with Claire Loebs Davis, WWF president and frequent litigator against WDFW, providing legal representation.

Kettle Range Conservation Group participated in a 2020 wolf related lawsuit against WDFW, that in-part led to KRCG Executive Director Tim Coleman’s removal from the Wolf Advisory Group.With the legislative session set to begin on Monday, sportsmen are urged to encourage the Senate to do their due diligence in looking into the qualifications and possible conflicting interests, and to strongly dissuade the confirmation of this commissioner. Meanwhile, Tim Ragen was officially reappointed to the commission yesterday, and while Jim Anderson's reappointment is still pending he remains on the commission, for now. Please contact your representative senators and ask them not to confirm Commissioner O’Connor.

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Unfortunately Molly Linville was not reappointed to the WDF Commission by the governor. This significant loss for the state's sportsmen, agricultural communities, and wildlife itself. As a commissioner, Linville consistently prioritized conservation, truth, and science-driven decision-making, ensuring that the interests of various user groups were well represented.Linville's is one of few who understood her dual mandate to preserve, perpetuate, and managing wildlife while maximizing opportunities. Her commitment to integrity and ethics should serve as a model for all public servants.

She not only loves our fish and wildlife, but also the people and different user groups of Washington. The loss of her balanced perspectives will be deeply felt. We fall further into a voting minority with her removal and lose a wonderful individual who always fought for what was right and fair.The loss of Molly Linville from the Commission should galvanize efforts for its reform, ensuring that future appointees embody her qualities to communicate effectively and abilities to problem solve and collaborate without leaving stakeholder groups behind. A reformed commission with balanced and thoughtful individuals like her would create an optimal environmental for fish and wildlife governance. Thank you, Commissioner Linville!

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New action! This is extremely important (as they all are).Washington State faces a pivotal moment in how it will manage its fish and wildlife. The Ruckelshaus Review has laid out three possible paths forward for our current Fish and Wildlife Commission. Among these, Option 3—reforming the Commission with meaningful accountability measures—offers the most balanced and sustainable solution. This is not just a matter for hunters or anglers. It’s about anyone who cares about our wildlife, our rural communities, our tribal partnerships, and the science that guides responsible stewardship. Read more and be sure to take action to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and the processes to uphold it.
https://www.howlforwildlife.org/holdwfwcommissionaccountable

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New action! This is extremely important (as they all are).Washington State faces a pivotal moment in how it will manage its fish and wildlife. The Ruckelshaus Review has laid out three possible paths forward for our current Fish and Wildlife Commission. Among these, Option 3—reforming the Commission with meaningful accountability measures—offers the most balanced and sustainable solution. This is not just a matter for hunters or anglers. It’s about anyone who cares about our wildlife, our rural communities, our tribal partnerships, and the science that guides responsible stewardship. Read more and be sure to take action to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and the processes to uphold it. Link in comments

Hi all,

Never hunted in Washington before and am making a trip from Wisconsin to Newport (NE WA) for a few days this spring to hunt turkeys. I’ve looked up as much as I can for lumber companies that offer access and was hoping to have some things cleared up if possible!

Stimson - free access

Inland Empire Paper - paid access (day or season permits)

Riley Creek Lumber - owned by Weyerhaeuser. No hunting???

Hancock - paid access?

Boston Timber - owned by Hancock. Paid access?

A couple others that are probably owned by Hancock or Weyerhaeuser also.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

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We hope this post finds you well as 2024 rolls to an end. Check out our prior post for a rollup of 2024. 2025 will be here in a matter of days, and we expect it to be a year full of challenges and opportunity. Not only for CCW, but for sportsmen of the state as a whole. Involvement and engagement is going to be essential. Here are some New Year’s goals for our community that can help with our efforts, and keep momentum going in our community:

*Strive to show up to at least one to two commission meetings a year. We understand not everyone can show up to every meeting, and we dont expect everyone to, but they are great way to understand firsthand what is happening and a vital way to get involved. We need hunters at these meetings for both their presence and their voices, outlining the truths about hunting and what is actually occurring on the ground. Considering we have 200k hunting license holders in this state, if a good chunk of us showed up to just one meeting a year, we would have a huge presence and the commission would be hard pressed to paint us as the minority.

* Participate in action items. Your Howls, and your emails to the commission and state representatives make a major difference. It is a simple and easy way to get involved and make your voice heard. We need as many people as possible engaged in these legislative and commission actions to make sure we are adequately represented.

* Talk about hunting with the people in your lives… family, friends or coworkers. Most people are disconnected from the hunting lifestyle and nature, but finding ways to make hunting relatable creates important allies in the non-hunting community. Educate them on hunting’s role in conservation, how it provides healthy food for your family, connection to the natural world, and how it’s part of who you are. When we help people who care for us understand, we create more supporters to back us when anti-hunters attempt to bring lies and the removal of opportunities to the ballot box.

* Work to get more of our community involved. There are many people who are unaware of the issues, or don’t know how to participate. Share the facts, provide the resources, and point them in the direction of engagement.

* Continue to be a positive reflection of our community. Much of our fight is to gain public acceptance for what we do in a time where less people are connected to it. Our greater image to the non-hunting majority matters, whether we like it or not. Know your audience when sharing about hunting on social media, certain things lift our community up and others become front page headlines, used and twisted by anti-hunters to further their narratives. Make sure the public knows we are respectful stewards of the land. Be participant in conservation science; submit your hunting reports, send your bear teeth, etc. Volunteer on a department survey project or on a cleanup event put on by one the many local orgs who regularly do so. We hope 2025 will bring more wins to our corner and that it is a year of record involvement and engagement within our community. Forces continue to wage war on this passion and now more than ever our community needs to be united, because it’s going to take all of us doing our part to ensure the greatest future for hunting. Continue to follow our page for all the latest news and action items.

where can i go coyote hunting jn wa (public land)

Hello I am currently doing the online course through hunter-ed to get my hunting license and I saw that being over 18 I don’t have to do the in person class after completing the online course is this true? Thank you

I’m completely new to all this. I’m looking to buy my own land as well. I saw on the hunting app that some land is listed as Game Management Unit but when I zoomed in closer it looks like it’s private land.

Can anyone clarify - is this state land? Private land? How does a GMU work?

Thanks for any help!

Folks using muzzleloaders for hunting, what are y’all using? Hoping to pull a multi-season tag next year and I don’t have a muzzleloader.