The Columbian

Cowlitz smelt dip approved for Wednesday, but no fish in river yet

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday the first — and potentially only — day of this year’s Cowlitz River recreational smelt fishery: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
KHQ

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks public input on 2026 hunting season changes

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed rule changes for the 2026 ...
The Columbian

WA Fish and Wildlife saga deepens with claims of collusion

Two members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are pushing back on newly surfaced allegations that they shunned government transparency laws and appeared to have colluded with the leader o ...
OPB

Probe of Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to stretch into 2026

Gov. Bob Ferguson hired an investigator in June, but they didn’t get started until the agency director requested an inquiry two months later. FILE - This undated photo courtesy of Washington ...

Smelt dipping approved in Washington; sturgeon warning for Monday fishery

Washington will allow smelt dipping Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cowlitz River. Commercial and test fisheries yielded high enough numbers to support at least a one-day dip and perhaps more ...
Capital Press

Washington Fish and Wildlife proposes changes to predator compensation program

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife proposes to make minor changes to how it compensates livestock owners for losses caused by wolves, bears and cougars. Ranchers can apply to […] ...
KHQ

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to deploy body-worn cameras for law enforcement

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Beginning this September, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will equip all 152 of its commissioned law enforcement officers with new body-worn cameras. This ...
KING5

The people protecting Washington state's natural resources

EVERETT, Wash. — Washington State has many wonders offering a diverse and unique outdoor experience. This marvelous region includes the peaks of the North Cascades, the winsome of the Olympic ...
komonews

WDFW approves six days of coastal razor clam digs

A six-day razor clam digging period along select Washington beaches has been set to begin Nov. 18, with tentative December dates, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Outdoor Life

With Increasing Influence from Anti-Hunters, Washington’s Wildlife Commission Is Now ‘Dysfunctional,’ According to a University Report

A controversial report on the purpose, function, and effectiveness of Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission has revived angst among anglers and hunters over a perceived takeover of the polarized ...
Capital Press

Washington Fish and Wildlife director ‘hates’ Inslee’s wolf order

OLYMPIA — Washington Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind said he hated with “all my mind” Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to direct the department to develop a rule for killing wolves to protect ...