Protection, not exploitation

Transforming Washington’s wildlife policy to elevate science, recognize the intrinsic value of individual animals, and prioritize protecting, preserving, and perpetuating wild lives.

In the Spotlight

WW1 sues the WDFW over the Unlawful Development and Approval of the Game Management Plan

 

Washington Wildlife First has filed a lawsuit against the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for failing to uphold its responsibilities as the public trustee of Washington’s wildlife in the development, review, and approval of the 2026 Game Management Plan. The sweeping statewide policy guides how dozens of hunted and trapped species are managed, yet WDFW approved it after issuing a “no significant impact” determination without meaningful environmental review. Learn why this lawsuit seeks to hold the agency accountable and restore responsible oversight of wildlife policies in Washington.

 

Oppose the Confirmation of Jim Anderson and Molly Linville to the Fish & Wildlife Commission

 

The Washington Senate is considering the confirmation of Molly Linville and Jim Anderson to the Fish & Wildlife Commission at a pivotal moment for wildlife governance in our state. Their voting records reflect consistent support for expanding trophy hunting, weakening wildlife protections, and advancing policies that undermine wild salmon and orca recovery, while failing to demand meaningful oversight following serious agency safety failures. Learn why these confirmations matter and how you can urge your Senator to vote NO.

 
 

 

WA Wildlife Commission Approves Six-Year Game Management Plan Without Meaningful Consideration or Environmental Review

 

The WA Fish & Wildlife Commission unanimously approved a new six-year GMP without conducting meaningful environmental review, despite substantial scientific and governance concerns raised during public comment. Because hunting seasons are largely exempt from environmental review, this process was the primary opportunity to evaluate cumulative impacts of hunting on wildlife and habitats statewide, including impacts to vulnerable species and ecosystem resilience. Learn more about why this decision matters and what comes next.

 

Washington Wildlife First is Different

Washington Wildlife First focuses on state fish and wildlife governance rather than national issues, because the states control the fate of the vast majority of the country’s wildlife. Instead of just focusing on individual species or current issues, we also work to reform the policies and decision-making structures that shape outcomes for all fish and wildlife. Our goal is to change the system that governs wildlife in Washington, not just respond to its failures.

Led by an attorney and a wildlife scientist, we leverage science, law, and strategic advocacy — engaging the public, the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission, and state legislators, and turning to the courts when necessary. We challenge agency actions that violate the law, ignore or distort science, disregard ecosystem health, and dismiss the interests and well-being of wild animals. We are small but strategic. We push ourselves hard and make every dollar count, drawing national attention by taking on the work of a much larger organization.

We advocate for more than “sustainable populations” or “biodiversity” — we believe wild animals are individuals deserving of consideration and respect. We seek to transform Washington’s model of wildlife governance to a democratic paradigm that elevates science, recognizes the intrinsic value of individual animals, and prioritizes protecting, preserving, and perpetuating both wild lives and the ecosystems in which they live.

Learn More About Us >

A Call for Agency Reform

Washington is home to extraordinary wildlife, vibrant ecosystems, and breathtaking wild places that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife holds in trust for all current and future generations.

That duty has never been more vital than it is today. We live in a time of accelerating biodiversity loss, intensifying climate impacts, and unprecedented pressures on wild animals and their habitats. Our state needs a modern, ethical, science-grounded wildlife agency—one that acts with integrity, uses sound science, and shows genuine care and respect for wild lives.

But Washington’s wildlife governance is broken. For far too long, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has allowed special interests to dominate its decisions. The agency continues to rely on an outdated, exploitation-driven model that disregards science, undervalues long-term ecological health, and dismisses the well-being of the very animals it is entrusted to protect.

Our Not My WDFW campaign exposes these systemic failures, bringing daylight to decisions that are unethical, unscientific, or unlawful, and amplifying Washingtonians’ overwhelming demand for change.

We must demand better.

why reform?