OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is soliciting public comments on proposed changes to rules about hunter education instructor incentive deer permits as part of the Department’s annual season setting process.
WDFW is proposing a supplemental rule change that clarifies that hunter education instructors may buy a second deer tag if they draw a hunter education instructor incentive deer permit. The Department is also proposing a $40 discount for this combination, matching the discount master hunters receive when buying second tags through their incentive program.
WDFW already proposed this rule change and collected public comments on it during the Department’s broader 2026 annual season setting process. This additional public comment opportunity is available as part of a supplemental rule making process to finalize an expedited rule making on the topic that the Department initiated prior to the start of the season setting process.
More information about the proposed rule changes is available on WDFW’s website.
The public may submit comments online, via email, by phone (855-925-2801, project code 6799), or by mail (WDFW ATTN: Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA, 98504) until noon on April 21.
WDFW will also hold a virtual public hearing and director’s briefing about the proposal at 2 p.m. on April 22. Those interested in commenting during the public hearing must register online no later than 24 hours before the start of the hearing.
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.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.