The WDFW manages over a million acres of land, the bulk of which is generally open to the public, and more than 500 water access sites.

[3] Many of the sites are termed "wildlife areas" and permit hunting during the hunting season, typically in the autumn and early winter for birds, but all year round for coyotes.

[4] Due to declining participation, the department has a hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation plan.

[3] The department's history starts with the appointment of a fisheries commissioner in 1890 by Governor of Washington Elisha P.

[7] Hunting and fishing license sales and income from the Discover Pass recreational access fee make up about one-quarter of the department’s budget.