Bill > HB2221

This bill aims to restore and sustain healthy ungulate (hoofed animal) populations in Washington State, particularly in areas where gray wolves have been federally delisted. The legislation establishes a comprehensive approach to managing predator-prey interactions, focusing on mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and other ungulate species. If an ungulate population drops 25% below its 10-year average in the designated federal delisting area (east of certain state routes), the Department of Fish and Wildlife must initiate predator mitigation actions within 60 days. These actions can include wolf translocation, targeted removal, diversionary feeding, and hazing. The bill requires annual population counts conducted in partnership with sportsmen, with survey methods designed collaboratively and results published by March 31st each year. Mitigation efforts must continue until deer populations meet or exceed 2004 harvest levels for two consecutive years. The department is also mandated to report annually to the legislature on ungulate population trends, at-risk designations, and progress toward population benchmarks. The bill's underlying goal is to support rural economies, hunters, and wildlife observers by ensuring sustainable and predictable ungulate populations while managing predator interactions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2221&Year=2025&Initiative=false