Washington Senate Joint Resolution 8208 (SJR 8208) would establish a constitutional right to forage, hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife and fish for Washington’s residents. The constitutional amendment adds that traditional methods, practices, and procedures of harvest are the preferred means of managing game and fish in the state.
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Please join the National Deer Association (NDA) in supporting this important bill. SJR 8208, if passed, would then be presented to voters in the November 2024 election for final adoption. The bill is critical to the future of Washington’s outdoor heritage. CLICK HERE to ask your lawmakers to support SJR 8208.
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SJR 8208 would forever preserve fishing, hunting, and the taking of fish and wildlife through the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife in Washington. Washington’s sportsmen and women are the primary funders of state-based conservation, contribute significantly to the economy, and facilitate youth introduction to, and appreciation of, the outdoors. Importantly, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife would still be charged with carrying out its mandate to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage Washington’s wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish by establishing basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.
The NDA firmly believes that hunting and fishing are the most effective and scientifically proven methods for managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Even more, hunting and fishing have been shown time and time again to be the primary drivers of wildlife conservation throughout North America. Solidifying the right to hunt and fish via constitutional amendment would be of great value to Washington sportsmen and women.