10/21/2026
In 2023, Washington Wildlife First and 10 other organizations petitioned the WDFW Commission for additional restrictions on wolf management. When the Commission rejected their petition, they appealed directly to Jay Inslee. In January 2024, Inslee granted that appeal, setting this rulemaking process in motion.
Now, WDFW is seeking public comment on proposed changes to Washington’s “Caught in the Act” wolf rule.
Let’s talk about what this means for the people actually living with wolves.
Washington’s livestock producers already face tremendous challenges of raising animals in wolf country and constant attacks from animal rights activists. And they deserve clear, practical rules that allow them to protect their livestock when a wolf is actively attacking, not another layer of restrictions pushed by groups that constantly litigate with the department over wolf management and seek to punish the very real people doing their best to exist and maintain their livelihoods.
Wolf recovery cannot mean continually shifting the burden onto livestock producers while well funded NGO’s push for policies that further restrict their options. We say it all the time: coexistence isn’t one sided.
At what point do we start prioritizing the people who have to live with the consequences of these decisions?
Wildlife management must account for the realities on the ground. Livestock producers deserve a seat at the table, and their voices should carry just as much weight in this process.
Public comment is open through November 23, 2026.
Read the proposed changes and make your voice heard. Don’t let these NGO’s dominate a conversation that directly affects Washington’s livestock producers and wildlife management.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/news-release/wdfw-invites-public-comment-proposed-changes-caught-act-wolf-rule
