About

Washington’s Hunting & Angling Heritage

• Washington has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling, that dates back to indigenous cultures. Hunting and angling continue to be integral components of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state and offers families opportunities to connect with nature while providing food security, self-sufficiency, and mental and physical health benefits.
• Washington’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat.
• Through their license fees and equipment purchases, hunters and anglers help fund healthy and sustainable natural resources. In 2021, they generated over $86 million to support conservation efforts through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Almost 900,000 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $10 billion spent on outdoor activities in Washington in 2021 alone.