State Wildlife Officials Discuss Technology in Hunting

Washington wildlife officials are considering potential changes to hunting regulations – particularly to technology allowed – as the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission prepares for the 2027- 29 seasons. During a Sept. 10 Wildlife Committee meeting, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Game Division Manager Anis Aoude provided an update on the department’s three-year hunting season-setting process.

WDFW collected more than 8,000 responses through a public scoping survey last fall, along with input from agency staff, resulting in roughly 1,000 unique ideas. According to Aoude, regional staff evaluated the ideas for feasibility and narrowed them to approximately 60 potential changes. Those ideas were presented to the public during virtual meetings in August, and WDFW is now reviewing the public’s feedback.

The potential changes span a wide range of hunting regulations, including five proposals involving deer, eight involving elk, five involving moose, and five involving turkey and small game. Other ideas involve carnivores and furbearers, migratory birds, hunting methods, and equipment. Aoude stressed that the potential changes are still ideas rather than formal proposals.

Before any become rules, staff will evaluate their biological, conservation, social, and enforcement implications. Technology was a significant part of the discussion. WDFW has been considering whether existing regulations adequately address newer hunting technologies, including game cameras, pneumatic rifles, high-powered scopes on muzzleloaders, crossbows, modern muzzleloader designs, rangefinders integrated into optics, long-distance shooting aids, and infrared scopes or other devices.

The department is also considering how technologies such as drones, aircraft, and dogs are used to locate or pursue animals. Of those technology issues, Aoude said restrictions on game cameras are the only ones being actively considered. One possibility would be restricting the use of game cameras on public land during hunting season, potentially including cameras capable of transmitting images or information remotely.

Officials said they are less inclined to regulate cameras on private property because they can be used for security, trespass prevention, and other nonhunting purposes. Commissioners also questioned how WDFW should approach rapidly developing technology while maintaining fairness among hunters. Aoude said the department generally tries not to move too quickly when considering new technology, particularly when it could change the nature of hunting with primitive weapons.

He noted that infrared devices are illegal, including for scouting, while pneumatic rifles may warrant additional research because some states allow them for hunting at shorter ranges. Formal rulemaking is expected to begin in December. The commission said there will be additional opportunities for public comment and a public hearing before making final decisions, which are expected in March 2027.