Wash. Rev. Code » Title 77 · Chapter 77.12
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 77.12.240 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) The department may authorize the removal or killing of wildlife that is destroying or injuring property, or when it is necessary for wildlife management or research.
(2) The department shall dispose of wildlife taken or possessed by them under this title in the manner determined by the director to be in the best interest of the state. Proceeds from sales shall be deposited in the state treasury to be credited to the fish, wildlife, and conservation account created in RCW 77.12.170(3).
[ 2020 c 148 s 11; 2009 c 333 s 63; 1989 c 197 s 1; 1987 c 506 s 33; 1980 c 78 s 41; 1955 c 36 s 77.12.240. Prior: 1947 c 275 s 33; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 5992-43.]

Notes:

Intent—Effective date—2020 c 148: See notes following RCW 77.12.170.
Effective date—Application—2009 c 333 ss 53-66: See notes following RCW 77.36.010.
Legislative findings and intent—1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.
Effective date—Intent, construction—Savings—Severability—1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1956–2023 · leading case: State v. Vander Houwen, 177 P.3d 93 (Wash. 2008).
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State v. Vander Houwen, 177 P.3d 93 (Wash. 2008). “RCW 77.12.240 permits the director of the Department to "authorize the removal or killing of wildlife that is destroying or injurying property.”
State v. Vander Houwen, 163 Wash. 2d 25 (Wash. 2008). “RCW 77.12.240 permits the director of the Department to “authorize the removal or killing of wildlife that is destroying or injuring property.”
Wildearth Guardians v. Usfs, 70 F.4th 1212 (9th Cir. 2023). “” Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 77.12.240 (1); see id.”
Judd v. Bernard, 304 P.2d 1046 (Wash. 1956). · cites it 2× “Following completion of the study mentioned in Paragraph III above, and after holding two public hearings on the subject, the Washington State Game Commission, acting pursuant to RCW 77.12.240 and RCW 77.12.420, determined that in its judgment it was necessary for proper game…”
State v. Bailey, 893 P.2d 681 (Wash. Ct. App. 1995). · cites it 2× “” The State contends the instruction is supported by RCW 77.12.240 5 and even if not, it was harmless error to give it because it was relevant only to Mr.”
Ctr. For Biological Diversity, App v. Dept. Of Fish & Wildlife, Resps (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). · cites it 3× “245 states in relevant part: (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 77.12.240, 77.36.030, or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to take, hunt, or attract black bear with the aid of bait.”
Wildearth Guardians v. US Forest Serv. (E.D. Wash. 2021). “and under state law 15 RCW 77.12.240, can implement lethal measures to control depredating wolves when 16 it is deemed necessary to detour chronic livestock depredations.”
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