Wash. Rev. Code » Title 77 · Chapter 77.32
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 77.32.010 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or department rule, a recreational license issued by the director is required to hunt, fish, or take wildlife or seaweed. A hunting license is not required for bullfrogs.
(2) A pass or permit issued under RCW 79A.80.020, 79A.80.030, or 79A.80.040 is required to park or operate a motor vehicle on a recreation site or lands, as defined in RCW 79A.80.010.
(3) The commission may, by rule, indicate that a fishing permit issued to a nontribal member by the Colville Tribes shall satisfy the license requirements in subsection (1) of this section on the waters of Lake Rufus Woods and on the north shore of Lake Rufus Woods, and that a Colville Tribes tribal member identification card shall satisfy the license requirements in subsection (1) of this section on all waters of Lake Rufus Woods.
(4) A recreational fishing license is not required to fish for carp in Moses Lake or Vancouver Lake.
[ 2024 c 77 s 2; 2019 c 290 s 3; 2014 c 48 s 26; 2011 c 320 s 19; 2009 c 564 s 956; 2008 c 329 s 923; 2006 c 57 s 1; 2001 c 253 s 49; 2000 c 107 s 264; 1998 c 191 s 7; 1987 c 506 s 76; 1985 c 457 s 25; 1983 c 284 s 2; 1981 c 310 s 7; 1980 c 78 s 103; 1979 ex.s. c 3 s 1; 1959 c 245 s 1; 1955 c 36 s 77.32.010. Prior: 1947 c 275 s 93; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 5992-102.]

Notes:

Findings—2024 c 77: "(1) The legislature finds that as Washington's growing population accesses limited natural resources, there is a need to increase compliance, and provide education, on appropriate gear, seasons, and species take limits.
(2) The legislature further finds that previously unregulated species are under increased recreational harvest. Recreational licensing is an appropriate mechanism to educate the public and preserve opportunity in the future.
(3) The legislature further finds that eulachon, also known as Pacific smelt and Columbia river smelt, are listed as a threatened species under the endangered species act and licensing requirements are needed to provide angler education and allow for better regulation and monitoring to prevent them from becoming endangered.
(4) The legislature also finds that licensing for carp will aid in enforcement of illegal fishing where people fishing for regulated species without a required license have claimed to be fishing for carp, thereby negatively affecting the fisheries of other regulated species.
(5) The legislature further finds that licensing for crawfish will provide the public with education that enables them to distinguish between native and invasive crawfish species, facilitating the removal of invasive crawfish." [ 2024 c 77 s 1.]
Finding—Intent—2019 c 290: See note following RCW 77.12.085.
Effective date—2011 c 320: See note following RCW 79A.80.005.
Findings—Intent—2011 c 320: See RCW 79A.80.005.
Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Severability—Effective date—2008 c 329: See notes following RCW 28B.105.110.
Effective date—1998 c 191: See note following RCW 77.32.410.
Legislative findings and intent—1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.
Findings—Intent—1983 c 284: See note following RCW 82.27.020.
Effective dates—Legislative intent—1981 c 310: See notes following RCW 77.12.170.
Effective date—Intent, construction—Savings—Severability—1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 1973–2013 · leading case: State v. Mierz, 901 P.2d 286 (Wash. 1995).
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State v. Mierz, 901 P.2d 286 (Wash. 1995). · cites it 2× “040; RCW 77.32.010), Mierz requested a scientific permit from the Department of Wildlife (Department), stating he would display the coyotes to the public.”
United States v. Buehler, 793 F. Supp. 971 (E.D. Wash. 1992). · cites it 2× “RCW 77.32.010, 75.08.080. Additionally, pertinent provisions of 36 C.”
State v. Chambers, 506 P.2d 311 (Wash. 1973). “At the time the deer was killed, appellant did not possess a valid Washington State hunting license as required by RCW 77.32.010. He was, however, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Reservation.”
Resident Action Council v. Seattle Hous. Auth. (Wash. 2013). “"The personally identifying information of persons who acquire recreational licenses under RCW 77.32.010 or commercial licenses under chapter 77.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 77.32.010(2)(b) — 1 case
State v. Mierz, 901 P.2d 286 (Wash. 1995). “040; RCW 77.32.010), Mierz requested a scientific permit from the Department of Wildlife (Department), stating he would display the coyotes to the public.”
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