[Order 25-21—Filed March 18, 2026, 9:14 a.m.]

Supplemental Notice to WSR 26-06-004, filed on February 19, 2024 [2026]. The department of fish and wildlife (department) is filing this supplemental CR-102 because it seeks to make new and substantial changes to WAC 220-220-080 that were described in the purpose section of the CR-102 form, but not included in the actual draft filed under WSR 26-04-120 on February 3, 2026.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-22-046 on October 29, 2025.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: This supplemental rule publication involves changes to WAC 220-220-080 Reduced rate combination deer hunting licenses, as part of the 2026 hunting season setting rule project previously filed as a CR-102 continuance under WSR 26-04-004 on February 19, 2026, and filed as a CR-102 under WSR 26-04-120 on February 3, 2026.

Hearing Location(s): On April 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kIMca4O3SPOFW8z_o7h_KQ, Webinar ID 837 8922 5154. To register to verbally comment at the public hearing, sign up at https://engage.wdfw.wa.gov/e45310.

Date of Intended Adoption: On or after April 22, 2026.

Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504, email 2026reducedratedeercr102@publicinput.com, fax 360-902-2162, web https://engage.wdfw.wa.gov/2026reducedratedeercr102 or call 855-925-2801 project code 6799, beginning March 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., by April 21, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Title VI/ADA compliance coordinator, phone 360-902-2349, TTY 1-800-833-6388 or 711, email Title6@dfw.wa.gov, web http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requestsaccommodation, by April 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: This proposed rule change creates a new section to clarify that hunter education instructors may purchase a second deer tag when drawn for a hunter education instructor incentive deer permit, and to discount this incentive deer combined license by $40 to match the discount provided to master hunter second tags.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The department is proposing these changes to WAC 220-220-080 to clarify the licensing requirements for hunter education instructor permits. This proposal is consistent with RCW 77.32.155, which encourages nonmonetary incentives to promote instructor volunteer service. Hunter education instructors are volunteers that contribute over 20,000 hours annually and significantly benefit the department's mission.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.05.55 [ 77.04.055], 77.08.030, 77.08.045, 77.12.047, 77.15.130, 77.15.400, 77.15.410, 77.15.430, 77.32.155, and 77.32.530.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Department of fish and wildlife, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Mick Cope, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2515; Enforcement: Chief Steve Bear, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2373.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. This rule proposal does not require a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a)(i).

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 26-05-032, filed 2/11/26, effective 3/14/26)

WAC 220-220-080Reduced rate combination deer hunting licenses.

(1) There is hereby created combination deer hunting licenses that allow the holder to hunt deer for the purposes described below. A person purchasing any big game license that includes deer may purchase a reduced rate combination license as follows:

(a) If a hunter is drawn for a special deer permit in the second deer category, they may purchase a second deer tag and utilize their special hunting permit authorizing and conditioning the harvest of a second deer. The fee for this combined license is $21 less than the sum of the big game license containing deer and the second deer tag.

(b) If a hunter is drawn for a special permit in the master hunter deer category, they must purchase a master hunter deer tag as authorized and conditioned by the commission to harvest a second deer. A master hunter in good standing must also purchase a master hunter deer tag in order to utilize a damage prevention or kill permit authorized and conditioned by the department. The fee for this combined license is $40 less than the sum of the big game license containing deer and the master hunter second deer tag.

(c) If a hunter is issued a damage prevention or kill permit authorized by the department, the hunter must purchase a damage deer tag. The fee for this combined license is $40 less than the sum of the big game license containing deer and the damage deer second tag.

(d) A qualified hunter education instructor may purchase a second deer tag if they are drawn for a hunter education deer incentive permit. The fee for this combined license is $40 less than the sum of the big game license containing deer and the second deer tag.

(2) It is unlawful to possess a multi-season or second deer transport tag except as authorized by this section.