Message From the Director

Name: eRegulations
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Mick Cope, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Program Director, wearing a black FWC polo shirt and standing outdoors with greenery in the background. — Mick Cope, Wildlife Program Director at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, dedicated to leading conservation and wildlife management efforts.

After more than 32 years working for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), I am proud to step into the position as your new Wildlife Program Director. When I think about those who contributed to wildlife conservation in Washington over the last 80 years, I am humbled to know that I now carry that responsibility. Since I started this position late last year, I am inspired by the hard work of our program staff and the passion of Washington’s hunters. I was raised hiking, fishing, hunting, and watching wildlife with my family, and those experiences laid the foundation for my career and my appreciation for the connection between hunting and conservation.

If you’re reading this in our annual hunting regulations pamphlet, I probably don’t need to remind you about all of the important ways hunters contribute to conservation – whether it’s helping fund the agency’s conservation work through state hunting licenses and the Pittman-Robertson excise tax on equipment or helping to meet management objectives through sustainable harvest. Waterfowl hunters make additional contributions through purchases of the state Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamps.

But there are so many other ways hunters contribute, too. Hunters are volunteers, youth mentors, and leaders in local outdoor associations. Hunters contribute to habitat restoration and public access projects and are quick to share their passion for nature with others. Hunters show up in support of initiatives that promote public enjoyment of natural resources and share their perspectives on issues that matter to them. Hunters also contribute directly to science and research efforts WDFW and other managing agencies conduct. We appreciate all of the ways Washington hunters support our incredible wildlife and natural spaces.

I am looking forward to working with you all in my first full year as Wildlife Program Director. On behalf of myself and everyone at the Department, I hope you have a wonderful year and safe and successful hunting seasons.

Mick Cope,

Wildlife Program Director