General
Q:
What does the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) do besides sell
hunting and fishing licenses?
A: The Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife manages more than 640 animal species
that range from butterflies to elk. WDFW also manages approximately
150 species of fish and shellfish ranging from clams to salmon.
The places that
provide the life needs, such as clean water, food, and cover to fish
and wildlife are protected and enhanced; WDFW manages approximately
800,000 acres that provide habitat and migration routes to wild species
as well as a variety of recreational opportunities to the state's
citizens. It also operates numerous boat ramps and other access areas
to Washington's wild places. Each year WDFW produces millions of salmon,
steelhead, trout and other fish species to provide recreational fishing
opportunities while rebuilding wild stocks that are in trouble.
In addition,
WDFW enforces habitat protection laws, removes dangerous wild animals
such as cougars and bears when they threaten humans, and arrests poachers.
Other programs teach young people to protect the environment and to
fish and to hunt safely. When spilled oil or other toxic materials
threaten fish or wildlife, WDFW scientists attempt to minimize the
threats while coordinating volunteer efforts to rescue birds and other
animals at risk.
Q: How
do I get a job with the Department?
A: The Washington
Department of Personnel recruits and tests applicants to
build lists, or registers, of qualified candidates. When a
vacancy occurs,
WDFW contacts DOP for a referral. An addition, WDFW recruits temporary
positions at the local level. Check out WDFW
Employment for current openings or feel
free to call WDFW's personnel office at (360) 902-2276. You
can also visit our main agency office
at 1111 Washington Street.
Q: Does
the Department offer any programs for Women?
A: Yes. Please
see Washington Outdoor
Women.
Q: How
can I get information on fish and wildlife for school projects?
A: Most of the
information you're probably looking for is on this web site, or a
link to a related site is provided, so be persistent. Here's a headstart:
Q: How
do I report a violation of a hunting or fishing regulation such as fishing
without a license?
A: Call the Poaching
Hotline at 1-877-933-9847. Leave a message or ask that an enforcement
officer contact you.
Q: How
can we be running out of salmon if it's available in practically every
grocery store?
A: Most salmon
found in grocery stores are imported or farm raised. Salmon stocks
have been diminished greatly from historic levels; however, those
remaining seem to be fairly stable. Still, a few chinook, chum, coho
and sockeye runs are threatened. There are several reasons for the
drastic declines, but some of the more serious threats appear to be
loss of habitat and poor ocean conditions. But the loss of even a
small number of runs could mean big headaches for Washington's residents
if corrective measures aren't taken quickly.
Q: Which
hatcheries are open to the public?
A: All of them
are open to the public, generally from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., but
consider calling the hatchery you're interested in visiting for public
hours. See our Hatchery Complex Information
page for phone numbers and addresses of all WDFW-run hatchery facilities.
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