Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/scientific-collection.

Helpdesk phone:

(360) 902-2464 Option 4

Subject matter expert contact information:

See notes/comments for contact information

scp@dfw.wa.gov

Scientific Collection Permit

(SCPS)
Description/Purpose

To collect and possess fish and/or wildlife for the purpose of scientific investigation and/or education and/or display.

It is unlawful to collect foodfish, shellfish, or wildlife or their parts, nests, and eggs for the purpose of research or display without first obtaining a Washington State Scientific/Education Collection Permit. To collect means to take control of or attempt to take control of wildlife or their nests and eggs. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife interprets ”collect” to mean to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or obtain, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. This interpretation is consistent with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Sec 3(18)].

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Any trapping, netting, catch and release and handling with the exception of transitory holding of reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates for identification, and marking or tagging; collecting lethally or non-lethally; and salvage and possession of carcasses or parts with the exception of shed antlers.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

$117.00 annually

Application Information

The application is called 'Scientific Collection Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/scientific-collection.

Study Plan as described in the Scientific Collection Permit Instructions as https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/scientific-collection. Annual report submitted as an Excel spreadsheet that can be accessed at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/scientific-collection if the application if for a renewal of permit.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 10
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 125

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 44.1
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 154.6


(Summary results based on 317 submittals in 2024)

Notes / Comments

Subject Matter Expert Phone / Email

Contacts
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Headquarters
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia WA 98501
Website: http://wdfw.wa.gov/
Telephone: (360) 902-2200
* Credential details last updated 8/31/2026
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