Washington Deer and Elk Crop Damage Claims

WDFW can pay eligible commercial farmers for deer or elk damage to their commercial crops, including growing or harvested product. Claims run from $1,000 to $30,000, with one claim per producer per year. The producer must have used agreed prevention measures, and in most cases must allow public hunting access. Cash payments depend on funding appropriated by the legislature.

• "Eligible farmer": gross sales or harvested value of agricultural products of at least $10,000

• Commercial crops only (commercially grown Christmas trees, managed pasture and horticultural trees count; livestock and rangeland do not)

• Must have an active Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement, a WDFW-approved checklist, or a Director's Waiver

• Generally must allow public hunting access at an appropriate time, manner and level

• Must pursue other compensation sources first (e.g., crop insurance)

One claim per producer per year; $1,000 minimum, $30,000 maximum. WDFW cost-shares an adjuster from its approved list (a producer who picks their own adjuster pays the full cost). Payment only when funds are appropriated.

Published amounts: Claims for less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) will not be accepted. The maximum payment for a claim is $30,000. Cash compensation will only be provided to producers by WDFW when specifically appropriated by the legislature or other funding entity.

Notify WDFW within 72 hours of discovering damage and at least 72 hours before harvest. A Wildlife Conflict Specialist verifies the damage, then the Claims Analyst in Olympia sends a claim packet with a list of approved crop adjusters. Submit the completed packet within 60 days of final harvest to WDFW, Attn: Wildlife Conflict Program, Claims, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200, or wildlifedamageclaims@dfw.wa.gov.

Deadline text on the page: The producer must notify WDFW within 72 hours of discovery of crop damage and at least 72 hours prior to harvest of the claimed crop. ... A complete, written, signed claim packet must be submitted by the producer to WDFW within 60 days of final harvest.