Todd and Bushbear are correct. The fish and wildlife resources within State boundaries belong to the State. The State has the authority to manage them in manner consistent with State law, for the benefit of the people of the State. That’s the case in all 50 States. Nothing new here. We can (and do) argue about how they manage these resources, but we ought not argue about the authority to do so.

I would add that the Tribes have co-management authority in their ‘usual and accustomed places’ in Washington (and Oregon), so they have the authority to manage those resources consistent with Tribal law, in cooperation with the State.

To the extent that folks didn't realize this, it is a good reminder.