Archives West Finding Aid

The Board of Game and Fish Commissioners was established in March of 1895 to oversee licensing and hunting practices in the state. The Board was comprised of three commissioners, appointed by the Governor and was empowered to appoint a State Fish and Game Warden. The warden also served as secretary and business agent of the Board. The first warden was chosen in 1898. The Board was abolished in 1901, but the functions were assumed by the State Fish Commissioners in 1907. The State Fish Commissioners consisted of the Warden and two commissioners. By 1911, two more commissioners were added. In 1921, the two commissions, State Fish Commission and Fish and Game Commission, merged and were empowered to establish fish and game districts and to close or open seasons on all game animals, birds, and fish. The administrative arm of the Commission gradually came to be referred to as the Fish and Game Department, although the Department was not legislatively formalized until 1972. It was renamed the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 1979.

The Commission is currently (as of 2024) named the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and is made up of seven members appointed by the govorner. It sets fish and wildlife regulations, approves property acquisitions, and approves certain rules and activities of the department as provided by statute.