The seven-member Fish and Wildlife Commission is appointed by the governor from the FWP administrative regions. The appointments are to be made without regard to political affiliation and to be made solely for the wise management of the fish and wildlife of the state. At least one member must be experienced in the breeding and management of domestic livestock.
The commission is a quasi-judicial citizen board whose general authority and duties are further defined and shaped by specific responsibilities in the statutes.
The department is an executive branch agency under the governor. The director of the department is appointed by the governor and reports to the governor. The department has duties and responsibilities as provided by statute.
In summary, the department administers the day-to-day activities of the department under the executive branch with specific statutory duties and the commission sets fish and wildlife regulations, approves property acquisitions, and approves certain rules and activities of the department as provided by statute.
