The Washington Hunting Season 2023–2024 is now nearing, and hunters from all around the state are getting ready for another thrilling season. With a variety of wildlife available for hunting, from large game like deer and elk to small game like rabbits and raccoons, this hunting season looks to be one of the greatest. Washington’s varied landscapes and profusion of animals make it a top hunting destination, regardless of whether you are an experienced hunter or a beginner to the sport.
Hunters may go on an exciting trip and create lifelong memories with the right equipment, information, and licenses. Prepare to enter the woods and see what this hunting season has to offer! In this post we shall discover all the information related to hunting season schedules, regulations and licenses.
Washington hunting seasons
Washington Hunting Seasons
Content Highlights
Hunting season is a favorite time of year for outdoor enthusiasts in Washington because of the state’s rich fauna. The state provides a range of hunting possibilities, including those for upland game birds, ducks, and large game animals including elk, deer, and bear.
Deer Season
Species
Season
Hunting Dates
Blacktail
Early Archery
Sep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
Whitetail
Early Archery
Sep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
Mule Deer
Early Archery
Sep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
Blacktail
Early Muzzleloader
Sep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
Whitetail
Early Muzzleloader
Sep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
Mule Deer
Early Muzzleloader
Sep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
Blacktail
Gun
Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023
Whitetail
Gun
Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 24, 2023
Mule Deer
Gun
Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 24, 2023
Whitetail
Late Archery
Nov 10, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023
Whitetail
Late Gun
Nov 11, 2023 - Nov 19, 2023
Blacktail
Late Gun
Nov 16, 2023 - Nov 19, 2023
Mule Deer
Late Archery
Nov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
Whitetail
Late Muzzleloader
Nov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
Mule Deer
Late Muzzleloader
Nov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
Blacktail
Late Archery
Nov 22, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
Blacktail
Late Muzzleloader
Nov 22, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023
Moose Season
Hunt Name
Season Dates
Moose Type
GMU or Boundary
Permits
Kettle Range-East Okanogan
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMUs 101, 105, 204
10
Douglas A – Early
Oct. 1-31
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 108
4
Douglas A – Late
Nov. 1-30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 108
4
Aladdin A – Early
Oct. 1-31
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 111
3
Aladdin A – Late
Nov. 1-30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 111
3
Selkirk 113
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 113
15
49 Degrees North A – Early
Oct. 1-31
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 117 (except Parker Lake)
12
49 Degrees North A – Late
Nov. 1-30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 117 (except Parker Lake)
12
Huckleberry A – Early
Oct. 1-31
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 121
10
Huckleberry A – Late
Nov. 1-30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 121
10
Spokane West A C
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 124 w of Hwy 395
2
Mt Spokane South A
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
Moose Area 1 (within 124)
8
Mt Spokane North A
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
Moose Area 2 (within 124)
8
Hangman C
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Any Antlered Bull Moose
GMU 127, 130, 139
4
Douglas 108 B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 108
2
Aladdin 111 B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 111
2
49 Degrees North B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 117 (except Parker Lake)
2
Huckleberry B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 121
8
Mt Spokane South B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
Moose Area 1 (within 124)
2
Mt Spokane North B
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
Moose Area 2 (within 124)
2
Mica Peak C
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 127
2
Cheney B C
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Antlerless Only
GMU 130, 139
2
Mt Spokane South Y
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Youth Only - Antlerless
Moose Area 1 (within 124)
1
49 Degrees North V
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
65 and Over - Antlerless
GMU 117 (except Parker Lake)
1
Huckleberry V
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
65 and Over - Antlerless
GMU 121
2
49 Degrees North D
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Disabled Hunter - Antlerless Only
GMU 117 (except Parker Lake)
1
Mt Spokane North D
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Disabled Hunter - Antlerless Only
Moose Area 2 (within 124)
1
Elk Season
WA Elk Season
Method
Hunting Dates
East Master Hunters
Master Hunters
Aug 1, 2023 - Jan 20, 2024
East Firearm
Firearm (1st Season)
Sep 9, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023
East Early Archery
Archery
Sep 9, 2023 - Sep 21, 2023
West Early Archery
Archery
Sep 9, 2023 - Sep 21, 2023
East Early Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader
Oct 7, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
West Early Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader
Oct 7, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
East Late Archery
Archery
Oct 25, 2023 - Jan 30, 2024
East Firearm
Firearm (1st Season)
Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023
East Firearm
Firearm (2nd season)
Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 15, 2023
East Late Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader
Oct 28, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
West Firearm
Firearm
Nov 4, 2023 - Nov 15, 2023
West Late Archery
Archery
Nov 22, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023
West Late Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader
Nov 22, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
Goat Season
Hunt Area Name (Number)
Season Dates
Permit
Naches Pass (3-6)
Sept. 1-Nov. 30
6002
Bumping River (3-7)
Sept. 1-Nov. 30
6003
Chowder Ridge (4-3)
Sept. 1-Nov. 30
6004
Lincoln Peak (4-4)
Sept. 1-Nov. 30
6005
Avalanche Gorge (4-7)
Sept. 1-Nov. 30
6006
Goat Rocks West (5-4)
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
6007
Goat Rocks East (5-5)
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
6008
Mt. Margaret Backcountry (5-6)
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
6009
Mt. St. Helens South (5-7)
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
6010
Bighorn Sheep Season
WA Sheep Season
Hunt Dates
Permit
Hunt Name
Sheep Unit 7
Oct. 1-31
5000
Cleman Mountain
Sheep Unit 12
Sept. 15-Oct. 10
5001
Lincoln Cliffs
Sheep Unit 13
Oct. 1-31
5002
Quilomene
Sheep Unit 14
Sept. 15-Oct. 10
5003
Swakane
Sheep Unit 16
Nov. 9-30
5004
Manson
Sheep Unit 18
Sept. 15-Oct. 10
5005
Chelan Butte A E
Sheep Unit 18
Oct. 11-Nov. 15
5006
Chelan Butte B E
GMU 172, portions of GMU 181, 186
Sept. 15-Oct. 10
5007
Mountain View - Black Butte
Sheep Unit 7
Oct. 10-31
5008
Cleman Mountain A
Sheep Unit 7
Nov. 6-26
5009
Cleman Mountain B
Sheep Unit 20
Oct. 1-10
5010
Lincoln Cliffs Whitestone Unit
Sheep Unit 18
Sept. 15-Oct. 10
5011
Chelan Butte E
Sheep Unit 7
Nov. 6-26
5012
Cleman Mountain
Sheep Unit 18
Oct. 11-31
5013
Chelan Butte A E
Sheep Unit 18
Oct. 11-31
5014
Chelan Butte B C, D, E
Bear Season
Black Bear Fall General Season Dates
August 1 - November 15
Area Restriction
Fall bear hunting is banned on GMUs 157, 490, and 522. Bear hunting in GMU 485 requires a specific deer or elk permit.
License Required
Valid big-game hunting license with black bear option.
Second Black Bear License/Tag
A second black bear requires a new transport tag/license. Hunters may buy two black bear transit tags/licenses.
Bag Limit
Two black bears per licensing year.
Hunting Method
Any legal weapon may be used to hunt black bear. No bait or hounds are authorized for bear hunting (RCW 77.15.245).
Female with Cubs
Hunters should avoid shooting a mother with cubs. In the autumn, mothers may travel with 30-50 lb pups, which do not go quickly. Be patient before shooting.
Bear Identification Test
Hunters in certain GMUs must score 80% or better on the yearly WDFW online bear identification exam and provide confirmation of passing or an equivalent from another state.
Where to Shoot a Bear
The best shot is broadside, behind the bear's upper arm as it advances.
Identification of Grizzly and Black Bear
Federal and state laws prohibit shooting or killing grizzlies. Some GMUs require bear identification tests.
Mandatory Submission of Bear Teeth
WAC 220-415-090 requires all bear hunters to submit their first premolar tooth within 5 days of harvest, or by December 1, 2023. Send teeth in WDFW's pre-paid, self-addressed mortality envelope.
Age Verification
An external laboratory ages teeth up to six months following fall big game hunting season.
Fox Season
WA Fox Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Fox
1-Sep
15-Mar
Statewide, with the exception of the boundaries of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests, all of which are closed. There is no bag or possession limit per day
Bobcat Season
Washington Bobcat Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Bobcat
Friday, September 01, 2023
Friday, March 15, 2024
Statewide. No daily bag & Possession limit. It is unlawful to hunt bobcat with dogs. In GMUs that are located in the department's designated lynx management zones, bobcat night hunting is not permitted.
Cougar Season
Cougar/Mountain Lion Season
Hunting Dates
Note
Early hunting season
Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
Late hunting season
Jan. 1 - Apr. 30
till harvest guideline, whichever comes first. Hunting cougar in April 2024 requires a valid 2024-2025 license/tag.
Coyote Season
Washington Coyote Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Coyote
Year- round
Year- round
Statewide, The use of dogs in coyote hunting is prohibited. No daily bag and possession limit
Rabbit Season
Washington Rabbit Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare
Sept. 1
Mar. 15
Bag limit of 5 cottontails or snowshoe hares, straight or mixed bag. Possession limit of 15 cottontails or snowshoe hares, straight or mixed bag.
Jackrabbit
Closed statewide
Raccoon Season
Washington Raccoon Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Raccoon
Sept. 1
Mar. 15
Statewide. No daily bag & Possession limit
Turkey Season
WA Turkey Season
Season Dates
GMUs
Bag Limit/Legal Bird
Fall General Season
Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
101-154, 162-186, 382, 388, 568-578, 203-290
Two (2) beardless and two (2) either sex turkeys in most areas; One (1) either sex turkey in specific GMUs
Spring Youth Only
April 1-7, 2024
Statewide*
Combined season limit of three (3) turkeys; Specific bag limits in various counties
Spring General Season
April 15 - May 31
Statewide
Three (3) turkeys
Special Permit Only Hunts
Nov. 15 - Dec. 15
Teanaway GMU 335
One (1)
Dove Season
Season
Hunting Dates
Dove
Sep 1, 2023 - Oct 30, 2023
Snipe Season
Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Snipe
14-Oct
22-Oct
25-Oct
28-Jan
Upland Game Bird Seasons
Grouse Season
WA Grouse Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Sooty, Ruffed, and Spruce)
Sept. 15
Jan. 15
Statewide. A bag limit of 4 grouse per day, to include not more than 3 Dusky or Sooty Grouse (combined), 3 Spruce Grouse, and 3 Ruffed Grouse. And Possession limit of 12 grouse, to include not more than 9 Dusky or Sooty Grouse (combined), 9 Spruce Grouse, and 9 Ruffed Grouse.
Ptarmigan, Sage, and Sharp-tailed Grouse
Closed statewide
Closed statewide
Partridge Season
Washington Partridge Season
(2023-2024) Dates
Note
Gray (Hungarian) Partridge (Eastern Washington)
Sept. 16-17
Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 12 gray partridges
Oct. 7 - Jan. 15
Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 18 gray partridges
Pheasant Season
Pheasant Season
(2023-2024) Dates
Bag Limit Per Day
Possession Limit
Western Washington (Youth Only)
Sept. 16-17 (8am to 4pm)
2 either sex
4 either sex
Western Washington (Hunters 65 Years or Older, Hunters with Disabilities)
Sept. 18-22 (8am to 4pm)
2 either sex
10 either sex
Western Washington (Regular Season)
Sept. 23 - Nov. 30 (8am to 4pm)
2 either sex
15 either sex
Western Washington Extended Season (ONLY at Belfair, JBLM, Kosmos, Lincoln Creek, Scatter Creek, Skookumchuck, Green Diamond resource lands & Whidbey Island release sites) (no pheasants released)
Dec. 1-15 (8am to 4pm)
2 either sex
15 either sex
Eastern Washington (Youth Only)
Sept. 16-17
3 cocks only
6 cocks only
Eastern Washington (Hunters 65 Years or Older, Hunters with Disabilities)
Sept. 18-22
3 cocks only
15 cocks only
Eastern Washington (Regular Season)
Oct. 21 - Jan. 15
3 cocks only
15 cocks only
Quail Season
WA California (Valley) Quail & Northern Bobwhite
(2023-2024) Dates
Bag Limit Per Day
Possession Limit
Western Washington
Sept. 23 - Nov. 30 (8am to 4pm)
10 mixed bag
30 mixed bag
Eastern Washington (Youth Only)
Sept. 16-17
10 mixed bag
20 mixed bag
Eastern Washington (Regular Season)
Oct. 7 - Jan. 15
10 mixed bag
30 mixed bag
Chukar Season
Washington Chukar Season
Hunting Dates
Note
Chukar (Eastern Washington) (Youth Only)
Sept. 16-17
Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 12 Chukar.
Chukar (Eastern Washington)
Oct. 7 - Jan. 31
Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 18 Chukar.
Crow Season
WA Crow Season
Hunting Dates
Note
Crow
Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
Statewide, There is no bag and possession limit
Migratory Birds Season
Coot Season
Washington Coot Season
Hunting Dates
Note
Coot (West -Youth)
Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 23, 2023
Bag and Possession limit of 25
Coot (East - Youth)
Sep 30, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023
Bag and Possession limit of 25
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)
3-Feb-24
Bag and Possession limit of 25
Coot (Statewide)
Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023
Bag and Possession limit of 25
Oct 25, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024
Bag and Possession limit of 25
Duck Season
Washington Duck Season
Hunting Dates
Note
Duck (West -Youth)
Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 23, 2023
Bag and Possession limit of 7
Duck (East - Youth)
Sep 30, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023
Bag and Possession limit of 7
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)
3-Feb-24
Bag and Possession limit of 7
Duck (Statewide)
Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023
Bag limit of 7 and Possession limit of 21. Closed Oct. 14 - Nov. 3 (except Scaup season)
Oct 25, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024
Bag limit of 7 and Possession limit of 21. Closed Oct. 14 - Nov. 3 (except Scaup season)
Goose Season
Area
Season Dates
Daily Bag Limit
Possession Limit
WESTERN WASHINGTON
Canada Goose
Goose Mgmt Areas 1 & 3
Sep 2-7
5
15
Goose Mgmt Area 2
Sep 2-10
5
15
Western Washington Youth (Goose Mgmt Areas 1, 2, & 3)
Sept. 23
4
10
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)
Feb. 3
4
10
Goose Mgmt Area 1
Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28
4
10
Goose Mgmt Area 2 - Coast
Every day Oct. 14 - 29
3
10
Goose Mgmt Area 2
Every day Oct. 14-29
3
10
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays only Oct. 14-29 and Nov. 22 - Jan. 13
-
-
Goose Mgmt Area 3
Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28
4
10
White Fronted Geese
Goose Mgmt Area 1
Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28
10
30
Goose Mgmt Area 2 - Coast
Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, Dec. 20 - Jan. 21, and Feb. 10-21.
9
30
Goose Mgmt Area 2
Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only Nov. 22 - Jan. 14 and Feb. 10 - Mar. 6
9
30
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays only Oct. 14-29 and Nov. 22 - Jan. 13
Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only during: Oct. 14-22, Nov. 11 - Jan. 21; Every day Jan. 22-28; Additional hunt days include: Nov. 10, 23 and 24; Dec. 25, 26, 28, and 29; and Jan. 1 and 15.
4
10
Goose Management Area 5
Oct. 14-30 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28
4
10
White Fronted Geese
Goose Management Area 4
Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only during: Oct. 14-22, Nov. 11 - Jan. 21; Every day Jan. 22-28; Additional hunt days include: Nov. 10, 23 and 24; Dec. 25, 26, 28, and 29; and Jan. 1 and 15.
4
10
Goose Management Area 5
Oct. 14-30 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28
12
30
White Geese
Goose Management Area 4
Late Season (white goose only): Feb. 17 - Mar. 3.
20
60
Swans Season
Season
Hunting Dates
Swans
Closed Statewide
Hunting Regulations
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife governs the sport of hunting (WDFW).
Before venturing out on a hunting expedition, it is imperative that each individual participant have the appropriate tags and permits.
Only certain regions and certain times of the year are approved for hunting.
There are bag and possession limits that hunters must adhere to.
No illegal baits or gear are allowed, and all hunting must adhere to the rules.
There are exceptions to the ban on using bait while hunting, such as using salt, minerals, or other naturally occurring mineral deposits.
Private land is off-limits to hunters unless they have permission from the landowner.
Every hunter owes it to himself and others around them to take reasonable precautions.
Before taking a shot, hunters must zero in on their prey and assess the safety of the situation.
Clothing in hunter orange and/or hunter pink must be worn as needed or expected.
Hunters should not drink alcohol while out on the trail.
Hunters have a responsibility to treat the outdoors and the animals they pursue with respect by making only clean, lethal shots, bringing back their kills, and not taking more than they need.
All rubbish, including cigarette butts and spent shot casings, should be hauled out, therefore it is important to camp and travel in a way that has little environmental effect.
Any suspicious or illegal behavior should be reported right away.
It is important to respect the property of others and the landowners who live on it by keeping gates closed, avoiding damage to crops and other property, and reporting any issues to the proprietors.
Game corpses should be handled in a respectful way that does not offend non-hunters.
Both hunters and non-hunters have a hand in shaping the future of hunting, thus hunters should work to improve the public’s perception of the sport.
Game and non-game species, as well as the environments in which they live, should be protected through financial and manpower aid.
Hunters need to be well-informed on the challenges facing animals and their habitats in order to effectively support conservation efforts.
Participating in wildlife conservation projects is a good idea, and hunters should do so.
The conservation activities of both the federal government and state governments may benefit from hunters purchasing wildlife conservation stamps.
Hunters are advised to finish a hunter education program and include a child or non-hunter on their expeditions.
Hunters have an obligation to impart ethics and accountability in the next generation of hunters.
Hunters should increase their knowledge of the natural world and the prey they shot.
Hunters should hone their skills with their rifles and bows to increase their chances of making a clean kill in the field.
Hunters should thus be well-versed on the differences between game and non-game animals, as well as the subtleties of each species’ habitats and behaviors.
Be it a point to only hunt with other hunters who share your dedication to ethics, and make sure to hold your hunting companions to the same standard.
Hunters are urged to examine themselves and to be quite proud of their standing as noble sportsmen.
All governing local, state, and federal laws should be understood and followed by hunters.
Hunters may lose their licenses to hunt if they are discovered disobeying the law.
Depending on how serious the offense was and if an animal was really killed, different penalties for unlawful hunting may be applied.
Hunters in Washington State should get familiar with the regional hunting rules and restrictions.
You are not allowed to use more than 10 liters of bait for deer or elk hunting.
Remember that there are restrictions on the number of game birds you may bring home with you and the daily bag limit.
Researching the specifics of hunting seasons, bag limits, and other regulations in advance is essential since they differ by location.
It is typically illegal to use any kind of bait when hunting deer or elk. The notable exceptions to this rule include the use of food made from wild plants, masking odors, using mineral deposits that already exist, and receiving official departmental approval.
Any hunting or killing of animals, regardless of species or sex, that is not expressly permitted by the law is prohibited.
You are responsible for being familiar with the relevant laws governing the animals you want to hunt in your state and area.
Don’t be reluctant to get in touch with law enforcement if you see any strange behavior.
Washington Hunting License, Permit, Tags and Fees
A service-connected disability of at least 30%; you are a veteran; an elderly veteran (65 years or older) who has a handicap related to their service; a resident who uses a wheelchair; Residents with developmental disabilities as described by RCW 77.32.480, such as those who are blind or visually handicapped. You may be entitled to discounted costs. Call the WDFW Licensing Division at (360) 902-2464 or (360) 902-2349 to obtain an application. TDD for the hard of hearing is (360) 902-2207.
The licenses for small games must be acquired concurrently with a bundle of licenses for big games to qualify for the reduced cost.
Applications for Special Hunts that fall within the “Quality Elk,” “Quality Deer,” “Any Moose,” “Any Ram,” and “Goat” categories.
Only accessible with specific permission obtained through a lottery.
A License Dealer location is the only place where 5 Raffle Tickets may be bought.
Find the list of fees below:
Types of License
Resident
Non-Resident
Resident Senior
Small Game
$40.50
$183.50
$40.50
Small Game Discount
$22.00
$96.80
$22.00
Western WA Pheasant
$84.50
$167.00
$84.50
Western WA Pheasant-3 Day
$40.50
$79.00
$40.50
3-Day Small Game
-
$68.00
-
Migratory Bird Permit
$17.00
$17.00
$17.00
Migratory Bird Authorization
$13.20
$13.20
$13.20
Turkey Tag #1
$15.90
$44.50
$15.90
Additional Turkey Tags
$15.90
$66.50
$15.90
Special Hunt Permit Applications – Turkey
$7.10
$110.50
$7.10
Get Outdoors
$236.18
-
-
Types of License
Under 16 Youth
Resident Reduced Fee
Non-Resident Disabled Veterans
Small Game
$18.50
$18.50
$40.50
Small Game Discount
$8.80
$8.80
$22.00
Western WA Pheasant
$40.50
$40.50
$84.50
Western WA Pheasant-3 Day
-
$40.50
$40.50
Migratory Bird Permit
FREE
$17.00
$17.00
Migratory Bird Authorization
$3.30
$13.20
$13.20
Turkey Tag #1
FREE
$15.90
$44.50
Additional Turkey Tags
$11.50
$15.90
$66.50
Special Hunt Permit Applications – Turkey
$3.80
$7.10
$110.50
Washington Hunting Violations & Penalties
Washington Hunting Violations
Penalty
Assault on Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Hunting privileges suspension
Unlawful hunting of big game
Hunting privileges suspension
First degree waste of fish and wildlife
Hunting privileges suspension
Harvesting endangered fish or wildlife
Hunting privileges suspension
Hunting big game with artificial light or spotlight
Hunting privileges suspension
Hunting bear with bait or using dogs to hunt bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynx
Hunting privileges suspension
Unlawful purchasing or using license
Hunting privileges suspension
Committing a crime involving disregard for wildlife conservation
Hunting privileges suspension
Shooting another person or domestic livestock while hunting
Hunting privileges suspension
Repeat offender
2-year suspension of fishing and hunting privileges
Hunting or fishing on suspended license
Permanent loss of fishing and hunting privileges
Property used to violate fishing and hunting regulations
Seized and forfeited to the state
Illegally killing or possessing deer, elk, bear, or cougar
$2,000
Illegally killing or possessing moose, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat
$4,000
Illegally killing or possessing trophy deer or elk
$6,000
Illegally killing or possessing woodland caribou, grizzly bear, or trophy mountain sheep
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Natural Resources Building) 1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
Tel:
360-902-2200
Other Contacts
Office Name
Phone Number
Address
Olympia Headquarters Office
(360) 902-2200
Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
(360) 902-2515
PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200
TDD
(800) 833-6388
-
Enforcement Program
(360) 902-2936
-
Fish Program
(360) 902-2700
-
Hunter Education
(360) 902-8111
-
Licensing Division
(360) 902-2464
-
ADA Program
(360) 902-2349
-
Region 1 - Spokane
(509) 892-1001
2315 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216-1566
Region 2 - Ephrata
(509) 754-4624
1550 Alder St. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823-9699
District Office - Wenatchee
(509) 662-0452
3860 Highway 97A., Wenatchee, WA 98801-9607
Region 3 - Yakima
(509) 575-2740
1701 S 24th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902-5720
Region 4 - Mill Creek
(425) 775-1311
16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek, WA 98012-1541
Region 5 - Ridgefield
(360) 696-6211
5525 S 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Region 6 - Montesano
(360) 249-4628
48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563-9618
FAQs related to Washington Hunting Season
What species of game can be hunted in Washington during hunting season?
Washington state allows the shooting of black bears, deer, elk, coyotes, and small game during the designated hunting seasons.
When does the hunting season for elk start in Washington?
Typically, the season to shoot elk in Washington State runs from the latter half of August through the latter half of December.
What type of gears are required in Washington to hunt black bears?
When going on a black bear hunt in Washington, you’ll need a hunting license, a bear tag, and a firearm or bow.
What is the best time to hunt deer in Washington?
The best seasons to hunt deer in Washington are during the general season in November and December and during the archery season in September and October.
Can non-residents hunt in Washington during hunting season?
Non-residents may go hunting in Washington during hunting season if they have a valid non-resident hunting license and the appropriate tags or permits for the species they want to hunt.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
