Washington Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 New Dates & Regulation

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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

Washington Hunting Seasons

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

SpeciesSeasonHunting Dates
BlacktailEarly ArcherySep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
WhitetailEarly ArcherySep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
Mule DeerEarly ArcherySep 1, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
BlacktailEarly MuzzleloaderSep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
WhitetailEarly MuzzleloaderSep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
Mule DeerEarly MuzzleloaderSep 30, 2023 - Oct 8, 2023
BlacktailGunOct 14, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023
WhitetailGunOct 14, 2023 - Oct 24, 2023
Mule DeerGunOct 14, 2023 - Oct 24, 2023
WhitetailLate ArcheryNov 10, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023
WhitetailLate GunNov 11, 2023 - Nov 19, 2023
BlacktailLate GunNov 16, 2023 - Nov 19, 2023
Mule DeerLate ArcheryNov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
WhitetailLate MuzzleloaderNov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
Mule DeerLate MuzzleloaderNov 20, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
BlacktailLate ArcheryNov 22, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
BlacktailLate MuzzleloaderNov 22, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023

Moose Season

Hunt NameSeason DatesMoose TypeGMU or BoundaryPermits
Kettle Range-East OkanoganOct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMUs 101, 105, 20410
Douglas A – EarlyOct. 1-31Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 1084
Douglas A – LateNov. 1-30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 1084
Aladdin A – EarlyOct. 1-31Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 1113
Aladdin A – LateNov. 1-30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 1113
Selkirk 113Oct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 11315
49 Degrees North A – EarlyOct. 1-31Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 117 (except Parker Lake)12
49 Degrees North A – LateNov. 1-30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 117 (except Parker Lake)12
Huckleberry A – EarlyOct. 1-31Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 12110
Huckleberry A – LateNov. 1-30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 12110
Spokane West A COct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 124 w of Hwy 3952
Mt Spokane South AOct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseMoose Area 1 (within 124)8
Mt Spokane North AOct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseMoose Area 2 (within 124)8
Hangman COct. 1-Nov. 30Any Antlered Bull MooseGMU 127, 130, 1394
Douglas 108 BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 1082
Aladdin 111 BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 1112
49 Degrees North BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 117 (except Parker Lake)2
Huckleberry BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 1218
Mt Spokane South BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyMoose Area 1 (within 124)2
Mt Spokane North BOct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyMoose Area 2 (within 124)2
Mica Peak COct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 1272
Cheney B COct. 1-Nov. 30Antlerless OnlyGMU 130, 1392
Mt Spokane South YOct. 1-Nov. 30Youth Only - AntlerlessMoose Area 1 (within 124)1
49 Degrees North VOct. 1-Nov. 3065 and Over - AntlerlessGMU 117 (except Parker Lake)1
Huckleberry VOct. 1-Nov. 3065 and Over - AntlerlessGMU 1212
49 Degrees North DOct. 1-Nov. 30Disabled Hunter - Antlerless OnlyGMU 117 (except Parker Lake)1
Mt Spokane North DOct. 1-Nov. 30Disabled Hunter - Antlerless OnlyMoose Area 2 (within 124)1

Elk Season

WA Elk SeasonMethodHunting Dates
East Master HuntersMaster HuntersAug 1, 2023 - Jan 20, 2024
East FirearmFirearm (1st Season)Sep 9, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023
East Early ArcheryArcherySep 9, 2023 - Sep 21, 2023
West Early ArcheryArcherySep 9, 2023 - Sep 21, 2023
East Early MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderOct 7, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
West Early MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderOct 7, 2023 - Oct 13, 2023
East Late ArcheryArcheryOct 25, 2023 - Jan 30, 2024
East FirearmFirearm (1st Season)Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023
East FirearmFirearm (2nd season)Oct 28, 2023 - Nov 15, 2023
East Late MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderOct 28, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023
West FirearmFirearmNov 4, 2023 - Nov 15, 2023
West Late ArcheryArcheryNov 22, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023
West Late MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderNov 22, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023

Goat Season

Hunt Area Name (Number)Season DatesPermit
Naches Pass (3-6)Sept. 1-Nov. 306002
Bumping River (3-7)Sept. 1-Nov. 306003
Chowder Ridge (4-3)Sept. 1-Nov. 306004
Lincoln Peak (4-4)Sept. 1-Nov. 306005
Avalanche Gorge (4-7)Sept. 1-Nov. 306006
Goat Rocks West (5-4)Oct. 1-Nov. 306007
Goat Rocks East (5-5)Oct. 1-Nov. 306008
Mt. Margaret Backcountry (5-6)Oct. 1-Nov. 306009
Mt. St. Helens South (5-7)Oct. 1-Nov. 306010

Bighorn Sheep Season

WA Sheep SeasonHunt DatesPermitHunt Name
Sheep Unit 7Oct. 1-315000Cleman Mountain
Sheep Unit 12Sept. 15-Oct. 105001Lincoln Cliffs
Sheep Unit 13Oct. 1-315002Quilomene
Sheep Unit 14Sept. 15-Oct. 105003Swakane
Sheep Unit 16Nov. 9-305004Manson
Sheep Unit 18Sept. 15-Oct. 105005Chelan Butte A E
Sheep Unit 18Oct. 11-Nov. 155006Chelan Butte B E
GMU 172, portions of GMU 181, 186Sept. 15-Oct. 105007Mountain View - Black Butte
Sheep Unit 7Oct. 10-315008Cleman Mountain A
Sheep Unit 7Nov. 6-265009Cleman Mountain B
Sheep Unit 20Oct. 1-105010Lincoln Cliffs Whitestone Unit
Sheep Unit 18Sept. 15-Oct. 105011Chelan Butte E
Sheep Unit 7Nov. 6-265012Cleman Mountain
Sheep Unit 18Oct. 11-315013Chelan Butte A E
Sheep Unit 18Oct. 11-315014Chelan Butte B C, D, E

Bear Season 

Black Bear Fall General Season DatesAugust 1 - November 15
Area RestrictionFall bear hunting is banned on GMUs 157, 490, and 522. Bear hunting in GMU 485 requires a specific deer or elk permit.
License RequiredValid big-game hunting license with black bear option.
Second Black Bear License/TagA second black bear requires a new transport tag/license. Hunters may buy two black bear transit tags/licenses.
Bag LimitTwo black bears per licensing year.
Hunting MethodAny legal weapon may be used to hunt black bear. No bait or hounds are authorized for bear hunting (RCW 77.15.245).
Female with CubsHunters 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 TestHunters 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 BearThe best shot is broadside, behind the bear's upper arm as it advances.
Identification of Grizzly and Black BearFederal and state laws prohibit shooting or killing grizzlies. Some GMUs require bear identification tests.
Mandatory Submission of Bear TeethWAC 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 VerificationAn external laboratory ages teeth up to six months following fall big game hunting season.

Fox Season

WA Fox SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Fox1-Sep15-MarStatewide, 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 SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
BobcatFriday, September 01, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024Statewide. 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 SeasonHunting DatesNote
Early hunting seasonSept. 1 - Dec. 31
Late hunting seasonJan. 1 - Apr. 30till harvest guideline, whichever comes first. Hunting cougar in April 2024 requires a valid 2024-2025 license/tag.

Coyote Season

Washington Coyote SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
CoyoteYear- roundYear- roundStatewide, The use of dogs in coyote hunting is prohibited. No daily bag and possession limit

Rabbit Season

Washington Rabbit SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hareSept. 1 Mar. 15Bag limit of 5 cottontails or snowshoe hares, straight or mixed bag. Possession limit of 15 cottontails or snowshoe hares, straight or mixed bag.
JackrabbitClosed statewide

Raccoon Season

Washington Raccoon SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
RaccoonSept. 1 Mar. 15Statewide. No daily bag & Possession limit

Turkey Season

WA Turkey SeasonSeason DatesGMUsBag Limit/Legal Bird
Fall General SeasonSept. 1 - Dec. 31101-154, 162-186, 382, 388, 568-578, 203-290Two (2) beardless and two (2) either sex turkeys in most areas; One (1) either sex turkey in specific GMUs
Spring Youth OnlyApril 1-7, 2024Statewide*Combined season limit of three (3) turkeys; Specific bag limits in various counties
Spring General SeasonApril 15 - May 31StatewideThree (3) turkeys
Special Permit Only HuntsNov. 15 - Dec. 15Teanaway GMU 335One (1)

Dove Season

SeasonHunting Dates
DoveSep 1, 2023 - Oct 30, 2023

Snipe Season

SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Snipe14-Oct22-Oct
25-Oct28-Jan

Upland Game Bird Seasons

Grouse Season

WA Grouse SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Sooty, Ruffed, and Spruce)Sept. 15Jan. 15Statewide. 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 GrouseClosed statewideClosed statewide

Partridge Season

Washington Partridge Season(2023-2024) DatesNote
Gray (Hungarian) Partridge (Eastern Washington)Sept. 16-17Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 12 gray partridges
Oct. 7 - Jan. 15Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 18 gray partridges

Pheasant Season

Pheasant Season(2023-2024) DatesBag Limit Per DayPossession Limit
Western Washington (Youth Only)Sept. 16-17 (8am to 4pm)2 either sex4 either sex
Western Washington (Hunters 65 Years or Older, Hunters with Disabilities)Sept. 18-22 (8am to 4pm)2 either sex10 either sex
Western Washington (Regular Season)Sept. 23 - Nov. 30 (8am to 4pm)2 either sex15 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 sex15 either sex
Eastern Washington (Youth Only)Sept. 16-173 cocks only6 cocks only
Eastern Washington (Hunters 65 Years or Older, Hunters with Disabilities)Sept. 18-223 cocks only15 cocks only
Eastern Washington (Regular Season)Oct. 21 - Jan. 153 cocks only15 cocks only

Quail Season

WA California (Valley) Quail & Northern Bobwhite(2023-2024) DatesBag Limit Per DayPossession Limit
Western WashingtonSept. 23 - Nov. 30 (8am to 4pm)10 mixed bag30 mixed bag
Eastern Washington (Youth Only)Sept. 16-1710 mixed bag20 mixed bag
Eastern Washington (Regular Season)Oct. 7 - Jan. 1510 mixed bag30 mixed bag

Chukar Season

Washington Chukar SeasonHunting DatesNote
Chukar (Eastern Washington) (Youth Only)Sept. 16-17Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 12 Chukar.
Chukar (Eastern Washington)Oct. 7 - Jan. 31Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 18 Chukar.

Crow Season

WA Crow SeasonHunting DatesNote
CrowSept. 1 - Dec. 31Statewide, There is no bag and possession limit

Migratory Birds Season

Coot Season

Washington Coot SeasonHunting DatesNote
Coot (West -Youth)Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 23, 2023Bag and Possession limit of 25
Coot (East - Youth)Sep 30, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023Bag and Possession limit of 25
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)3-Feb-24Bag and Possession limit of 25
Coot (Statewide)Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023 Bag and Possession limit of 25
Oct 25, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024Bag and Possession limit of 25

Duck Season

Washington Duck SeasonHunting DatesNote
Duck (West -Youth)Sep 23, 2023 - Sep 23, 2023Bag and Possession limit of 7
Duck (East - Youth)Sep 30, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023Bag and Possession limit of 7
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)3-Feb-24Bag 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, 2024Bag limit of 7 and Possession limit of 21. Closed Oct. 14 - Nov. 3 (except Scaup season)

Goose Season

AreaSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
WESTERN WASHINGTON
Canada Goose
Goose Mgmt Areas 1 & 3Sep 2-7515
Goose Mgmt Area 2Sep 2-10515
Western Washington Youth (Goose Mgmt Areas 1, 2, & 3)Sept. 23410
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)Feb. 3410
Goose Mgmt Area 1Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28410
Goose Mgmt Area 2 - CoastEvery day Oct. 14 - 29310
Goose Mgmt Area 2Every day Oct. 14-29310
Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeTuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays only Oct. 14-29 and Nov. 22 - Jan. 13--
Goose Mgmt Area 3Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28410
White Fronted Geese
Goose Mgmt Area 1Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 281030
Goose Mgmt Area 2 - CoastSaturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only Nov. 1 - Dec. 3, Dec. 20 - Jan. 21, and Feb. 10-21.930
Goose Mgmt Area 2Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only Nov. 22 - Jan. 14 and Feb. 10 - Mar. 6930
Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeTuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays only Oct. 14-29 and Nov. 22 - Jan. 13--
Goose Mgmt Area 3Oct. 14-26 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 281230
White Geese
Goose Mgmt Area 1Late Season (white goose only): Feb. 10-202060
Goose Mgmt Area 2 - CoastDuring Feb. 10-211030
Goose Mgmt Area 2During Feb. 10 - Mar. 61030
EASTERN WASHINGTON
Canada Goose
Goose Management Areas 4 & 5Sept. 2-3510
Eastern Washington Youth (Goose Mgmt Areas 4 & 5)Sept. 30 (Canada and White-fronted Goose only)410
Youth, Veterans & Active Military (Statewide)Feb. 3410
Goose Management Area 4Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only during: Oct. 25 - Nov. 8410
Goose Management Area 4Saturdays, 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 15.410
Goose Management Area 5Oct. 14-30 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 28410
White Fronted Geese
Goose Management Area 4Saturdays, 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 15.410
Goose Management Area 5Oct. 14-30 & Nov. 4 - Jan. 281230
White Geese
Goose Management Area 4Late Season (white goose only): Feb. 17 - Mar. 3.2060

Swans Season

SeasonHunting Dates
SwansClosed 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.
  • Hunters need to be aware of the necessity to remain up to date with any changes and ready for the potential of new hunting restrictions.
  • 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 LicenseResidentNon-ResidentResident 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 LicenseUnder 16 YouthResident Reduced FeeNon-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 PermitFREE$17.00 $17.00
Migratory Bird Authorization$3.30 $13.20 $13.20
Turkey Tag #1FREE$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 ViolationsPenalty
Assault on Fish and Wildlife Enforcement OfficerHunting privileges suspension
Unlawful hunting of big gameHunting privileges suspension
First degree waste of fish and wildlifeHunting privileges suspension
Harvesting endangered fish or wildlifeHunting privileges suspension
Hunting big game with artificial light or spotlightHunting privileges suspension
Hunting bear with bait or using dogs to hunt bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynxHunting privileges suspension
Unlawful purchasing or using licenseHunting privileges suspension
Committing a crime involving disregard for wildlife conservationHunting privileges suspension
Shooting another person or domestic livestock while huntingHunting privileges suspension
Repeat offender2-year suspension of fishing and hunting privileges
Hunting or fishing on suspended licensePermanent loss of fishing and hunting privileges
Property used to violate fishing and hunting regulationsSeized 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$12,000

For complete penalties list you may read on the eregulations website.

WA Wildlife & Fishing Contacts

Address:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Natural Resources Building)
1111 Washington St. SE 
Olympia, WA 98501

Tel:

360-902-2200 

Other Contacts

Office NamePhone NumberAddress
Olympia Headquarters Office(360) 902-2200Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Dept. of Fish and Wildlife(360) 902-2515PO 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) 892-10012315 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216-1566
Region 2 - Ephrata(509) 754-46241550 Alder St. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823-9699
District Office - Wenatchee(509) 662-04523860 Highway 97A., Wenatchee, WA 98801-9607
Region 3 - Yakima(509) 575-27401701 S 24th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902-5720
Region 4 - Mill Creek(425) 775-131116018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek, WA 98012-1541
Region 5 - Ridgefield(360) 696-62115525 S 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Region 6 - Montesano(360) 249-462848 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.

Dates & Regulation source: WDFW Washington

John Lewis

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