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
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.
Bobcat Season
| Washington Bobcat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Sept. 1 | Mar. 15 | 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. |
Raccoon Season
| Washington Raccoon Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Sept. 1 | Mar. 15 | Statewide. No daily bag & Possession limit |
Fox Season
| Washington Fox Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | Sept. 1 | Mar. 15 | 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 |
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 |
Pheasant Season
| Pheasant Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 3 cock pheasants & Possession Limit of 6 cock pheasants |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 pheasants of either sex & Possession Limit of 4 pheasants of either sexs |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Sept. 19-23 | Sept. 18-22 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 pheasants of either sex & Possession Limit of 10 pheasants of either sexs |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Sept. 24 -Nov. 30 | Sept. 24 -Nov. 30 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 pheasants of either sex & Possession Limit of 15 pheasants of either sexs |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Sept. 24 -Nov. 30 | Sept. 23 -Nov. 30 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 pheasants of either sex & Possession Limit of 15 pheasants of either sexs |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Western Washington) | Dec. 1-15 | Dec. 1-15 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 pheasants of either sex & Possession Limit of 15 pheasants of either sexs |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Eastern Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 3 cock pheasants & Possession Limit of 6 cock pheasants |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Eastern Washington) | Sept. 19-23 | Sept. 18-22 | Daily Bag Limit of 3 cock pheasants & Possession Limit of 15 cock pheasants |
| Ring-necked pheasant (Eastern Washington) | Oct. 22 - Jan. 16 | Oct. 21 - Jan. 15 | Daily Bag Limit of 3 cock pheasants & Possession Limit of 15cock pheasants |
Quail Season
| Washington Quail Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (valley) quail and northern bobwhite (Eastern Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 10 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, straight or mixed bag & 12 gray partridges of 20 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, straight or mixed bag. |
| California (valley) quail and northern bobwhite (Eastern Washington) | Oct. 1 - Jan. 16 | Oct. 7 - Jan. 15 | 10 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, straight or mixed bag. |
| Mountain quail (Eastern Washington) | Closed throughout Eastern Washington | Closed throughout Eastern Washington | |
| California (valley) quail and northern bobwhite (Western Washington) | Sept. 24 - Nov. 30 | Sept. 23 -Nov. 30 | Bag limit of 10 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, straight or mixed bag. Possession limit of 30 California (valley) quail or northern bobwhite, straight or mixed bag. |
| Mountain quail (Western Washington) | Sept. 24 -Nov. 30 | Sept. 23 -Nov. 30 | Daily Bag Limit of 2 mountain Quail of either sex & Possession Limit of 4 mountain Quail. |
Chukar Season
| Washington Chukar Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chukar (Eastern Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 12 Chukar. |
| Chukar (Eastern Washington) | Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 | Oct. 7 - Jan. 31 | Daily Bag Limit of 6 Chukar & Possession Limit of 18 Chukar. |
Partridge Season
| Washington Partridge Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray (Hungarian) Partridge (Eastern Washington) | Sept. 17-18 | Sept. 16-17 | Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 12 gray partridges |
| Gray (Hungarian) Partridge (Eastern Washington) | Oct. 1 - Jan. 16 | Oct. 7 - Jan. 15 | Daily Bag Limit of 6 gray partridges & Possession Limit of 18 gray partridges |
Grouse Season
| Washington 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 |
Crow Season
| Washington Crow Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | Year- round | Statewide, There is no bag and possession limit |
Washington Turkey Season
Turkey Spring Season
| Washington Turkey Spring Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | (2024-2025) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth (Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.) | April 1-7, 2022 | April 1-7, 2023 | April 1-7, 2024 | Statewide. 3 birds are allowed during the spring/youth season combined. In Eastern Washington, only 2 turkeys may be slaughtered, with the exception of 3 in Spokane County and 1 in Kittitas or Yakima counties. Outside of Klickitat County, one turkey may be killed per year in Western Washington. In Klickitat County, it's possible to kill two turkeys. |
| Any (Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only.) | April 15 - May 31 | April 15 - May 31 | April 15 - May 31 | Statewide. 3 birds are allowed during the spring/youth season combined. In Eastern Washington, only 2 turkeys may be slaughtered, with the exception of 3 in Spokane County and 1 in Kittitas or Yakima counties. Outside of Klickitat County, one turkey may be killed per year in Western Washington. In Klickitat County, it's possible to kill two turkeys. |
Fall Turkey General Season
| Washington Turkey Fall General Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMU: 101-154 and 162-186 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | 4 turkeys during the fall general season with the following area restrictions: (2 beardless plus 2 either sex turkey) |
| GMU: 382, 388, 568-578 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | 4 turkeys during the fall general season with the following area restrictions: (1 either sex turkey) |
| GMU: 203-290 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | Sept. 1 - Dec. 31 | 4 turkeys during the fall general season with the following area restrictions: (1 either sex turkey) |
Fall Turkey Permit Season
| Washington Fall Turkey Permit Season | (2022-2023) Dates | (2023-2024) Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 335 (Teanaway) | Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 | Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 | A bag limit of 1 (Either sex) |
Deer Season
| Washington Deer Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Mule Deer Early Archery) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Friday, September 23, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Early Archery) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Friday, September 23, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Early Archery) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Sunday, October 02, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Sunday, October 02, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Mule Deer Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Sunday, October 02, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Gun) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Friday, October 28, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Mule Deer Gun) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Gun) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Monday, October 31, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Late Gun) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Late Archery) | Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Late Gun) | Thursday, November 17, 2022 | Sunday, November 20, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Whitetail Late Muzzleloader) | Sunday, November 20, 2022 | Thursday, December 08, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Mule Deer Late Archery) | Sunday, November 20, 2022 | Thursday, December 08, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Mule Deer Late Muzzleloader) | Sunday, November 20, 2022 | Thursday, December 08, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Late Muzzleloader) | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
| Deer (Blacktail Late Archery) | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | certain regions. Dates vary depending on the animal's sex and the district. |
Elk Seasons
| Washington Elk Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk (East Master Hunters) | Monday, August 01, 2022 | Friday, January 20, 2023 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. |
| Elk (East Early Archery) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Thursday, September 22, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (West Late Archery) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Thursday, September 22, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (East Firearm-1st Season) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. View Regs here: https://www.eregulations.com/washington/hunting/elk-general-seasons/ |
| Elk (East Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, October 07, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (West Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, October 07, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (East Firearm-2nd season) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Sunday, November 06, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (East Late Archery) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Monday, January 30, 2023 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. View regs here: https://www.eregulations.com/washington/hunting/elk-general-seasons/ |
| Elk (East Late Muzzleloader) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Thursday, December 08, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (East Firearm-3rd season) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (West Firearm) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (West Late Muzzleloader) | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
| Elk (West Late Archery) | Friday, November 25, 2022 | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | Specific districts. Dates vary between districts and sex of animal. |
Bear Season
| Washington Bear Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear (Fall) | Monday, August 01, 2022 | Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | Open in all GMU’s where black bear hunting is permitted. GMUs 157, 490, and 522 are closed to fall bear hunting. A special deer/elk permit is required to hunt bear in GMU 485. See regulations for further details. |
Moose Season
| Washington Moose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose (Antlered) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | (By special application only.) Seasons vary by unit, check regulations here: https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/WA/22WAHD_LR4.pdf |
| Moose (Antlerless) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | (By special application only.) Dates vary by permit area. |
Mountain Lion Season
| Washington Mountain Lion Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lion (Early Season) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Regulations might differ depending on the setting. There may be adjustments to the schedule due to regulations and quotas in effect throughout the season. |
| Mountain Lion (Late Season) | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Sunday, April 30, 2023 | The rules change from unit to unit. During the course of the season, dates might shift in accordance with regulations and quotas. In April of 2023, you will need a cougar license or tag that is good for the years 2023 and 2024 if you plan on hunting cougar. |
Sheep Season
| Washington Sheep Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bighorn Sheep | Thursday, September 15, 2022 | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | (By special application only.) Dates vary by permit area. Check regulations here: https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/WA/22WAHD_LR4.pdf |
Goat Season
| Washington Goat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Goat | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | By special application only. Dates vary by permit area. |
Goose Season
| Washington Goose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Canada Goose Area-2) | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Sunday, September 11, 2022 | A Bag limit of 5 per day. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Area-1, 3) | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Thursday, September 08, 2022 | A Bag limit of 5 per day. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Area-4, 5) | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Sunday, September 04, 2022 | A Bag limit of 5 per day. |
| Goose (West Youth) | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | (Canada and white-fronted goose only) |
| Goose (East Youth) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Inland Season A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties; and that portion of Grays Harbor County east of highway 101) Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-5 A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Monday, October 31, 2022 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-4 A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Wednesday, November 02, 2022 | Saturdays, Sundays, & Wednesdays only. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-3 A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Thursday, October 27, 2022 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-1 Reg Season A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | counties of Island, Skagit, and Snohomish. Snow, Ross', Blue, and White-fronted geese, as well as Canada geese (except Brant) (White Geese.) |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Coast season A) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | West of Highway 101, Pacific County and that part of Grays Harbor County). To find out which days of the week you may go hunting, see the rules. |
| Goose (Area-1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | White-fronted and Canada geese. There may be a few days when the season is over. For more information on the laws, go to this website: https://www.eregulations.com/washington/hunting/game-bird/migratory-game-bird-seasons. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Coast season B) | Friday, November 04, 2022 | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | West of Highway 101, Pacific County and that part of Grays Harbor County). To find out which days of the week you may go hunting, see the rules. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-4 B) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | Canada, White-fronted, and White geese are exclusively present on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. Nov. 5 to Jan. 29; daily Jan. 23–29; Nov. 11, 24, and 25; Dec. 26, 27, 28, 30, and 31; and Jan. 16 are additional hunt days. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-5 B) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-3 B) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Inland Season B) | Wednesday, November 23, 2022 | Saturday, January 14, 2023 | East of Highway 101 in Grays Harbor County (including Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties) |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-1 Reg season B) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | The counties of Snohomish, Skagit, and Island. Canada geese and white-fronted geese (with the possible exception of Brant), Snow geese, Ross's geese, and blue geese (White Geese.) |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Coast season C) | Wednesday, December 21, 2022 | Sunday, January 22, 2023 | Locations west of Highway 101 in Pacific County and Grays Harbor County. Depending on the rules, hunting may only occur on certain days of the week. |
| Goose (Brant 1) | Saturday, January 07, 2023 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | County of Whatcom, Skagit, Clallam, and Pacific. For further information on legal hunting times, please refer to the rules at https://www.eregulations.com/washington/hunting/game-bird/migratory-game-bird-seasons. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-4 C) | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Wednesday, March 01, 2023 | Season may have certains days of off season. |
| Goose (White Goose Area-1) | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Coast season D). | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Wednesday, February 22, 2023 | Locations west of Highway 101 in Pacific County and Grays Harbor County. Depending on the rules, hunting may only occur on certain days of the week. Refuges and WDFW wildlife areas are closed for the late season goose migration. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-1 Reg season C) | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | Late geese have distinct zoning restrictions. For rules, see those. |
| Goose (Mgmt Area-2 Inland Season C) | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Sunday, March 05, 2023 | Refuges and WDFW wildlife areas are closed for the late season geese in the following counties: Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum; and that section of Grays Harbor County east of highway 101. |
Duck Season
| Washington Duck Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (West -Youth) | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | Saturday, September 24, 2022 | A Bag limit of 7 per day. |
| Duck (East - Youth) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | A Bag limit of 7 per day. |
| Duck (General) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | A Bag limit of 7 per day.Possession limit: 21. Note: There is a break in the season with no hunting allowed Oct 24-25 and Scaup season closed Oct. 15 – Nov. 4. |
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.
Download the complete list of fees attached to Washington hunting with permit and Tags.
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 | $12,000 |
For complete penalties list you may read on the eregulations website.
Contact
Address:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(Natural Resources Building)
1111 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Tel:
360-902-2200
Official Website:
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.