For a passionate hunter like you this place with all essential information about Washington hunting seasons. Learn about all available games such as elk, deer, turkey and many other species.
The state of Washington is a place where hunters go to enjoy the most amazing scenery, weather and variety of game.
The location of this state may seem repulsive at first due to the Rocky Mountains, but this state has more than 63 named mountain ranges.
If you’re interested in big game species, you can find deer, elk, bear, turkey, and cougar here.
There are also a few small game species like rabbit and hare, coyote, fox, bobcat, forest grouse and others.
More...
Washington Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
#1. Washington Deer Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Late Season | November 15 – 18 |
Archery | *September 1 – 28 |
Firearms | October 13 – 31 |
Late Archery | November 21 – December 15 |
Disabled, Youth and Senior | October 13 – 26 November 10 – 19 |
Late Muzzleloader | *November 21 – December 15 |
Muzzleloader | September 29 – October 7 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone, also deer seasons may vary by the type of deer (white-tail, mule, black-tail)
#2. Washington Elk Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Archery | September 8 – 20 |
Firearms | *August 1 – January 20 |
Late Archery | *August 1 – January 30 |
Late Muzzleloader | *August 1 – January 20 |
Early Muzzleloader | October 6 – 12 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.
#3. Washington Cougar Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General | September 1 – December 31 |
#4. Washington Black Bear Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
General | *August 1 – November 15 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.
#5. Washington Wild Turkey Seasons
Games | Seasons |
|---|---|
Fall General | *September 1 – December 31 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.
#6. Washington Small Game Seasons
Games | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Fox | September 1 – March 15 | No Limit |
Bobcat | No Limit | |
Rabbit and Hare | Daily: 5 Possession 15 | |
Forest Grouse | Daily: 4 Possession: 12 | |
Raccoon | No Limit | |
Crow | No Limit | |
Coyote | Open Season | No Limit |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone and also some bag limits have different limitations.
License requirements
Who needs a license in Washington? Everyone who wants to hunt wildlife in Washington, regardless of age, needs a valid license, permits, tags or stamps.
There is no minimum requirement if you want to hunt in Washington, but anyone who was born after January 1, 1972, has to complete a Hunter Education Class first.
Hunter Education is a programme that is mandatory and is designed to promote the knowledge and skills needed for a successful and safe hunt.
When hunting wildlife, you always need to have your license, permit or stamp with you.
Are there reduced license fees for anyone? Yes, there are some exception groups which can buy a license for reduced prices.
Residents and non-residents can both buy licenses in Washington but at different prices. You can purchase all your licenses and permits online.
Night Hunting in Washington
In Washington, night hunting is allowed but not for every species.
You can hunt at night bobcats, coyotes and raccoons, during their established season.
Night vision is allowed by Washington law for the species that can legally be hunted at night.
Where to Hunt in Washington?
There are different lands and areas in Washington: federal, state, military, tribal and private lands.
All these lands have their rules and restrictions about when and where you can go hunting. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offers you a lot of tools to help you be informed and follow the regulations of various lands.
Before every hunt, always check the Big Game a Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game hunting pamphlets about seasons and regulations for every land.
Wildlife Areas – there are about 1 million acres of land available for various hunting opportunities which are spread across 33 wildlife areas.
Hunting on private lands – more than half of the Washington state is privately owned, so private landowners have an agreement to open their land for hunting. Be sure to check the regulations, so you will know what is allowed in different private areas.
Need more places to hunt? You can visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information about hunting opportunities and available areas for different types of hunting.
There are special areas for people with disabilities, as well as, for watching or hunting birds and hunting waterfowl, and pheasant.