Hunting in Washington State
Hunting in Washington
Washington offers one of the most varied hunting landscapes in the West. The state stretches from rugged Pacific coastline and dense evergreen forests to the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, open agricultural country, and the dry high-desert terrain of eastern Washington. That diversity supports a wide range of big-game, upland, and waterfowl opportunities.
Elk are one of Washington's premier big-game attractions. Hunters can pursue Roosevelt elk in the dense forests of western Washington or Rocky Mountain elk farther east, with opportunities varying by hunting unit, season, and license type.
Washington also offers strong deer hunting. Mule deer are found throughout much of the eastern and central portions of the state, while blacktail deer are particularly associated with western Washington's forests and coastal country. Whitetail deer are also available in portions of the state.
Black bear hunting provides another opportunity for hunters looking to explore Washington's mountains and forests. More specialized hunts can include mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose, although these opportunities are limited and often require drawing a special permit.
Waterfowl hunters can take advantage of Washington's extensive rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal habitat, while upland hunters can pursue species such as pheasant, chukar, quail, and grouse in suitable areas.
Whether you're after a Roosevelt elk in the timber, a mule deer in eastern Washington, a blacktail in the coastal forests, or a black bear in the mountains, Washington offers a Western hunting experience with an incredible range of terrain.
Washington Tags & Licenses
Washington hunting licenses and permits are administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Hunters generally need a valid hunting license as well as the appropriate species-specific tag, permit, or special permit for the hunt they plan to pursue.
Washington uses a combination of general-season opportunities, special permits, and limited-entry hunts. Deer and elk hunters must select the appropriate species and hunting area and follow the regulations for that specific unit and season.
Some of Washington's most sought-after opportunities—including certain elk, deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose, and other big-game hunts—are available through special permit drawings. Hunters interested in these hunts should pay close attention to application periods and hunt-unit requirements.
Black bear hunting is available in designated areas and seasons, subject to Washington's licensing, tagging, harvest-reporting, and legal-method requirements.
Waterfowl and upland bird hunters must follow applicable state and federal migratory bird regulations. Depending on the species, hunters may need additional state or federal stamps, permits, or registrations.
Nonresident hunters can purchase applicable Washington licenses and tags, although fees and availability vary significantly by species and hunt type. Hunters booking a guided hunt should confirm exactly which licenses and tags are included and which must be obtained separately.
Washington's hunting regulations, season dates, license requirements, special permit applications, and hunt-unit boundaries can change from year to year. Hunters should review the current WDFW regulations before applying for a permit, booking travel, or heading into the field.
Species You Can Hunt in Washington
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