Washington Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Hunting season in Washington is an exciting time of year for many hunting enthusiasts. Depending on the species, hunting season typically occurs between August and December. During hunting season, hunters are allowed to take game animals such as deer, elk, bear, cougar and small game such as rabbits and squirrels with a valid hunting license. Hunting regulations can vary from county to county, so it is important for hunters to check the hunting regulations before heading out. In addition, hunting safety must be taken seriously and all Washington hunting laws must be followed at all times. Hunting season in Washington offers a great opportunity for outdoor recreation and can provide a source of delicious food for many families. With proper planning and hunting knowledge, hunting can be a fun and safe activity for everyone involved.
Washington Deer Seasons
| Black-tailed Deer, Firearms | Oct. 15 – Oct. 31 Nov. 17 – Nov. 20 |
| White-tailed Deer, Firearms | Oct. 15 – Oct. 28 Nov. 5 – Nov. 19 |
| Mule Deer, Firearms | Oct. 15 – Oct. 25 |
| Disabled and Senior Hunt | Oct. 22 – Oct. 25 |
| Youth Hunts | Oct. 15 – Oct. 28 |
| Early Archery | Sept. 1 – Sept. 23 |
| Late Archery | Nov. 23 – Dec. 8 |
| High Buck Hunts | Nov. 23 – Dec. 8 |
| Early Muzzleloader | Sept. 24 – Oct. 2 |
| Late Muzzleloader | Nov. 23 – Dec. 8 |
*The dates of hunting seasons can vary depending on the region, and hunting may only be allowed in certain counties. To get more information on hunting regulations in Washington, it’s recommended to check the website of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Washington Elk Seasons
| Firearms | Eastern: Aug. 1 – Jan. 20 Western: Nov. 5 – Nov. 16 |
| Early Archery | Eastern: Aug. 1 – Sept. 22 Western: Sept. 10 – Sept. 22 |
| Late Archery | Eastern: Aug. 1 – Jan. 30 Western: Nov. 23 – Dec. 15 |
| Early Muzzleloader | Eastern: Aug. 1 – Aug. 31 Oct. 1 – Oct. 7 Western: Oct. 1 – Oct. 7 |
| Late Muzzleloader | Eastern: Aug. 1 – Jan. 20 Western: Nov. 23 – Dec. 15 |
*Season dates vary by zone. While Washington generally divides archery seasons by eastern and western portions of the state, many eastern regions are further subdivided into hunting zones. For more information on dates specific to your location, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Washington Black Bear Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-Nov. 15 |
*Washington hunters may bag a maximum of two black bear per year.
Washington Cougar Seasons
| Early Season | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Late Season | Jan. 1 – Apr. 30 |
*Late season cougar hunting can extend through the end of April, or until harvest quotas are met. Hunters may harvest one cougar per year.
Washington Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Spring General Season | Apr. 15 – May 31 |
| Spring Youth Season | Apr. 1 – Apr. 7 |
*Season dates vary by zone. While Washington generally divides archery seasons by eastern and western portions of the state, many eastern regions are further subdivided into hunting zones. For more information on dates specific to your location, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Washington Small Game Seasons
| Bobcat | Sept. 1 – Mar. 15 |
| Fox | Sept. 1 – Mar. 15 |
| Raccoon | Sept. 1 – Mar. 15 |
| Rabbit and Hare | Sept. 1 – Mar. 15 |
| Forest Grouse | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Mountain Quail | Sept. 24 – Jan. 16 |
| Pheasant | Sept. 24 – Jan. 16 |
| Crow | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Coyote | Open Season |
*Season dates vary by zone. While Washington generally divides archery seasons by eastern and western portions of the state, many eastern regions are further subdivided into hunting zones. For more information on dates specific to your location, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Washington Crossbow Regulations
Crossbow Specific Regulations: Hunting with a crossbow in Washington during archery-only season is prohibited, unless you have a disability hunting permit, in which case you can hunt with a crossbow during any season where archery weapons are allowed. It is, however, legal to use a crossbow during any modern firearms season. As always, you’ll need to successfully complete a hunter education course / class before you can get a hunting permit.
Washington Hunting License
In Washington, hunting licenses are required for hunting game birds, big game and small game. Licenses can be purchased online or in person at any hunting license dealer. Washington hunting licenses are valid for hunting on designated hunting areas, with the exception of deer and elk hunting, which is only allowed on lands designated as hunting areas. Hunters should always carry a hunting license and hunting tags when hunting in Washington, as well as the appropriate hunting gear and hunting safety equipment. The hunting license fee in Washington varies depending on the type of hunting, level of experience and area hunted. In addition to hunting licenses and hunting tags, hunters must also have a valid hunting permit in order to hunt on public or private hunting areas. All hunters are responsible for knowing the hunting regulations for the area they are hunting in, as well as any local hunting laws that may be applicable. Failure to abide by hunting regulations and hunting laws can result in significant fines. By following hunting regulations and hunting laws, you will help ensure a safe and successful hunting experience for yourself and other hunters.
Check out the last state on our list, Wyoming.
