Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Washington Hunting Seasons
Deer, elk, bear, and even cougars — these are just a few of the reasons hunting in Washington State is a good idea this season.
Whether you're most excited about the Washington State deer hunting season or you have your eyes on other big game, like elk, moose, or mountain goats, you'll find plenty to keep you busy when you plan a hunt in this state.
As you think about the upcoming hunting seasons, let us help you prepare! We’ve got the information you need for season dates, bag limits, and more. We'll also help you find and mark the best spots to hunt before you head out for your hunt so you can improve your chances of tagging out this season.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Washington State?
Big game is the big draw for hunters in Washington or those planning a big hunting trip to the state. If you're looking for bighorn sheep, Roosevelt or Rocky Mountain elk, and yes, moose and cougars, this is the place to hunt.
However, many hunters also love the abundance and variety of waterfowl to hunt in the state.
Hunters also love the physical challenge of trekking through the varying terrain, including rainforests, beaches, forests, and hills. It's
Where Should I Hunt?
What you hunt determines where you hunt, and the terrain and climate could be vastly different, whether you're on the east vs. the west side of the state.
Washington State also offers wildlife areas and federal, state, military, tribal, and private lands for hunting — and it's important to follow the specific rules of each hunting area to ensure ethical and legal hunts.
As you plan your hunts, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas so you can think ahead to what you'll need before you arrive. Use our maps, layers, and animal movement predictors to scout and plan the best times for your hunt.
When Can I Hunt?
We know you're probably already thinking about your hunting year, so let's look at season dates by species.
The information we provide is the latest from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). As new information for the upcoming season becomes available, we'll update it here accordingly.
We also always recommend checking the latest season dates for big game, dates for game birds and small game, and details from official state resources before finalizing plans for your hunt.
| ElkModern Firearm General Elk Seasons
Archery General Elk Seasons
Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons
|
Black Bear (Fall Season)General Season Dates are August 1 – November 15. Note that GMUs 157, 490, and 522 are closed to fall bear hunts. | CougarThe General Season dates are September 1 – March 31 or whenever the cap is reached. |
Moose (Special Permit Only)Apply for a moose permit from mid-April through late May. Open season dates from October 1 through November 30, with variations based on GMUs. | Mountain Goat (Special Permit Only)The dates to apply for a mountain goat hunting permit are also mid-April through late May. Season dates run from September 1 through November 30, with variations based on GMUs. |
Bighorn Sheep (Special Permit Only)The dates to apply for a bighorn sheep hunting permit are also mid-April through late May. Open season dates range from September 15 through November 15, based on GMUs. | Turkey
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WaterfowlIf you're excited about Washington State duck hunting or other waterfowl hunts, there are plenty of opportunities to hunt!
| Small GameThese season dates include bobcats, foxes, raccoons, beavers, and other small game species. The season runs from September 1 – March 15 statewide. Hunters can hunt Coyotes year-round. |
For additional details about hunting season specifics for the game animals listed above (and those not listed in this guide, visit the WDFW website.
What Do I Need to Know About the Washington Hunters License?
All hunters born after January 1, 1972, must pass a hunter education course before getting a Washington hunters license. Depending on what you plan to hunt, you'll need a big game license or a small game license. You may also need special permits for animals that can only be hunted with the right permits.
Make sure you also have the right tags or stamps to hunt the game you're after throughout each season.
What are the Bag Limits for Washington State Hunting Seasons?
How many black-tailed deer or cougars can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations in Washington, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt.
| Deer | 1 deer per hunter per season (except for special permits) |
| Elk | 1 elk per season per hunter (with exceptions for Master Hunters), 2 elk per license year. |
| Black Bear | 2 per license year |
| Cougar | 1 per license year |
| Moose | 1 per permitted hunter |
| Mountain Goat | 1 adult goat of either sex with horns 4 inches or longer |
| Bighorn Sheep | 1 sheep per permitted hunter (unless otherwise noted) |
| Duck | 7 per day (7 or 21 in possession based on hunting areas) |
| Coot | 25 per day (25 in possession) |
| Goose | 4 or 10 per day and 4 or 10 in possession, depending on the type of geese |
| Brant | 6 per day (2 or 6 in possession, depending on where you hunt) |
| Turkey | Ranging between 2 bearded and 1-2 any sex, depending on when and where you hunt. |
| Most Small Game | No bag limit (except cottontail and snowshoe hare). |
For more details on bag limits, visit the WDFW website.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
You'll need the right gear!
From clothing (including layers) to optics and odor control, HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our partners. Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including a good pair of binoculars, a hunting knife, the right saddle, and a spotting scope for glassing big game.
HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for the Washington State Hunting Seasons
We hope the dates and details we shared in this guide help you plan a successful hunt for the Washington State hunting seasons this year!
What else do you need for a successful hunt? The HuntWise hunting app! It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Washington State, including links to the latest regulations and season and license information.
You'll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically before heading out to your hunt area to gain an advantage over other hunters and increase your chances of tagging out. Our detailed maps and LiDAR map layer help you view the terrain with high resolution and accuracy. Then, you can place unique markers to identify animal activity, landmarks, infrastructures, and more.
HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting public or private hunting land! It's the ideal hunting app for all hunters of any skill level. Plus, Elite subscribers can save up to 40% on gear from our partners.
Download the app and start your free trial now! You'll be ready to hunt when the season opens.
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