FAQ

2009-2010 Big Game Hunting Regulation Pamphlet Effective from April 20, 2009 - April 19, 2010 Download the 2009-2010 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules Pamphlet PDF Format (5.61MB) Corrections to the 2009-2010 Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Updated October 15, 2009 PDF Format Get Adobe® Reader Game Status and Trend Reports Frequently Asked Questions about the change from GMU 588 black-tailed deer management rules to GMU 388 mule deer management rules Summary of Hunting Seasons Game Management Unit (GMU) Search Form

News and Regulation Updates (For latest information on regulation changes, please review our news releases.) WDFW accepting comments through Dec. 1 on 2010-12 sportfishing rule proposals - Nov 2009 Error in hunting pamphlet: Modern firearm elk hunting not allowed in GMU 330 - Oct 2009 No cougar hunting during deer season in six counties - Oct 2009 Washington draft wolf management plan review includes a dozen public meetings - Oct 2009 Public-comment deadlines extended on proposed 2010-12 fishing rules - Sep 2009 Public meetings scheduled to discuss rule proposals for 2010-12 sportfishing season - Sep 2009 Hunters take note: Law restricts game carcasses from out-of-state - Aug 2009 Illegal fishing, dry weather conditions threaten fish across the state - Aug 2009 Volunteers needed to help facilitate access for special-permit elk hunts near Mount St. Helens - Aug 2009 General cougar season starts Sept. 1; Permit-only hunt applications are due Aug. 31 - Aug 2009 Washington's second wolf pack confirmed, wolf activity being monitored in Pend Oreille County - Jul 2009 Okanogan County special-access deer hunt applications due Aug. 19 - Jul 2009 WDFW recognizes volunteers for fish and wildlife stewardship - Jul 2009 Spokane County's Silver Lake access site closed June 22-24 - Jun 2009 Deadline to apply for special hunt permits is May 20 - May 2009 State's new 3-year hunting plan includes new non-toxic shot rules, muzzleloader hunts - Apr 2009 Threatened sage grouse released in Lincoln County - Mar 2009 Turnbull Refuge elk permit hunt proposal off the table this year - Mar 2009 Fish and Wildlife Commission approves land acquisition, hears comment on hunting rules - Mar 2009 Fish and Wildlife Commission to take comment on proposed 2009-11 hunting rules - Feb 2009 Multiple-season hunting permit applications available - Feb 2009 WDFW seeks public comments on proposed 2009-11 hunting seasons - Jan 2009 Spring black bear hunt applications due March 13 - Jan 2009 Hunter Reports Online Hunter Reports Reports now mandatory for deer, elk, black bear and turkey hunters Special Permit Drawings and Raffles Online Special Hunt Application Buy a raffle ticket to hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep (Washington Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep) Big Game Auction and Raffle Program FAQ Special Hunt Permit Drawing Result Summaries Search: Special Hunt Permit Drawing Results Search: Raffle Permit Results Special Hunt Permit Quotas and Application Instructions Special Hunting Permits and the Weighted Point System FAQ Multiple-Season Hunting Permits & Tags FAQ Licensing Online License Sales and Information License Vendors License Applications and Forms Major Causes of Hunting Accidents Careless handling of fireams is the cause of most hunting-related accidents. Careless handling accidents can be prevented if shooters follow three simple rules: Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Keep the firearm's safety on and the chamber empty until ready to fire. Keep fingers away from the trigger until ready to fire. There is no excuse for careless firearms handling and there is no way to call back a bullet!