Hunting

Hunting remains a vital way of life for many residents and non-residents in Washington and contributes to statewide conservation efforts. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains opportunities for seasoned and first-time hunters alike. Learn about the steps every hunter must take before heading afield, and how to report your harvest after a successful hunt. 

Hunters in a Wilderness area during the High Buck Hunt. Photo by Collin Crook

In this section

Hunting seasons and regulations
Whether deer, elk, waterfowl, or upland game, the hunt of a lifetime can be found in Washington.
Hunting education and requirements
WDFW provides a variety of courses and clinics to help hunters conduct safe, ethical hunts in the state.
Managing game populations
WDFW is tasked with responsibly preserving, protecting, and perpetuating wildlife in the state, while maximizing hunting opportunities for all residents.
Special hunt permits and raffles
Special hunt permits, big-game auctions and raffle permit hunts offer a chance to participate in a coveted hunt while directly supporting conservation and management in Washington.
Places to go hunting
Hunting is allowed on many lands throughout Washington, but it's important to know the rules and regulations before you go.
Buy a license
Report your harvest
Report a violation

Hunting news & important dates

two hunters walking a logging road
Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Cover Photo Contest

This year’s Big Game Hunting Rules and Regulations photo contest theme is “Who hunts?” We are looking for photos of you, your friends, and family enjoying hunting in Washington

Submit your photo
A technician samples a deer for chronic wasting disease
CWD testing continues through archery and muzzleloader seasons

Hunter check stations are no longer available but if you harvest a deer during archery or muzzleloader seasons, please arrange to have it checked for chronic wasting disease.

View hunter check stations
More news

Conservation starts here

dog with two pheasants
Review changes to small game and trapper reporting

You can now submit reports for these licenses from Sept 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Submit your reports
A person with a harvested deer
Submit a tooth from your harvested deer

If you harvested a deer in Washington this year, please submit a tooth from it to help WDFW gather biological data on deer in our state.

Learn more
buck in a field
Washington Hunters’ Attitudes Toward Wildlife and Hunting Management

This study was conducted for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to determine hunters’ attitudes toward wildlife management in the state.

Read now

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