The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife supports big game hunting opportunities throughout the state.
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2025-26 Big game hunting seasons and rules pamphlet
Rules and requirements for hunting deer, elk, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and turkey. The regulation pamphlet is also available as a downloadable PDF document.
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Rule changes to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease
Since the announcement on Aug. 1, 2024 that the first case of chronic wasting disease in Washington was confirmed in north Spokane County, regulation changes have gone into effect to reduce the spread of the disease throughout the state.
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Harvest reporting
Mandatory hunter harvest reporting helps WDFW better manage game species and set permit levels for upcoming seasons.
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Big Game Hunting Pamphlet Cover Photo Contest
We’re looking for beautiful Washington landscape photos with a hunting element for this year’s Big Game Hunting Rules and Regulations pamphlet! Send us your photos for a chance to win!
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Official hunting hours for game animals and forest grouse
Legal times licensed hunters are allowed to hunt game animals and forest grouse.
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Hunter orange requirements
State rules require hunters to wear fluorescent hunter orange clothing under specific conditions.
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Cougar hunting area openings and closures
See which GMUs are open or closed to cougar hunting.
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Bear identification test
Hunters must be able to distinguish black bears from endangered grizzly bears. Take the online identification test.
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Game harvest waste requirements
Hunters may not allow game animals or game birds they have taken to recklessly be wasted.