Master Hunter written exam

These materials were developed by the Master Hunter Permit Program and the Master Hunter Advisory Group to ensure Master Hunter applicants have the knowledge and expertise to be ambassadors for the department. The exam consists of 100 questions from the identified materials below. Be sure to study all of the materials. The exam is intended to test your knowledge on all aspects of being a Master Hunter, including being able to talk about hunting with any member of the public.

• Master Hunter Handbook (PDF)
• Excerpt from the Game Management Plan July 2015 – June 2021 (PDF)
• Washington’s Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet
• Washington’s Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Seasons and Rules pamphlet
• Washington Hunter Education Online Study Guide

Remember, applicants who are not successful in passing the test on their first attempt may retake the test only once, after a 7-day waiting period, before the May 15 submission deadline.

To help understand what kinds of questions are on the exam, you can take the 25-question practice exam: Master Hunter practice exam (PDF).

The examination to become a Master Hunter is difficult. Here are some tips to help you prepare: Advice for Master Hunter Applicants Preparing to Test (PDF)

Instructions for taking the test

• Make and confirm arrangements with the test proctor well in advance.
• You must present photo ID upon arrival at the test site (driver’s license, student ID, or equivalent).
• You may not bring any electronic device, especially cell phones, into the test room.
• You may not bring any notes, pamphlets, or other study materials into the test room.
• You must bring pencils and erasers.
• You must bring or know your WILD Hunting/Fishing License ID number to record on the test answer sheet.
• The test will be strictly timed at 70 minutes.
• Persons who are not successful in passing the test may retake the test after a 7-day waiting period.
• Test Candidates are allowed one retest. A Test Candidate who fails the retest will not be allowed admission into the MHPP for that enrollment period; however, the Test Candidate may reapply during the next open enrollment period.
• If the test must be read to you, it is your responsibility to make advance arrangements with the test proctor.
• Persons caught cheating on the test will be excluded from the Master Hunter Permit Program for life.
• Master Hunter Program: Testing Policy (PDF)

Benton County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Richland area on an "as needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Kyle Smith at 425-343-8473, or via email at kyl3smith@yahoo.com.

Chelan County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Leavenworth/Wenatchee area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Ray Boone at 509-548-4206, or via email at raynjoan50@hotmail.com.

Clark County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Vancouver area on an "as needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Jim Sevier at 360-904-1456, or via email at jimsevr@comcast.net.

Cowlitz County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Longview area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by emailing George Dennis at georgeadennis@msn.com.

Grays Harbor County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored at the region 6 office in Montesano on an "as-needed" basis. Contact the region 6 office by email at teammontesano@dfw.wa.gov or by phone at 360-249-4628 to schedule your appointment.  
• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Aberdeen/Hoquiam/Montesano area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Dave Ward at 360-581-7295, or via email at dward1960@comcast.net.

King County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Seattle area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by emailing Jeff Larsen at pbandjonw@msn.com.

Pierce County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Gig Harbor area on an "as needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Gary Tennison at 253-265-2113 or via email at gtennison@centurytel.net.
• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Tacoma area on an "as needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by emailing Allen Bartels at allen@allenscustomgutters.com.

Snohomish County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored at the region 4 office in Mill Creek on an "as-needed" basis. Contact the region 4 office by email at teammillcreek@dfw.wa.gov or by phone at 425-775-1311 to schedule your appointment.  

Spokane County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored at the WDFW Region One Office located at 2315 N Discovery Way, in Spokane Valley. You must pre-register by calling the WDFW Region One Office at 509-892-1001. The test dates for the 2024 applicants in 2024 are September 20 at 1pm, October 18 at 1pm, November 8 at 1pm, and December 13 at 1pm. 

Skagit/Island County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Skagit / Island County area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Dave Floyd  at (360) 202-1345 or via email at nwbowhunter@msn.com.

Whatcom County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the Bellingham area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Paul Sadler at 360-739-0943, or via email at pmsadler@comcast.net.  

Yakima County

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored at the region 3 office on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting the regional customer service staff at 509-575-2740, or via email at TeamYakima@dfw.wa.gov.  

Region 6

• Master Hunter tests will be proctored in the region 6 (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties) area on an "as-needed" basis. You must pre-register in order to take the examination by contacting Bill Montgomery at 360-704-0094, or via email at bill.montgomery@dfw.wa.gov.