The Basics of Hunting Access in Washington

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Published: April 2019

Pages: 20

Introduction

This booklet will help you find locations to hunt on public and private lands here in Washington State.

Hunting access is currently one of the biggest concerns for hunters. In Washington, about 50% of the land is publicly owned and open to hunters and recreationists. These lands are managed by state or federal entities. State owned lands are managed by WDFW and WDNR. Federally owned lands are managed by BLM, USFWS, NPS, USFS, BOR, etc. State and federal lands all have different land management mandates that affect when and where hunting is permitted. WDFW owns and manages 33 wildlife areas throughout the state, totaling approximately one million acres. WDNR manages nearly 5.6 million acres. Public lands are great places to hunt, watch birds, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.

In addition to public land, there are more than 600 cooperators that allow public access on more than one million acres of privately owned property for various outdoor recreation opportunities.