Washington Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Washington

Hunters in Washington enjoy not only the state’s wildlife and games but also the great weather during hunting seasons. Washington is a mountainous state, and its mountains are home to large animals such as elk, deer, and bears. The state also offers hunting chances for migratory birds and small wildlife.

Hunting regulations in Washington

Hunters who want to take game animals in Washington must follow the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s hunting laws, regulations, and standards.

The following are some of Washington’s most important hunting regulations:

General Hunting Regulations and Prohibitions

Washington hunting regulations and forbidden hunting practices in Washington include the following:

While hunting, hunters must have a photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, or any other legitimate form of identification allowed in Washington.
While hunting in the state, hunters must have a valid state hunting license. The license should be available in either electronic or hardcopy-printed form.
Hunters must adhere to the orange dressing rule for the season in question.
Taking game animals or birds while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance is illegal.
It is illegal to take any game animal other than a deer on the first day of the deer firearm season. Harvesting sea ducks in the sea duck zone is an exception to this rule.

the use of artificial lighting from automobiles.

Illuminating artificial light from cars on residential residences, orchards, game animals and birds, livestock, farming fields, or woods in the name of hunting is prohibited under Washington hunting rules.

Some counties allow you to shine artificial light from vehicles on wildlife and games until 9 p.m. at night, but solely for observation or photographing. In certain areas, however, it is illegal to carry any hunting weapon or device in your possession while casting artificial lights.

Washington Hunting Safety Zones

It is illegal to discharge a firearm or take or trap wildlife within 150 yards of a residential building or camp where people dwell without first obtaining authorization from the building’s occupant.

The safety distance for archery hunting is 100 yards in Anne Arundel County and 50 yards in other counties.

It is illegal to discharge firearms within a 300-yard radius in public or school settings under the name of hunting. However, this limitation only applies during regular school hours and when building structures are inhabited. Hunters should also be aware that this restriction does not apply to home schools, colleges, or universities in Washington.

In Washington, it is prohibited to illegally touch a catch from a trap that has been legitimately set within a hunting area.

Washington hunting bag limits

Hunters must adhere to the bag limit for the animal they wish to take as well as the hunting season in which they participate. Bag restrictions are used to limit the quantity of specific game animals that can be taken during the course of a hunting season.

Depending on the type of animal, bag limitations may be daily or seasonal. Daily bag limitations will limit the number of games that can be played in a single day. Seasonal bag limitations limit the number of games that can be taken between the beginning and conclusion dates of a hunting season.

Bag limits are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and vary depending on the number of species available that year. Violating bag restrictions will result in consequences such as a fine or license revocation.

Hunting on Private Lands in Washington

To hunt or set traps on private property in Washington, you must first obtain written permission from the landowner. The only exception to this rule is if you own the land.

Hunting Liabilities on Private Lands in Washington

You shall be held liable for any damage to private property that occurs while hunting on private territory. Furthermore, regardless of whether the landowner grants permission to hunt on the property or not, the landowner cannot be held liable for any harm or damage sustained by a hunter, whether unintentional or not. Hunters are recommended to educate themselves on all rules governing hunting on private property in Washington.

Hunting on private land in Washington is restricted.

Landowners who want to prevent hunters from taking games and wildlife on their property might use prominent signage. In this situation, it is illegal for a hunter to continue taking game animals on the land; thus, the hunter may be prosecuted for trespassing.

Landowners in Washington can employ blue stripes and signage to limit movement on their estates. Vertical signs should be at least 2 inches wide and 8 inches long, and they should be at least 3 feet (but no more than 6 feet) away from water or ground areas. This sign’s acceptable color is bright blue, and its paint must be oil-based.

Washington State Land Regulations

The following are some of the hunting regulations on state-owned lands:

Shooting at targets on state-owned land is illegal, except in certain areas where it is tolerated.
It is illegal to utilize tree stands or hunting blinds on state-owned lands or other controlled properties. Exceptions are made for those having Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permits, and the blinds or tree stands must be temporary and removed at the end of a hunting period.
It is illegal to install traps on state-owned property without first receiving authorization from the appropriate government.
Baiting is prohibited on state hunting lands.

While hunting in the state, open carry is permitted.

Yes, open carry is permitted during lawful hunting activities in Washington.

Although open carry is permitted while bow hunting in the state, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be at least 21 years old.
For personal defense, you must carry a firearm.
While bow hunting in the state, you are not permitted to openly carry a handgun in order to take a wildlife animal.

Washington has hunter harassment regulations in place to safeguard such actions.

Among them are the following:

Without the approval of the state government, no one shall openly carry on private land or hunting zones.
Nobody shall intentionally obstruct any legitimate hunting activity in any wildlife region of the state.
Nobody shall harass or disturb any wildlife animal in order to obstruct authorized hunting in the state.

Washington State Game Tagging

Washington hunting regulations mandate that particular game animals be tagged after being hunted. These creatures include deer, turkeys, bears, and elk.

The following tags are required for hunting in Washington:

You must attach the tag to the animal carcass in accordance with the hunting regulations. The type of game you are playing will determine the tagging instruction, restriction, or obligation.
The tag must include crucial information such as the date the animal was taken, the hunter’s signature, and any additional information required for the specific game. In Washington, it is illegal to sign a tag before hunting a game.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Washington

Washington offers hunting licenses based on the applicant’s domicile and age. Permits and tags for various game species are available in the state. For some game-hunting seasons, hunters will require both a state hunting license and permits and tags.

Washington hunting licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Apprentice Hunting License for Residents

This license is accessible to Washington residents who have never held a state-valid license. Residents of any age can obtain the license. Apprentice hunters will only be permitted to hunt in the company of licensed Washington hunters over the age of 18. The apprentice license for residents costs $10.

Residents who have a valid hunting license

This license is available to Washington citizens between the ages of 16 and 64. Holders of the license will be able to participate in various hunting seasons as long as they have the permit. The cost of the license is $24.5.

Residents who have obtained a Junior Hunting License

This license is awarded to Washington junior residents under the age of 16. Juniors must obtain written permission from their parents or guardians before applying for this license. The license costs $10.5.

Senior Citizen Hunting Permit

The license is only available to senior citizens of the state who are 65 or older. This license can be purchased by the senior resident in the year he or she turns 65. It will set you back $5.

Apprentice Hunting License for Non-Residents

Non-residents who have never held a state-valid license are eligible for this license. Non-residents of any age are eligible for the license. Apprentice hunters will only be permitted to hunt in the company of licensed Washington hunters over the age of 18. The cost of a non-resident apprentice license is $20.

Non-resident hunting permit

Non-residents between the ages of 16 and 64 are eligible for this license. Holders of the license will be able to participate in various hunting seasons as long as they have the permit. The fee for the license is $130.

Junior Hunting License for Non-Residents

Junior non-residents under the age of 16 who desire to hunt in Washington are awarded this license. Juniors must obtain written permission from their parents or guardians before applying for this license. The license will set you back $32.5.

Senior Hunting License for Non-Residents

Senior non-residents 65 years of age or older are eligible for the license. This license can be purchased by the senior resident in the year he or she turns 65. It will set you back $65.

Non-residents receive a three-day waterfowl and small game license.

Non-residents can obtain this license, which allows them to take all possible game in Washington for three consecutive hunting days. Deer, turkeys, and bears are not subject to this license. It will set you back $45.

Trapping Permit for Non-Residents

Non-residents must have this license in order to capture furbearers in Washington. In addition to this trapping license, they will require a furbearer permit and a non-resident hunting license. It will set you back $25.5.

License for a Regulated Shooting Area

In addition to a hunting license, hunters must get controlled shooting area licenses in order to take captive-bred bird games. The cost of this license is $6.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Washington

The following fishing licenses, permits, and tags are available in Washington:

Annual Non-Tidal Fishing Permits

This license allows you to fish in non-tidal bodies of water in Washington. It costs $20.5 for residents and $30 for non-residents, which is the same price the state charges for an out-of-state fishing license for Washington citizens.

Non-Tidal Fishing License for Seven Days

This license permits holders to fish in non-tidal bodies of water for seven days. It costs $7.5 for residents and the same amount for non-residents as the state charges for an out-of-state fishing license for Washington residents.

Non-Tidal Fishing License for Three Days

This license permits holders to fish in non-tidal bodies of water for three days. It is exclusively available to non-residents and costs the same as an out-of-state fishing license for Washington residents.

Stamps for Trout

Trout stamps are provided for anglers who wish to catch trout. This stamp is available for purchase by both residents and non-residents for $5 and $10, respectively.

Consolidated Senior Fishing License

Senior residents of Washington who are 65 or older can purchase a senior consolidated fishing license. This license can be combined with other hunting or harvesting licenses available in the state for seniors. This license is not available to non-residents. It will set you back $5.

Crabbing Permit

Holders of this license will be able to harvest crabs in Washington waterbodies. It is offered for $5 and $10 to locals and non-residents, respectively. The cost will be $2 for residents holding a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or a senior resident with a consolidated fishing license.

Hunting Seasons in Washington

The seasons for hunting in Washington vary widely depending on the game animals you want to take and the sort of hunting weapon you use.

The following species will be hunted in Washington during the 2020–21 hunting season:

Hunting Season in Washington (White-tailed and Mule Deer)

Archery season (September 11th to October 21st and October 25th to November 27th)
Firearms Hunting Season (November 28th to December 12th and January 8th to January 10th)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (October 22nd to October 24th and December 19th to January 2nd)
Whitetail deer hunting is only permitted in a few counties in Washington. The dates for this hunting will differ across the state.

Turkey Season in Washington

Fall General Hunting Season (October 31st to November 8th)
Winter General Hunting Season (January 21st to January 23rd)
Spring General Season (April 19th to May 24th)

Hunting Season for Black Bears in Washington

General Hunting Season (October 26th to October 30th)

To hunt bears in Washington, you must first obtain a special permit from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. There is also a deer bag limit of one per season.

Small Game Hunting Season in Washington

Small game hunting seasons in Washington include the following:
Rabbit hunting season lasts from November 7th to February 27th.
Squirrel Hunting Season (September 5th to January 30th)
Season of Quail Hunting (7th November to 15th February)
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Season (October 3rd to February 31st)
Pheasant Hunting Season (November 7th to February 28th)
Crow Hunting Season (August 15th to March 15th)

Game seasons vary by hunting zone in Washington. Hunters should also be aware that bag limits, hunting regulations, legislation, and procedures differ depending on the game species and season. Hunters are encouraged to visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn more about their unit’s hunting season.

Wildlife, Games, and Fishing in Washington

The following are some of the most popular fauna and games in Washington:

Deer hunting in Washington

Washington The most prevalent species in the state are mule deer hunting and white-tailed deer hunting. They are common on many state hunting lands and wildlife management areas. Washington’s muddy ecosystems are home to deer.

Bear Hunting in Washington

In Washington, black bear hunting is only permitted in a few counties. Bear hunting requires special licenses, and only one bear can be taken per hunting season.

Turkey Season in Washington

Turkey hunting is popular in the western area of Washington. Because of its tranquil terrain of about 10,000 acres and its turkey population, the state has various wildlife management areas where you can hunt for turkey.

Duck Hunting in Washington

Duck hunting is permitted in the majority of Washington’s WMAs. They are evenly dispersed throughout the state.

Goose Hunting in Washington

Geese are migratory birds, with Canadian geese being the most numerous in Washington. Goose hunting in Washington takes occurs on the state’s eastern shore, where the birds normally congregate during the shooting season.

Pheasant Hunting in Washington

Pheasants abound on Washington’s public hunting grounds. Pheasant shooting is encouraged in Washington because the birds ruin farmland and harm grasses and insects.

Hunting for Quail in Washington

The bobwhite quail, which is petite and spherical in stature, is the most common species of quail found in Washington. It is a ground-dwelling bird game that is widely distributed throughout the state. They are usually found on the southern and eastern coasts.

Shooting ranges in Washington

The following shooting ranges are open to the general public in the state:

shooting range in memory of Boyd Mordhorst.
Wolverton Mountain Shooting Club
Spokane Gun Club is a local gun club.
Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club is a club in Tacoma, Washington.
Sun Valley Shooting Park is located near Sun Valley, Idaho.
Sumner Sportsmen’s Association is a non-profit organization.
Skagit Shooting Range is located in Skagit County.
The Mid Valley Gun Club
shooting range in Norpoint.
Fish and Game in Renton
Poulsbo Sportsman Club is a local sports club.
The Port Angeles Gun Club
range of plantations.
Orcas Island Sportsman Club is a private club on Orcas Island.
The Capitol City Rifle and Pistol Club was founded in 1911.
The Chewelah Trap Club
Anglers and Cowlitz Game
The Clark Rifles
Evergreen Sportsmen’s Association.
Granite Falls Sportsmen’s Association
Kenmore Ranges/Washington Wildlife Committee
The Issaquah Sportsman Club is located in Issaquah, Washington.

Hunting Lands for Lease and Sale in Washington

Washington hunting lands for sale include the following:

150 acres near Tonasket, Washington (Okanogan County).
7.48 acres in Chehalis, Washington (Lewis County).
87.2 acres in Dayton, Washington (Columbia County).
Trout Lake is 1,112 acres in Klickitat County, Washington.
60.34 acres in Hoquiam, Washington (Grays Harbor County).
11.89 acres in Chehalis, Washington (Lewis County)
Trout Lake is a 641-acre lake in Klickitat County, Washington.
3,646 acres in Tonasket, Washington (Okanogan County).
Okanogan County, a 40-acre hunting tract just 20 minutes from Tonasket
40 acres in Davenport, Washington (Lincoln County).

The following hunting lands are available for lease in Washington:

350 acres of prime mule deer, turkey, elk, and predator hunting territory are available for lease in Whatcom County.

Public Hunting Lands in Washington

Washington public lands are for hunting, and the sorts of game available include the following:

Mule deer, doves, quail, and exotics are hunted on 4412 acres in Okanogan County.
Chelan County has 162 acres for hunting ducks and exotics.
280 acres in Lewis County for duck, predator, and exotic hunts.
Grays Harbor County has 185 acres for hunting ducks and exotics.
5150 acres in Habersham County for Mule Deer and Duck hunting
Kittitas County has 10386 acres for hunting elk, mule deer, and exotics.
Okanogan County has 8694 acres for hunting ducks and exotics.