Washington

Washington Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Washington hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $117.30 General hunting

Non-Resident License $1076.40 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1972-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Washington Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Big Game Combo (Deer+Elk+Bear+Cougar) $117.30 —

Resident Deer + Elk $116.85 —

Resident Deer Only $53.82 —

Resident Elk Only $60.72 —

Resident Bear Only $32.86 —

Resident Get Outdoors Package $322.98 —

Resident Small Game $41.85 —

Resident Youth (Under 16) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

NR Big Game Combo (Deer+Elk+Bear+Cougar) — $1076.40

NR Deer + Elk — $1020.06

NR Deer Only — $599.07

NR Elk Only — $685.60

NR Bear Only — $306.10

NR Small Game — $199.85

Tags & Permits

Deer (General) Free Free

Elk (General) Free Free

Special Hunt Permit (General) $9.61 $152.30

Special Hunt Permit (Quality/Trophy) $18.72 $152.30

Turkey $21.75 $91.58

Mountain Goat $9.61 $152.30

Bighorn Sheep $9.61 $152.30

Moose $9.61 $152.30

Endorsements & Stamps

Vehicle Access Pass Free Included free with annual big game license; standalone: $30 res

Migratory Bird Permit $21.31 Required for all migratory bird hunting including dove, duck, geese

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters

Western WA Pheasant Release Permit Free Free permit required for released pheasant sites in western WA

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Washington Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit mywdfw.org. Create WILD account or sign in. Select license package (big game combo, deer+elk, or individual). Add turkey tags, small game, migratory permits if needed. Apply for special hunt permits during application window. Pay with credit/debit card (2.9% fee). Print or save license and tags

Buy In Person

Authorized license dealers statewide, WDFW regional offices, Sportsman's Warehouse, Bi-Mart stores

Buy By Phone

Call 360-902-2200. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Washington hunting license is online through the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Washington

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1972

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Washington?

Youth (Under 16) Free license Free hunting license; special hunt permits only $5.05; must hunt with licensed adult

Senior (70+) Reduced Significant discounts on hunting licenses and tags

Disabled Veteran (30%+) Reduced 30%+ service-connected disability; discounted licenses and tags

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in WA pay resident rates

Disabled (Permanent) Reduced Permanently disabled WA residents qualify for reduced-fee licenses

Landowner (Damage Permit) Free tags Landowners with crop/property damage may receive free damage permits from WDFW

SEASONS

Washington Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed/Mule Deer Archery Sep 1 – Sep 30 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed/Mule Deer Muzzleloader Oct 4 – Oct 10 Muzzleloader only

White-tailed/Mule Deer Modern Firearm Oct 11 – Nov 30 Rifle, shotgun

White-tailed Deer Late Whitetail (Eastern WA) Nov 22 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon; eastern WA units

Elk Archery Sep 1 – Sep 30 Bow only

Elk Modern Firearm (Early) Oct 18 – Oct 28 Rifle, shotgun

Elk Modern Firearm (Late) Nov 5 – Nov 23 Rifle, shotgun; unit-specific

Black Bear Spring Apr 15 – Jun 15 Rifle, bow

Black Bear Fall Aug 1 – Nov 15 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Turkey Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Oct-Nov – Varies by GMU Shotgun, bow

Cougar General Sep 1 – Apr 30 Rifle, bow; no hounds

Pheasant Regular Oct 18 – Dec 31 Shotgun

Quail/Chukar/Partridge Regular Oct 4 – Jan 31 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Dove Regular Sep 1 – Oct 30 Shotgun

BAG LIMITS

Washington Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed/Mule Deer 1 1-2 per species One tag per license; special permit for second; mule deer bucks 3-pt minimum

Elk 1 1 One elk per year; spike/branch antler restrictions vary by GMU

Turkey (Spring) 1 3 Bearded turkeys; up to 3 tags purchasable

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Black Bear 1 1 One bear per year (spring + fall combined); no cubs/sows with cubs

Cougar 1 1 Included with big game combo; hound hunting prohibited statewide

Pheasant 3 No season limit Roosters only; WDFW stocks eastern WA sites

Duck 7 No season limit Species-specific limits; non-toxic shot

COMPARE

How Washington Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Washington $117.30 $1076.40

Oregon $39 $193 Idaho $15.75 $185

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Washington?

Resident big game combo (deer+elk+bear+cougar): $117.30. Deer only: $53.82. Elk only: $60.72. Get Outdoors all-inclusive: $322.98. Non-resident big game: $1,076.40. Prices increased 38% in July 2025.

Why did Washington raise hunting fees 38%?

The July 2025 increase was the first fee adjustment since 2011. It funds WDFW conservation, habitat restoration, and wildlife management. The fee structure now better reflects the actual cost of managing the state's diverse wildlife.

What is the Get Outdoors Package?

The Get Outdoors ($322.98 res) bundles everything: deer+elk+bear+cougar+discounted small game+fishing+2 turkey tags+migratory bird permit+Vehicle Access Pass. It saves over $100 compared to buying individually.

How do special hunt permits work?

Special hunt permits give access to limited-entry GMUs. Application: $9.61 res general / $18.72 quality / $152.30 NR. Draw results announced in May/June. Quality units target trophy animals. Preference points available.

Can I hunt bear in Washington?

Yes, with a bear license ($32.86 res / $306.10 NR) or big game combo. Spring season: Apr 15-Jun 15. Fall: Aug 1-Nov 15. One bear per year. Hound hunting banned. No cubs or sows with cubs.

Is cougar hunting legal in Washington?

Yes, cougar is included free with the big game combo license. Season: Sep 1-Apr 30. One cougar per year. Hound hunting is PROHIBITED statewide (voter initiative). Harvest must be reported within 72 hours.

Can I buy a WA hunting license online?

Yes, at mywdfw.org using your WILD account. 2.9% fee on credit/debit purchases online. Avoid this fee by buying at authorized dealers in person. All licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW lands.

What is the license year in Washington?

April 1 through March 31 — different from most states using calendar year or July-June. Plan purchases accordingly. All annual licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass to WDFW managed access areas.