Important Dates

Draw Result Dates

Draw System

Getting a Tag

Unit Profiles

Hunting Rules

A large variety of big game species, tons of tags opportunities, and lots of public lands give hunters some great options in Washington. While generally not known for producing trophy animals Washington does provide a good opportunity for hunters simply looking to get out and explore new country. Still, some of the harder to draw units can produce some tremendous animals and good bulls and bucks are taken on general tags every year. Like Oregon, Washington offers hunting opportunities for Blacktail deer and Roosevelt Elk and with whitetail deer, mule deer, rocky mountain elk, and black bear. Additionally, hunters will also the options to apply for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Shiras Moose, and Rocky Mountain Goat.

License Costs

Important Dates

Tag Lottery

Like a few other western states, Washington uses a weight point system where points are squared. While this doesn't guarantee the highest points will receive a tag is does give them a serious advantage. Bonus points are accumulated automically if unsuccessful in the draw and hunters who do successfully draw a special permit will have their point level for that respective species reset to zero. When applying for deer, elk, or bear applicants must front the tag fees up front while tag fees are not charged for Moose, sheep, or mountain goat unless the applicant was successful. Washington does not offer refunds for any hunting license purchases.

Nonresident allocation

There are no nonresident caps or limitations. All applicants are on an equal level.

Application Choices

You can apply for a maximum of four hunt choices per application, except for the quality deer and elk categories. Quality deer and elk hunts only allow two hunt choices. You do not have to apply for more than one hunt. If more than one hunt choice is requested, each hunt choice will be considered in the drawing in order of the priority you chose, prior to moving onto the next applicant.

Group applications

When applying as a group, you will have a group leader and group members. The group leader must submit as the group leader for the category first. Each group member must submit their application as a group member and MUST know the group leaders WILD ID to join as a group member. Any points that have been accrued by any party member are considered and averaged across the application. If one member of the group draws, then all members of the group draw. Be sure to apply only for hunt selections that have enough permits available to suffice the group.

Withdrawing

Application withdrawing is not permitted

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted for online purchases.

Hunting License

All hunters must purchase a hunting license before applying for permits or purchasing general licenses.

Getting a tag

Youth Tags

Washington allows nonresident youth hunters to purchase licenses at the same cost as resident youth's. Additionally, nearly every species has special permits available for youth only opportunities making for an incredible amount of options. In Washington, hunters under the age of 16 are considered as youth.

Returning Tags/Transferring Tags

Washington does not issue any refunds for purchased hunting licenses except in rare cases where:

Want to learn more about specific hunting areas in this state? GOHUNT’s Unit Profiles are an excellent place to start. Think of them as your all-in-one scouting hub — packed with insider details, maps, and the kind of local knowledge you’d normally only get from years in the field.

You’ll get access to comments from other hunters, real photos from the unit, and deep-dive data on terrain, access, harvest stats, and more. Even better? These profiles help you cut through the guesswork so you can focus on finding animals, not just figuring out where to start.

Some content is open to everyone, but GOHUNT members unlock the full experience — all the data, all the features, all in one spot. Whether you’re chasing your first tag or planning your next trophy hunt, our Unit Profiles are built to give you an edge before your boots ever hit the dirt.

Minimum age to hunt

No minimum age- must provide proof of hunters education before purchasing license

Verifying hunter education information

Before applying for any permits Washington requires all applicants to first verify their hunter's education information. The state warns that this process can take some time so first-time applicants will want to plan ahead for this.

There are three ways to add your Hunter's Education certificate to your WILD ID account profile:

Hunters education

Required to provide proof for anyone born after January 1, 1972

Bowhunters education

Not required in Washington

Hunters orange

Minimum of 400 square inches during firearms seasons or periods when a firearm season may take place

Hunting opportunities for military members

Residency

An active duty military member can receive resident rates even if they have a driver's license or identification card from another state. The member must provide documentation of their military ID and deployment papers showing they are stationed in Washington.

Dual residency

Washington allows active duty military members and spouses to have resident hunting and fishing licenses even if they have resident licenses in their home state.

Spouse and dependant perks

Active duty military spouses and dependents under age 18 can purchase licenses at resident rates. They must provide their military ID and their spouses/dependents deployment papers.

National and State Guard hunting licenses

Members of the Washington National or State Guard are eligible to receive a free annual hunting license package that will include deer, elk, bear and mountain lion licenses as well as a small game license and migratory bird permit. This program is available to Washington residents who are active, full-time members of the National and State Guard, or who will participate in drill training with these military units on a part-time basis.

Disabled veteran requirements

Disabled veterans — both resident and nonresident — are eligible for reduced tags if they meet any of the following criteria: