Washington Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Washington hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through WDFW.
Washington Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident license: from N/A — Non-resident: from N/A
- Managed by: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — complete online
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online 24/7 at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/
Washington Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Washington offers diverse hunting managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Evergreen State features Pacific Coast rainforests, Cascade Range mountains, Columbia Basin shrub-steppe, and Palouse farmland supporting black-tailed deer, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Washington's license fees are increasing approximately 38% starting July 1, 2025 — the resident big game license will cost $117.30 and the Get Outdoors package $322.98. Non-resident big game licenses will exceed $1,000. The state offers separate licenses for small game and big game species. Senior discounts (70+) and disabled veteran rates are available. Washington uses special permit drawings for premium hunts. Licenses run April 1 through March 31.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Big Game (Deer/Elk/Bear/Cougar) | $117.30 | — | April 1 - March 31 | Effective July 2025 (~38% increase) |
| Resident Small Game | $55.13 | — | April 1 - March 31 | |
| Resident Big Game + Discounted Small Game | $163.39 | — | April 1 - March 31 | |
| Resident Get Outdoors Package | $322.98 | — | April 1 - March 31 | All licenses + tags + permits |
| NR Big Game + Discounted Small Game | — | $1321.62 | April 1 - March 31 | |
| NR Small Game | — | $252.47 | April 1 - March 31 |
Prices from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Washington license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers. Washington accepts certificates from other states.
How to Buy a Washington Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Washington.
Need help? Call Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2200
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Washington Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black-tailed Deer | Archery | September 1 | September 30 | 2026 dates |
| Black-tailed Deer | Modern Firearm | October 17 | November 15 | 2026 dates |
| Mule Deer | General | October 17 | October 28 | 2026 dates; Eastern WA |
| Elk | Archery | September 5 | September 17 | 2026 dates |
| Elk | Modern Firearm | October 31 | November 13 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | Fall | August 1 | November 15 | Annual dates |
| Mountain Lion | General | September 1 | April 30, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | April 15 | May 31 | Annual dates |
| Duck | General | October 10 | January 24, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Washington season regulations on WDFW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Washington residents 70+ — senior discounts available |
| Youth | Reduced | Youth licenses at reduced fees |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled veterans and qualified disabled applicants |
| Active Military | Reduced | Active duty military in Washington |
Washington Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Washington official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat and outer garment required during modern firearm seasons.
- Washington fees increasing ~38% in July 2025 due to new legislation.
- Special permit drawings required for premium elk and deer units.
- WDFW adding 2.9% credit card processing fee for online/phone purchases.
Read full Washington regulations on WDFW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Recommended Washington Hunting Gear
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Washington Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Washington?
A resident hunting license in Washington starts at N/A. Non-resident licenses start at N/A. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Washington?
Yes, Washington requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for all first-time buyers. Washington accepts certificates from other states. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Washington?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Washington hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs N/A. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Washington?
Archery: September 1 – September 30. Modern Firearm: October 17 – November 15. General: October 17 – October 28
Are there free hunting licenses in Washington?
Washington does not offer completely free hunting licenses, but does provide discounts for certain groups including youth, seniors, and military.
Can I buy a Washington hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Washington hunting license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.