Washington Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Hunters enjoy the rare treat of perfect weather, scenery, and plentiful game during Washington hunting seasons. Although it’s far outside the mighty Rocky Mountains, Washington has 64 named mountain ranges. In Washington, you can hunt everything from large game such as deer, elk and bear, as well as a wide selection of migratory birds.
Washington is divided into Game Management Units and seasons can vary slightly according to which GMU you’re hunting.
Washington Deer Seasons
| Black-tailed Deer, General Season | Oct. 14-31 Nov. 16-29 |
| White-tailed Deer, General Season | Oct. 14-27** Nov. 11-19 |
| Mule Deer, General Season | Oct. 14-24 |
| Disabled and Senior Hunt | Oct. 21-24 |
| Youth Hunts | Oct. 14-27** |
| Early Archery General Season | Sept. 1-29** |
| Late Archery | Nov. 10-Dec. 15** |
| High Buck Hunts | Sept. 15-25 |
| Early Muzzleloader | Sept. 30-Oct. 8 |
| Late Muzzleloader | Nov. 22-Dec. 8** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Deer season dates in Washington vary by unit region and breed of deer (white-tailed, black-tailed, or mule). Be sure to check out the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for a legal, successful hunt!
Washington Elk Seasons
| Firearms General Season | Eastern: Aug. 1-Jan. 20** Western: Nov. 4-15 |
| Early Archery General Season | Eastern: Aug. 1-Sept. 21** Western: Sept. 9-21 |
| Late Archery | Eastern: Aug. 1-Jan. 30** Western: Nov. 22-Dec. 15 |
| Early Muzzleloader | Eastern: Aug. 1-31 Oct. 7-13 Western: Oct. 7-13 |
| Late Muzzleloader | Eastern: Aug. 1-Jan. 20** Western: Nov. 22-Dec. 15** |
**Season dates vary by zone. While Washington generally divides archery seasons by eastern and western portions of the state, many eastern regions are further subdivided into hunting zones. For more information on dates specific to your location, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Washington Black Bear Seasons
| General Season | Aug. 1-Nov. 15 |
Washington hunters may bag a maximum of two black bear per year.
Washington Cougar Seasons
| Early Season | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
| Late Season | Jan. 1-April 30 |
Late season cougar hunting can extend through the end of April, or until harvest quotas are met. Hunters may harvest one cougar per year.
Washington Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
| Spring General Season | Apr. 15-May 31 |
| Spring Youth Season | Apr. 1-7 |
Washington Small Game Seasons
| Bobcat | Sept. 1-Mar. 15 |
| Fox | Sept. 1-Mar. 15 |
| Raccoon | Sept. 1-Mar. 15 |
| Rabbit and Hare | Sept. 1-Mar. 15 |
| Forest Grouse | Sept. 15-Jan. 15 |
| Mountain Quail | Sept. 23-Nov. 30 |
| Pheasant | Sept. 23-Jan. 15** |
| Crow | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
| Coyote | Open Season |
**Season dates vary by zone. For more information on small game hunting in Washington, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Washington hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.