The Washington regulations for hunting include specific guidelines for various management units. Washington offers excellent deer and elk hunting opportunities across the state. Here are the key details for the season.
Washington Deer Hunting Dates
Modern Firearm General
| General Modern Firearms | Location/Zones | Proposed Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Early | General Archery | September 21st to September 29th (2024) |
| Late | Eastern | November 9th to December 1st (2024) |
| Late | Western | November 2nd to November 17th (2024) |
WA Youth General
| Youth-Only Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Early | October 28-29 |
| Late | January 8-21 |
Archery General
| General Deer Season (Archery) | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Early | ||
| Black-tailed | 1-Sep | 24-Sep |
| 1-Sep | 29-Sep | |
| White-tatiled | 1-Sep | 24-Sep |
| 1-Sep | 29-Sep | |
| Mule Deer | 1-Sep | 15-Sep |
| 16-Sep | 29-Sep | |
| 1-Sep | 24-Sep | |
| 1-Sep | 29-Sep | |
| Late | ||
| Black-tailed | 22-Nov | 15-Dec |
| 22-Nov | 31-Dec | |
| White-tatiled | 10-Nov | 15-Dec |
| 25-Nov | 15-Dec | |
| 20-Nov | 8-Dec | |
| 23-Nov | 15-Dec | |
| Mule Deer | 21-Nov | 30-Nov |
| 20-Nov | 8-Dec | |
| 22-Nov | 8-Dec |
Muzzleloader General
| General Deer Season (Muzzleloader) | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| High Hunt Bucks | 15-Sep | 25-Sep |
| Early | ||
| Black-tailed | 30-Sep | 8-Oct |
| White-tatiled | 30-Sep | 8-Oct |
| Mule | 30-Sep | 8-Oct |
| Late | ||
| Black-tailed | 22-Nov | 15-Dec |
| White-tatiled | 20-Nov | 8-Dec |
| 22-Nov | 8-Dec | |
| 25-Nov | 8-Dec | |
| Mule | 20-Nov | 30-Nov |
| 25-Nov | 8-Dec |
Elk Season
| General Elk Season (Mordern Firearm) | Dates |
|---|---|
| Eastern | |
| Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912 Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink | 1-Aug - 20-Jan |
| Elk Area 3722* | 9-Sep - 24-Sep |
| 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 204 | 28-Oct - 5-Nov |
| 145, 149d, 154,162 through 186, 249, 336 through 368 | 28-Oct - 5-Nov |
| 251, 328, 329, 334, 335 | 28-Oct - 5-Nov |
| 124 through 142, 372*, 382*, 388 | 28-Oct - 5-Nov |
| 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 272, 278d, 284, 290, 373d, 379d, 381 | 28-Oct - 15-Nov |
| Master Hunters Only: 371 Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink | 1-Aug - 31-Aug |
| Master Hunters Only: 127, 130 | 9-Dec - 31-Dec |
| Western | |
| 407, 564, 666 | 4-Nov - 15-Nov |
| 454 | 4-Nov - 15-Nov |
| 460, 466, 448, 503, 505, 506a, 510 through 520, 524, (except closed in Elk Area 5066), 530ad, 550, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578d, 601 through 618, 624 (except for Elk Area 6071), 627, 633, 638 (except Master Hunters Only in Elk Area 6064 portion of GMU638), 642 through 651, 652 (except for Elk Area 6014), 654, 658,660, 667 through 681, 684d | 4-Nov - 15-Nov |
| 501, 504, 663, Elk Areas 4601* and 6014 | 4-Nov - 15-Nov |
Bag Limits
Washington Deer Bag Limits
- 1 buck per year in eastern Washington GMUs
- 2 bucks per year in western Washington GMUs
- Antlerless tags allowed in some GMUs
Washington Elk Bag Limits
Western Washington
- 1 bull per year
- 1 antlerless per year in most GMUs that have antlerless seasons
Eastern Washington
- 1 bull per year
- 1 antlerless per year in most GMUs that have antlerless seasons
Special Elk Areas
- Area No. 1 (Kittitas County): 1 bull, and 1 antlerless with antlerless permit
- Area No. 2 (Clallam County): 2 in total, antlerless only, no more than 1 antlerless elk without antlers
- Area No. 3 (Skamania County): 1 bull, and 1 antlerless with antlerless permit
- Area No. 4 (Whatcom County): 1
- Area No. 5 (Pierce/Thurston counties): 1
- Area No. 10 (Island County): By special permit only
So in summary:
- Most of state is 1 bull and 1 antlerless
- Some variation in special elk hunt areas
- Additional antlerless tags possible in some GMUs
- Elk tag needed for each animal harvested
WA Hunting Regulations
Deer Regulations:
- Must have a valid big game hunting license and deer tag.
- Legal deer are typically any buck in eastern Washington and 3-point minimum in western Washington.
- Bag limit is 1 buck per year in eastern Washington and 2 bucks per year in western Washington.
- It is illegal to waste meat – edible portions must be removed from the harvest.
- Motorized vehicles may not be used to hunt.
- Must wear hunter orange during general firearm seasons.
- Antlerless deer permits allowed in some GMUs.
- Youth and senior hunters allowed special permits in some GMUs.
- Closed areas and access restrictions apply in some GMUs.
- Tags are specific to weapon type in Washington.
Elk Regulations:
- Must have a valid big game hunting license and elk tag.
- Legal elk in general seasons are typically spike bull or antlerless elk.
- Bag limit is 1 per year for bull and 1 for antlerless elk in most GMUs.
- It is illegal to waste meat – edible portions must be removed from the harvest.
- Motorized vehicles may not be used to hunt elk.
- Must wear hunter orange during general firearm seasons.
- Special permits are required to hunt in certain GMUs and damage hunts.
- Spike only restriction in many GMUs to protect branch antlered bull.
- Closed areas and access restrictions apply in some GMUs.
- Tags are specific to weapon type in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does deer season start in Washington?
A: The general statewide opening day for modern firearm season in Washington is October 14. Archery season opens earlier on September 1and muzzleloader season opens October 14 as well in eastern Washington.
Q: How many deer can I harvest in Washington?
A: In eastern Washington, the bag limit is one buck per year. In western Washington, you can harvest up to two bucks per year. Some GMUs also allow antlerless deer permits. Check the Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet for details.
Q: What is the difference between eastern and western Washington deer seasons?
A: The main differences are:
- In eastern Washington the bag limit is one buck per year while in western Washington you can harvest two bucks.
- Archery season ends December 31 in western Washington and January 20, 2024 in eastern Washington.
- Muzzleloader seasons are shorter in western Washington.
Q: When does elk season open in Washington for 2023?
A: The opening day of general statewide modern firearm season in Washington is October 28, 2023. Archery season opens earlier on September 1 and muzzleloader opens October 7 in eastern Washington. Check regulations for your specific GMU.
Q: How many elk can I harvest in Washington?
A: The statewide bag limit is one bull per year and one antlerless elk in most units that have antlerless seasons. Hunters can purchase a second antlerless tag in some GMUs.
Q: What type of elk can I hunt during the general season?
A: General elk seasons in most areas are for spike bull or antlerless elk only. Branch antlered bull restrictions exist in some GMUs.
James Ellis, the passionate creator of DeerSeason.Org, is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife. With over a decade of experience in exploring the world of deer, his writing reflects an extensive understanding of these magnificent creatures
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