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
- Listed resident option: from $55.13 — Listed non-resident option: from $252.47
- 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 — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal 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 listed by the state agency.
- 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 →
Washington Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Washington Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Washington?
After July 2025 increases: resident big game $117.30, small game $55.13, Get Outdoors package $322.98. Non-resident big game combo exceeds $1,321.
Why are Washington hunting fees increasing?
New legislation signed by Governor Ferguson increases nearly all hunting and fishing license fees by approximately 38% starting July 1, 2025.
Can non-residents hunt in Washington?
Yes, but it's expensive. Non-resident big game plus small game combo costs $1,321.62. Non-resident small game alone is $252.47.
What big game can I hunt in Washington?
Black-tailed deer, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep (draw).
Are there reduced hunting licenses in Washington?
Yes, seniors 70+, disabled veterans, qualified disabled applicants, and youth all receive reduced fees.
How do special permit draws work?
WDFW allocates permits for premium units through a draw system. Apply by the deadline (usually May) with results in June.