Washington Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Washington including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Washington Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Washington including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Washington
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 15 - May 31, 2026
Opens in 43 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Washington hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 6-26, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Early archery | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 11 - Nov 8, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | General modern firearm | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 4-10, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Early muzzleloader | |
Elk 2 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 6-26, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | General archery | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 25 - Nov 8, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | General modern firearm | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 15 - May 31, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Aug 1 - Nov 15, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Fall bear season | |
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Washington Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Elk
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for Washington
Washington has GMU-specific seasons and special permits.
Hunting Method Legend
Washington Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Washington
What are the hunting season dates for Washington?
Washington offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Elk, Turkey. The license year runs from Apr 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Washington?
Deer season in Washington typically begins with archery season starting Sep 6, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Oct 11, 2025.
Does Washington require a draw for hunting?
Washington offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Washington?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 15, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Washington?
Washington has GMU-specific seasons and special permits.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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