Washington hunting

WDFW lifts fire restrictions, including target shooting ban, on most Department-managed lands. September WDFW invites public comment on spring black bear hunting seasons. Conservation starts here. Washington hunters talk about climate change. Watch the video. Take hunter education in person this fall. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provides education and training opportunities to help hunters have safe, legal, and ethical hunts. Take hunter education in person.

Elk hoof disease incentive permits. Help us by being part of elk conservation. Submit a photo or video. Big game hunters pursue click links to visit boards in the forum rocky mountain and roosevelt elk; mule, blacktail, and whitetail deer; black bear; cougar; moose; mountain goat; and big horn sheep. There are many avid varmint, predator and small game hunters who pursue bobcats, coyotes, raccoon, fox, rabbits, squirrels, rockchucks, and other small game animals.

Waterfowl hunting is popular for many species of ducks, canadian geese and snow geese. Upland bird hunting opportunities include turkey, pheasant, forest grouse, chukar, doves, huns, and quail.

Hunting for shed horns is very popular in the late winter and spring. Numerous species of furbearers inhabit Washington lands and waters. Species commonly trapped are beaver, bobcat, civet, martin, mink, muskrat, otter, raccoon, and others. Trappers in Washington must use non-body-gripping traps but trappers have learned to be successful using other types of traps. Join in to learn more about this historic activity that inspired the settlement of the pacific northwest region.

Big game hunters pursue click links to visit boards in the forum rocky mountain and roosevelt elk; mule, blacktail, and whitetail deer; black bear; cougar; moose; mountain goat; and bighorn sheep.

There are many hunters who pursue coyotes, bobcats, raccoon, fox, rabbits, squirrels, rockchucks, and other small game and varmints. For wildfire-related closures and restrictions, visit the wildfire information webpage.

All hunters in Washington, regardless of age, must have in their possession a valid hunting license and any required tags, permits, or stamps to hunt wildlife. Youth -- defined as anyone under 16 years of age at the time of license purchase -- are eligible for reduced license fees.

There is no minimum or maximum age to be eligible to hunt in Washington, but anyone purchasing a license who was born after Jan. A one-time deferral option is available. Members of the Washington National or State Guard may be eligible for a free annual licensing package that includes a big game license and a small game license with a migratory bird permit.

You are required to show a license, tag or permit, or display wildlife taken when asked by a WDFW officer or other enforcement officer. Any hunter may be directed to stop at WDFW check stations and produce wildlife in their possession.