Hunt Washington: a guide to getting started
Hunting is a vital way of life for many people in Washington, and it contributes to important statewide conservation efforts. There are a variety of hunting opportunities for seasoned and first-time hunters alike. Check out the resources below to learn the steps every hunter must take before heading afield, and how to report your harvest after a successful hunt.
Learning to hunt
Review training requirements: Hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, must show proof of completing a hunter education program before buying their first Washington hunting license.
Consider hunter education deferral program: Prospective hunters can apply for a one-year, once-in-a-lifetime hunter education deferral.
Refresh yourself on firearm safety: Learn the four basic rules of firearm safety.
Check out how-to-hunt resources: WDFW works with partner organizations to offer hunting resources, how-to clinics, and mentored hunts intended to teach hunters how to hunt species like turkey, pheasant, and deer. Experienced mentors provide invaluable coaching in workshop settings and/or in the field on real hunts.
Find a local hunting club: Hunting clubs can be beneficial for new and experienced hunters to establish new friendships with other hunters.
Know how to report a violation: WDFW encourages any community member who witnesses a fish and wildlife offense to report the violation. Poaching is the illegal taking or possession of game animals and fish, non-game, and protected, threatened, or endangered fish and wildlife species. Poaching steals the opportunity from those that correctly follow legal regulations. Reports can be submitted anonymously.
Preparing for a hunt
Buy a hunting license: Find the hunting license that’s right for you.
Review summary of hunting seasons: Review hunting seasons and bag limits.
Find where to hunt: Explore where to hunt in Washington, including through WDFW’s private lands program.
Plan your hunt: Review hunting regulations data and plan your hunt with the Hunt Planner web app, and review the latest Hunting Prospects written by local wildlife biologists.
Reporting your harvest
Report your harvest: Mandatory hunter harvest reporting allows WDFW to better manage game species throughout the state and set permit levels for upcoming seasons, supporting future hunting opportunities.
Big game hunting
Review the rules: Big game hunting seasons and regulations
Tips and techniques: Learn from a pro who shares tips and tactics for deer and elk hunting.
Small game and bird hunting
Review the rules: Game bird and small game regulations
Tips and techniques: Read our blog with pointers for getting into resident game bird hunting and visit myWDFW.com for a primer on duck hunting prep, gear, tactics, and resources.
Get ready for next spring turkey hunting — learn about turkey behavior, hunting strategies, hunting gear, and other tips from avid turkey hunters on the Turkey Takeover series on myWDFW.com.
Help WDFW monitor summer broods and year-round distribution of birds by reporting your observations.
Hunters share field-to-table recipes for resident game birds in the “Serving Upland” blog.
Hunting supports conservation
Hunters contribute funding for wildlife management and conservation through license sales and a federal excise tax on hunting equipment and ammunition. Anyone can contribute to wildlife habitat conservation by buying a federal duck stamp. There is also a Washington state duck stamp available for free with a copy of your Washington migratory bird permit.
Learn about game management
WDFW develops management plans for individual species, tracks statewide harvests of game species, and monitors the status of populations around the state.
Review special hunt permits and raffles
Special hunt permits, big game auctions, and raffle permit hunts offer a chance to participate in a coveted hunt while directly supporting conservation and management in Washington.
Share the space
WDFW Wildlife Areas and Water Access Areas are state public lands and are open to the public during posted access hours. Visitors include hunters, anglers, birders, and other outdoor recreationists. Everyone is reminded to be respectful of one another, to safely and responsibly share public lands and waters, and to appreciate that each visitor cares deeply about birds, wildlife, and their habitat. Read tips for sharing space on WDFW-managed lands.
Check out WDFW’s Recreation Strategy
WDFW’s 10-Year Recreation Strategy guides the Department’s efforts to respond to increasing demand for access, make public lands more welcoming to diverse visitors, and protect critical resources.
