Washington Archery season offers hunters a perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, stable weather conditions, and abundant game. The state has 64 mountain ranges to hunt, providing habitats for species like elk, deer, and bears and a huge range of migratory birds and waterfowl.
Washington (WA) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Hunters can explore more than 200 mountain and 400 lowland lakes, with a selection of 200 wildlife and water access areas. Plan your trip across 300,000 acres of publicly managed land.
When does Archery Season Start in WA?
Washington Deer Seasons
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Disabled and Senior Hunt October 22-25
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Youth Hunts October 15-28*
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Early Archery September 1-23*
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Late Archery November 23-December 8*
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High Buck Hunts September 15-25
*Season dates vary by region. Deer season varies by region, unit, and deer breed.
Washington Elk Seasons
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Early Archery Eastern August 1-September 22*
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Early Archery Western September 10-22
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Late Archery Eastern August 1-January 30*
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Late Archery Western November 23-December 15
*Season dates vary by region. Washington divides archery seasons into western and eastern areas. Eastern regions are subdivided into several hunting zones.
Washington Black Bear Seasons
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General Season August 1-November 15
Washington hunters can take two black bears per year.
Washington Cougar Seasons
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Early Season September 1-December 31
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Late Season January 1-April 30
The late season extends through the end of April till hunters meet harvest quotas. You can take one cougar per year.
Washington Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season September 1-December 31
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Spring General Season April 15-May 31
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Spring Youth Season April 1-7
Washington Small Game Seasons
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Bobcat September 1-March 15
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Fox September 1-March 15
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Raccoon September 1-March 15
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Rabbit and Hare September 1-March 15
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Forest Grouse September 1-December 31
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Mountain Quail September 24-January 16*
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Pheasant September 24-January 16*
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Crow September 1-December 31
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Coyote Open Season
*Season dates vary by region.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Washington?
Authorized hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in WA
Visit the Washington Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details on purchasing your hunting licenses and permits.
Washington Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 90 days. All residents must have a Hunting License.
Non-Residents
Non-residents must purchase a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Washington residents and non-residents aged 16 or under qualify for a reduced-fee hunting license.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Washington state doesn’t offer reduced-fee licenses for senior hunters.
Disability Licenses
Washington residents with permanent disabilities are eligible for a Disabled Hunter Permit. They’re also eligible for a reduced-fee license.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Washington for a minimum of 30 days can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Veterans with a 30% disability qualify for a reduced-fee hunting license.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Washington Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Washington hunting licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
