Washington 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Washington's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Nov 10, 2026 and closes Dec 15, 2026.
Spring Youth Only Wild Turkey opens Apr 1, 2027 and closes Apr 7, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Washington WDFW.
- firearm deer
- Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026
- archery deer
- Nov 10-Dec 15, 2026
- spring turkey
- Apr 1-7, 2027
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Key seasons by species
How to read Washington's seasons
Game management units and weapon choice set the rules
Washington manages deer and elk by game management unit and separates modern-firearm, muzzleloader, and archery hunters into different seasons and areas. The unit and your chosen weapon shape the practical calendar.
Confirm unit boundaries, weapon-season dates, and any special-permit hunts with the official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Washington WDFW before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in Washington
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 7 stations in Washington. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
- WA · NWR
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR
WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENING - WA · NWR
Columbia NWR
WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENINGUPLAND GAME: EXPANSION - WA · NWR
Little Pend Oreille NWR
WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: EXPANSION - WA · NWR
Ridgefield NWR
WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENING - WA · NWR
Turnbull NWR
WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENINGBIG GAME: EXPANSION - OR · WA · NWR
Umatilla NWR
Oregon / WashingtonMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: EXPANSION - WA · NWR
Willapa NWR
WashingtonUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: EXPANSION
Deer
114 listed rowsBlack-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
Any deer. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 564a*, 655 and Deer Area 6020
Black-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Any buck. Modern Firearm General Deer Season.
Zone: GMUs 407, 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 454, 460, 466, 501-505, 506ad, 510-520, 524, 530ad, 550-560, 568, 572, 574, 601-621, 624 (except Deer Area 6020), 627-654, 658-699d
Black-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
Any buck. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 407, 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 454, 460, 466, 501-505, 506ad, 510-520, 524, 530ad, 550-560, 568, 572, 574, 601-621, 624 (except Deer Area 6020), 627-654, 658-699d
Black-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Any deer. Modern Firearm General Deer Season.
Zone: GMUs 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 564a*, 655 and Deer Area 6020
Black-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
3 pt. min. Modern Firearm General Deer Season.
Zone: GMU 578d
Black-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
3 pt. min. Legal deer.
Zone: GMU 578d
Mule Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
3 pt. min. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 101-145, 149d, 154, 162-186, 203-272, 278d, 284, 328, 330-368, 372*, 373d, 379d, 381, 382*, 388
Mule Deer
Regular Firearm
3 pt. min. Modern Firearm General Deer Season.
Zone: GMUs 101-145, 149d, 154, 162-186, 203-272, 278d, 284, 328, 330-368, 372*, 373d, 379d, 381, 382*, 388
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
Any buck. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 203-284
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
Any buck. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
3 pt. min. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 127-145, 149d, 154, 162-186
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - General Season
Any deer. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 373d, 379d, 381
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 203-284Any buck. Modern Firearm General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 127-145, 149d, 154, 162-1863 pt. min. Modern Firearm General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124Any buck. Modern Firearm General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 373d, 379d, 381Any deer. Modern Firearm General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth · GMUs 127-1423 pt. min. or antlerless. Youth General Season - Modern Firearm. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth · GMU 124Any deer. Youth General Season - Modern Firearm. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Firearm - Youth General Season · GMU 124Any deer. Legal deer. Youth season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Firearm - Youth General Season · GMUs 127-1423 pt. min. or antlerless. Legal deer. Youth season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124Any buck. Late General Season - Modern Firearm. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Firearm - Late General Season · GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124Any buck. Legal deer. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMU 101Any buck. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMU 101Any buck. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 407, 454, 466, 501-505, 506ad, 510-520, 524, 530ad, 550-560, 568, 572, 601-621, 624 (except Deer Area 6020), 627-654, 658-684, 699dAny buck. Late General Season - Modern Firearm. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerModern Firearm - Late General Season · GMUs 407, 454, 466, 501-505, 506ad, 510-520, 524, 530ad, 550-560, 568, 572, 601-621, 624 (except Deer Area 6020), 627-654, 658-684, 699dAny buck. Legal deer. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerModern Firearm - Late General Season · GMUs 410-417, 419-424, 564a*, 655, Deer Area 6020Any deer. Legal deer. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerRegular Firearm · GMUs 410-417, 419-424, 564a*, 655, Deer Area 6020Any deer. Late General Season - Modern Firearm. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery · GMUs 145, 163, 178, 272, 2783 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerMuzzleloader · GMU 382*3 pt. min. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMU 373d, Deer Area 33723 pt. min. or antlerless. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMU 382*3 pt. min. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery · GMUs 373d, Deer Area 33723 pt. min. or antlerless. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 145, 163, 178, 272, 2783 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 172, 1813 pt. min. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 145, 163, 178, 272, 278d3 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 145, 163, 178, 272, 278d3 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 172, 1813 pt. min. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMU 373dAny deer. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMU 373dAny deer. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery · GMUs 209, 215, 233, 243, 2503 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 209, 215, 233, 243, 2503 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 448, 460, 501, 602, 621, 651, 658, 673Any buck. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 437, 466, 510-520, 524Any deer. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 454, 504, 564a*, 633, 654, 666, 667, 684dAny deer. h = Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. Muzzleloader only. Overlaps late archery deer. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 448, 460, 501, 602, 621, 651, 658, 673Any buck. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 454, 504, 564a*, 633, 654, 666, 667, and 684dAny deer. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 454, 505, 564a*, 624, 627, 636, 648, 652, 654, 655, 660-672Any deer. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 454, 505, 564a*, 624, 627, 636, 648, 652, 654, 655, 660-672Any deer. h = Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 437, 466, 510-520, 524Any deer. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 448, 460, 506ad, 530ad, 560, 572, 601, 603-618, 638, 642, 681, 699dAny buck. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 448, 460, 506ad, 530ad, 560, 572, 601, 603-618, 638, 642, 681, 699dAny buck. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery · GMUs 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, 388, Deer Area 36823 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 379d, 3813 pt. min. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 379d, 3813 pt. min. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, 388, Deer Area 36823 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 130, 133, 136, 139, 1423 pt. min. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 105, 108, 117d, 121, 124Any buck. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 204, 209, 215, 233, 243Any deer. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 379d, 381Any deer. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming |
Showing 60 of 114 listed deer rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 114 Washington deer seasons →
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall General Season
2 beardless and 2 either sex turkeys in GMUs 101-154 and 162-186. Requires small game license and valid turkey transport tag. Reporting required.
Zone: GMUs 101-154, 162-186
Wild Turkey
Fall General Season
Statewide seasonal bag limit 4. Requires small game license and valid turkey transport tag.
Zone: GMUs 382, 388, 568-578
Wild Turkey
Fall General Season
Statewide seasonal bag limit 4. Requires small game license and valid turkey transport tag.
Zone: GMUs 203-290
Wild Turkey
Special Permit
Hunt Choice 3001. 50 permits. 2025 apps/avg points: 1060/4. Either sex. Requires small game license, valid turkey tag, and valid special permit.
Zone: GMU 335 (Teanaway)
Wild Turkey
Spring Youth Only
Area restrictions apply: Klickitat 2, Spokane 3, remainder Eastern WA 2 (only 1 in Kittitas or Yakima), Western WA 1. Except GMU 157 and restricted areas.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General Season
Area restrictions apply: Klickitat 2, Spokane 3, remainder Eastern WA 2 (only 1 in Kittitas or Yakima), Western WA 1. Except GMU 157 and restricted areas.
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
30 listed rowsCoot
Regular Season
Season open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Duck
Regular Season
Scaup season closed Oct. 17 - Nov. 6. Daily bag: not more than 2 hen mallard, 3 pintail, 2 scaup, 2 canvasback, 2 redhead statewide; not more than 3 scoter, 2 long-tailed duck, 3 goldeneye in western WA. Season open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Goose - GMA 1 (Canada & White-fronted)
Regular Season
Regular season Oct. 17 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 12 - Jan. 31. Snow goose authorization reporting required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20.
Zone: Goose Management Area 1
Goose - GMA 2 Coast
Regular Season
Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Dusky Canada goose closed Oct-March. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20. NWRs and WDFW Wildlife Areas closed during Feb-March dates.
Zone: GMA 2 - Coast (Pacific County and Grays Harbor west of Hwy 101)
Goose - GMA 2 Inland
Regular Season
Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Oct. 17 - Nov. 1, Nov. 25 - Jan. 10, and Feb. 7-15. Ridgefield NWR: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays Oct. 17 - Nov. 1 and Nov. 25 - Jan. 10. Dusky Canada goose closed. NWRs and WDFW Wildlife Areas closed Feb. 7-15 except Youth/Vet/Military special hunt. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20.
Zone: GMA 2 - Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Grays Harbor east of Hwy 101)
Goose - GMA 3
Regular Season
Season Oct. 17-25 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Goose Management Area 3
Goose - GMA 4 (Canada, White-fronted & White)
Regular Season
Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only except every day Jan. 25-31 and additional hunt days listed. White goose closed Nov. 30 - Dec. 22.
Zone: Goose Management Area 4
Goose - GMA 5
Regular Season
Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Goose Management Area 5
Goose - GMA 4 (Canada & White-fronted only)
Regular Season - White Goose Closure Period
White Goose Closure Nov. 30 - Dec. 22. Canada & white-fronted only during this period. Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only.
Zone: Goose Management Area 4
Brant
Regular Season
Selected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15.
Zone: Pacific County
Brant
Regular Season
Selected dates: Jan. 23, 27, and 30. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15.
Zone: Clallam & Whatcom Counties
Brant
Youth, Veterans & Active Military
Skagit County status determined by aerial survey results.
Zone: Clallam, Pacific, Whatcom (Skagit TBD)
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BrantRegular Season · Skagit CountySeason dates to be determined by aerial survey results. Season updates via WDFW news release. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | dates not listed | Closed |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Area 2Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. Pacific County daily bag/possession 15/45. | Closed | |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Areas 1 & 3Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. | Closed | |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Areas 4 & 5Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. | Closed | |
| CootYouth Only · Western WashingtonYouth Only. | Closed | |
| CootYouth Only · Eastern WashingtonYouth Only. | Closed | |
| CootYouth, Veterans & Active Military · StatewideVeterans and Active Military hunt. | Upcoming | |
| DuckYouth Only · Western WashingtonYouth Only. Does not include White Geese, Brant or Snipe. Daily bag limit same as possession limit on youth dates. | Closed | |
| DuckYouth Only · Eastern WashingtonYouth Only. Does not include White Geese, Brant or Snipe. | Closed | |
| DuckYouth, Veterans & Active Military · StatewideVeterans and Active Military hunt. Statewide. | Upcoming | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth Only · Goose Management Areas 1, 2 & 3 (Western Washington)Canada and white-fronted goose only. Does not include white geese. | Closed | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth Only · Goose Management Areas 4 & 5 (Eastern Washington)Canada and White-fronted Goose only. Does not include white geese. | Closed | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth, Veterans & Active Military · GMA 2 | Upcoming | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth, Veterans & Active Military · GMAs 1 & 3 | Upcoming | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth, Veterans & Active Military · Statewide (Eastern WA) | Upcoming | |
| Harlequin DuckPermit Only · StatewideClosed to harvest statewide except for 52 permits. Application period July 1 - August 14. Must have small game license, migratory bird permit, and migratory bird authorization. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | dates not listed | Closed |
| White Goose (GMA 4)Late Season · Goose Management Area 4White goose only during late season. | Upcoming | |
| White Goose (Snow/Ross'/Blue phase)Late Season · Goose Management Area 1White goose only during late season. Certain WDFW lands closed to goose hunting during February dates in GMA 1. | Upcoming |
Dove
Mourning Dove
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
8am to 4pm.
Zone: Western Washington
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
Zone: Eastern Washington
Ring-necked Pheasant
Extended Season
8am to 4pm. No pheasants released during extended season. Only at listed sites.
Zone: Western Washington - Belfair, JBLM, Kosmos, Lincoln Creek, Scatter Creek, Skookumchuck, Green Diamond resource lands & Whidbey Island release sites only
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Only
Youth Only.
Zone: Eastern Washington
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Only
8am to 4pm. Youth only.
Zone: Western Washington
Ring-necked Pheasant
Senior/Disability Season
Hunters 65 years or older, hunters with disabilities.
Zone: Eastern Washington
Ring-necked Pheasant
Senior/Disability Season
8am to 4pm. Hunters 65 years or older, hunters with disabilities.
Zone: Western Washington
Quail
California (Valley) Quail and Northern Bobwhite
Regular Season
8am to 4pm.
Zone: Western Washington
California (Valley) Quail and Northern Bobwhite
Regular Season
Zone: Eastern Washington
Mountain Quail
Regular Season
8am to 4pm. Closed throughout Eastern Washington.
Zone: Western Washington
California (Valley) Quail and Northern Bobwhite
Youth Only
Youth Only.
Zone: Eastern Washington
Grouse
Forest Grouse (Ruffed, Sooty, Dusky, Spruce)
Regular Season
Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse and Ptarmigan closed statewide.
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare
Regular Season
Jackrabbit, Pygmy Rabbit, Lynx & Fisher closed statewide.
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Bobcat
Regular Season
Pelt sealing required. Lower jaw submission required. Cannot be hunted with dogs. Night hunting prohibited in specified GMUs. Pelt sealing and harvest report due April 20, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Fox
Regular Season
CLOSED within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Gifford Pinchot National Forests.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Regular Season
Dogs may be used except during October/November modern firearm deer and elk general seasons.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Snipe
Regular Season
Season open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Band-tailed Pigeon
Regular Season
Authorization and harvest record card required. Mandatory harvest report due September 30.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
Regular Season
Cannot be hunted with dogs. Small game or big game hunting license required.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Bird Dog Training
Training Season
Small game license required to train dogs on wild game birds. Western WA pheasant license required for pheasants in western WA. Exceptions allow year-round training on designated portions of certain areas.
Zone: Statewide
Chukar
Regular Season
Zone: Eastern Washington
Crow
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Gray Partridge
Regular Season
Zone: Eastern Washington
Chukar
Youth Only
Youth Only.
Zone: Eastern Washington
Gray Partridge
Youth Only
Youth Only.
Zone: Eastern Washington
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Washington Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Washington?
October 17, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Washington; it is modern firearm - general season black-tailed deer Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026.
When is Washington's firearm deer season?
Oct 17-Nov 1, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Washington. Check zone and permit details with Washington WDFW before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Washington?
April 1, 2027 is the first listed spring turkey opener for Washington; the listed window is Apr 1-7, 2027.
Do I need a license to hunt in Washington?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Washington hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Washington WDFW.
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