Washington 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Washington's 2026-27 firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 19, 2026.
Archery deer season opens September 1, 2026 in every zone and closes between September 22, 2026 and September 25, 2026 depending on zone.
Fall turkey season runs Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Washington WDFW.
- firearm deer
- opens Oct 17-Nov 7, 2026 by zone
- archery deer
- Sep 1-22, 2026; later in some zones
- fall turkey
- Sep 1-Dec 31, 2026
Free Washington wallpaper
Washington 2026-27
Save to Photos → set as your lock screen. See all 50 states →
Get Washington’s dates + next season’s wallpaper in your inbox
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 rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Any buck. Late General Season - Modern Firearm.
Zone: GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124
White-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - Late General Season
Any buck. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 124
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Any buck. Late Archery General Deer Season.
Zone: GMU 101
White-tailed Deer
Archery - Late General Season
Any buck. Archery only.
Zone: GMU 101
Black-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Any buck. Late General Season - Modern Firearm.
Zone: 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, 699d
Black-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - Late General Season
Any buck. Legal deer.
Zone: 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, 699d
Black-tailed Deer
Modern Firearm - Late General Season
Any deer. Legal deer.
Zone: GMUs 410-417, 419-424, 564a*, 655, Deer Area 6020
Black-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Any deer. Late General Season - Modern Firearm.
Zone: GMUs 410-417, 419-424, 564a*, 655, Deer Area 6020
Mule Deer
Archery
3 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season.
Zone: GMUs 145, 163, 178, 272, 278
Mule Deer
Muzzleloader
3 pt. min. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season.
Zone: GMU 382*
Mule Deer
Archery - Late General Season
3 pt. min. or antlerless. Archery only.
Zone: GMU 373d, Deer Area 3372
Mule Deer
Muzzleloader - Late General Season
3 pt. min. Muzzleloader only.
Zone: GMU 382*
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 105, 108, 117d, 121, 124Any buck. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMU 1273 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · GMU 1273 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMUs 204, 209, 215, 233, 243Any deer. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMUs 379d, 381Any deer. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMU 113Any buck. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader · GMU 113Any buck. Late Muzzleloader General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Late General Season · GMUs 130, 133, 136, 139, 1423 pt. min. Muzzleloader only. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery - Late General Season · GMU 382*3 pt. min. Archery only. | Upcoming | |
| Mule DeerArchery · GMU 382*3 pt. min. Late Archery General Deer Season. | Upcoming | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Early General Season · GMUs 460, 503, 574, 601-618, 638, 642, 653, 681, 699dAny buck. Archery only. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 426, 437, 448, 450, 454, 466, 501, 504, 505, 554, 564a*, 568, 621-636, 648-652, 654-673, 684dAny deer. Early Archery General Deer Season. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Early General Season · GMU 578d3 pt. min. Archery only. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMU 578d3 pt. min. Early Archery General Deer Season. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Early General Season · GMUs 510, 513, 516, 520, 524, 530ad, 556Any deer. Archery only. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 460, 503, 574, 601-618, 638, 642, 653, 681 and 699dAny buck. Early Archery General Deer Season. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Early General Season · GMUs 407, 410, 411h, 412h, 413h, 414h, 415h, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420h, 421, 422h, 423, 424, 426, 437, 448, 450, 454, 466, 501, 504, 505, 554, 564a*, 568, 621-636, 648-652, 654-673, 684dAny deer. h = Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. Archery only. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery - Early General Season · GMUs 506ad, 550, 560, 572Any buck. Archery only. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 510, 513, 516, 520, 524, 530ad, 556Any deer. Early Archery General Deer Season. | Closed | |
| Black-tailed DeerArchery · GMUs 506ad, 550, 560, 572Any buck. Early Archery General Deer Season. | Closed |
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
Bear
14 listed rowsBlack Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 7 South Cascades East: GMUs 336, 340, 342, 346, 352, 356, 360, 364, 368, 382, 388, 578
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Mandatory bear identification test required in GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121.
Zone: BBMU 1 Northeast: GMUs 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121, 124
Black Bear
Fall General Season
A special deer or elk permit in GMU 485 is required to hunt bear in GMU 485.
Zone: BBMU 9 South Cascades West: GMUs 466, 485, 503, 510, 513, 516, 560, 568, 572, 574, 653, 654
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 13 Olympic Peninsula West: GMUs 601, 602, 612, 615, 642, 648, 651
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Mandatory bear identification test required in GMUs 418, 426, 437, 450.
Zone: BBMU 8 North Cascades West: GMUs 418, 426, 437, 448, 450, 460
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 2 Columbia Basin: GMUs 127, 130, 133, 136, 139, 142, 248, 254, 260, 262, 266, 269, 272, 278, 284, 290, 371, 372, 373, 379, 381
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 3 Southeast: GMUs 145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 169, 172, 175, 178, 181, 186
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 12 Olympic Peninsula East: GMUs 603, 607, 618, 621, 636, 638
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Mandatory bear identification test required in GMU 244.
Zone: BBMU 6 Central Cascades East: GMUs 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 328, 329, 330, 334, 335
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 10 Urban: GMUs 407, 454, 504, 564, 624, 627, 633, 652, 666, 684
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Zone: BBMU 11 Mount St. Helens: GMUs 505, 520, 524, 550, 554, 556, 667
Black Bear
Fall General Season
Mandatory bear identification test required in GMUs 101 and 204.
Zone: BBMU 4 Okanogan Highlands: GMUs 101, 204
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Black BearFall General Season · BBMU 5 Okanogan: GMUs 203, 209, 215, 218, 224, 231, 233, 239, 242, 243Mandatory bear identification test required in GMUs 203, 209, 215, 218, 224, 231, 242, 243. | Open | |
| Black BearFall General Season · BBMU 14 Willapa Hills: GMUs 501, 506, 530, 658, 660, 663, 672, 673, 681, 699 | Open |
Waterfowl
50 listed rowsCoot
Regular Season - Second Segment
Season open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Duck
Regular Season - Second Segment
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 - First Segment
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 - First Segment
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 4 (Canada, White-fronted & White)
Regular Season - First Segment
Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Additional hunt days: Nov. 26 & 27. White goose closed Nov. 30 - Dec. 22.
Zone: Goose Management Area 4
Goose - GMA 3
Regular Season - Second Segment
Season Oct. 17-25 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Goose Management Area 3
Goose - GMA 5
Regular Season - Second Segment
Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Goose Management Area 5
Goose - GMA 2 Inland
Regular Season - Second Segment
Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Dusky Canada goose closed. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20.
Zone: GMA 2 - Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Grays Harbor east of Hwy 101), except Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Goose - GMA 2 Inland
Regular Season - Second Segment
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays only. Dusky Canada goose closed. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20.
Zone: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
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
Goose - GMA 1 (Canada & White-fronted)
Regular Season - Second Segment
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 - Second Segment
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)
| 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 |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Clallam & Whatcom CountiesSelected dates: Jan. 23, 27, and 30. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Clallam & Whatcom CountiesSelected dates: Jan. 23, 27, and 30. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Pacific CountySelected dates only: Jan. 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular Season · Clallam & Whatcom CountiesSelected dates: Jan. 23, 27, and 30. Mandatory harvest report due Feb. 15. | Upcoming | |
| BrantYouth, Veterans & Active Military · Clallam, Pacific, Whatcom (Skagit TBD)Skagit County status determined by aerial survey results. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Areas 4 & 5Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. | Closed | |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Areas 1 & 3Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. | Closed | |
| Canada GooseSeptember Season · Goose Management Area 2Canada geese only for bag/possession limits. Pacific County daily bag/possession 15/45. | Closed | |
| CootYouth Only · Western WashingtonYouth Only. | Closed | |
| CootYouth Only · Eastern WashingtonYouth Only. | Closed | |
| CootRegular Season - First Segment · StatewideSeason open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31. | 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 | |
| DuckRegular Season - First Segment · StatewideScaup 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. | Closed | |
| DuckYouth, Veterans & Active Military · StatewideVeterans and Active Military hunt. Statewide. | Upcoming | |
| Goose - GMA 2 InlandRegular Season - First Segment · Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeTuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays only. Dusky Canada goose closed. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20. | Closed | |
| Goose - GMA 2 InlandRegular Season - First Segment · GMA 2 - Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Grays Harbor east of Hwy 101), except Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeSaturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Dusky Canada goose closed. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20. | Closed | |
| Goose - GMA 2 InlandRegular Season - Third Segment · GMA 2 - Inland (Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Grays Harbor east of Hwy 101), except Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeSaturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. During Feb. 7-15, National Wildlife Refuges and WDFW Wildlife Areas are closed to goose hunting in this management area. Dusky Canada goose closed. Authorization required. Mandatory harvest report due March 20. | Upcoming | |
| Goose - GMA 3Regular Season - First Segment · Goose Management Area 3Season Oct. 17-25 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31. | Closed | |
| Goose - GMA 4 (Canada, White-fronted & White)Regular Season - Second Segment · Goose Management Area 4Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays only. Additional hunt days: Dec. 24, 25, 28, and 29; Jan. 1 & 18. | Upcoming | |
| Goose - GMA 4 (Canada, White-fronted & White)Regular Season - Every Day · Goose Management Area 4Every day Jan. 25-31. | Upcoming | |
| Goose - GMA 5Regular Season - First Segment · Goose Management Area 5Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 and Nov. 7 - Jan. 31. | Closed | |
| 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 · Statewide (Eastern WA) | Upcoming | |
| Goose (except Brant)Youth, Veterans & Active Military · GMAs 1 & 3 | 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 - Second Segment
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
Snipe
Regular Season - First Segment
Season open Oct. 17-25 and Oct. 28 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Mountain Lion
Cougar
General Season
Open Sept. 1-March 31 or when the cap is reached, whichever occurs first. Hunters must call the Cougar Hotline at 1-866-364-4868 or visit the WDFW website to check if Cougar Hunt Areas are open or closed. Hunt area closures are updated weekly on Thursdays before sunrise. A special permit to hunt deer or elk in GMU 485 is required to hunt cougar in GMU 485.
Zone: Statewide by Cougar Hunt Management Unit
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
The Friday Hunting Briefing.
Gear deals worth grabbing, the week's hunting news, and field-tested picks — curated every Friday by a hunter, for hunters. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
🎯 While you wait for opening day
Practice in Hunting Homestead
Build a property, plant food plots, and take shots with real ballistics in our free browser game. No download — season's always open.
Washington Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Washington?
Archery deer season opens September 1, 2026 in every zone and closes between September 22, 2026 and September 25, 2026 depending on zone. Firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 19, 2026. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Washington WDFW.
When is Washington's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 7, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes November 19, 2026. Check zone and permit details with Washington WDFW before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Washington?
Spring turkey season runs Apr 15-May 31, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
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.
Explore more hunting seasons
Nearby states