Written by Brian Clintworth
Projected Application Dates & Deadlines
| Species | Date Type | Resident | Nonresid | Taghub Data Access | Deer & Elk | Application Deadline | May 20, 2026 | March 20, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw Results Available | End of June | |||
| Moose, Sheep & Goat | Application Deadline | May 20, 2026 | ||
| Draw Results Available | End of June | |||
| Multiple Season Permits | Application Deadline | March 31 | ||
| *Dates are subject to change. Please check the regulations. | ||||
Important Notes
Important Notes on Statistics
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Released 2026's Draw Deadline as May 20
1. 10 bonus pts for turning in poacher, certified hunter ed instructors can apply for special permiits in own draw before main draw.
2. Washington does not have separate draws or separate statistics for residents and nonresidents.
3. Washington is a bonus point state so more points give more random chances to draw. We think average points to draw is the best statistic to compare hunts because there is no guarantee to get drawn at any level of points.
4. There is no minimum age to apply and gain points or hunt big game. The applicant/hunter must pass a hunter ed course.
5. Elk hunters must choose the east or west side of the state when buying a general license.
6. The harvest reports are specific to hunt number but those may change from year to year, making comparisons difficult if done on your own.
7. Some hunts are for game management units, some are for deer or elk “areas” which are usually but not always private land. The main exception is in the Blue Mountains area in the SE corner of the state.
1. 10 bonus pts for turning in poacher, certified hunter ed instructors can apply for special permiits in own draw before main draw.
2. Washington does not have separate draws or separate statistics for residents and nonresidents.
3. Washington is a bonus point state so more points give more random chances to draw. We think average points to draw is the best statistic to compare hunts because there is no guarantee to get drawn at any level of points.
4. There is no minimum age to apply and gain points or hunt big game. The applicant/hunter must pass a hunter ed course.
5. Elk hunters must choose the east or west side of the state when buying a general license.
6. The harvest reports are specific to hunt number but those may change from year to year, making comparisons difficult if done on your own.
7. Some hunts are for game management units, some are for deer or elk “areas” which are usually but not always private land. The main exception is in the Blue Mountains area in the SE corner of the state.
About the Author
Brian Clintworth currently writes the MRS for Washington state. He grew up exploring the woods of Washington state and felt a deep call to be a hunter from an early age. Growing up in a non-hunting family, Brian made lots of mistakes in those early years. Eventually he put it together and has had a lifetime of amazing hunts from drawing both moose and sheep in Washington to hunting deer, elk and antelope throughout the West. He is currently pursuing a grand slam of North American deer.
Licenses Costs & Fees
| Species | Resident | Nonresident | Elk | $69.29 | $685.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Season Elk | $250.97 | $250.97 |
| Deer | $61.70 | $599.07 |
| Multiple Season Deer | $191.77 | $191.77 |
| Deer, Elk | $116.85 | $1,020.06 |
| Deer, Elk, Bear, Cougar | $163.99 | $1,321.62 |
| Bear | $32.86 | $306.10 |
| Cougar | $32.86 | $306.10 |
| Moose, Sheep, Goat Individually | $457.40 | $2,279.00 |
| Special hunt/multiple season application fee | $9.61 | $152.30 |
| Special hunt application fee - Quality | $18.72 | $152.30 |
| Prices are subject to change. Please check the regulations. | ||
Agency Information
| Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Offices | |
|---|---|
| Region 1 - Spokane | 509.892.1001 |
| Region 2 - Ephrata | 509.754.4624 |
| Wenatchee District Office | 509.662.0452 |
| Region 3 - Yakima | 509.575.2740 |
| Region 4 - Mill Creek | 425.775.1311 |
| Region 5 - Vancouver | 360.696.6211 |
| Region 6 - Montesano | 360.249.4628 |
| Hunter Education | 360.902.8111 |
| Licensing Division (24 hrs) | 360.902.2464 |
| Draw Results: 360.902.2464 | |
| Guides/Outfitters: 509.997.1080 | woga.org | |
| WA BLM Office: 509.665.2100 | |
| U.S. Forest Service | |
| Western Region 801.625.5306 | Eastern Region 303.275.5350 |
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