OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released the latest big game hunting season and regulation information.
The 2026 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet outlines rules and regulations for big game hunters in Washington including seasons, equipment, licensing, access, and more. The regulations pamphlet is now available on WDFW’s website. An electronic version of the regulations (“eRegulations”) will be available on the vendor’s website soon, with print copies available at dealer locations across the state in May.
WDFW has also contracted with a vendor to translate the new regulations into Spanish. The translated version of the pamphlet will be made available as soon as possible.
The new regulations incorporate WDFW Director decisions on proposed hunting season rule changes for this season. WDFW Director Kelly Susewind approved all rule changes previously proposed for the 2026 – 2027 big game hunting seasons, except for a proposal about hunter education instructor incentive deer permit rules. This proposal is still under consideration as part of a supplemental rule making process, with public comment open through April 21. For more information about the rule changes, visit WDFW’s rule making webpage.
Big game hunters should remember that as of 2025, Washington has new rules to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Washington. These include rules related to transporting harvested deer, elk, and moose (cervids) in Washington, importing meat and other cervid parts into Washington, and using scent lures derived from cervid urine or glandular materials. Rule updates also prohibit feeding deer, elk, or moose statewide, including baiting while hunting. Finally, the rules include mandatory CWD testing of harvested and salvaged cervids in any WDFW region where CWD has been detected. For the latest information on CWD rules in Washington, visit WDFW’s CWD webpage.
Special hunt permits
Washington special hunt permit applications are for sale now. Beginning April 20, hunters may submit special hunt permit applications for 2026 deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and fall turkey seasons. The submission period is open through May 20.
Hunters with a special hunt permit receive the opportunity to hunt at special times or places authorized by that permit. This can often result in fewer crowds and higher success rates for hunters. Instructions and details on applying for special hunt permits are available in Washington’s big game hunting regulations pamphlet. Hunters can also learn more about special hunt permits, how the draw works, and how to apply by watching WDFW’s special hunt permit video and visiting MyWDFW.org.
Special hunt drawing results will be posted to applicants’ WILD accounts in June. Applicants with a valid email address will also receive an email alert when the results are available.
Hunters should always consult the latest hunting regulations pamphlets for rules and information about hunting in Washington. Individuals may also contact WDFW’s Wildlife Program (360-902-2515, [email protected]) or Licensing Division (360-902-2464, [email protected]).
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.