Surplus multi-season elk tags available Aug. 25; multi-season deer tags available Aug. 27

OLYMPIA – Deer and elk hunters who bought a Washington multi-season application this year will have a chance to buy one of 3,137 remaining multi-season deer tags and 187 remaining multi-season elk tags in August.

Remaining multi-season elk tags will go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 25 and will be sold first come, first served. Surplus multi-season elk tags will only be available in-person at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) offices and authorized license dealers.

Remaining multi-season deer tags will go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 and will be sold first come, first served. Surplus multi-season deer tags may be purchased online, over the phone (360-902-2464), or in-person at a WDFW office or authorized license dealer.

“We recommend all Washington hunters select the ‘Find a dealer location’ button on the online licensing system login page to double-check the current list of authorized license dealers before these surplus multi-season tags go on sale, especially if you intend to buy a multi-season elk tag in person. Your nearest license dealer location may have changed compared to last year,” said Jennine Griffo, WDFW licensing division manager.

There is no deadline to purchase surplus multi-season tags, but multi-season elk tags typically sell out quickly. Multi-season deer tags will remain available to purchase until sold out or until most 2026 Washington deer seasons end, whichever comes first.

Hunters who want to buy a multi-season tag must have purchased a 2026 multi-season application earlier this year. Hunters who already have a physical 2026 general season transport tag must discard it after purchasing a multi-season tag. A general season tag is no longer valid for someone holding a multi-season tag. Unlike in years past, WDFW is not asking multi-season hunters to return their physical general season tag(s) to a WDFW office or license dealer location.

“If you’re a mobile licensing customer who already has a general season tag, you don’t need to take any action after buying a multi-season tag. Your mobile general season transport tag(s) is no longer valid after purchasing your mobile multi-season tag(s),” Griffo explained.

Multi-season deer tags cost $191.77 and multi-season elk tags cost $250.97. Tag costs are the same for residents and non-residents. Hunters with multi-season tags can hunt all three weapon choices (modern firearm, muzzleloader, and archery), season permitting. Learn more about Washington multi-season hunting opportunities on WDFW’s website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.