Washington Hunting License - Steps to Buy in WA

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Washington hunting license:


WA Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for use in Washington for WA residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Washington), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your WA Hunting License

Washington offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Washington residents and non-residents under the age of 16 must have a hunting license. They are eligible for reduced-fee licenses. Additional licenses may be required.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Washington for at least 90 days. All Washington residents must have a resident hunting or fishing license.

  • Small Game License – Required for Washington residents aged 16 and older to hunt small game species, including upland birds and waterfowl.
  • Big Game License – Required to hunt big game species such as deer, elk, bear, and cougar; species-specific tags are also necessary.
  • Combination License – Includes both small game and big game hunting privileges; tags for individual species must be purchased separately.
  • Western Washington Pheasant License – Required in addition to a small game license to hunt pheasants in Western Washington, in accordance with Washington regulations.
  • 3-Day Small Game License – Allows residents to hunt small game for three consecutive days; not valid for big game hunting.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting or fishing license.

  • Small Game License – Required for non-residents aged 16 and older to hunt small game species, including upland birds and waterfowl.
  • Big Game License – Required to hunt big game species such as deer, elk, bear, and cougar; species-specific tags are also necessary.
  • Combination License – Includes both small game and big game hunting privileges; tags for individual species must be purchased separately.
  • Western Washington Pheasant License – Required in addition to a small game license to hunt pheasants in Western Washington.
  • 3-Day Small Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt small game for three consecutive days; not valid for big game hunting.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Hunting License – Available for residents and non-residents under age 16; allows hunting of small game species.
  • Youth Big Game License – Allows youth hunters to hunt big game species; species-specific tags are also necessary.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – All hunters born after January 1, 1972, must complete a state-approved hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license.
  • Hunter Education Deferral – A one-time deferral of the hunter education requirement is available for hunters aged 10 and older who are accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Hunting License – Washington does not offer reduced-fee hunting licenses for senior citizens; standard resident license fees apply.

Lifetime Licenses

  • Lifetime Hunting License – Washington does not offer lifetime hunting licenses; all licenses are issued on an annual basis.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Veteran License – Available to resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30%; provides reduced-fee hunting licenses.
  • Disabled Hunter Permit – Allows hunters with permanent disabilities to use modified hunting methods or equipment; requires application and physician certification.
  • Military Exemption – Active-duty military members stationed in Washington may purchase resident hunting licenses regardless of residency status.
  • National and State Guard License – Members of the Washington National or State Guard may be eligible for a free annual licensing package that includes a big game license and a small game license with a migratory bird permit.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer Tag – Required in addition to a big game license to hunt deer.
  • Elk Tag – Required in addition to a big game license to hunt elk.
  • Bear Tag – Required in addition to a big game license to hunt black bears.
  • Cougar Tag – Required in addition to a big game license to hunt cougars.
  • Turkey Tag – Required to hunt turkeys; additional tags may be purchased for multiple birds.
  • Migratory Bird Permit – Required to hunt migratory birds, including ducks, geese, doves, and coots; hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp.
  • Western Washington Pheasant License – Required to hunt pheasants in Western Washington; must be purchased in addition to a small game license.
  • Special Hunt Permit – Required for participation in special permit hunts for species such as moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats; available through a lottery system.

WA Hunting licenses are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.


Where to buy your Washington Hunting License

To hunt in Washington State, you can purchase your license either online through the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's (WDFW) licensing platform or in person through a licensed agent. A comprehensive list of authorized in-person license agents is available here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in Washington State: