Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
WA
Deer Hunting in Washington: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Washington starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $53.82 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $599.07 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 1 – Sep 30 Archery
Draw Required? General license/tag plus special permit draw N/A for general deer license; special hunt permit applications have separate deadlines
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Washington Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Washington deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
N/A for general deer license; special hunt permit applications have separate deadlines
Archery; also check Muzzleloader.
For Washington deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer-only license includes the general deer tag; special hunt permits are a separate draw layer. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. CWD has been detected in Washington, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Washington
Washington deer access has two layers. A deer-only license includes the general deer tag and does not require a draw for open general seasons; special hunt permits are a separate limited-entry draw on top of the license. A resident deer-only license is $53.82 and a nonresident deer-only license is $599.07. CWD rules changed after detections in eastern Washington, but sampling, carcass movement, bait, and scent restrictions should be described by current WDFW GMU lists rather than as a statewide draw or statewide lockdown. Antler rules are also GMU- and species-specific, so hunters should confirm whether a mule deer, white-tailed deer, or black-tailed deer rule applies in the GMU they plan to hunt.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule DeerBlacktail Deer
SEASONS
Washington Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Washington offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Washington Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$53.82
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$599.07
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Deer-only license includes the general deer tag; special hunt permits are a separate draw layer
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Washington deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Washington license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Washington
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
WDFW-listed CWD management or response areas following eastern Washington detections
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: WDFW-listed CWD management or response areas following eastern Washington detections
Sampling, bait/scent, and carcass movement rules depend on current WDFW emergency or permanent rules for the affected GMUs.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: Usually one deer per license/tag; special permits can add limited opportunities
Antler rules vary by species and GMU; check the current WDFW pamphlet
Allowed Weapons
Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Access Planning
Access: General license/tag plus special permit draw
Deadline: N/A for general deer license; special hunt permit applications have separate deadlines
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Washington — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Washington?
It can be mandatory in WDFW-listed CWD response areas or GMUs. Check the current WDFW CWD instructions for the exact GMUs, deadline, sample type, and carcass movement rules.
Can I use bait to hunt deer in Washington?
Check the current WDFW bait and scent rules before hunting. CWD response rules can restrict bait, scents, carcass movement, and sampling in affected areas.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Washington?
No draw is required for a general deer license/tag in open general seasons. Washington's special hunt permits are the draw layer for limited-entry deer opportunities.
What deer species can I hunt in Washington?
Washington is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer and Blacktail Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, muzzleloader, bow.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Washington?
Yes, non-residents can buy a Washington deer-only license for general deer seasons. The nonresident deer-only license is $599.07; special hunt permits are separate draw applications.