Who Can Hunt in Washington?

These regulations are from the May 2009 Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet. However, these rules or parts of these rules may change from year to year. Check the current hunting pamphlet before you hunt to be sure that you know the current rules and regulations. It is your responsibility to know and obey all rules and regulations.

• Anyone can hunt if they have a valid hunting license. Special tags, permits, and/or stamps are needed to hunt deer, elk, bears, mountain goats, moose, sheep, waterfowl, upland birds, turkeys, and cougars. 
• Everybody born after January 1, 1972, must complete the hunter education training program successfully before buying a hunting license. If you were born after January 1, 1972, you must show your hunter education certificate before you may buy a hunting license. A deferral option is now available.

Juvenile Hunters

Everyone, regardless of age, must have all required licenses, tags, stamps and/or permits to hunt wild animals and wild birds.

• Juveniles under 16 years of age do not need a state or a federal migratory waterfowl stamp to hunt.
• No minor under 18 years of age may possess a firearm unless he/she is hunting or trapping under a valid license.
• Other exceptions apply; please consult RCW 9.41.042, RCW 77.32.155, and RCW 77.15.