Washington · License · 2026 Edition
Washington Hunting License Cost 2026: Fees, Deer & Turkey Permits
A year costs $55.13 for residents and $252.47 for nonresidents.
Washington does not sell a bare hunting license with tags added on top — each big-game license (Deer, Elk, Deer + Elk, Deer + Elk + Bear + Cougar, etc.) already bundles the license and the corresponding transport tag(s) into one price, and a Small Game license without any big-game animal is the closest thing to a standalone base license. Prices shown are the standard resident/nonresident rate; WDFW also runs separate reduced rates for seniors (70+), youth under 16, and disabled/disabled-veteran hunters not itemized here — see the source for those. Migratory bird hunters (duck, goose, coot, snipe, dove) need a Small Game license plus a Migratory Bird Permit on top; that permit's price was not itemized in the fee schedule this project could access, so it is not listed here — check WDFW directly before waterfowl or dove hunting.
01 — Base hunting license
| Type | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game License (base) | $55.13 | Does not include any big-game tag — small game and migratory birds only (migratory birds also need a Migratory Bird Permit). |
| Deer License (incl. tag) | $61.70 | |
| Elk License (incl. tag) | $69.29 | |
| Deer + Elk License (incl. tags) | $116.85 | |
| Deer + Elk + Bear + Cougar License (incl. tags) | $133.03 | |
| Get Outdoors Package (fishing + deer, elk, bear, cougar + 2 turkey tags, migratory bird permit) | $328.54 | |
| Small Game License (base) | $252.47 | |
| Deer License (incl. tag) | $599.07 | |
| Elk License (incl. tag) | $685.60 | |
| Deer + Elk License (incl. tags) | $1020.06 | |
| Deer + Elk + Bear + Cougar License (incl. tags) | $1188.04 |
02 — Deer permits
| Permit | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Tag | $61.70 | Not sold separately — this is the tag bundled into the Deer License above, shown here so it appears alongside other species permits. |
| Deer Tag | $599.07 | Not sold separately — this is the tag bundled into the Deer License above. |
03 — Turkey permits
| Permit | Total |
|---|---|
| Turkey Tag | $21.75 |
| Additional Turkey Tag | $21.75 |
| Turkey Tag | $61.22 |
| Additional Turkey Tag | $91.58 |
04 — Hunter education
Washington requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1972 must show proof of hunter education before buying their first Washington hunting license. A one-time deferral option exists.
Washington hunter safety course — options, costs and where to register →
05 — Where to buy
Licenses and permits are sold through WDFW Licensing (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), the state's official portal.
WDFW Licensing (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov) →
Where to hunt public land in Washington — WMAs by county & access rules →
Washington hunting licenses run on an April 1 - March 31 license year, not the calendar year (per WDFW).
FAQ
Can I hunt on my own land in Washington without a license?
No — Washington requires a recreational license to hunt or take wildlife, with no landowner exception; the statute's only carve-out is for bullfrogs. A separate, narrower rule lets an owner kill wildlife that's threatening safety or property without a license, but that's damage control, not a hunting exemption.
How much is a hunting license in Washington?
A resident annual Washington hunting license costs $55.13, and the nonresident annual license costs $252.47. Species permits for deer, turkey and waterfowl are charged on top — see the tables above. Prices are set by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and were read from their own license document on Aug 12, 2026.
How much is a nonresident hunting license in Washington?
$252.47 for the annual nonresident license. Species permits come on top of the base license.
How much is a deer permit in Washington?
Deer Tag — $61.70. Deer Tag — $599.07. A deer permit is charged on top of the base hunting license.
What do I need to get a hunting license in Washington?
Washington requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. Licenses are sold through WDFW Licensing (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), the state's official portal. Washington hunting licenses run on an April 1 - March 31 license year, not the calendar year (per WDFW).
Do I need a hunter safety course to buy a Washington hunting license?
Yes, for most first-time buyers. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1972 must show proof of hunter education before buying their first Washington hunting license. A one-time deferral option exists.
Verified · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife · Last verified 2026-08-12
Publisher's note. Prices read from the WDFW license offerings document, retrieved 2026-08-12. Review due 2027-02-01. Fees are set by the state and change without notice — confirm current prices before purchase.