The ins and outs about Washington's draw system for big game hunts to help you prepare to apply. If you're considering applying in Washington, this article is for you
Washington is home to a large variety of big game species, tons of tag opportunities and lots of public lands, giving hunters some great options in the Evergreen State. While generally not known for producing trophy animals, Washington does provide a good opportunity for hunters simply looking to get out and explore new country. Still, some of the harder to draw units can produce some tremendous animals, and good bulls and bucks are taken on general tags every year. Like Oregon, Washington offers hunting opportunities for blacktail deer and Roosevelt elk as well as whitetail deer, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk and black bear. Additionally, hunters are able to apply for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Shiras moose and Rocky Mountain goat.
Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles to learn in-depth research and application tips when it comes time to apply in Washington.
Like a few other western states, Washington uses a weighted point system where points are squared. While this doesn't guarantee the highest points will receive a tag, it does give them a serious advantage. Bonus points are accumulated automatically if unsuccessful in the draw and hunters who do successfully draw a special permit will have their point level for that respective species reset to zero. When applying for deer, elk or bear, applicants must front the tag fees while tag fees are not charged for moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat unless the applicant is successful. Washington does not offer refunds for any hunting license purchases.
There are no nonresident caps or limitations. All applicants are on an equal level.
When applying as a group, you will have a group leader and group members. The group leader must submit as the group leader for the category first. Each group member must submit their application as a group member and must know the group leaders WILD ID to join as a group member. Any points that have been accrued by any party member are considered and averaged across the application. If one member of the group draws, then all members of the group draw. Be sure to apply only for hunt selections that have enough permits available to suffice the group.
The maximum party sizes in Washington are as follows:
Learn more information about hunting applications, draw systems, hunt regulations, tag allocations, and more in our State Profile sections:
Bonus points are squared for each applicant.
Residents and nonresidents have the same odds and are drawn from the same pool.
Hunters may apply for points only if they do not wish to draw a tag for the given year.
If more than one permit is drawn for the same species, a hunter may participate in both hunts, but must quit hunting immediately following the harvest of an animal. You are restricted to one animal.
Deer and elk: 8
Multi-season deer and elk: 2
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and moose: 2
