Public Hunting Land in Washington

Washington offers diverse hunting opportunities across over 19 million acres of public land, ranging from coastal lowlands to alpine wilderness. With strong populations of blacktail and mule deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl, upland birds, and more, the Evergreen State delivers high-quality access for DIY public land hunters.

Types of Public Land Available in Washington:

• Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Lands: These include wildlife areas and water access sites open to hunting with proper licenses and permits.

• National Forests: Olympic, Gifford Pinchot, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, and Okanogan-Wenatchee offer extensive access for big and small game.

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) & DNR Lands: Mixed access lands throughout eastern and central Washington.

• Private Lands Access Program: Through WDFW, many private properties are open to public hunting via Hunt by Written Permission, Feel Free to Hunt, or Register to Hunt designations.

Seasons & Access Info

Washington hunting regulations are zone-based, with general season and special permit opportunities. Many big game tags are awarded through controlled hunt draws.

Key Resources:

• Season Dates & Regulations

• Licenses & Special Permit Applications

• Hunting Access by Property Type

Pro Tip: Washington’s spring bear and fall elk permits are in high demand — apply early and explore less pressured zones east of the Cascades.

Explore Washington’s Hunting Lands

WDFW offers robust digital mapping tools and downloadable PDFs for hunters:

• GoHunt Interactive Map Viewer

• WDFW Land Access Search

• National Forest & BLM Access Resources

From Roosevelt elk on the Olympic Peninsula to sharp-tailed grouse in the Columbia Basin, Washington’s public lands provide vast opportunity for adventurous hunters.