3.15 Washington Laws and Regulations for Shotguns

These rules and regulations apply to all hunters using shotguns.

• All shotguns must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches.
• Individuals wishing to buy a shotgun from a licensed firearms dealer must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minors under 18 years of age may possess a firearm if they are in attendance at a hunter safety course, are hunting or trapping under a valid license, or meet one of the other exceptions provided by law.
• Shotguns used for upland bird and waterfowl hunting must not be capable of holding more than three shotshells.
• Shotguns used for deer or bear must be 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, or 20 gauge and shoot slugs or #1 or larger buckshot.
• 10-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns using slugs may be used to hunt elk, goats, sheep, or moose.
• Shotguns used for waterfowl hunting must use approved non-toxic shot ammunition.