Effective December 15, 2010, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Washington online course—the official hunter education course of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Go to the new Washington course

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Washington certification.

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.

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Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: October 29, 2010
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