What You Learned (cont.)

The Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet is an annual publication that gives a summary of the current Washington hunting rules and regulations. To hunt in Washington, you must:

• Have a valid hunting license. For certain species, special tags, and/or permits are also needed.
• Persons under 16 years of age do not need a state or federal migratory waterfowl stamp to hunt.
• No one under 18 years of age may possess a firearm unless he/she is hunting or trapping with a valid license.
• Other exceptions also apply.
• Complete the hunter education training program successfully if you were born after January 1, 1972. You must show your certificate to get your initial Washington hunting license.
• Notch your tag and attach it immediately after harvesting any big game animal or turkey.

When hunting, you must:

• Have a hunting license and any necessary tags.
• Contact the landowner and get permission to hunt.
• Notch the tag and attach it to the animal as soon as it is dead. Then you field dress, making sure you keep the animal clean, cool, and dry.

Licenses and tags may be purchased online or at license dealerships across Washington. If you need help to locate a store selling licenses, contact your local WDFW office.

In Washington, many activities involving hunting and wildlife are illegal. Be sure you know which actions violate the law.

Here are some of the Washington laws and regulations that apply to anyone who hunts with a rifle:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to buy a rifle from a licensed firearms dealer.
• Minors under 18 years of age may possess a firearm if they are attending a hunter safety course, are hunting or trapping with a valid license, or meet one of the other exceptions.
• Centerfire rifles used to hunt big game (except cougars) must be at least .24 caliber.
• Fully automatic firearms are illegal for hunting.

Washington has specific seasons for hunting deer, elk, goat, sheep, moose, and bear with modern firearms. Check the annual WDFW Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet for open seasons, dates, units, and requirements for special applications.

Here are some of the Washington laws and regulations that apply to anyone who hunts with a shotgun:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to buy a shotgun from a licensed firearms dealer.
• Minors under 18 years of age may possess a firearm if they are attending a hunter safety course, are hunting or trapping with a valid license, or meet one of the other exceptions.
• Shotguns used to hunt upland birds and waterfowl must not hold more than three shotshells.
• Shotguns used to hunt bear must be 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, or 20 gauge and shoot slugs or #1 or larger buckshot.
• Shotguns used to hunt elk, goats, sheep, or moose may be 10 gauge or 12 gauge if they use slugs.
• Shotguns used to hunt waterfowl must use approved non-toxic shot ammunition.

Here are some of the Washington laws and regulations that apply to handguns:

• It is illegal for a licensed dealer to sell a handgun to anyone under 21 years of age.
• Centerfire handguns used to hunt big game (except cougar) must be at least .24 caliber and have a barrel that is at least four inches long.

Here are some of the Washington laws and regulations that apply to all bowhunters:

• Bows used to hunt big game must have a draw weight of at least 40 pounds.
• Arrows used to hunt big game must be at least 20 inches long.
• Broadheads must be sharp and be at least 7/8" wide. Mechanical broadheads are legal in Washington
• Bowhunters may not shoot at wildlife from a vehicle or from across or along a public road.
• Bowhunters may not use any device attached to the bow that allows the bow to be held at full draw.
• Bowhunters may not have electrical devices attached to the bow or arrow.

Washington has specific archery seasons for hunting deer, elk, goat, sheep, moose, bear, and small game. Check the annual WDFW Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet for open seasons, dates, units, and requirements for special applications.

Wearing hunter orange saves lives. Washington requires modern firearm hunters who are hunting upland birds, deer, or elk to wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink clothing. Other hunters also must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink when hunting deer or elk during modern firearm season.