Washington Administrative Code › Title 220 - Fish and Wildlife, Department of › WILDLIFE › Chapter 220-415 - Wildlife-Hunting-Big game › Section 220-415-050 - 2024-2026 Elk general seasons and definitions

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
It is unlawful to fail to comply with bag, possession, and
				  season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under
				  RCW  77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game-Penalty.
Bag Limit:
One elk per hunter during the license
				  year, except where otherwise permitted by department rule. Any combination of
				  seasons, tags, and permits set by the department will not exceed a maximum of
				  two elk per hunter during the license year.
Hunting Method:
Elk hunters must select only one
				  of the hunting methods: Modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader.
Elk Tag Areas:
Elk hunters must choose either
				  Eastern or Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for that
				  area.
Any Bull Elk Seasons:
Open only to the taking of
				  elk with visible antlers; bull calves are illegal.
Antler Point:
To qualify as an antler point, the
				  point must be at least one inch long, measured on the longest side.
Branch:
A branch is defined as any projection
				  off the main antler beam that is at least one inch long, measured on the
				  longest side, and longer than it is wide.
Spike Bull Antler Restrictions:
Bull elk taken
				  in spike-only game management units (GMUs) must have at least one antler with
				  no branches originating more than four inches from where the antler attaches to
				  the skull.
True Spike Bull Antler Restrictions:
Neither
				  antler of bull elk taken can have branching originating more than four inches
				  from where the antlers attach to the skull. Under the true-spike restriction,
				  taking an elk that has two points on one side or antler points within one inch
				  of the definitions regarding length of point, or point of origination, is an
				  infraction under RCW  77.15.160. All other types of violations of the true-spike
				  restriction are subject to current penalties and assessments under RCW
				   77.15.410 and 77.15.420.
3-point Antler Restrictions:
Legal bull elk must
				  have at least three antler points on one side. Eye guards are antler points
				  when they are at least one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters
				  during any open season.
Permit-only Units:
The following GMUs are closed
				  to elk hunting during general elk seasons: 157, 418, 437, 485, 522, 556, 621,
				  636, and 653.
GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting:
490.
Elk Tag Areas
Eastern Washington:
All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs.
				  EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm Tag
				  EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Western Washington:
All 400, 500, and 600
				  GMUs.
WA - Western Washington Archery Tag
WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm Tag
WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag
Modern Firearm General Elk Seasons
License Required:
A valid big game hunting
				  license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required:
A valid modern firearm elk tag as
				  listed below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method:
May use modern firearm, bow and
				  arrow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm
				  seasons.
Hunt Area
Elk Tag Area
Game Management Units
								(GMUs)
2024 Dates
2025 Dates
2026 Dates
Legal Elk
Eastern Washington
EF
101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121,
								204
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3
Oct. 25 - Nov. 2
Oct. 31 - Nov. 8
Any bull
145 through 154, 162 through 186, 249, 336 through
								368
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3
Oct. 25 - Nov. 2
Oct. 31 - Nov. 8
Spike bull
251, 328, 329, 334, 335
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3
Oct. 25 - Nov. 2
Oct. 31 - Nov. 8
True spike bull
Elk Area 3722
Sept. 14-29
Sept. 13-28
Sept. 12-27
Antlerless only
124 through 142, 372, 382, 388
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3
Oct. 25 - Nov. 2
Oct. 31 - Nov. 8
Any elk
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373,
								379, 381
Oct. 26 - Nov. 15
Oct. 25 - Nov. 15
Oct. 31 - Nov. 15
Any elk
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and
								3912.
Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter
								pink.
Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025
Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026
Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027
Antlerless only
Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange
								and/or hunter pink.
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Antlerless only
Master Hunters Only: 127 through
								142
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Antlerless only
Western Washington
WF
460, 466, 448, 503, 505 through 520, 524 (except
CLOSED
in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578, 601
								through 618, 624 (except for Elk Area 6071), 627, 633, 638 (except master
								hunters only in Elk Area 6064 portion of GMU 638), 642 through 651, 652 (except
								for Elk Area 6014), 654, 658, 660, 667 through 684.
Nov. 2-13
Nov. 1-12
Nov. 7-18
3 pt. min.
501, 504, 663, Elk Areas 4601 and
								6014
Nov. 2-13
Nov. 1-12
Nov. 7-18
3 pt. min. or antlerless
407, 564, 666
Nov. 2-13
Nov. 1-12
Nov. 7-18
Any elk
454
Nov. 2-13
Nov. 1-12
Nov. 7-18
Any bull
Archery General Elk Seasons
License Required:
A valid big game hunting
				  license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required:
A valid archery elk tag as listed
				  below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method:
Bow and arrow only, as defined
				  under WAC 220-414-070.
Special Notes:
Archery tag holders can hunt
				  only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC
				  220-414-070). Archery elk hunters may apply for special bull permits. Please
				  see permit table for tag eligibility for all elk permits.
Hunt Area
Elk Tag Area
Game Management Units
								(GMUs)
2024 Dates
2025 Dates
2026 Dates
Legal Elk
Early Archery General Elk Seasons
Eastern Washington
EA
101 through 142, 204, 243, 247, 249, 250, 272, 278,
								284, 290, 373, 379, 381, 382, 388
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
Any elk
154, 162, 166, 169, 172, 175, 186, 251, 328, 329,
								336, 340, 352, 356, 364
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
Spike bull
145, 149, Elk Area 1054, 163, 178, 181, 334, 335,
								371
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
Spike bull or antlerless
Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange
								and/or hunter pink.
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Antlerless only
Western Washington
WA
407, 454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area
								6014
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
Any elk
Elk Area 4601, 501 through 505, 554, 568, 574, 578,
								Elk Area 6061, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 654, 660, 663,
								667 through 673, 681, 699
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
3 pt. min. or antlerless
448, 460, 466, 506 through 520, 524 (except
CLOSED
in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 560, 572, 601 through 618, 624
								(except for Elk Area 6071), 627, 633, 638 (except Master Hunters only in Elk
								Area 6064), 642 through 651, 658
Sept. 7-19
Sept. 6-18
Sept. 12-24
3 pt. min.
Late Archery General Elk Seasons
Eastern Washington
EA
101, 105, 108, 117, 121, 204
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Any bull
124, 127, 373, 382, 388
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Any elk
178
Nov. 20 - Dec. 8
Nov. 20 - Dec. 8
Nov. 20 - Dec. 8
Antlerless only
163
Dec. 9, 2024 - Jan.
Dec. 9, 2025 - Jan.
Dec. 9, 2026 - Jan.
Antlerless only
20, 2025
20, 2026
20, 2027
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 379,
								381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink.
Oct. 26 - Nov. 15
Oct. 25 - Nov. 15
Oct. 31 - Nov. 15
Any elk
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and
								3912.
Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter
								pink.
Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan.
20, 2025
Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026
Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027
Antlerless only
Master Hunters Only: 127 through
								142
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Antlerless only
334, 335
Nov. 27 - Dec. 8
Nov. 26 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Spike bull or antlerless
249, 251, 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, Elk Area
								3681
Nov. 27 - Dec. 8
Nov. 26 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Spike bull
Western Washington
WA
Elk Area 4601, 503, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013
								closed to antlerless), 663, 667, 672, 681, and 699. Master hunters only in Elk
								Area 6064 portion of GMU 638
Nov. 27 - Dec. 15
Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
3 pt. min. or antlerless
407
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
Any elk
454, 564, 666, Elk Area 6014
Nov. 27 - Dec. 15
Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
Any elk
448, 506, 530, 603, 612, 615, 638 (except for
								Elk
Area 6064), 648
Nov. 27 - Dec. 15
Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
3 pt. min.
Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons
License Required:
A valid big game hunting
				  license with an elk tag option.
Tag Required:
A valid muzzleloader elk tag as
				  listed below for the area hunted.
Hunting Method:
Muzzleloader, as defined under
				  WAC 220-414-060, crossbow equipment (WAC 220-414-100), or archery equipment, as
				  defined under WAC 220-414-070.
Special Notes:
Muzzleloader tag holders can only
				  hunt during the muz-zleloader seasons. Only hunters with tags identified in the
				  Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special elk permits.
Hunt Area
Elk Tag Area
Game Management Units
								(GMUs)
2024 Dates
2025 Dates
2026 Dates
Legal Elk
Early Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons
Eastern Washington
EM
101 through 121, 204, 247
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
Any bull
124 through 142, 245, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290,
								379
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
Any elk
145, 149, 154, 162, 163,
166, 172, 175, 178, 181, 249, 336 through 342, 352
								through 368
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
Spike bull
251, 328, 329, 334, 335, Elk Area
								2051
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
True spike bull
Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange
								and/or hunter pink.
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Aug. 1-31
Antlerless only
Western Washington
WM
407, 454, 564, 666, 684
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
Any elk
448, 460, 466, 506, 510, 513, 516, 520, 524 (except
CLOSED
in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 554, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578,
								602, 603, 607, 612, 615, 624 (except for Elk Area 6071), 627, 633, 638 (except
								for Elk Area 6064), 642, 648, 660, 672, 673, 681
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
3 pt. min.
501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013
								closed to antlerless), Elk Area 6014, 654, 663, 667, Elk Area
								4601
Oct. 5-11
Oct. 4-10
Oct. 3-9
3 pt. min. or antlerless
Late Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons
Eastern Washington
EM
130 through 142
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
Any elk
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373,
								379, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink.
Oct. 26 - Nov. 15
Oct. 25 - Nov. 15
Oct. 31 - Nov. 15
Any elk
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and
								3912.
Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter
								pink.
Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan.
20, 2025
Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026
Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027
Antlerless only
Master Hunters Only: 127 through
								142
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Dec. 9-31
Antlerless only
Western Washington
WM
407
Dec. 16-31
Dec. 16-31
Dec. 16-31
Any elk
Elk Area 4601, 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk
								Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 667
Nov. 27 - Dec. 8
Nov. 26 - Dec. 8
Nov. 25 - Dec. 8
3 pt. min. or antlerless
454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014
Nov. 27 - Dec. 15
Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
Any elk
568, 574, 578
Nov. 27-30
Nov. 26-30
Nov. 25-30
3 pt. min.
448, 601, 618, 651, 658
Nov. 27 - Dec. 15
Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
Nov. 25 - Dec. 15
3 pt. min.