A Washington deer hunt can be done on a tight budget, since one over-the-counter license is all a nonresident needs to hunt a general season. Guided hunts are also reasonably priced compared with many western states. Here’s where the money goes.
License costs (2026)
These are fixed costs from WDFW. Your deer license includes your general season tag.
| Item | Nonresident | Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Deer license | $599.07 | $61.70 |
| Deer license with discounted small game | $732.66 | $92.06 |
| Deer and elk license | $1,020.06 | $116.85 |
| Special permit application (optional) | $152.30 | $9.61 |
| Second deer tag (where allowed) | $356.90 | $68.48 |
| Multi-season deer tag, if drawn | $191.77 | $191.77 |
| General season deer hunt | $599.07 | $61.70 |
Youth under 16 pay $29.82 for a deer license. A 2.9% processing fee is added to card purchases online or by phone. The discounted small game option only applies when you buy small game at the same time as your big game license.
DIY hunt: what to budget
A typical nonresident DIY deer trip:
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Deer license | about $600 |
| Travel (gas or flights, rental) | $300–$1,500 |
| Food and camp supplies for a week | $100–$300 |
| Lodging if not camping | $0–$900 |
| Private timberland access fee, where charged | Varies by landowner |
| Meat processing | $100–$250 |
| Trip total, not counting gear | about $1,100–$3,550 |
These are estimates. A High Buck wilderness hunt may need backpacking gear or a horse packer, which adds cost.
Guided hunt prices
Here are real examples from Washington outfitters’ published prices:
| Hunt type | Example price |
|---|---|
| Guided blacktail deer, camp-based | $3,400 |
| Guided blacktail deer, hotel-based | $4,000 |
| Guided mule deer with cabin lodging and meals | from $3,500 |
| Whitetail stand hunt, 6 days, lodge and meals (northeast Washington) | $4,000 |
Some of these prices were published for past seasons, so ask outfitters for current rates. Prices depend on the species, private vs. public land, the season, and how many hunters share a guide.
What’s usually NOT included in a guided hunt
- Your deer license and any special permit applications
- Travel to and from Washington
- Meat processing and shipping
- Taxidermy
- Access fees for private timberland, if needed
- Tips. Around 10% to 15% of the hunt price is common.
Ways to save
- Skip the draw. A general season tag is guaranteed and is all you need.
- Hunt whitetails in the late season. A November rut hunt in the northeast can be an efficient trip.
- Combine with elk. A deer and elk license costs less than buying both separately, and some outfitters let you hunt deer on an elk trip.
- Look for discount and last-minute hunts. See discount guided hunts.
- Go semi-guided or DIY. Browse DIY and self-guided hunts.
Compare prices
See Washington deer outfitters and what they charge
Contact outfitters directly through their Horn & Fin listings.
Related: How Washington draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Washington Deer Hunting Guide · Guided vs. DIY deer hunting · How to apply for special permits
License fees are from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for 2026. Guided hunt examples are from outfitters’ published price lists and can change at any time.