Washington’s deer seasons run from September 1 into late December. The dates you can hunt depend on your weapon, the species, and the GMU. Use these tables for the overall pattern, then check the pamphlet for your unit.
2026 Washington general deer season dates
| Season | 2026 dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early archery | September 1–25 in most units (some close September 20 or 22) | Legal deer vary by unit |
| High Buck (muzzleloader and modern firearm) | September 15–25 | Wilderness areas and Lake Chelan Recreation Area, 3 point minimum |
| Early muzzleloader | September 26 – October 4 | Most units |
| Modern firearm, blacktail | October 17 – November 1 | Western Washington, any buck in most units |
| Modern firearm, mule deer | October 17–27 | Eastern Washington, 3 point minimum |
| Modern firearm, whitetail | October 17–30 (GMUs 101–124); October 17–27 elsewhere | Any buck or 3 point minimum depending on unit |
| Youth modern firearm, whitetail | October 24–30 (GMU 124); October 24–27 (GMUs 127–142) | Youth only |
| Late modern firearm, whitetail | November 7–19 | GMUs 105–124, any buck |
| Late archery | November 10 – December 31, varies by unit | Some units only |
| Late modern firearm, blacktail | November 19–22 | Most western units, any buck |
| Late muzzleloader | November 20 – December 15, varies by unit | Some units only |
Special permit hunts have their own dates, some as late as January.
Blacktail (western Washington)
Archery (September 1–25)
Bucks are still on summer patterns, often feeding in clearcuts at first and last light. It’s warm, so get meat cooled quickly.
Muzzleloader (September 26 – October 4)
A short early window before the rifle season.
Modern firearm (October 17 – November 1)
The main season. Blacktails are hard to see in the thick western forest, and the best bucks often move only at the edges of daylight. Some western units allow any deer instead of any buck.
Late seasons (November)
A four-day late rifle hunt, November 19–22, and late archery and muzzleloader hunts in many units, during the blacktail rut. These late hunts are often the best chance at a mature buck.
Mule deer (eastern Washington)
Archery (September 1–25)
Spot-and-stalk in open country. Glass early and late, and plan your stalk around the wind.
High Buck (September 15–25)
A wilderness hunt for 3 point or better bucks in the high Cascades and other wilderness areas. Bucks are still in their summer range up high, and hunter numbers are low because you have to hike or pack in. It’s one of Washington’s best chances at a mature mule deer on a general tag.
Modern firearm (October 17–27)
Eleven days, 3 point minimum. The rut hasn’t started yet, so bucks are in their fall range. Get away from roads to find older bucks.
Late hunts
Late archery and muzzleloader hunts in some eastern units run in late November and early December, closer to the rut. Most are 3 point minimum or any deer, depending on the unit.
Whitetail (northeast Washington)
Modern firearm (October 17–30)
Any buck in GMUs 101–124. Whitetails are thick in the farm country and timber of the northeast.
Late modern firearm (November 7–19)
The best whitetail hunt in the state for many hunters. Bucks are in the rut and moving in daylight. Open in GMUs 105–124, any buck.
Late archery and muzzleloader
Additional late hunts run into December in some whitetail units, such as GMU 101 archery (November 10 – December 15).
How to pick your season
- Want a mature mule deer? The High Buck hunt, if you can backpack or pack in.
- Want a whitetail in the rut? The November 7–19 late modern firearm hunt in the northeast.
- Want a blacktail? The last week of October and the November late hunts.
- Want the longest season? Archery: September plus late seasons into December in some units.
- Going with an outfitter? Ask which species and seasons they guide, and how success compares across them.
Key license dates for 2026
- Special permit applications: April 20 – May 27 (extended from May 20)
- Results: By the end of June
- Tag exchange deadlines: Archery September 1, muzzleloader September 20, modern firearm October 10
Read our guide to Washington deer special permits
Book the right season
Find Washington deer outfitters by season
Most outfitters list which species, seasons and weapons they guide.
Related: How Washington draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Washington Deer Hunting Guide · General season deer tags · Cost of a Washington deer hunt
Season dates are for the 2026 general seasons from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dates and legal deer vary by unit. Confirm your unit in the current Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet and its corrections.