In Washington, a deer tag is never more than a license purchase away. General season tags are sold over the counter to residents and nonresidents, with no draw and no cap. The tag ties you to one weapon, and the unit you hunt decides which deer and which antlers are legal. Here’s how it works for 2026.
How general season deer tags work
- Buy a license, then choose your transport tag. Your deer license includes a general season tag for one hunt method.
- One weapon: archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm.
- Early and late seasons. Your tag is good in the general seasons for that weapon, including late seasons in units that have them.
- One deer. The bag limit is one deer per license year, unless you also hold a second deer tag or permit.
| 2026 deer license | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Deer license (includes general season tag) | $61.70 | $599.07 |
| Deer license with discounted small game | $92.06 | $732.66 |
| Deer and elk license | $116.85 | $1,020.06 |
| Youth (under 16) deer license | $29.82 | $29.82 |
The license year runs April 1 to March 31.
Changing your tag
You can exchange your transport tag before these 2026 deadlines:
| Weapon | Exchange deadline |
|---|---|
| Archery | September 1 |
| Muzzleloader | September 20 |
| Modern firearm | October 10 |
You can’t exchange after the season opens or after you’ve applied for a special permit (point saver applications excepted). Refunds generally aren’t given.
What you can shoot
Legal deer depend on the species and the GMU. Here’s the general pattern for the 2026 modern firearm general season:
| Area | Species | Legal deer (most units) | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington | Blacktail | Any buck; a few units allow any deer | October 17 – November 1 |
| Northeast Washington, GMUs 101–124 | Whitetail | Any buck | October 17–30 |
| GMUs 127–186 | Whitetail | 3 point minimum | October 17–27 |
| GMUs 203–284 | Whitetail | Any buck | October 17–27 |
| Eastern Washington, GMUs 101–388 | Mule deer | 3 point minimum | October 17–27 |
| Wilderness areas and Lake Chelan Recreation Area (“High Buck”) | Mule deer or blacktail, depending on area | 3 point minimum | September 15–25 |
Archery and muzzleloader seasons have their own legal deer by unit. Some are more liberal than the rifle season, allowing any deer or antlerless deer. Always check your unit.
Watch out for:
- GMU 564: Columbian white-tailed deer are protected and can’t be taken.
- Closed units: GMUs 157, 490 and 522 are closed to deer hunting.
- Permit-only units: GMUs 290, 329, 371 and 485 require a special permit.
Picking a weapon
| Archery | Muzzleloader | Modern firearm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early season (2026) | September 1–25 in most units | September 26 – October 4 | October 17–27 east; October 17 – November 1 west |
| Late season | November 10 – December 31, varies by unit | November 20 – December 15, varies by unit | November 7–19 whitetail (GMUs 105–124); November 19–22 blacktail |
| High Buck | No | Yes, September 15–25 | Yes, September 15–25 |
| Best for | Long seasons, liberal bag rules in some units | Early fall and late rut hunts | The most time in the main season |
Multi-season deer tags
A multi-season tag lets you hunt archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm general seasons with one tag. It’s awarded only by drawing, through a separate multi-season application (for 2026, December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026). If drawn, the 2026 tag costs $191.77. See how to apply.
Making a general season hunt work
- For mule deer, get high or get far. The High Buck hunt and backcountry units hold older bucks. In the October season, focus on country away from roads.
- For whitetails, hunt the late season. The northeast late whitetail hunt, November 7–19, catches the rut.
- For blacktails, hunt the rain and the edges. Clearcuts and timber edges at first and last light, and the November 19–22 late hunt.
- Know the access. Some private timberland owners limit access or charge fees.
- Wear orange. Hunter orange or fluorescent pink is required in areas open to modern firearm general deer or elk seasons.
Hunt with a local guide
Find Washington deer outfitters
Compare hunts and reviews, then contact outfitters directly.
Related: How Washington draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Washington Deer Hunting Guide · How to apply for special permits · Season dates
Rules and fees are from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for 2026. Always check the current Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet for your unit’s legal deer before you buy.