Washington’s general elk seasons are set by weapon and by side of the state. Your tag decides which ones you can hunt. Dates and legal elk vary by game management unit (GMU), so use the tables below for the general pattern and check the pamphlet for your unit.
2026 Washington general elk season dates
| Season | Eastern Washington | Western Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Early archery | September 12–24 | September 12–24 |
| Early muzzleloader | October 3–9 | October 3–9 |
| Modern firearm | October 31 – November 8 in most units; October 31 – November 15 in GMUs 203–290 area | November 7–18 |
| Late archery | Varies by unit, mostly October 31 – November 15 or November 25 – December 8 | November 25 – December 15 in open units |
| Late muzzleloader | Varies by unit, mostly October 31 – November 15 or November 25 – December 8 | November 25 – December 8 or 15 in most open units; December 16–31 in GMU 407 |
Not every unit has a late season, and some late seasons are open only to Master Hunters or for antlerless elk. Special permit hunts have their own dates.
What each season is like
Early archery (September 12–24)
Archery season falls during the rut. Bulls are bugling, and calling works. In many Eastern Washington units, archers can take a spike bull or antlerless elk, and in some units any elk. In Western Washington, most units are 3 point minimum, with some units also open to antlerless elk. It’s warm, so plan for quick meat care.
Early muzzleloader (October 3–9)
The rut is winding down, but bulls are still with cows and respond to calls at times. Seven days is short, so scout ahead. Legal elk follow the same pattern as the other seasons: spike or true spike in much of Eastern Washington, 3 point minimum in most of the west, and any bull or any elk in some units.
Eastern Washington modern firearm (October 31 – November 8 or 15)
Most units run nine days. In the Yakima, Colockum and Blue Mountains areas, the general season is spike or true spike only, so the bulls you’ll see are young. Northeast Washington units 101–121 allow any bull. Units in the 124–142 range and much of the 200 series are any elk, and the 200 series runs a week longer, to November 15.
Western Washington modern firearm (November 7–18)
Twelve days in Roosevelt elk country. Most units are 3 point minimum, and a few (such as GMUs 501, 504 and 663) also allow antlerless. GMUs 564 and 666 are any elk, and GMU 454 is any bull. Expect rain and thick cover. Elk feed in clearcuts at first and last light.
Late seasons (late November and December)
Late archery and muzzleloader seasons offer a second chance with fewer hunters. In Western Washington, many run November 25 – December 15. Snow at higher elevations can push elk lower.
Legal elk at a glance
| Area | General season legal elk (most units) |
|---|---|
| Western Washington | 3 point minimum; some units 3 point minimum or antlerless; a few any elk or any bull |
| Yakima and Blue Mountains areas | Spike bull |
| Colockum area | True spike bull |
| Northeast Washington (GMUs 101–121) | Any bull |
| GMUs 124–142 and north-central 200 series | Any elk |
How to pick your season
- Want to call in a bull? Archery in mid-September.
- First elk hunt? Archery or muzzleloader gives you the rut and fewer rifle hunters. A rifle hunt in an any-elk unit gives you more legal targets.
- Want a mature bull? Apply for quality special permits. General seasons in much of the east are spike-only.
- Want to fill the freezer? Look for antlerless or any-elk units, or apply for antlerless special permits.
- Going with an outfitter? Ask which seasons and units they have the best results in.
Key license dates for 2026
- Special permit applications: April 20 – May 27 (extended from May 20)
- Special permit results: By the end of June
- Tag exchange deadlines: Archery September 1, muzzleloader September 20, modern firearm October 10
Read our guide to Washington elk special permits
Book the right season
Find Washington outfitters by season
Most outfitters list which seasons and weapons they guide.
Related: How Washington draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Washington Elk Hunting Guide · General season elk tags · Cost of a Washington elk hunt
Season dates are for the 2026 general seasons from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dates and legal elk vary by unit. Confirm your unit in the current Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations pamphlet and its corrections.