Elk General Seasons
If you hunt or salvage deer, elk, or moose in any WDFW management region where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected, you must submit a sample of the animal for testing and adhere to new transport rules.

Photo Credit: Don Ashmore
Significant changes are red.
NEW TRANSPORT RULES: Importation Rules for Region 1 and Out-of-State Hunters
If you hunt or salvage deer, elk, or moose within the 100 series GMUs in WDFW’s Region 1, there are rules (WAC 220-413-030) regulating how you can transport your harvest within the state.
These rules also apply to deer, elk, moose, or caribou harvested or salvaged outside of Washington. You cannot bring whole carcasses into Washington. For more information on transport rules, see Washington Carcass Transportation Restrictions.
Modern Firearm General Elk Seasons |
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Elk Tag Area |
2025 Dates |
Game Management Units (GMUs) |
Legal Elk |
Eastern Washington |
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Modern Firearm |
Aug. 1, 2025-Jan. 20, 2026 |
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
Sept. 13-28 |
Elk Area 3722* |
Antlerless only |
|
Oct. 25-Nov. 2 |
101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117d, 121, 204 |
Any bull |
|
Oct. 25-Nov. 2 |
145, 149d, 154, 162 through 186, 249, 336 through 368 |
Spike bull |
|
Oct. 25-Nov. 2 |
251, 328, 329, 334, 335 |
True spike bull |
|
Oct. 25-Nov. 2 |
124 through 142, 372*, 382*, 388 |
Any elk |
|
Oct. 25-Nov. 15 |
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 272, 278d, 284, 290, 373d, 379d, 381 |
Any elk |
|
Aug. 1-31, 2025 and Jan. 1-31, 2026 |
Master Hunters Only: 334 and 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink in August. |
Antlerless only |
|
Dec. 9-31 |
Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 |
Antlerless only |
|
Western Washington |
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Modern Firearm |
Nov. 1-12 |
564*d, 666 |
Any elk |
Nov. 1-12 |
454 |
Any bull |
|
Nov. 1-12 |
407, 460, 466, 448, 503, 505, 506a, 510 through 520, 524, (except closed in Elk Area 5066), 530ad, 550, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578d, 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 681, 684d. |
3 pt. min. |
|
Nov. 1-12 |
501, 504, 663, Elk Areas 4601* and 6014 |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
|
License Required:
A valid big game hunting license which includes elk as a species option.
Elk Tag:
You must choose either an eastern or western Washington modern firearm elk tag. Multi-season tags can also be used. Elk tag areas are shown on the map on the Elk General Information page.
Hunting Method:
- You may use modern firearm, archery, crossbow, or muzzleloader, during modern firearm seasons. Hunting equipment must meet regulations.
- Baiting Regulations for deer and elk have been adopted (see Elk General Information).
Bag Limit:
One elk per hunter during the hunting season, except for successful Master Hunter special permit applicants and where otherwise permitted by department rule. No more than 2 elk may be harvested per license year.
Firearm Restrictions & Hunting Closures:
The GMU you hunt in may be affected by a firearm restriction or a hunting closure. See Firearm Restriction Areas for a full list of Commission-designated firearm restrictions by county. See Hunting Access and Closures page for a list of restricted or hunting closure areas. Other firearm restriction or hunting closure areas are established by local ordinance. Consult your local sheriff or city for other restriction areas.
Hunter Orange and/or Fluorescent Hunter Pink:
Is required for anyone hunting in an area open to modern firearm general deer or elk seasons.
Night Hunting and Hound Hunting During Deer and Elk Hunting Seasons
Hunting at night:
- It is unlawful to hunt bobcat and raccoon at night during modern firearm deer or elk general seasons that occur in October and November in eastern and western Washington. A small game license is required to harvest a bobcat or raccoon.
- Hunting big game with the aid of an artificial light, spotlight, or night vision equipment is prohibited. Night vision equipment includes electronic light amplification devices, thermal imaging devices, and other comparable equipment used to enhance night vision. Coyote may be hunted at night with lights year round, EXCEPT it is unlawful to hunt coyote at night during modern firearm deer or elk general seasons that occur in October and November in eastern and western Washington.
Hound hunting:
- Dogs may be used to hunt raccoon, EXCEPT it is unlawful to hunt raccoons with dogs during modern firearm deer or elk general seasons that occur in October and November in eastern and western Washington.
- Dogs may be used to assist with the recovery of wounded big game except bear and cougar (see Prohibited Hunting Methods).
Small Game Seasons
- Will be published in the Game Bird and Small Game Regulations pamphlet in June.
Archery General Elk Seasons |
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Elk Tag Area |
2025 Dates |
Game Management Units (GMUs) |
Legal Elk |
Early Archery General Elk Seasons |
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Eastern Archery |
Aug. 1-31 |
Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
Sept. 6-18 |
101 through 142, 117d, 204, 243, 247, 249, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 373d, 379d, 381, 382*, 388 |
Any elk |
|
Sept. 6-18 |
145, 149d, 163, 178, 181, 334, 335, 371, Elk Area 1054 |
Spike bull or antlerless |
|
Sept. 6-18 |
154, 162, 166, 169, 172, 175, 186, 251, 328, 329, 336, 340, 352, 356, 364 |
Spike bull |
|
Western Archery |
Sept. 6-18 |
454, 564*d, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014 |
Any elk |
Sept. 6-18 |
407, 448, 460, 466, 506a through 520, 524, (except closed in Elk Area 5066), 530ad, 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 |
3 pt. min. |
|
Sept. 6-18 |
Elk Area 4601***, 501 through 505, 554, 568, 574, 578d, Elk Area 6061, 652 (Except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 654, 660, 663, 667 through 673, 681, and 699d |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
|
Late Archery General Elk Seasons |
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Eastern Archery |
Aug. 1, 2025-Jan. 20, 2026 |
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
Oct. 25-Nov. 15 |
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 272, 278d, 284, 290, 379d, 381 Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Any elk |
|
Nov. 20-Dec. 8 |
178 |
Antlerless only |
|
Nov. 25-Dec. 8 |
101, 105, 108, 117, 204 |
Any bull |
|
Nov. 25-Dec. 8 |
121, 124, 127, 373d, 382*, 388 |
Any elk |
|
Nov. 26-Dec. 8 |
334, 335 |
Spike bull or antlerless |
|
Nov. 26-Dec. 8 |
249, 251, 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, Elk Area 3681 |
Spike Bull |
|
Dec. 9-31 |
Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 |
Antlerless only |
|
Dec. 9, 2025-Jan. 20, 2026 |
163 |
Antlerless only |
|
Western Archery |
Nov. 26-Dec. 15 |
Elk Area 4601*, 503, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 663, 667, 672, 681, and 699d. Master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 portion of GMU 638. |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
Nov. 26-Dec. 15 |
454, 564*d, 666, Elk Area 6014 |
Any elk |
|
Nov. 26-Dec. 15 |
407, 448, 506, 530, 603, 612, 615, 638 (except for Elk Area 6064), 648 |
3 pt. min. |
|
License Required:
A valid big game hunting license, which includes elk as a species option.
Elk Tag:
You must choose either an eastern or western Washington archery elk tag. Multi-season tags can also be used. Elk tag areas are shown on the map.
Hunting Method:
- Archery only. Archery tag holders can only hunt during archery elk seasons and must hunt with archery equipment. Hunting equipment must meet archery regulations. Mechanical broadheads are legal to use for hunting.
- Baiting Regulations for deer and elk have been adopted.
Bag Limit:
One elk per hunter during the hunting season, except for successful Master Hunter special permit applicants and where otherwise permitted by department rule. No more than two elk may be harvested per license year.
Hunter Orange and/or Fluorescent Hunter Pink:
Is required for anyone hunting in an area open to modern firearm general deer or elk seasons.
Season Overlaps:
Early archery elk season overlaps the modern firearm damage control Elk Area 3911 Fairview hunt in portions of GMUs: 328, 329, 334, 335
Late archery elk season overlaps late muzzleloader elk in GMUs: 203, 209–248, 250, 254–290, 278, 379, 381, 448, 454, Elk Area 4601, 564, 666, 667, 503, 505, 652
Late archery elk season overlaps modern firearm elk in GMUs: 203, 209–248, 250, 254–290, 278, 379, 381
Note: Grouse, bear, goat, and sheep seasons may be open concurrent with archery seasons.
Hound Hunting:
- Dogs may be used to assist with the recovery of wounded big game except bear and cougar (see Prohibited Hunting Methods).
Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons |
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---|---|---|---|
Elk Tag Area |
2025 Dates |
Game Management Units (GMUs) |
Legal Elk |
Early Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons |
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Eastern Muzzleloader |
Aug. 1-31 |
Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
Oct. 4-10 |
101 through 121, 117d, 204, 247 |
Any bull |
|
Oct. 4-10 |
124 through 142, 245, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 379d |
Any elk |
|
Oct. 4-10 |
145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 172, 175, 178, 181, 249, 336 through 342, 352 through 368 |
Spike bull |
|
Oct. 4-10 |
251, 328, 329, 334, 335, Elk Area 2051 |
True spike bull |
|
Western Muzzleloader |
Oct. 4-10 |
454, 564*d, 666, 684d |
Any elk |
Oct. 4-10 |
407, 448, 460, 466, 506a, 510, 513, 516, 520, 524, (except closed in Elk Area 5066), 530ad, 550, 554, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578d, 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 |
3 pt. min. |
|
Oct. 4-10 |
501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), Elk Area 6014, 654, 663, 667, Elk Area 4601 |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
|
Late Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons |
|||
Eastern Muzzleloader |
Aug. 1, 2025-Jan. 20, 2026 |
Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
Oct. 25-Nov. 15 |
203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 272, 278d, 284, 290, 373d, 379d, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Any elk |
|
Nov. 25-Dec. 8 |
130 through 142* |
Any elk |
|
Dec. 9-31 |
Master Hunters Only: 127, through 142. Must wear hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink. |
Antlerless only |
|
Western Muzzleloader |
Dec. 16-31 |
407 |
3 pt. min. |
Nov. 26-Dec. 8 |
Elk Area 4601*, 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 667 |
3 pt. min. or antlerless |
|
Nov. 26-Dec. 15 |
454, 564*d, 666, 684d, Elk Area 6014 |
Any elk |
|
Nov. 26-30 |
568, 574, 578d |
3 pt. min. |
|
Nov. 26-Dec. 15 |
448, 601, 618, 651, 658 |
3 pt. min. |
|
a See Big Game Closures. d For information about hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge lands, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. * These areas are mainly private property. Hunters are advised to research ownership and access before hunting in these units. |
License Required:
A valid big game hunting license, which includes elk as a species option.
Elk Tag:
You must choose either an eastern or western Washington muzzleloader elk tag. Multi-season tags can also be used. Elk tag areas are shown on the map.
Hunting Method:
- Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during muzzleloader seasons and must hunt with muzzleloader, crossbow, or archery equipment. Hunting equipment must meet regulations.
- Baiting Regulations for deer and elk have been adopted.
Bag Limit:
One elk per hunter during the hunting season, except for successful Master Hunter special permit applicants and where otherwise permitted by department rule. No more than 2 elk may be harvested per license year.
Season Overlap:
Late muzzleloader elk seasons overlap late archery deer seasons in GMUs: 454, 505, 564, 618, 666, 667
Late muzzleloader elk seasons overlap late archery elk seasons in GMUs: 203, 209–248, 250, 254–290, 278, 379, 381, 448, 454, 564, 666, 667, 503, 505, 652
Firearm Restrictions & Hunting Closures:
The GMU you hunt in may be affected by a firearm restriction or a hunting closure. See Firearm Restriction Areas for a full list of Commission-designated firearm restrictions by county. See the Hunting Access and Closures page for a list of restricted or hunting closure areas. Other firearm restriction or hunting closure areas are established by local ordinance. Consult your local sheriff or city for other restriction areas.
Hunter Orange and/or Fluorescent Hunter Pink:
Is required for anyone hunting in an area open to modern firearm general deer or elk seasons.
Hound Hunting:
- Dogs may be used to assist with the recovery of wounded big game except bear and cougar (see Prohibited Hunting Methods).