Hunter & Trapper Education
First time hunters should plan to complete hunter education training early in the year because very few classes are available after August. For more information about current classes or if you have questions about training requirements, please call 360-902-8111 or visit our website at: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education.
Traditional and Online learning
Students have the choice of taking a traditional course or an online class with a field skills evaluation. The traditional course has in-person teaching from a group of hunter education instructors. The online class allows the students to complete the class at their own pace. Once the student has passed the online test, they have to demonstrate safe firearm handling in various hunting situations at a field skills evaluation. Students can enroll in a Washington hunter education course by visiting the website at: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/basic
Deferral Option for Hunter Education
Interested individuals ages 10 and older may apply for a once-in-a-lifetime, one license-year deferral of hunter education training. Individuals receiving a deferral may participate in general hunting seasons through March 31, 2025 but are not eligible to apply for special permit hunts. For detailed information on the deferral requirements, please visit our website at: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/deferral-program. Approved applicants must pay the $20 deferral application fee when purchasing their deferral license.
Trapper Education
Prior to purchasing their first Washington state trappers license, prospective trappers must successfully complete the Washington trapper education training or successfully challenge the written examination through the home study option. The Trapper Education Instructors offer a limited number of classroom courses throughout the year. For more information on trapper education, please visit our website at: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/trapping
Bowhunter Education
The bowhunter education program is not required to hunt in Washington and will not satisfy the hunter education requirement. This service is offered to Washington hunters who want to bow hunt in states where bowhunter education is required or who want to learn more about bowhunting. For more information, visit our website at: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/bowhunting
Hunter Education Instructor Incentive Permits |
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Area |
Dates |
Restrictions |
GMUs |
Permits |
Region 1 |
All general season and permit seasons established for GMUs included with the permit. Except seasons and permits for master hunters, youth, hunters with disabilities, or hunters 65 years and older, unless the hunter education instructor legally qualifies for such hunts. Except raffle and auction hunts do not apply. |
Any White-tailed deer |
Any 100 series GMU (Except GMU 157) |
3 |
Region 2 |
Any White-tailed deer |
GMUs 204, 215, 233, 239 |
1 |
|
Any White-tailed deer |
GMUs 218, 224, 231, 242 |
1 |
||
Any deer |
GMUs 218, 231 |
1 |
||
Any deer |
GMUs 245, 247 |
1 |
||
Any deer |
GMU 290 |
1 |
||
Region 3 |
Any deer |
GMUs 335-368 |
2 |
|
Any bull |
GMUs 334, 336-371 |
1 |
||
Region 4 |
Any deer |
Any 400 series GMU (Except GMUs 485 and 490) |
4 |
|
Any elk |
GMUs 454, 460 |
1 |
||
Region 5 |
Any deer |
All 500 series GMUs (Except GMUs 522 and 578) |
3 |
|
Any elk |
382, 388, and all 500 series GMUs EXCEPT GMU 522 |
1 |
||
Region 6 |
Any deer |
Any 600 series GMUs |
4 |
|
Any elk |
GMUs 618, 638-648, 654, 658, 663, 672, 699 |
1 |
||
Statewide |
April 1-May 31 |
One (1) male turkey or turkey with visible beard in addition to other spring season turkey harvest. |
All |
4 |