Hunting in Washington: 10 Animals to Hunt in the Fall

Hunting is considered a traditional fall pastime in many states, and Washington is no different. The fall season is considered a prime hunting time, as the number of game species up for grabs is considerable.

Here are 10 animals hunters can legally take in the fall, according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

1. Bears
Bear season kicks off in August in Washington and runs through the fall until the middle of November. Hunters should keep in mind the season is limited to specific game management units. Bear may be taken with any legal weapon during the season.

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2. Game Birds
Upland game birds, such as forest grouse, pheasants, quails, partridges, and crows can be hunted during the fall months. The seasons vary, but usually open during the beginning of September and run until the winter begins.

3. Wild Turkeys
Early wild turkey season kicks off in mid-September and runs until mid-October.

4. Bobcats
Bobcats may be hunted from the beginning of September to mid-March each year. They may not be hunted with dogs and the pelt must be presented to a Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife office within 20 days of taking for proper sealing. There is no bag limit on bobcats.

5. Raccoons
Raccoons may be hunted from early September to mid-March without a bag limit. Hunters cannot hunt raccoons in the Long Island area within the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

6. Coyotes
Coyotes may be hunted year-round in Washington. Hunters cannot use dogs to pursue coyotes and must be in possession of a valid small game or big game license to take the animal.

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7. Deer
Early archery deer season begins Sept. 1 and generally runs until the end of October in specific game management units (GMUs). This includes black-tailed, white-tailed, and mule deer seasons.

8. Elk
Early archery elk season also takes place from early September until mid-month, in limited GMUs.

9. Foxes
Fox may be hunted statewide from early September to mid-March without a bag limit being imposed. Hunting is closed in certain areas of the state, including within the exterior boundaries or the Wenatchee, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, and Gifford Pinchot national forests.

10. Rabbits
Cottontail and snowshoe rabbits may be hunted with a bag limit of five per day during the season of early September to mid-March. There is also a possession limit of 15 rabbits per hunter.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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