Hunting in Washington: 4 Animals to Hunt in the Summer

Washington is divided into several game management units, managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This body controls hunting seasons based upon wildlife management goals.

While the majority of hunting opportunities take place during the winter and fall months, there are still a handful of game animals in season during the summer.

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1. Elk
Master Hunters may take elk by firearm, in specified game management units (GMUs) in eastern Washington, from early August until late October. Only antlerless elk may be taken during this hunt. Master Hunters can also take elk during late archery season, in limited GMUs, starting in August each year.

2. Bears
Fall bear season begins at the start of August and runs until the fall, usually mid- November. Hunters should keep in mind that only certain GMUs allow bear hunting at this time and should check with the WDFW for the most accurate seasons and locations.

3. Coyotes
Coyote may be hunted year-round in Washington, but hunters cannot use dogs to pursue coyote. Hunters must also be in possession of a current small game or big game license to take the animal legally.

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4. Wild Turkeys
Spring turkey season begins in mid-April and runs until the end of May each year. During this time there is a bag limit of three turkeys per hunter. Only male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards can be hunted.

Hunters should keep in mind that Washington requires all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 to possess a hunter education certificate. A hunting license will not be issued without proof of hunter education and courses do fill up fast.

Hunters needing to take the course are encouraged to sign up in ample time prior to the season they would like to hunt in order to guarantee they can obtain a license.

Hunters should check for the most up-to-date information prior to entering the field for any hunt. Each year the WDFW publishes an annual magazine, both online and in print, that denotes the requirements, locations and dates of all hunts.

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

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