WAC 220-415-050. 2024-2026 Elk general seasons and definitions

It is unlawful to fail to comply with bag, possession, and season limits described below. Bag Limit: One elk per hunter during the license year, except where otherwise permitted by department rule. Any combination of seasons, tags, and permits set by the department will not exceed a maximum of two elk per hunter during the license year. Hunting Method: Elk hunters must select only one of the hunting methods: Modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader. Elk Tag Areas: Elk hunters must choose either Eastern or Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for that area. Any Bull Elk Seasons: Open only to the taking of elk with visible antlers; bull calves are illegal. Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must be at least one inch long, measured on the longest side. Branch: A branch is defined as any projection off the main antler beam that is at least one inch long, measured on the longest side, and longer than it is wide. Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Bull elk taken in spike-only game management units (GMUs) must have at least one antler with no branches originating more than four inches from where the antler attaches to the skull. True Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Neither antler of bull elk taken can have branching originating more than four inches from where the antlers attach to the skull. Under the true-spike restriction, taking an elk that has two points on one side or antler points within one inch of the definitions regarding length of point, or point of origination, is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 . All other types of violations of the true-spike restriction are subject to current penalties and assessments under RCW 77.15.410 and 77.15.420 . 3-point Antler Restrictions: Legal bull elk must have at least three antler points on one side. Eye guards are antler points when they are at least one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters during any open season. Permit-only Units: The following GMUs are closed to elk hunting during general elk seasons: 157, 418, 437, 485, 522, 556, 621, 636, and 653. GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting: 490. Elk Tag Areas Eastern Washington: All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs. EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm Tag EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag Western Washington: All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs. WA - Western Washington Archery Tag WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm Tag WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag Modern Firearm General Elk Seasons License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option. Tag Required: A valid modern firearm elk tag as listed below for the area hunted. Hunting Method: May use modern firearm, bow and arrow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons. Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Eastern Washington EF 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121, 204 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Any bull 145 through 154, 162 through 186, 249, 336 through 368 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Spike bull 251, 328, 329, 334, 335 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 True spike bull Elk Area 3722 Sept. 14-29 Sept. 13-28 Sept. 12-27 Antlerless only 124 through 142, 372, 382, 388 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Any elk 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 334 and 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink in August. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31, 2025 and Jan. 1-31, 2026 Aug. 1-31, 2026 and Jan. 1-31, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WF 407, 460, 466, 448, 503, 505 through 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578, 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 684. Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 3 pt. min. 501, 504, 663, Elk Areas 4601 and 6014 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 3 pt. min. or antlerless 564, 666 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 Any elk 454 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 Any bull Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Eastern Washington EF 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121, 204 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Any bull 145 through 154, 162 through 186, 249, 336 through 368 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Spike bull 251, 328, 329, 334, 335 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 True spike bull Elk Area 3722 Sept. 14-29 Sept. 13-28 Sept. 12-27 Antlerless only 124 through 142, 372, 382, 388 Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 Oct. 25 - Nov. 2 Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 Any elk 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381 Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 334 and 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink in August. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31, 2025 and Jan. 1-31, 2026 Aug. 1-31, 2026 and Jan. 1-31, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WF 407, 460, 466, 448, 503, 505 through 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578, 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 684. Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 3 pt. min. 501, 504, 663, Elk Areas 4601 and 6014 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 3 pt. min. or antlerless 564, 666 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 Any elk 454 Nov. 2-13 Nov. 1-12 Nov. 7-18 Any bull Archery General Elk Seasons License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option. Tag Required: A valid archery elk tag as listed below for the area hunted. Hunting Method: Bow and arrow only, as defined under WAC 220-414-070 . Special Notes: Archery tag holders can hunt only during archery seasons and must hunt with archery equipment (WAC 220-414-070 ). Archery elk hunters may apply for special bull permits. Please see permit table for tag eligibility for all elk permits. Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Early Archery General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EA 101 through 142, 204, 243, 247, 249, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 373, 379, 381, 382, 388 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Any elk 154, 162, 166, 169, 172, 175, 186, 251, 328, 329, 336, 340, 352, 356, 364 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Spike bull 145, 149, Elk Area 1054, 163, 178, 181, 334, 335, 371 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Spike bull or antlerless Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WA 454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Any elk Elk Area 4601, 501 through 505, 554, 568, 574, 578, Elk Area 6061, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 654, 660, 663, 667 through 673, 681, 699 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 3 pt. min. or antlerless 407, 448, 460, 466, 506 through 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 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 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 3 pt. min. Late Archery General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EA 101, 105, 108, 117, 204 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any bull 121, 124, 127, 373, 382, 388 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any elk 178 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Antlerless only 163 Dec. 9, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Dec. 9, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Dec. 9, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 379, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only 334, 335 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Spike bull or antlerless 249, 251, 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, Elk Area 3681 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Spike bull Western Washington WA Elk Area 4601, 503, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 663, 667, 672, 681, and 699. Master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 portion of GMU 638 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. or antlerless 454, 564, 666, Elk Area 6014 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 Any elk 407, 448, 506, 530, 603, 612, 615, 638 (except for Elk Area 6064), 648 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Early Archery General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EA 101 through 142, 204, 243, 247, 249, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 373, 379, 381, 382, 388 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Any elk 154, 162, 166, 169, 172, 175, 186, 251, 328, 329, 336, 340, 352, 356, 364 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Spike bull 145, 149, Elk Area 1054, 163, 178, 181, 334, 335, 371 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Spike bull or antlerless Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WA 454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 Any elk Elk Area 4601, 501 through 505, 554, 568, 574, 578, Elk Area 6061, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 654, 660, 663, 667 through 673, 681, 699 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 3 pt. min. or antlerless 407, 448, 460, 466, 506 through 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 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 Sept. 7-19 Sept. 6-18 Sept. 12-24 3 pt. min. Late Archery General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EA 101, 105, 108, 117, 204 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any bull 121, 124, 127, 373, 382, 388 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any elk 178 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Nov. 20 - Dec. 8 Antlerless only 163 Dec. 9, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Dec. 9, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Dec. 9, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 379, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only 334, 335 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Spike bull or antlerless 249, 251, 336, 342, 346, 352, 364, Elk Area 3681 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Spike bull Western Washington WA Elk Area 4601, 503, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 663, 667, 672, 681, and 699. Master hunters only in Elk Area 6064 portion of GMU 638 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. or antlerless 454, 564, 666, Elk Area 6014 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 Any elk 407, 448, 506, 530, 603, 612, 615, 638 (except for Elk Area 6064), 648 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option. Tag Required: A valid muzzleloader elk tag as listed below for the area hunted. Hunting Method: Muzzleloader, as defined under WAC 220-414-060 , crossbow equipment (WAC 220-414-100 ), or archery equipment, as defined under WAC 220-414-070 . Special Notes: Muzzleloader tag holders can only hunt during the muzzleloader seasons. Only hunters with tags identified in the Special Elk Permits tables may apply for special elk permits. Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Early Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EM 101 through 121, 204, 247 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any bull 124 through 142, 245, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 379 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any elk 145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 172, 175, 178, 181, 249, 336 through 342, 352 through 368 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Spike bull 251, 328, 329, 334, 335, Elk Area 2051 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 True spike bull Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WM 454, 564, 666, 684 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any elk 407, 448, 460, 466, 506, 510, 513, 516, 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 554, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578, 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 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 3 pt. min. 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), Elk Area 6014, 654, 663, 667, Elk Area 4601 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 3 pt. min. or antlerless Late Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EM 130 through 142 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any elk 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WM 407 Dec. 16-31 Dec. 16-31 Dec. 16-31 3 pt. min. Elk Area 4601, 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 667 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 3 pt. min. or antlerless 454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 Any elk 568, 574, 578 Nov. 27-30 Nov. 26-30 Nov. 25-30 3 pt. min. 448, 601, 618, 651, 658 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min. Hunt Area Elk Tag Area Game Management Units (GMUs) 2024 Dates 2025 Dates 2026 Dates Legal Elk Early Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EM 101 through 121, 204, 247 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any bull 124 through 142, 245, 250, 272, 278, 284, 290, 379 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any elk 145, 149, 154, 162, 163, 166, 172, 175, 178, 181, 249, 336 through 342, 352 through 368 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Spike bull 251, 328, 329, 334, 335, Elk Area 2051 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 True spike bull Master Hunters Only: 371. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Aug. 1-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WM 454, 564, 666, 684 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 Any elk 407, 448, 460, 466, 506, 510, 513, 516, 520, 524 (except CLOSED in Elk Area 5066), 530, 550, 554, 560, 568, 572, 574, 578, 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 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 3 pt. min. 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), Elk Area 6014, 654, 663, 667, Elk Area 4601 Oct. 5-11 Oct. 4-10 Oct. 3-9 3 pt. min. or antlerless Late Muzzleloader General Elk Seasons Eastern Washington EM 130 through 142 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 Any elk 203, 209 through 248, 250, 254 through 290, 373, 379, 381. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Oct. 26 - Nov. 15 Oct. 25 - Nov. 15 Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 Any elk Master Hunters Only: Elk Areas 3911 and 3912. Must wear hunter orange and/or hunter pink. Aug. 1, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025 Aug. 1, 2025 - Jan. 20, 2026 Aug. 1, 2026 - Jan. 20, 2027 Antlerless only Master Hunters Only: 127 through 142 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Dec. 9-31 Antlerless only Western Washington WM 407 Dec. 16-31 Dec. 16-31 Dec. 16-31 3 pt. min. Elk Area 4601, 501, 503, 504, 505, 652 (except Elk Area 6013 closed to antlerless), 667 Nov. 27 - Dec. 8 Nov. 26 - Dec. 8 Nov. 25 - Dec. 8 3 pt. min. or antlerless 454, 564, 666, 684, Elk Area 6014 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 Any elk 568, 574, 578 Nov. 27-30 Nov. 26-30 Nov. 25-30 3 pt. min. 448, 601, 618, 651, 658 Nov. 27 - Dec. 15 Nov. 26 - Dec. 15 Nov. 25 - Dec. 15 3 pt. min.