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Application purchase instructions
Individual & points-only special hunt instructions
Group special hunt submission instructions

Special hunt

Special hunt opportunities for multiple species across the state
What is it?

If you are drawn for a special hunt permit, you will obtain access to hunting opportunities that are unavailable during the general hunting season. The special hunt permit is governed by a weighted-point drawing system. You gain one point for every special hunt application you submit. If unsuccessful in the draw category, these points accumulate over the years, increasing the chances of your application being drawn. You may only purchase one application per category, per year.

Benefits

If selected, you will:

  • Have access to hunting opportunities that are unavailable during the general hunting season
  • Have opportunities to hunt outside of general seasons, increasing your odds for a successful harvest
  • Have less competition with fewer hunters in the field during your special hunt
Applications available: Now – May 25, 2025
Submission dates to follow.
You may purchase applications now!
Resident application fees:
  • General special hunt permit: $7.10
  • Quality special hunt permit: $13.70
  • Youth special hunt permit: $3.80
  • Non-resident application fee: $110.50
Example

During the general season you might only have the option to harvest an antlerless elk with the weapon, time frame, and location of your choice. If you are selected for a special hunt permit, you could have access to:

An area that is only accessible to 20 hunters, the ability to harvest any bull regardless of antler size, and a longer hunting season — increasing your chances of harvesting an elk. This is dependent on what application you submit and what area you select.

How does it work?

1. Consult regulations

Decide what species you want to hunt for. Each species has its own categories and application types.

Deer, elk, and turkey: You must purchase a hunting license prior to submitting a purchased special hunt permit application.

Deer and elk: In addition to a hunting license, you must purchase a transport tag (selecting a weapon type and location) before you submit a purchased special hunt permit application.

Mountain goat, moose, or bighorn sheep: You do not need to purchase a hunting license prior to submitting a special hunt permit application for these species. If you are drawn, you will be required to purchase a license before you receive your special hunt permit. For pricing information, click here.

Information about identifying billy and nanny mountain goats can be found here.

2. Purchase application Dec. 2, 2025 through May 28, 2025

You may purchase at a license vendor, online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, or by calling 360-902-2464. Click here for pricing.

If you purchase a special hunt permit application but DO NOT submit it, you will be awarded one point and will not be eligible for the drawing for that season.

3. Submit application  –  Submission dates to follow

Submit online through your profile at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/#/login or, if you require assistance, by calling 360-902-2464.

4. Check drawing results

Drawing results will be posted in your WILD account in June. Applicants with a valid email will receive an email alert when the results are available.

See hunting regulations for additional information, rules, and program details.

Special Hunt

Special hunt opportunities for multiple species across the state

What is it?

If you are drawn for a special hunt permit, you will obtain access to hunting opportunities that are unavailable during the general hunting season. The special hunt permit is controlled by a weighted-point drawing system. You gain one point for every special hunt application you submit. If unsuccessful in the draw category, these points accumulate over the years, the chances of your application being drawn. You may only purchase one application per category, per year.

If selected, you may:

  • Have access to hunting opportunities that are unavailable during the general hunting season
  • Have opportunities to hunt outside of general seasons, increasing your odds for a successful harvest
  • Have less competition with fewer hunters in the field during your special hunt
  • Accumulate points — increase chances of being drawn

Example:

During the general season you may only have the option to harvest an antlerless elk with the weapon, time frame, and location of your choice. If you were to be selected for a special hunt permit, you may have access to:

An area that is only accessible to 20 hunters, the ability to harvest any bull regardless of antler size, and a longer hunting season — increasing your chances of harvesting an elk. This is dependent on what application you submit and what area you select.

Applications available: 12/01/20 – 05/26/21

Submit between: 04/26/21 – 05/26/21

Resident application fees:

General special hunt permit: $7.10

Quality special hunt permit: $13.70

Youth special hunt permit: $3.80

Non-resident application fee: $110.50

How does it work?

1. Consult regulations

Decide what species you want to hunt for. Each species has its own categories and application types.

Deer, elk, and turkey: You must purchase a hunting license prior to submitting a special hunt permit application.

Deer and elk: In addition to a hunting license, you must purchase a transport tag (selecting a weapon type and location) before you submit a special hunt permit application.

Mountain goat, moose, or bighorn sheep: You do not need to purchase a hunting license prior to submitting a special hunt permit application for these species. If you are drawn, you will be required to purchase a license before you receive your special hunt permit.

2. Purchase application 12/01/20 through 05/26/21

You may purchase at a license vendor, online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, or by calling 360-902-2464.

If you purchase a special hunt permit application but DO NOT submit it, you will be awarded one point and will not be eligible for the drawing for that season.

3. Submit application 04/26/21 through 05/26/21

Submit online through your profile at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/#/login or by calling 360-902-2464

4. Check drawing results

Drawing results will be posted in your WILD account in June. Applicants with a valid email will receive an email alert when the results are available.

See regulations for additional information, rules, and program details.

Multi-season

Triple your chances for success – one deer and/or elk tag – three weapon types
What is it?

If you are selected, you may hunt in any open game management unit during all general seasons beginning with archery, then muzzleloader, and finally modern firearm. With an elk Multi-season tag, you can hunt in both Eastern and Western Washington. You may hunt up to all three weapon types, but the bag limit does not increase. This one tag still equals one animal.

Benefits

If selected, you can:

  • Hunt in any open unit during all general seasons starting with archery, continuing to muzzleloader, and then modern firearm
  • Apply for any weapon type within special hunts if you buy your Multi-season tag before the July 31, 2025 special hunts deadline
  • Hunt longer to increase your success rate
  • Hunt in both Eastern and Western Washington with an elk Multi-season tag
Applications available: Now – March 31, 2025
  • Resident application fee: $7.10
  • Youth: $3.80
  • Non-resident application fee: $110.50

Drawing results will be posted in your WILD account in April. Applicants with a valid email will receive an email alert when the results are available.

See hunting regulations for additional information, rules, and program details.

How does it work?

1. Purchase application (Dec. 2, 2024 through March 31, 2025)

You may purchase at a license vendor, online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, or by calling 360-902-2464. Click here for pricing. If you are applying as an individual, your application is automatically submitted. You only need to submit if you are applying as a group (maximum of two individuals).

If you are applying as a group, you can submit in two ways:

  1. Online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov
  2. If you need assistance, call 360-902-2464.

You DO NOT need to purchase a deer or elk license and tag before purchasing a Multi-season application. If you win a Multi-season tag but already have your transport tag, refer to the hunting regulations pamphlet for information.

2. Check drawing results

Drawing results will be posted in your WILD account in April. Winners without an email address will be notified by mail.

See hunting regulations for additional information, rules, and program details.

3. Purchase Multi-season deer or elk tag

If selected, you must purchase the corresponding tag prior to July 31, 2025.

Multi-season deer tag: $139.10

Multi-season elk tag: $182.00

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