Washington Bird Hunting
Season Spans September 15 – January 15, 2026
State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.
Required Licenses and Costs
A Small Game License is required for all upland bird hunting. An additional Western Washington Pheasant License is needed for pheasant hunting in Western Washington (or a 3-day option for short trips). Costs reflect a fee increase effective July 1, 2025. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or at vendors; a 2.9% processing fee applies to credit card transactions starting January 2025.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Resident Senior (70+) | Youth (Under 16) | Resident Reduced Fee (Disabled) | Non-Resident Disabled Veteran |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game License | $55.13 | $252.47 | $20.06 | $24.77 | $24.77 | $55.13 |
| Western WA Pheasant License | $115.85 | $229.70 | $20.06 | $55.13 | $55.13 | $115.85 |
| Western WA Pheasant License (3-Day) | $55.13 | $108.26 | $20.06 | N/A | $55.13 | $55.13 |
Season Dates
Seasons vary by region and hunter category. Eastern Washington generally has longer seasons and cock-only rules for pheasant. Bag and possession limits are daily and overall, respectively.
Pheasant
- Western Washington (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during seasons; either sex):
- Youth Only: Sept. 13-14, 2025; Daily Bag: 2; Possession: 4.
- Seniors/Disabled: Sept. 15-19, 2025; Daily Bag: 2; Possession: 10.
- Regular: Sept. 20 – Nov. 30, 2025; Daily Bag: 2; Possession: 15.
- Extended (specific release sites only, no releases): Dec. 1-15, 2025; Daily Bag: 2; Possession: 15.
- Eastern Washington (cocks only):
- Youth Only: Sept. 13-14, 2025; Daily Bag: 3; Possession: 6.
- Seniors/Disabled: Sept. 15-19, 2025; Daily Bag: 3; Possession: 15.
- Regular: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026; Daily Bag: 3; Possession: 15.
Quail (California/Valley and Northern Bobwhite; mixed bag)
- Western Washington (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Sept. 20 – Nov. 30, 2025; Daily Bag: 10; Possession: 30.
- Eastern Washington:
- Youth Only: Sept. 13-14, 2025; Daily Bag: 10; Possession: 30.
- Regular: Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026; Daily Bag: 10; Possession: 30.
- Mountain Quail:
- Western Washington (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Sept. 20 – Nov. 30, 2025; Daily Bag: 2; Possession: 4.
- Eastern Washington: Closed.
Chukar (Eastern Washington only; either sex)
- Youth Only: Sept. 13-14, 2025; Daily Bag: 6; Possession: 12.
- Regular: Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026; Daily Bag: 6; Possession: 18.
Gray (Hungarian) Partridge (Eastern Washington only; either sex)
- Youth Only: Sept. 13-14, 2025; Daily Bag: 6; Possession: 12.
- Regular: Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026; Daily Bag: 6; Possession: 18.
Forest Grouse (Ruffed, Spruce, Dusky/Blue, Sooty; aggregate limits, statewide)
- Regular: Sept. 15, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026; Daily Bag: 4 (no more than 3 of any one species); Possession: 12 (no more than 9 of any one species).
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The Brute Cooler
The Brute Cooler is appropriately named — hard core, roto-molded, large handles, rubber latches — it’s got it all. Made in America by Brute, a family run company with excellent customer service. The 50 qt. ($319) will keep your birds chilled for at least five days, but go with the 75 qt. ($369) if you want…
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L.L. Bean Technical Upland Vest Pack
An uplanders’ gear vest is one of the most crucial items in his/her arsenal, and can make or break a hunt. Luckily the L.L. Bean Technical Upland Vest fits the bill for any serious upland hunter. Constructed of lightweight, rip-resistant material backed with polyurethane to keep moisture out, the pack is great for both warm…
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Kent Bismuth
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Grayl Geopress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
As I squatted next to a stream struggling to fill my filtration bladder I noticed my buddy was already boiling water for his meal. I continued working stubbornly for ten minutes to create enough clean water before I asked if I could borrow his Grayl Geopress water purifier bottle. About thirty seconds later I had…
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Buck Open Season Small Game Knife
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Lost……again
“I am lost” “Going to shoot. Let me know if you can hear it.” “Hear it?” “I was 50 yards from the truck.” It’s my hunting buddy’s first foray into the realm of the Ruffed Grouse. We’ve hunted a few days now, but this is the first overcast day in an area previously unexplored. It…
