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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Rudy Project Magster
Everyone considers eye protection at the range required equipment. But vision is probably more at risk when bird hunters are afield. I’ve grown tired of taking sticks to the eye when busting cover. I didn’t think there were glasses that could perform in all the varying terrains and conditions I choose to hunt especially when…
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Blitz Firearm Wipes
Blitz had it’s origins in jewelry cleaning but has expanded their offerings to include hunters’ bling. Besides being non-petroleum based and made in the USA, the Blitz Firearm Wipes ($7) just work really well. I’m not sure what proprietary oil is used, but every bird hunter should have a pack of these in the truck to wipe the…
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Tony’s Sharpener
Lightweight, made in America by a family-owned business, easy to use with both knives and game shears. What’s not to like about Tony’s Sharpener? Did I mention it’s available in an array of cool colors and can include a leather cover or just throw the naked version straight in your bird vest — $15.
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Innovation in Shotguns
As a hunter when you walk the 12.5 miles of aisles of the National Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) SHOT Show it becomes clear pretty quickly that you’re in the minority. Though this is the single largest gathering of shooting, hunting and outdoor gear in the world with over 1600 exhibitors, more than half serve the…
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Under Armour Base 4.0
I’m not normally a long john kind of guy because trudging through thick cover tends to produce enough body heat that shedding layers is more likely the norm. But last year hunting late season we got caught in a Midwest blizzard with winds cutting at ridiculous speeds and ambient temps in the teens. That’s when…
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Ruffwear Mt. Bachelor Pad
If you own bird dogs, you need to know about Ruffwear. Their dog boots have been a part of our essential gear for years because of the premium design and construction. And now Ruffwear is making the Mt. Bachelor Pad dog bed ($70 – $90) which shares the same awesome construction of their other products and is perfect…
