Information and options for 2023-24 license products
WDFW home
Buy license
Multi-season tags & special hunt permits
Home / Multi-season tags & special hunt permits

UPDATE: Surplus Multi-season tags available in August

2,491 deer and 129 elk tags will be for sale

Some deer and elk hunters who bought a Multi-season tag application earlier this year will have their chance to buy one of the remaining Multi-season tags during the month of August. There are 2,491 Multi-season deer tags and 129 Multi-season elk tags available.

Getting on elk

The next sequential 129 hunters on the original official elk tag draw list will have an opportunity to buy those remaining tags. The original Multi-season draw is being used to prevent large gatherings at retail locations.

The 129 winners of the remaining elk tags will receive an email from WDFW at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15 notifying them that they are eligible to buy a tag. Hunters are encouraged to make sure they have a valid email address in their WILD account. Once notified, those winners will have until midnight, Thursday, Aug. 31 to buy their tags.

The deer run

The deer tags will be available to purchase on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. There will not be a purchase deadline for deer Multi-season tags; they will remain for sale until the tag limit is reached or when most of the deer hunting seasons are over.

The deer and elk tags can be purchased online or at an authorized license dealer near you. WDFW regional offices and the headquarters office in Olympia are also open for license sales.

Hunters who want to buy a Multi-season tag must have purchased a 2023 Multi-season tag application.

If you have your general season tag

If you already have your 2023 general season transport tag, you won’t need to call WDFW to cancel it, but you will need to surrender it to the license dealer or mail it to WDFW headquarters within five days of purchasing your Multi-season tag to stay in compliance with state law.

Cost, points, and perks

Multi-season deer tags are $139.10 and Multi-season elk tags are $182.00. Tag costs are the same for residents and non-residents.

Hunters who purchase a Multi-season tag in this opportunity will not lose points in their Multi-season special hunt application categories.

Hunters with Multi-season tags can hunt all three weapon choices (modern firearm, muzzleloader, archery), season permitting, until their tag is filled. That means an opportunity to hunt in seasons stretching from September into December, depending on where you choose to hunt. You can also hunt elk in both Eastern and Western Washington with an elk Multi-season tag.

Application purchase instructions
Individual & points-only special hunt instructions
Group special hunt submission instructions
Video transcription
Video transcription
Special Hunt Closed

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: 12/01/22 – 05/24/23
Submit between: 04/24/23 – 05/24/23 
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 12/01/22 through 05/24/23

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 04/24/23 through 05/24/23 

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.

Multi-season closed

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 special hunts deadline on 05/24/23
  • Hunt longer to increase your success rate
  • Hunt in both Eastern and Western Washington with an elk Multi-season tag
Applications available: 12/01/22 – 03/31/23
  • 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 (12/01/22 through 03/31/23)

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 Aug. 1, 2023.

Multi-season deer tag: $139.10

Multi-season elk tag: $182.00

Buy License
WDFW Home