Archery License

Washington Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Washington - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Washington requires a separate archery license for hunting during archery-only seasons. Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only deer seasons but are permitted during archery elk seasons. Washington has separate seasons for deer, elk, bear, and cougar.

Archery Stamp Required Min. Draw Weight: 40 lbs

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$16.20

Archery stamp fee

Nonresident Fee

$16.20

NR stamp fee

Min. Draw Weight

40 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Not in archery season

Separate season may apply

License & Stamp Details

Washington Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	Yes - separate archery stamp required
Stamp Fee (Resident)	$16.20
Stamp Fee (Nonresident)	$16.20
Resident License Fee	$33.20
Nonresident License Fee	$183.20
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Allowed

Equipment Rules

Washington Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Washington. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

40 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Washington.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadheads required. No crossbows during archery-only deer seasons. No electronic bows.

Crossbow Regulations

Washington Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in Washington. Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only deer seasons. Crossbows are permitted during some archery elk seasons. Disabled hunters with a permit may use crossbows during archery deer seasons. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available - check with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for current rules.

Season Dates

Washington Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 1

Through Sep 24

Archery Elk Season

Sep 1

Through Oct 15

Important Notes

Washington-Specific Archery Rules

Washington archery tags are draw-based for most deer and elk units. The Archery License is required in addition to the hunting license. East of the Cascades offers better archery elk habitat. Apply for tags by the spring deadline.

Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (wdfw.wa.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Washington