Archery laws?

[Kevin chaffee]

Just moved up here wondering what the laws are here. Can a bow hunter hunt in all seasons? 

[chester]

Nope, Archery only seasons. you will not be included in modern firearm or Muzzleloader seasons.

[JLS]

No, not to sound flippant, but you really need to take a little time and peruse the big game regs.  You'll find that the seasons are primarily broken down by species (especially the later ones).  Your decision will be based a lot on where you want to hunt, or what you want to hunt.

Pretty good deer opportunities, elk are so-so.

[Bob33]

You need to specify your hunting method when you purchase a license: modern, muzzleloader, or archery.  If you purchase a modern license, you could hunt with archery equipment but only during the modern seasons.

Once you make your selection you can't change (with a few exceptions).

[halflife65]

Welcome to the site.

This is a great place to start gathering information - especially since you are new to the state.  I apply out of state and trying to interpret some of the regs can be a bit bizarre when you are starting out (but probably second nature to residents.)

Bob33 answered your question pretty well.  You'll have to choose your desired weapon before buying a deer/elk tag.  However, there are some special drawings that you can put in for so you that can hunt in all seasons (with the appropriate weapon for that season - so you couldn't hunt in archery season with a rifle, although you could hunt in rifle season with a bow (or muzzleloader) if you wanted as long as you wore orange.  In muzzleloader season there aren't any exceptions - no archery and, of course, no rifle.)

The drawings and special applications process is a bit bizarre with all kinds of stuff that you can put in for (special deer/elk "quality" hunts, bull/buck hunts, doe/cow hunts, second permit hunts, etc.)  It'll just take some studying of the regulations and some extra cash to apply for all of them.  Of course, there are also the OIL (Once in a Lifetime) tags that you'll want put in for - sheep, goat, moose.  Even if you don't want to put in for anything else, I'd encourage you to put in for them to start building points (well, only moose - not the rest of them.  I drew the moose tag.  )  These are difficult to acquire tags in any state so if you're going to be a resident you should apply.

I'd strongly urge you to read the regulations but did want to get you a bit of information to get started.  Good luck!  Pick up this year's regs (or go to the WDFW website and get them) and study a bit so that you are all ready to apply when the time comes next spring..

[carpsniperg2]

The guys got you pointed in the right direction. Welcome to the site.

[Charlie]

Welcome Kevin!

[jackelope]

No, not to sound flippant, but you really need to take a little time and peruse the big game regs.  You'll find that the seasons are primarily broken down by species (especially the later ones).  Your decision will be based a lot on where you want to hunt, or what you want to hunt.

Pretty good deer opportunities, elk are so-so.

Great response. 
Welcome to the site to both of you.

[sakoshooter]

Pic up a set of regs and start reading. Just like most states these days - more complicated than in years past.

[krout81]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/

[Bob33]

Another good option is to take a bowhunter education class.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/classes/bowhunting.php

You will learn more about Washington's regulations, and probably meet some fellow bow hunters.

Washington's archery regulations are not particularly unusual, but you do need to know them.  For example, retractable broadheads are not legal.

[mjbskwim]

Nope, Archery only seasons. you will not be included in modern firearm or Muzzleloader seasons.

Yes you can!

For a $180 special permit

[elkbuster]

Nope, Archery only seasons. you will not be included in modern firearm or Muzzleloader seasons.

Yes you can!

For a $180 special permit

But you have to be drawn for that Multi-season deer or elk tag also, then you get to pay your $180.50 or $1800.50 if you are a non resident.   

[Special T]

I would add to what bob33 said by also adding that NOTHING with a batterie can be attached to your bow... Pin lights, illuminocks, laser pointers range finders, hell even a bowmounted video camera is a no no.. VERY different from when i hunted Arkensaw..... so depending on where you have moved from it could be a shock...

[mjbskwim]

I would add to what bob33 said by also adding that NOTHING with a batterie can be attached to your bow... Pin lights, illuminocks, laser pointers range finders, hell even a bowmounted video camera is a no no.. VERY different from when i hunted Arkensaw..... so depending on where you have moved from it could be a shock...

Well if he's from the south,tell him about NOT using dogs for deer hunting,too