Hunters in Washington have a reason to mark their calendars this August, as surplus multi-season deer and elk tags are set to go on sale. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), those who applied this year for a multi-season application will have the chance to purchase one of the 2,693 deer tags and 160 elk tags remaining.
The 160 multi-season elk tags, sold on a first-come, first-served basis, will be up for grabs starting at 10 a.m. on August 19, exclusively available at WDFW offices and authorized license dealers in person. The deer tags follow suit, going on sale at 10 a.m. on August 21, with the added convenience of being available online, via phone, or in person. "Surplus multi-season elk and deer tag sales are opening on different days this year to maximize opportunity for interested hunters to acquire one of the elk tags, which are in high demand and have fewer available," Peter Vernie, WDFW licensing division manager, explained, positioning it as a deliberate attempt to manage high demand and ensure operational efficiency for the department and vendors, as reported by the WDFW.
There's no official deadline for purchasing these surplus tags, but history suggests that the multi-season elk tags disappear swiftly after hitting the market. On the other hand, multi-season deer tags will remain up for grabs until they are sold out or until most deer seasons in Washington have drawn to a close, whichever event occurs first.
Hunters eyeing a multi-season tag need to have bought a 2025 multi-season application already. And those owning a 2025 general season transport tag are required to surrender it within five days of buying a multi-season tag to WDFW or a license dealer, as per state law. Having a multi-season tag entitles hunters to engage in hunting across various weapon choices, including modern firearm, muzzleloader, and archery, depending on the season.
Price hikes are also part of the equation this year, after new legislation effective July 1. A multi-season deer tag will cost hunters $191.77, while an elk tag will set you back $250.97, with both prices applying equally to residents and non-residents. WDFW remains committed to its mission of preserving and protecting the state's fish, wildlife, and ecosystems and facilitating sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.
