Big Changes coming in Washington

No More OTC Tags In Washington?

The future of big game hunting may look very different in Washington beginning in 2027.  Washington sets their seasons on a 3-year cycle, 2026 is the last of the current cycle which means that this summer the state will be evaluating and forming options for the 2027-2029 cycle.  One of the options that is on the table and seems to have some momentum behind it will completely change how hunting in eastern Washington is done for mule deer and elk.  Washington has always been an Over The Counter (OTC) state when it comes to deer and elk tags. There is a proposal coming from the department that would eliminate the over the counter option for mule deer and elk in the eastern part of the state.  

What this means for mule deer is that all OTC tags would be eliminated, all hunting would be by special permit only. The department is proposing a reduction in overall tags (down to 80-110k v 120-130k currently).  The 3-point minimum requirement on bucks would be dropped and the department is anticipating an increase in late-season permits being offered.  

For elk it means an elimination of all OTC, hunting would be by permit only.  Approximately 5K-15K less permits would be issued annually. Elimination of true spike areas. Increase in opportunity for branch bull permits. These are the main impacts to elk hunters in eastern Washington.  

It appears that these proposals are being done in order to increase hunter success and satisfaction, reduce crowding and allow for better management of the species. With any significant changes like this the devil is in the details and I encourage all interested in Washington hunting to keep their eyes peeled this summer for more information coming out regarding these changes. As of now there are not enough details out on the proposals to truly understand if the positive changes that would be associated with these proposals would outweigh the loss of OTC opportunity. Most Washington hunters have been expecting some sort of change like this, given what we see in other Western states. Keep watching this blog as more information becomes available.