Tom Prior sets out for a day of elk hunting on DNR-managed lands. Photo: Herb Gerhardt/DNR Volunteer.
September 1 is considered the official start of fall hunting season across Washington state. And hunters can access more than 2 million acres of DNR-managed state trust lands.
Here’s what you need to know about where the Discover Pass is required for hunting on DNR-managed lands.
You will need the Discover Pass to park on some of these lands to access hunting opportunities. Find maps and a list of DNR-managed lands requiring a Discover Pass at www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation. DNR staff members are installing signs on the lands that require the pass.
You won’t need the pass to hunt on roughly 1 million acres of scattered blocks of undeveloped DNR-managed lands, many of which are in the eastern part of the state.
What about state lands managed by WDFW?
With certain hunting (and fishing) licenses, you won’t need a Discover Pass to park on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Your purchase of one of the following licenses comes with a free WDFW vehicle access pass:
- Big-game or small-game hunting licenses
- Western Washington pheasant permit
- Trapping license
- Watchable Wildlife decal
- Saltwater, freshwater or combination recreational fishing license
Learn more about hunting on Washington state lands, including where to buy a license or permit and information about the different hunting seasons.
What about state parks?
Hunting is not permitted in Washington state parks.
Other lands?
Different land ownership or management presents different requirements and permission for hunting. It can be confusing. Here’s some more information to help you:
- Hunting on privately owned lands. Always check with the landowner. Some will allow hunting at no charge; some of the larger landowners charge a fee.
- Hunting on US Forest Service (USFS) lands. Hunting is allowed. Learn what passes or permits you’ll need.
- Hunting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Hunting is allowed. Find BLM lands in Washington state.
- National Park Service. Hunting is allowed in national preserves but not national parks. There are no national preserves in Washington state.
- Hunting on county lands. Check individual county information.
More about the Discover Pass
The Discover Pass is your ticket to nearly 7 million acres of Washington state recreation lands managed by DNR, WDFW, and State Parks. Your purchase of a Discover Pass helps to keep state recreation land open and accessible.
For more information about the Discover Pass, including how to purchase it, where you’ll need it, and what exemptions apply, go to www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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Tags: Discover Pass, DNR, Hunting, Recreation, Washington
