For more information on
hunting, please contact the
WDFW Wildlife Program.
Phone: 360-902-2515 wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
Hunting Access
Private Lands Hunting Access
Explanation of Posted Signs
FEEL FREE TO HUNT - No Unauthorized Vehicles
This sign is posted at sites where hunting is allowed to all hunters during open seasons. Motor vehicle use is not allowed unless expressly stated in a separate permit authorized by WDFW and the Landowner. (A hunting license is not a permit to use a motor vehicle in these areas)
FEEL FREE TO HUNT
This sign is posted at sites where hunting is allowed to all hunters during open seasons. Motor vehicle use may be allowed but you must read and follow any other rules posted at the site, including those regarding the use of vehicles.
NO UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES BEYOND THIS SIGN
Motor vehicle use past this sign is not allowed unless expressly stated in a separate permit authorized by WDFW and the Landowner. (A hunting license or special permit does not authorize use of a motor vehicle in these areas unless the permit includes language allowing vehicle use.)
WALK-IN HUNTING ONLY
This sign is posted at sites where hunting is allowed to all hunters during open seasons. Motor vehicle use is not allowed under any circumstances. (A hunting license or special permit does not authorize motor vehicle use in these areas)
HUNTING ONLY BY WRITTEN PERMISSION
This sign is posted at sites the hunter must first obtain written permission from the landowner prior to hunting. The landowner may limit how many permits are issued. Contact information should be available at the site.
HUNTING BY RESERVATION ONLY
This sign is posted at sites where an advance reservation permit issued by WDFW is required prior to hunting. In some cases landowner contact may also be required. All rules of the WDFW Hunting By Reservation Program must be followed in addition to any special rules for the individual property including those posted at the site.
REGISTER TO HUNT (Register location)
These signs are used to direct hunters to a point on properties where onsite registration is required prior to hunting. The number of users per day or at one time may be limited based on rules posted at the registration station.
FEEL FREE TO FISH
This sign is posted at sites where fishing is allowed to all fishers during open seasons. Motor vehicle use is not allowed unless expressly stated in a separate permit authorized by WDFW and the Landowner. (A fishing license is not a permit to use a motor vehicle in these areas)
FEEL FREE TO FISH (Fishing location)
These signs indicate the up and downstream limits of, or direct users to, areas where the landowner is allowing fishing access under an agreement with WDFW. Any other posted rules must be followed.
DIGGING OR USE OF PITS PROHIBITED
This sign is posted at waterfowl hunting where digging of pit blinds or the use of pits dug by others is not permitted. Digging of pits may cause hazardous conditions for other users or the landowner during the next crop season.
RESPECT THIS PROPERTY
We at WDFW wish that we did not have to post these signs but continue to use them because not all users show respect for the landowners crops or other assets. Please leave these lands in as good of a condition as you found them or help us clean up after others who have been less considerate. Unfortunately there are many examples where one individuals actions have caused the loss of access for many others.
PLEASE DON'T LITTER
Another sign we wish we didn’t have to use. Most hunters get this but please help us out. If another has left a mess behind you could pick it up or let us know so we can address the issue. Unfortunately this is one of the most common causes of the loss of access to private lands.
WATCH FOR LIVESTOCK
In some cases livestock may be present in areas that are open to public access. Please yield to domestic animals and make sure of your target before pulling the trigger. Whether travelling on foot or by vehicle leave all gate as you found them.
NO TARGET PRACTICE - NO CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING - NO PLINKING
As a general rule, practice or recreational shooting should not be done on private lands unless you have express permission from the landowner. In many cases the landowner lives onsite and the noise level beyond that of normal hunting could be disruptive and even lead to loss of access for all hunters.
SAFETY ZONE - Unlawful to Hunt behind this Sign
Of all the signs we use, this is the most important one for you to recognize. It is used to alert hunters to areas where safety is a particular concern due to proximity to homes or areas where others are likely to be present. Sometimes these are used to buffer hunting areas from roads, trails or access points. Above all else, please make safety first.
Landowner Hunting Permit
This program includes private lands where WDFW negotiates public hunting access to unique and/or high quality hunting opportunities. Landowners are allowed to work with the Department to set special hunting season dates on their property and have hunting opportunities on their lands customized. Hunting opportunity is available to hunt these lands through special permit drawings.
