Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Opportunities abound for hunting and fishing on the forest.

Fishing

Fishing on national forests and grasslands is sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates fishing on rivers, streams and lakes on the national forest. Anglers over 16 years of age must obtain a valid Washington fishing license. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for fishing seasons, limits and licenses.

Our national forests also offer many types of hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels. Each year visitors enjoy hunting high in the mountains in thick lodge pine stands, in open grassland canyon benches and in sagebrush valleys.

Hunting

Hunting on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is regulated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters must have in their possession all required licenses and tags. For information on permits, licenses, seasons and bag limits, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Recreational Target Shooting

You can target shoot on national forest lands unless a specific area has been closed to the activity because it jeopardizes public safety. Information about closures is available at each district office. When target shooting, Forest Service regulations prohibit discharging a firearm:

In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area,
Across or on roads or bodies of water, or where people or property are exposed to injury or damage,
Into a cave,
Causing resource damage; don’t shoot trees, rocks, stumps, non-game animals.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both (16 U.S.C. 551, 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).