Hunting & Shooting

An array of wildlife suitable for hunting may be found in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Hunting seasons and permits are regulated by the State of Washington. To find out more about where you can go hunting and what regulations apply in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and surrounding area, please contact 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.

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 or within a cave
In a manner that may expose a person or property to injury or damage; don’t shoot trees, rocks, stumps, non-game animals.

Also keep in mind:

Trees or vegetation cannot be used as targets.
All shells and items used for target practice must be removed.
Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition is prohibited year-round.
Exploding targets are prohibited year-round.

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 USC 551, 18 USC 3559 and 3571).

Hunting

Please review these FAQs to learn more about hunting regulations on the national forest.

Recreational and 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.