Washington Hunting Seasons Will Open October 17
State wildlife officials are launching mandatory disease testing for hunters as multiple game seasons begin this week.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Hunting
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Washington's hunting seasons for deer, ducks, geese, and pheasants are set to open on October 17, 2026. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will manage 11 check stations across eastern Washington to monitor wildlife health.
Why it matters
Mandatory testing is being enforced to track the spread of chronic wasting disease, which was first confirmed in the state in 2024. This surveillance is essential for managing the health of wildlife populations across the region.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife submitted over 4,000 samples for diagnostic testing between July 2025 and June 2026. Eight deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, including seven in Spokane County and one in Pend Oreille County.
The players
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This state agency is responsible for managing hunting regulations and monitoring wildlife disease throughout Washington.
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
This facility processes biological samples to identify and monitor animal health threats within the state.
The details
Hunters operating in 100-series game management units must submit animal lymph nodes for mandatory testing. Biologists at the 11 staffed check stations will collect samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose, though hunters may also use self-service sites or submit samples independently.
Timeline
July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026: Over 4,000 samples were submitted for disease testing.
2024: Chronic wasting disease was first confirmed in Washington.
October 17, 2026: Opening day for hunting seasons on ducks, geese, pheasants, and deer.
November 2026: Select check stations will reopen for late firearm season.
Culture Shift
The introduction of mandatory testing reflects a growing focus on wildlife biosecurity as hunters adapt to new conservation requirements. This shift follows the 2024 initial confirmation of chronic wasting disease in Washington, signaling a new era of proactive disease management for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hunters in 100-series game management units must budget extra time during their trips to drop off lymph node samples at designated collection sites. Failure to participate could affect local wildlife management and future access to hunting grounds.
The takeaway
Hunters play a direct role in conservation by facilitating the tracking of chronic wasting disease through mandatory testing. Being prepared to provide samples ensures compliance with new state health regulations and protects the long-term viability of local deer populations.
What happens next
Select check stations are scheduled to reopen in November 2026 to support the late firearm season.
Further reading
Find the chronic wasting disease collection site list to learn more about mandatory sample submissions in your area.
More information
Check the chronic wasting disease collection site list for specific station locations and drop-off instructions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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