(1) It is unlawful to hunt upland birds or rabbits with a firearm, other than a muzzleloading firearm, during any upland game bird season unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.

(2) It is unlawful to hunt big game, except bear and cougar, with modern firearm equipment at any time in any manner unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.

(3) It is unlawful to hunt wildlife, except migratory birds, during those times and in those places open to taking of deer or elk during nonmaster hunter, modern firearm general seasons, unless the hunter is wearing fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink clothing.

(4) Wearing fluorescent hunter ((orange)) clothing means: A minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange and/or fluorescent hunter pink exterior clothing, worn above the waist and visible from all sides. A combination of both colors may be worn to meet the 400 square inches.

(5) A violation of this section is an infraction, punishable under RCW 77.15.160.

It is unlawful to fail to comply with the bag, possession, and season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.

Hunters must purchase a deer hunting license prior to purchasing a permit application. Hunters may only apply for permits consistent with the tag required for the hunt choice; however, Multiple Season Permit holders may apply for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm permit hunts. Hunters drawn for a special permit hunt must comply with weapon restrictions, dates, and other conditions listed for the hunt. Hunters drawn for a special permit designated "Any tag" under the "Weapon/Tag" restriction must use equipment consistent with the requirements of their transport tag and license.

It is unlawful to fail to comply with bag, possession, and season limits described below. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410 Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.

Bag Limit: One (1) elk per hunter during the license year, except where otherwise permitted by department rule. Any combination of seasons, tags, and permits set by the department will not exceed a maximum of two (2) elk per hunter during the license year.

Hunting Method: Elk hunters must select only one of the hunting methods: Modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader.

Elk Tag Areas: Elk hunters must choose either Eastern or Western Washington to hunt in and buy the appropriate tag for that area.

Any Bull Elk Seasons: Open only to the taking of elk with visible antlers; bull calves are illegal.

Antler Point: To qualify as an antler point, the point must be at least one inch long, measured on the longest side.

Branch: A branch is defined as any projection off the main antler beam that is at least one inch long, measured on the longest side, and longer than it is wide.

Spike Bull Antler Restrictions: Bull elk taken in spike-only game management units (GMUs) must have at least one antler with no branches originating more than 4 inches above where the antler attaches to the skull.

Spike-only GMUs: 145-154, 162-186, 249, and 336-368.

True Spike - Bull Antler Restrictions: Neither antler of bull elk taken in GMUs 251, and 328-335 can have branching originating more than 4 inches above where the antlers attach to the skull. Under the true-spike restriction, taking an elk that has two points on one side or antler points within one inch of the definitions regarding length of point, or point of origination, is an infraction under RCW 77.15.160. All other types of violations of the true-spike restriction are subject to current penalties and assessments under RCW 77.15.410 and 77.15.420.

True-spike GMUs: 251, 328-335.

3-point Antler Restrictions: Legal bull elk must have at least 3 antler points on one side. Eye guards are antler points when they are at least one inch long. Antler restrictions apply to all hunters during any open season.

3-point GMUs: All of Western Washington, except for GMUs 448, 454, 564, 652 for archers, 666, 684, and Elk Area 4941.

Permit-only Units: The following GMUs are closed to elk hunting during general elk seasons: 157, 371, 418, 485, 522, 556, 621, 636, and 653.

GMUs Closed to Elk Hunting: 437 (except for Elk Area 4941) and 490.

Areas with Special Restrictions: There are modern firearm restrictions in GMU 334 and portions of GMU 660. GMU 554 is open only for early archery and muzzleloader seasons. Elk Area 6064 in GMU 638 (Quinault) is open to master hunters only.

Eastern Washington: All 100, 200, and 300 GMUs.

EA - Eastern Washington Archery Tag

EF - Eastern Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag

EM - Eastern Washington Muzzleloader Tag

Western Washington: All 400, 500, and 600 GMUs.

WA - Western Washington Archery Tag

WF - Western Washington Modern Firearm General Elk Tag

WM - Western Washington Muzzleloader Tag

License Required: A valid big game hunting license with an elk tag option.

Tag Required: A valid modern firearm elk tag as listed below for the area hunted.

Hunting Method: May use modern firearm, bow and arrow, crossbow, or muzzleloader, but only during modern firearm seasons.