Hunting in Kittitas County
“Working Today For Tomorrow’s Wildlife”
Big Game
Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Cougar, Big Horn Sheep, Wild Turkey, and Mountain Goat
Small Game/Game Bird
Pheasant, Chukar, Gray Partridge, Quail, Forest Grouse, Ducks, Geese, Bobcat, Coyote, Cottontail, Snowshoe Hare, and Raccoon
Species Information:
Black bear |
Cougar |
Elk |
Deer |
Mountain goat |
Bighorn sheep |
Beaver |
Bobcat |
Coyote |
Wild Turkey |
Canada Geese |
“Hunting remains a vital way of life for many residents and non-residents in Washington and contributes to statewide conservation efforts. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains opportunities for seasoned and first-time hunters alike. Learn about the steps every hunter must take before heading afield, and how to report your harvest after a successful hunt.”
– Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
NEW TRANSPORT RULES: Importation Rules for Region 1 and Out-of-State Hunters
If you hunt or salvage deer, elk, or moose within the 100 series GMUs in WDFW’s Region 1, there are rules (WAC 220-413-030) regulating how you can transport your harvest within the state.
These rules also apply to deer, elk, moose, or caribou harvested or salvaged outside of Washington. You cannot bring whole carcasses into Washington. For more information on transport rules, see Washington Carcass Transportation Restrictions.
Game Bird Identification
Learning how to cross a fence with an unloaded firearm safely.
10 Firearm Safety Rules
1. Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction and under control.
2. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Use your safety, but remember that safeties sometimes fail.
4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond before firing.
5. Never place or carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
6. Never use a firmarm unless you are familiar with how it works. If you need an owner’s manual, write to the manufacturer.
7. Never cross a fence, climb a tree, cross a stream, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
8. Never point at anything you do not want to shoot.
9. Unload firearms when not in use. Store firearms and ammunition separately.
10. Never use alcohol (or drugs) before or during shooting.
Big Game Articles
Differently-abled hunters go for bears June 13, 2014
Cougar expert gives talk at Hal Holmes August 15, 2017
Damage from elk continues to grow on farmland group attempts to find solutions July 6, 2004
Local deer numbers down significantly since 2004 October 6,2012
Deer holding their own after fire _January 19, 2013
Outdoors club and state disagree on wildlife closures _February 20, 2013
Options proposed for elk closure area in Naneum-Columbia River recreation plan _ October 30, 2013
Reward offered for elk poached near Ellensburg _November 16, 2016
County opposes yearly closures _March 14, 2013
Groups meet in Ellensburg to discuss wolves in washington _June 10, 2011
An elusive critter. Weather blamed for poor hunting conditions _November 17, 2006
Fun with bows and arrows _ August 14, 2015
Tiny pest puts local deer population in trouble _February 12, 2009
Special hunt permits: Luck of the draw or not? March 23, 2018
Tough winter ahead for deer _October 6, 2012
Wolf talk held at CWU to discuss populations in Washington _March 5, 2014
Women of the hunt: more females answer the call of the wild _ November 13, 2009
Bird Articles
Bald eagles take a break in Ellensburg as they make their way north to nest _ February 18, 2014
Recreational shooting returns, Christmas bird counts nears _November 25, 2011
DFW budgets, change, and the psychology of game birds _ August 17, 2018
Learning the history of duck stamps _ March 28, 2014
Field and Stream Club sponsors turkey shoot _ November 22, 2022
Women of the hunt: more females answer the call of the wild _ November 13, 2009