Hunters have until May 26 to return their applications for special big-game permits in Washington’s revamped system that offers new options for deer, elk, moose and bighorn sheep.
The state Fish and Wildlife Commission in April changed the permit system effective this fall.
Until now, all applications for special deer permits were randomly drawn from the same pool, each weighted according to the number of points the applicant had accumulated from past drawings. The computer calculated the points, registered the hunter’s preference, and drew successful applicants. The system worked the same for other species.
Hunters might have wanted to apply for antlerless permits, but did not want to lose points they were saving for popular buck and bull permits.
“Hunters told us they want to be able to apply for a specific type of hunt — say, buck deer, rather than have all permits drawn from the same pool,” said Dave Ware, game division manager for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Now, the agency will allow separate applications for specific categories of deer, elk, sheep, moose and cougar permits.
Hunters may submit separate applications for buck deer or bull elk permits; antlerless permits, second-tag permits, quality-hunt permits, youth permits, senior permits, disabled hunter permits and master hunter permits.
The department will conduct a separate drawing for each category.
This system is expected to reduce the number of applicants in each drawing, improving hunters odds of being selected.
The system also will generate more revenue, which will be used to expand programs to get access to private land, Ware said.
Instructions and details for the new system are described in the 2010-11 big-game regulations pamphlets, available at license vendors, department offices and online at https://fishhunt.dfw,wa.gov/wdfw/special_permits.html.
Completed applications must be submitted via a toll-free telephone number (877-945-3492) or to the website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/specialhunt by May 26.
Hunters must buy an application for any necessary hunting licenses and transport tags before applying for a special permit. The cost of each special hunt application is $6.50 for state residents, $60.50 for non-residents and $4.10 for youth age 15 and younger.
Hunters also need to updae their mailing address when buying their special hunting permit applications and licenses. Each year, hundreds of permits are returned due to invalid addresses, Ware said.
