Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their names into the drawing for a 2018 multiple-season tag, which can greatly increase the opportunity for success in the field.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold the drawing in mid-April, randomly selecting names for 8,500 multiple-season deer tags and 1,000 multiple-season elk tags.
Winners of the drawing can purchase a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader, and modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2018. Winners who purchase the multiple season elk tag can participate in general elk hunting seasons in both eastern and western Washington.
The deadline to purchase the multiple-season tag is July 31.
Winners may also choose any weapon type when applying for a special hunt permit for deer or elk.
Hunters can apply only once for each species and are limited to harvesting one deer or elk.
Flyfishers group plans Sandy River outing
The Clark-Skamania Flyfishers will hold their Sandy River outing on March 27. This is e day trip fishing for winter steelhead.
If interested contact Todd Gerhardt at 360-793-9022.
Preparation for spring turkey season urged
With the spring turkey season set to begin April 15, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) urges prospective hunters to sign up now for hunter education courses to avoid missing out on any hunting opportunities in 2018.
“While other major hunting seasons don’t open until September, now is the time to enroll in hunter education to ensure you can participate in the exciting spring turkey seasons,” said David Whipple, hunter education division manager for WDFW. Spring turkey hunters enjoy a high success rate, with 52 percent of hunters harvesting a turkey statewide in 2016. In northeast Washington, that figure rose to 62 percent.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area bans alcohol
After hearing strong support from area residents, law enforcement and emergency responders who have been dealing with alcohol-related problems, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to ban alcohol at Sauvie Island Wildlife Area from May 1-Sept. 30 annually.
The ban will begin this year on May 1, 2018.
State wolf population increases again
Washington’s wolf population continued to grow in 2017 for the ninth straight year, according to the results of an annual survey conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The state was home to at least 122 wolves, 22 packs, and 14 successful breeding pairs, based on field surveys conducted over the winter by state, tribal, and federal wildlife managers.
Ben Maletzke, WDFW statewide wolf specialist, said today that all of those totals were the highest recorded since the department began conducting the surveys in 2008. Last year’s survey documented 115 wolves, 20 packs, and 10 breeding pairs.
