SPECIAL HUNT UPDATES

• Clarification for Master Hunters drawing special permits for Second Elk Tag Hunts: A Master Hunter may not kill two elk during any special permit controlled Second Elk Tag Hunt for Master Hunters. The Master Hunter may only harvest one elk during the special Second Elk Tag Hunt either by using his/her un-notched General Season elk tag or his/her Second Elk Tag Hunt tag, but not both. • Clarification for Toledo Master Hunter Permit Seasons: - Region Five Toledo 2nd Elk Tag - Toledo Damage Hunt 2009

• Clarification for North River C Master Hunter Permit Season • Notice to Potential Dungeness Elk Hunt Applicants • Tips and Reminders for Hunting in Elk Area 3911 • Elk Activity Updates

MASTER HUNTER NEWS • Master Hunter volunteers sought to assist with the evaluation of GPS coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. • 2009 Applicant Certification Time Limit List (as of July 14, 2009) • Master Hunters help the Lincoln County Conservation District • First Hunt: A presentation at the first Master Hunter orientation meeting • Master hunters create pens for Raptor House • Master Hunters Share a Hunting Experience • New Administrative Recertification Requirements

The Master Hunter Permit Program is designed to promote responsible hunting. In addition to training, the program emphasizes safe, lawful and ethical hunting priorities while upholding the highest standards. The program offers an opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters who care about the future of hunting to assume a leadership role among their peers. Through their knowledge and conduct in the field, Master Hunters play a key role in improving relationships with landowners, thus ensuring continued hunter access to private lands.

Benefits
Individuals who successfully complete the Master Hunter Permit Program receive a patch as recognition of their accomplishments. A personalized Master Hunter permit with the person's name, Master Hunter number, issue date, and renewal date will also be provided. Master Hunters are eligible to participate in special hunts aimed at reducing property damage and/or public safety problems posed by wildlife. Special hunt opportunities vary from year to year, and may include elk, deer, bear, turkey and goose hunts in designated areas throughout Washington.

• Master Hunter Identification Merchandise

Training and certification
Those enrolling in the Master Hunter Permit Program should be motivated by a genuine desire to learn and model a high level of hunting knowledge and skill. Training is offered through independent study, offering maximum flexibility for candidates.

To become a certified Master Hunter, each applicant is required to:

• Demonstrate proficiency with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun shooting shot, shotgun shooting slugs, or crossbow.
  Scoring your shooting instructions
• Provide at least 20 hours of volunteer service on a project benefiting state wildlife resources.
• Attend Crime Observation and Reporting Training (C.O.R.T.).
• Receive a score of at least 80 percent on a written examination, based on provided independent-study materials.
• Sign an agreement to abide by the Master Hunter Code of Ethics.
• Submit to and pass a law enforcement background check.

All program requirements must be completed within nine months from the date of enrollment.

How to enroll (Enrollment period in 2009 is now closed)
Note: The next open enrollment period will be January 1 – February 15, 2010. Applications will not be accepted before January 1, 2010

To enroll in the Master Hunter Permit Program, download and fill out the Master Hunter Permit Application form. Mail the completed application, with the $50 application fee payable by check to: WDFW Master Hunter, to the address listed on the application form.

Cost
Beginning October 16, 2009, the fee for a Master Hunter permit application will be $50.00, payable by check or money order to: WDFW Master Hunter. The fee includes independent study materials in CD format and printed documents.

Effective October 16, 2009, the cost to renew a Master Hunter permit for an additional five year period will be $25.00, payable by check or money order to: WDFW Master Hunter. This non-refundable fee will apply to any certified Master Hunter with a renewal anniversary date of October 16, 2009, or later.

More Information
For more information about the Master Hunter Permit Program, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education staff in Olympia at (360) 902-8412 or tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov

Lost Permits
If you have lost your Master Hunter permit, contact WDFW at (360) 902-8412. You may request a duplicate permit but will be charged a $5.00 fee. Checks MUST be written to: WDFW Master Hunter.

Update your contact information
Please remember to update your contact information including phone, mailing address, and e-mail address. Notify WDFW at (360) 902-8412, tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov

Contacting the WDFW Master Hunter Permit Program
Phone: 360 902-8412
FAX: 360 902-2155
E-Mail: tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov