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Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will accept enrollment applications for its Master Hunter Permit program from Jan. 1 through Feb. 15.

WDFW enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. Master hunters also participate in volunteer projects involving access to private lands, habitat enhancement, and landowner relations.

To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a high level of hunting skill and demonstrate a commitment to lawful and ethical hunting practices, said Sgt. Carl Klein, manager of the WDFW Hunter Education Division.

“This program was designed to create a pool of highly qualified hunters who can help the department manage wildlife in sensitive situations,” Klein said. “This is a great opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters to assume a leadership role among their peers.”

Hunters enrolling in the program must pay a non-refundable $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, pass a written exam and meet other qualifications described on the Master Hunter website ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/ ). The application form is also available on that website.

Klein encourages hunters who enroll in the program to prepare thoroughly for the written test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam.

Those who successfully complete the enrollment process will receive a master hunter patch and identification card, and will be eligible to participate in depredation hunts.

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Master Hunter Program Accepting Applications Beginning Jan. 1 2010

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, WA --(AmmoLand.com)- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be accepting enrollment applications for its Master Hunter program Jan. 1 through Feb.15.

Two orientation meetings on the application and certification process have been scheduled.

Those meetings are scheduled for:

• Jan. 9 – From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Valley Fire Department, 10000 Zier Road, Yakima.
• Jan. 16 – From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia.

Details on the program, application forms and enrollment procedures are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/ .

Master hunters participate in controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety.

“To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices, said Bruce Bjork, chief of the WDFW Enforcement Program that manages the Master Hunter program. Those who have been convicted of violating a state fish and wildlife regulation in the last 10 years are not eligible.”

“This is a great opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters to assume a leadership role among their peers,” Bjork said. “Their knowledge and conduct in the field can help build positive relationships with landowners and assure public hunting opportunity in the future.”

Hunters enrolling in the program are required to pass a written exam, undergo a criminal background check, sign a Master Hunter Code of Ethics form and provide at least 20 hours of volunteer service on WDFW projects that benefit the state’s wildlife resources.

Hunters who successfully complete the certification process will receive a certificate; a patch and a master hunter identification card; and will be eligible to participate in depredation hunts.

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