Deadline nears for special hunt permit applications

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Hunters can submit special hunt applications through May 19 for 2022 deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and fall turkey seasons, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced.

A random drawing from this year’s applicants will be held in June to select 2022 permit winners.

Qualified hunters with a special permit gain the opportunity to hunt at special times or places authorized by a general hunting license, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

To apply for a deer or elk special permit, hunters must first buy a hunting license before applying with their preferred hunt choices.

Applicants for mountain goat, moose, and bighorn sheep do not need to buy a license before they apply, officials said.

“Special permit hunts provide a unique opportunity for hunters to hunt with fewer crowds and higher success rate,” said Anis Aoude, game division manager for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Our district biologists closely monitor the wildlife populations in their area and we update permit numbers annually to support sustainable wildlife populations and recreational harvest opportunities,” Aoude added.

Instructions and details on applying for special permit hunts begin on Page 16 of Washington’s “2022 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations” pamphlet, available on Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/big-game.

Most special hunt permit applications cost $7.10 for residents; $110.50 for non-residents; and $3.80 for youth under age 16. Resident applications for mountain goat, bighorn sheep, ram, moose, and “quality” categories for deer and elk run $13.70.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife will post the results of the special hunt permit drawing online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov by the end of June. Winners will also be notified by mail or email by mid-July.