Chapter 220-412 WAC:

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Chapter 220-412 WAC

Last Update: 5/7/24

WILDLIFE—HUNTING—PERMITS

WAC Sections

HTML PDF	220-412-010	Hunter education training program requirements.
HTML PDF	220-412-020	Hunter education deferral.
HTML PDF	220-412-030	Master hunter permit program.
HTML PDF	220-412-040	Washington raffle hunts.
HTML PDF	220-412-050	Landowner raffle hunts.
HTML PDF	220-412-060	Washington auction hunts.
HTML PDF	220-412-070	Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits.
HTML PDF	220-412-080	Special hunting season permits.
HTML PDF	220-412-090	Multi-season deer and elk tags.
HTML PDF	220-412-100	Landowner hunting permits.
HTML PDF	220-412-110	Hunting contests.
HTML PDF	220-412-120	Permit for holding field trials.
HTML PDF	220-412-130	Nonlethal pursuit training pass program.

PDF220-412-010

Hunter education training program requirements.

(1) The director may designate a state coordinator for the purpose of administering the hunter education program. The state coordinator shall be responsible for the certification of volunteer instructors and the development of instructional materials, training aids, operating policies and procedures necessary to comply with the provisions of this section and RCW 77.32.155.

(2) It is unlawful for any person born after January 1, 1972, to obtain an initial hunting license in the state of Washington without having completed a department-approved course involving at least ten hours of instruction in conservation, safety and sportsmanship.

(3) Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, each student shall be issued a certificate of accreditation signed by an authorized instructor or the state coordinator.

(4) It is unlawful for a license dealer to issue a hunting license for a person born after January 1, 1972, unless a hunter education certificate is presented at the time of purchase. This subsection does not apply to individuals listed in the department's licensing database system with a valid hunter education certificate number.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-010, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 09-13-031 (Order 09-111), § 232-12-227, filed 6/9/09, effective 7/10/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.32.155. WSR 97-22-003, § 232-12-227, filed 10/23/97, effective 11/23/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 95-02-070 (Order 94-146), § 232-12-227, filed 1/4/95, effective 1/4/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.32.050 and 77.32.070. WSR 90-19-087 (Order 458), § 232-12-227, filed 9/18/90, effective 10/19/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.32.155. WSR 85-16-004 (Order 260), § 232-12-227, filed 7/25/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-227, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-500.]

PDF220-412-020

Hunter education deferral.

(1) Pursuant to RCW 77.32.155, individuals may apply for a director-authorized, once in a lifetime, one-license-year deferral of hunter education training. To qualify, the applicant for deferral and his or her accompanying, licensed hunter must comply with the following requirements:

(a) The applicant for deferral must:

(i) Be at least ten years of age when applying for the deferral; and

(ii) Not have failed the hunter education training course within the previous twelve months, if he or she took the course.

(b) The accompanying, licensed hunter, as defined in RCW 77.32.155, must:

(i) Be over eighteen years of age; and

(ii) Have had a Washington hunting license for the three years prior to being an accompanying, licensed hunter.

(c) To provide maximum supervision and to enhance safety afield, an accompanying, licensed hunter must supervise only one deferred hunter while afield.

(d) An accompanying hunter must remain close enough to the deferred hunter to have uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory communication with the deferred hunter.

(2) Application procedures.

(a) Applicants for deferral must submit their applications to the department's hunter education division office in Olympia, Washington. Applications submitted without the required information will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.

(b) Applicants for deferral must submit a twenty-dollar application fee.

(c) Deferral applications will be on forms prescribed by the department and may be made available to the public in both printed and electronic formats.

(3) License purchases.

(a) Individuals granted a deferral under this section will be authorized to purchase hunting licenses and tags for the license year during which the applicant requested a deferral. An applicant will not be authorized for future hunting license purchases in Washington state without first successfully completing a hunter education training course.

(b) Individuals deferred under this administrative regulation:

(i) Must purchase hunting licenses and tags in accordance with current licensing procedures;

(ii) Must pay all hunting license and tag fees established under current law; and

(iii) Are only eligible to participate in general hunting seasons and/or youth opportunities.

(4) If either the deferred education licensee or the required nondeferred accompanying person, hunting under the authority of RCW 77.32.155(2), is convicted of a violation of this title, except for a violation of unlawful hunting of wild birds, RCW 77.15.400 (1) through (3), the department may revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of one or both the deferred education licensee and the nondeferred accompanying person's hunting privileges for one year.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-020, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-12-228, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 07-22-100 (Order 07-276), § 232-12-228, filed 11/6/07, effective 12/7/07.]

PDF220-412-030

Master hunter permit program.

(1) In order to effectively manage wildlife in areas or at times when a higher proficiency and demonstrated skill level are needed for resource protection or public safety, the department establishes the master hunter permit program.

(2) The master hunter permit program emphasizes safe, ethical, responsible, and lawful hunting practices. Program goals include improving the public's perception of hunting and perpetuating the highest hunting standards. A master hunter permit is required to participate in controlled hunts to eliminate problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety.

(a) The cost of initially applying for a master hunter permit shall be fifty dollars. The cost of renewing a master hunter permit shall be twenty-five dollars.

(b) The department shall determine the program's requirements and curriculum. The director shall establish an advisory group to assist agency staff in developing and managing the program.

(3) Master hunters are held to the highest ethical standards because these hunters are ambassadors for the department and are role models and mentors for the hunting community and for the public at large. Initial master hunter permit applicants must submit to a criminal background check. The department shall deny entry into the master hunter permit program to those applicants who have:

(a) Paid the required fine or been convicted within the last ten years of a chapter 77.15 RCW offense;

(b) Paid the required fine or been convicted within the last ten years of criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, criminal conspiracy, or making a false statement to law enforcement, while hunting, fishing, or engaging in any activity regulated by the department;

(d) A current hunting or fishing license revocation or a current suspension of hunting or fishing license privileges in Washington or in another state.

(4) Master hunter permit applicants will be required to sign and abide by a hunter code of ethics and pass a comprehensive examination based upon study materials provided by the department. An initial master hunter permit applicant found to have submitted fraudulent information to the department or to have cheated on the master hunter examination will be excluded from the master hunter permit program for life.

(5) Initial master hunter permit applicants who successfully complete the master hunter permit program will receive a master hunter patch and a master hunter permit. The initial master hunter permit is valid for five consecutive years from the date of issuance. The permit may be renewed for additional five-year increments if, during each five-year period of validity, the master hunter fulfills the renewal requirements established by the department.

(6) Master hunters renewing their permit shall authorize the department to conduct a criminal background check each time they renew. The criminal background check will go back five years from the master hunter's anniversary date or back to the date this rule amendment was adopted, whichever period of time is shorter. The department's approval will be determined by compliance with this section.

(7) Persons who successfully complete the master hunter permit program and maintain the requirements developed by the department may participate in special hunts. These master hunters must possess a valid master hunter permit while participating in the hunts.

(8) The department shall suspend a master hunter's permit for life if the master hunter:

(a) Pays the required fine or is convicted of a chapter 77.15 RCW misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony;

(b) Pays the required fine or is convicted of criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, criminal conspiracy, or making a false statement to law enforcement, while hunting, fishing, or engaging in any activity regulated by the department;

(c) Pays the required fine or is convicted of a felony prohibiting the possession of firearms, unless firearm possession is reinstated;

(d) Has his or her hunting or fishing license revoked, or hunting or fishing license privileges suspended in Washington or in another state; or

(e) Submitted fraudulent information to the department.

(9) A master hunter who pays the required fine or is found to have committed an infraction under chapter 77.15 RCW or the department's rules shall have his or her master hunter permit suspended for a period of two years.

(10) If a master hunter is cited, or charged by complaint, for a chapter 77.15 RCW offense; or for trespass, reckless endangerment, criminal conspiracy, or making a false statement to law enforcement, while hunting, fishing, or engaging in any activity regulated by the department, the department may immediately suspend the person's master hunter permit until the offense has been adjudicated.

(11) The department's master hunter coordinator will maintain open communications with landowners and the community. The department will investigate written accusations about master hunters and determine whether such complaints have merit and warrant enforcement action.

(12) Except under subsection (10) of this section, if a master hunter has his or her initial or renewal master hunter permit suspended for less than life, and the person wants to become a master hunter again, he or she must repeat the entire master hunter permit application process once the suspension period is over.

(13) Any person who has been denied initial admission into the master hunter permit program, renewal of his or her master hunter permit, or has had his or her master hunter permit suspended, has the right to an administrative hearing to contest the agency action. Such hearing will be held pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act. Initial master hunter permit applicants who fail to submit the application fee or who submit an incomplete application will have their application returned. Denial of admission on these grounds does not trigger the right to an administrative hearing.

(14) "Conviction," as used in this section, is defined in RCW 77.15.050.

(15) It is unlawful for any person to hunt in a hunt restricted to master hunters if such person has not successfully been admitted into the master hunter permit program and maintained the requirements set forth in this section, or if the person's master hunter permit has been suspended. Master hunters need a valid master hunter permit and a valid hunting license and tag to hunt in master hunter restricted hunts. "To hunt," as used in this section, is defined as "an effort to kill, injure, capture, or harass a wild animal or wild bird," pursuant to RCW 77.08.010(53). Master hunters who have been issued a disabled hunter permit by the department may only hunt with a designated hunter companion who has been admitted into the master hunter permit program and maintained the requirements under this section. Violations of this subsection shall be enforced under RCW 77.15.400 for wild birds, RCW 77.15.410 for big game, and RCW 77.15.430 for wild animals other than big game.

(16) Only Washington residents, as defined in RCW 77.08.010(39), may apply for an initial master hunter permit.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-030, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 09-19-084 (Order 09-215), § 232-12-073, filed 9/17/09, effective 10/18/09; WSR 08-03-088, § 232-12-073, filed 1/16/08, effective 2/16/08; WSR 03-01-077 (Order 02-298), § 232-12-073, filed 12/13/02, effective 1/13/03.]

PDF220-412-040

Washington raffle hunts.

1. The commission, in consultation with the director, may authorize hunts for big game animals and wild turkey through raffle.

2. When a raffle hunt is adopted by the commission the director may conduct the raffle or may award a contract to a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization (hereafter referred to as "organization") to market and conduct the raffle drawing. The department of fish and wildlife shall solicit bids consistent with established state competitive bid rules.

3. There is no limit on the number of raffle tickets a person may purchase.

4. The organization interested in conducting a raffle for an authorized hunt shall submit a proposal outlining its experience and plan to conduct a raffle. The proposal shall include:

a. Name of the organization, articles of incorporation, and contact person.

b. The date, time, and place of the proposed raffle drawing.

c. The approximate number of raffle tickets expected to be sold.

d. Past experience in conducting raffles.

e. Marketing strategies to be used.

f. Portion of revenue proposed to be retained by the organization.

5. The director will select an organization to conduct a raffle.

a. Revenue potential to the department will be a primary criterion in applicant selection.

b. The department shall enter into a contract with the organization identifying specific terms of the contract.

c. The director may authorize the organization to sell raffle tickets for the department and retain a portion of the revenue from the tickets sold.

6. The following are rules for raffles conducted by a director authorized nonprofit wildlife conservation organization.

a. The organization shall notify the public about the raffle hunt opportunity and offer raffle tickets for sale.

b. The public must be informed of the date, time, and place of the raffle, and the organization must hold the drawing as specified.

c. The drawing must be accessible to the public.

d. Raffle ticket sales must be completed prior to the public drawing. An accounting must be made of raffle tickets and funds received. A representative of the department will monitor the drawing.

e. One winner and two alternates shall be drawn at the drawing.

f. The organization shall notify the department of the name, address, and telephone number of the raffle winner and two alternates immediately (but no later than two business days) after the drawing.

g. The department's share of the raffle revenue shall be delivered to the department within 30 (thirty) business days of the drawing.

7. The following are rules for raffles conducted by the department.

a. The department shall notify the public about the raffle hunt opportunity and offer raffle tickets for sale.

b. The department shall inform the public of date and place of the raffle, and hold the drawing as specified.

c. Raffle ticket sales must be complete prior to the drawing.

d. One winner and two alternates shall be drawn at the drawing.

8. The department will notify the winner and two alternates by telephone and by certified mail. The department will obtain enough information from the winner to issue the appropriate hunting license and transport tag(s).

9. If the winner does not contact the department within 15 business days of the drawing, the first alternate will be contacted and offered the raffle hunt. If the first alternate cannot be contacted within 10 business days after the winner disqualification deadline, the second alternate will be contacted and offered the raffle hunt. If the second alternate cannot be contacted within 10 business days after the first alternate disqualification deadline, the raffle hunt will not be offered by the department.

10. There shall be no refunds for any raffle ticket purchases.

11. The deer raffle winner may purchase an additional deer hunting license and transport tag and the elk raffle winner may purchase an additional elk hunting license and transport tag if desired. Even if drawn in a previous license year for a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose hunt a hunter may participate in a raffle hunt. Turkey raffle winners may purchase up to three additional turkey licenses and transport tags.

12. Hunting licenses or transport tags obtained pursuant to a raffle may not be resold or reassigned.

13. Revenue from the sale of single-species raffle permits shall be used for the management of that species and revenue from the sale of multiple-species raffle permits shall be used for game management, except the hunting license and transport tag fees for the appropriate species shall be deducted from the raffle revenue.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-040, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-28-290, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-290, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]

PDF220-412-050

Landowner raffle hunts.

The commission, in consultation with the director and by agreement with cooperating private landowners, may authorize hunts for big game animals through raffle.

(1) The manager of property under contract with WDFW will conduct the landowner raffle drawing. Raffle tickets will be sold for not more than $25.00 each.

(2) Any person may purchase landowner raffle tickets in addition to WDFW raffle tickets and participate in auctions and special hunting season permit drawings.

(3) The landowner raffle winners must possess the appropriate hunting license and transport tag prior to participating in the landowner raffle hunt.

(4) The landowner deer or elk raffle hunt winners may purchase an additional deer or elk hunting license and obtain a second transport tag for use on the contracted lands if approved and authorized by the cooperating private landowner.

(5) If an additional deer or elk hunting license and transport tag are acquired by a raffle winner, the additional transport tag can only be used on the contracted lands during the raffle hunt.

(6) Hunting licenses or transport tags obtained pursuant to a raffle may not be resold or reassigned.

(7) The manager of property under contract with WDFW who is conducting an authorized raffle will provide an annual report to the department of fish and wildlife prior to May 1st. The report will include information on how the event was administered, where and when it occurred, who the winners were, the cost of tickets, and the number of tickets sold.

(8) Anyone may participate in landowner raffles.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240. WSR 20-12-080 (Order 20-76), § 220-412-050, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-050, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020. WSR 06-04-066 (Order 06-09), § 232-28-293, filed 1/30/06, effective 3/2/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-293, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]

PDF220-412-060

Washington auction hunts.

1. The commission, in consultation with the director, may authorize hunts for big game animals and wild turkeys through auction.

2. When an auction hunt is adopted by the commission, the director shall solicit nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations (hereafter referred to as "organizations") to bid to market and conduct a public auction for the special auction hunt. The department of fish and wildlife shall solicit bids consistent with established state competitive bid rules.

3. The organization interested in conducting an auction for an authorized hunt shall submit a proposal outlining its experience and plan to conduct a public auction. The proposal shall include:

a. Name of the organization, articles of incorporation, and contact person.

b. The date, time, and place of the proposed public auction.

c. The approximate number of people expected to attend the auction.

d. Past experience in conducting auctions.

e. Marketing strategies to be used.

f. Portion of revenue proposed to be retained by the organization.

4. The director will select an organization to conduct an auction.

a. Revenue potential to the department will be a primary criterion in applicant selection.

b. The department shall enter into a contract with the organization identifying specific terms of the contract.

5. The organization shall notify the public about the auction hunt opportunities.

a. The public must be informed of the date, time, and place of the auction and, the organization must hold the auction as specified.

b. The auction must be accessible to the public.

c. Anyone may bid on an auction permit.

d. The organization shall award the hunt to the highest qualified bidder who will then become the auction hunt hunter.

e. The organization shall notify the department of the name and address of the successful bidder within two days of the auction.

f. The department's share of the auction revenue shall be delivered to the department within 30 days of the auction.

6. Revenue from the sale of single-species auction permits shall be used for the management of that species and revenue from the sale of multiple-species auction permits shall be used for game management. Except, that the hunting license fees for the appropriate species shall be considered part of the auction price and be deducted from the auction revenue. A hunting license and transport tag will be mailed to the successful bidder.

7. The deer auction winner may purchase an additional deer hunting license and transport tag, and the elk auction winner may purchase an additional elk hunting license and transport tag. Even if drawn in a previous license year for a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose hunt, a hunter may participate in an auction hunt.

8. Hunting licenses or transport tags obtained pursuant to an auction may not be resold or reassigned.

9. The auction hunt hunter shall comply with all applicable hunting rules and regulations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-060, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-28-292, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-292, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]

PDF220-412-070

Big game and wild turkey auction, raffle, and special incentive permits.

AUCTION PERMITS

(1) BLACK-TAILED DEER AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to black-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(2) MULE DEER AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck mule deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(3) WHITE-TAILED DEER AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck white-tailed deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(4) THREE-DEER AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, and one additional any buck white-tailed deer; total harvest not to exceed three animals.

(b) Hunt Area: For black-tailed deer, those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For mule deer, those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For white-tailed deer, those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(5) WESTSIDE ELK AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMU 485, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(6) EASTSIDE ELK AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157 and those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(7) CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: The director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's website no later than January 1.

(d) Bag limit: One California bighorn ram.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(8) MOOSE AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Any open moose unit, and hunt areas identified by the department before December 1 for the following year, and posted on the department's website no later than January 1.

(d) Bag limit: One bull moose.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(9) MOUNTAIN GOAT AUCTION PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(d) Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

RAFFLE PERMITS

(10) BLACK-TAILED DEER RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to black-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT GMU 485 and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(11) MULE DEER RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to mule deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to mule deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck mule deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(12) WHITE-TAILED DEER RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Those GMUs open to white-tailed deer hunting EXCEPT those GMUs closed to white-tailed deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any buck white-tailed deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(13) WESTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMU 485, those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not open to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(14) EASTSIDE ELK RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157 and those GMUs closed to elk hunting, and those GMUs not opened to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(15) CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(d) Bag limit: One California bighorn ram.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(16) MOOSE RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 101 through 130, 204.

(d) Bag limit: One bull moose.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2

(17) MOUNTAIN GOAT RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(d) Bag limit: One mountain goat of either sex.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(18) TURKEY RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Season dates: April 1 - May 31 and September 1 - December 31

(b) Hunt Area: Statewide.

(d) Bag limit: Three additional wild turkeys, but not to exceed more than one turkey in Western Washington or two turkeys in Eastern Washington.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(19) ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: One Rocky Mountain bighorn ram.

(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 113, 172, 186, 181 (south of the line made by starting at Montgomery Ridge Road and Highway 129 to the Sherry Grade Road to the Couse Creek Road to the Snake River).

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(20) THREE-DEER RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: One additional any buck black-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, and one additional any buck white-tailed deer; total harvest not to exceed three animals.

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(21) NORTHEAST WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest three of six possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any bull elk, one any bull moose, one additional any legal cougar, one additional any legal black bear, and one additional any legal turkey (gobbler or turkey with visible beard ONLY); total harvest not to exceed three animals.

(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 101-124.

(i) September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, elk, and moose.

(ii) April 15 - May 31 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear.

(iii) September 1 - March 31 for cougar.

(iv) April 15 - May 31 for turkey.

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon EXCEPT archery and shotgun only for turkey.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(22) SOUTH-CENTRAL WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: One additional any bull elk, one additional any buck deer, and one California bighorn sheep ram; total harvest not to exceed three animals.

(b) Hunt Area: For elk, any 300 or 500 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to elk hunting and those GMUs not open to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For deer, any 300 or 500 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For California bighorn sheep, the director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's website no later than January 1.

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(23) SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest four of five possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, one additional any bull elk, one additional any legal cougar, and one additional any legal black bear; total harvest not to exceed four animals.

(b) Hunt Area: GMUs 139-154 and 162-186.

(c) Season dates: September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk. April 15 - June 15 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear. September 1 - March 31 for cougar

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

(24) NORTH-CENTRAL WASHINGTON BIG GAME RAFFLE PERMIT

(a) Bag limit: Permit hunter may harvest three of five possible species. Species that may be harvested under this permit include: One additional any buck white-tailed deer, one additional any buck mule deer, one any ram California bighorn sheep, one additional any legal cougar, and one additional any legal black bear; total harvest not to exceed three animals.

(b) Hunt Area: For white-tailed deer, mule deer, cougar, and black bear, any 200 series GMU EXCEPT those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission. For California bighorn sheep, the director is authorized to select areas open for this hunt based on population objectives, harvest objectives, and recent harvest parameters as identified by the department. The selection of hunt areas will be made no later than December 1 for the following year, and will be posted on the department's website no later than January 1.

(i) September 1 - December 31 for white-tailed deer, mule deer, and California bighorn sheep.

(ii) April 15 - May 15 and September 1 - December 31 for black bear.

(iii) September 1 - March 31 for cougar.

(d) Weapon: Any legal weapon.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 1

SPECIAL INCENTIVE PERMITS

(25) WESTERN WASHINGTON ELK INCENTIVE PERMITS

(a) Hunt Area: Western Washington EXCEPT GMUs 418, 485, 522, and those GMUs closed to elk hunting or closed to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

(d) Bag limit: One additional elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2

(26) EASTERN WASHINGTON ELK INCENTIVE PERMITS

(a) Hunt Area: Eastern Washington EXCEPT GMU 157 and those GMUs closed to elk hunting or closed to bull elk hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

(d) Bag limit: One additional elk.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 2

(27) DEER INCENTIVE PERMITS

(a) Hunt Area: Statewide, for use in any area open to general or permit hunting seasons EXCEPT GMUs 157, 418, 485, 522, and those GMUs closed to deer hunting by the fish and wildlife commission.

(b) Season dates: September 1 - December 31

(c) Weapon: Any legal weapon, EXCEPT hunters must use archery equipment during archery seasons and muzzleloader equipment during muzzleloader seasons and any legal weapon at other times if there are no firearm restrictions.

(d) Bag limit: One additional any deer.

(e) Number of permit hunters selected: 5

PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCEDURE

(28) Auction permits: The director will select a conservation organization(s) to conduct annual auction(s). Selection of the conservation organizations will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Big game and wild turkey auctions shall be conducted consistent with WAC 220-412-060.

(29) Raffle permits: Raffle permits will be issued to individuals selected through a Washington department of fish and wildlife drawing or the director may select a conservation organization(s) to conduct annual raffles. Selection of a conservation organization will be based on criteria adopted by the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Big game and wild turkey raffles shall be conducted consistent with WAC 220-412-040.

(30) Special incentive permits: Hunters will be entered into a drawing for special deer and elk incentive permits for prompt reporting of hunting activity in compliance with WAC 220-413-100.

(31) For permit hunts where the permittee may harvest multiple species, the permittee must select the species he/she wants to hunt within fourteen days of notification of being selected.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

(32) Permittees shall contact the appropriate regional office of the department of fish and wildlife when entering the designated hunt area or entering the region to hunt outside the general season.

(33) The permittee may be accompanied by others; however, only the permittee is allowed to carry a legal weapon or harvest an animal.

(34) Any attempt by members of the permittee's party to herd or drive wildlife is prohibited.

(35) If requested by the department, the permittee is required to direct department officials to the site of the kill.

(36) The permit is valid during the hunting season dates for the year issued.

(37) The permittee will present the head and carcass of the bighorn sheep killed to any department office within ten days of date of kill.

(38) The permittee must abide by all local, state, and federal regulations including firearm restriction areas and area closures.

(39) Hunters awarded the special incentive permit will be required to send the appropriate license fee to the department of fish and wildlife headquarters in Olympia. The department will issue the license and transport tag and send it to the special incentive permit winner.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240. WSR 21-14-022 (Order 21-61), § 220-412-070, filed 6/28/21, effective 7/29/21; WSR 20-12-080 (Order 20-76), § 220-412-070, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.090, 77.04.130, 77.15.568, 77.08.010, 77.65.510, 77.65.515, and 77.65.520. WSR 19-10-011 (Order 19-79), § 220-412-070, filed 4/19/19, effective 5/20/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, 77.12.040, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.210, 77.12.240, 77.12.320, 77.12.570, 77.12.800, 77.15.245, 77.32.007, 77.32.050, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530. WSR 18-11-061 (Order 18-76), § 220-412-070, filed 5/11/18, effective 6/11/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.12.240, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.32.090, and 77.32.530. WSR 17-17-088, § 220-412-070, filed 8/17/17, effective 9/17/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090. WSR 17-10-076 (Order 17-10), amended and recodified as § 220-412-070, filed 5/3/17, effective 6/3/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-28-283, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-048 (Order 15-101), § 232-28-283, filed 4/29/15, effective 5/30/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-28-283, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.32.530. WSR 12-22-045 (Order 12-257), § 232-28-283, filed 11/2/12, effective 12/3/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 10-03-041 (Order 10-10), § 232-28-283, filed 1/13/10, effective 2/13/10.]

PDF220-412-080

Special hunting season permits.

The commission may establish special hunting seasons and may set the conditions for each category and hunt.

(1) Deer, elk, cougar, or black bear special hunting season permit applications:

(a) To apply for special hunting season permits for all categories of deer, elk, cougar, or black bear, applicants must have a valid Washington big game hunting license and a valid transport tag for the appropriate species. To apply for a particular hunt, each applicant for deer or elk must have the proper transport tag as identified in the special deer or elk permit regulations.

(b) Multiple season deer and elk permit applications may be purchased without additional licenses or tags. Persons who are successfully drawn must purchase a multiple season permit for deer or elk and may also apply for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm special hunting season permits for the species drawn.

(2) Mountain goat, moose, and bighorn sheep special hunting season permit applications:

(a) Persons who have previously harvested a mountain goat, bighorn sheep ram, an antlered bull moose taken under an "any antlered bull moose" permit, or any moose (whether antlered or not) taken under an "any moose" permit in Washington are ineligible for a special hunting season permit for that category. This lifetime harvest restriction does not apply to mountain goat conflict reduction hunts, individuals who harvested a mountain goat before 1999, raffle or auction hunt authorizations, ewe-only bighorn sheep hunts, or antlerless-only moose hunts.

(b) Applicants for all mountain goat, moose, and/or bighorn sheep special hunting season permits must have either successfully completed hunter education prior to submitting an application, or have a birth date prior to January 1, 1972.

(c) Successful applicants under this section must purchase the appropriate hunting license by the deadline established by the department (a minimum of 15 days). Failure to purchase forfeits the permit to an alternate applicant.

(3) Wild turkey special hunting season permit applications:

(a) To apply for wild turkey special hunting season permits, each applicant must have a valid small game hunting license.

(b) Fall wild turkey special hunting season permit holders must have a valid turkey transport tag in possession to hunt turkeys in fall special hunting seasons.

(4) Special hunting season permit applications:

(a) Maximum group sizes are determined for each category. If a group application is drawn, all hunters in the group will receive a special hunting season permit and each hunter in the group can take an animal. If the number of permits available in a hunt category is less than the maximum group size, then the maximum group size is equal to the number of permits.

(i) Maximum group size for deer categories is 8.

(ii) Maximum group size for elk categories is 8.

(iii) Maximum group size for bear categories is 2.

(iv) Maximum group size for cougar categories is 2.

(v) Maximum group size for mountain goat categories is 2.

(vi) Maximum group size for bighorn sheep categories is 2.

(vii) Maximum group size for fall turkey categories is 4.

(viii) Maximum group size for moose categories is 2.

(ix) Maximum group size for multiple season deer is 2.

(x) Maximum group size for multiple season elk is 2.

(b) An applicant may purchase only one application for a special hunting season permit for each category.

(c) Permit applications will allow four choices for all categories except the quality category for deer and elk will allow two choices.

(d) Permits will be drawn by computer selection using a weighted point selection system.

(i) Applicants will receive one point for each application category purchased.

(ii) Once drawn for a permit, the applicant's points will be reduced to zero in that category. Applicants who are drawn for a damage hunt administered by a WDFW designated hunt coordinator and not given a chance to participate shall get their points restored. Those that decline to participate for any reason are not eligible for point restoration.

(iii) An applicant's accumulated point totals, immediately prior to sales of the 2010 permit applications, will be replicated across all categories for that species. The point replication will only occur in 2010, during the transition from single species categories to multiple categories of the same species. Applicants for any new category added in the future will begin with the point awarded at the time of the initial application purchase.

(iv) Applicants for the "any antlered bull moose" category (established in 2018) will be credited with any points previously accumulated under the "any moose" category.

(e) Incomplete, ineligible, or inaccurate applications will not be accepted or entered into the drawing.

(f) Permits will be voided if the applicant is found to be ineligible or to have provided an application based on inaccurate information.

(g) The purchase of an application will result in one accrued point for the category purchased.

(h) If for any reason a successful applicant chooses not to participate in the hunt, they are eligible for point restoration. The successful applicant seeking point restoration must return the special hunting season permit to the department of fish and wildlife Olympia headquarters two weeks before the opening day of the special hunting season so it can be reissued. The applicant's points will be restored to the level prior to the permit drawing.

(i) Anyone may apply for a special hunting season permit for deer, elk, bear, cougar, and wild turkey.

(5) In addition to requirements for special hunting season permit applications, following are application requirements for:

(a) Special hunting seasons for persons of disability: Only applicants with a Washington disabled hunter permit are eligible to apply for any special hunting season permits for persons of disability.

(b) Special hunting seasons for youth: Only persons who are eligible to lawfully purchase a youth special hunt application are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for youth.

(c) Special hunting seasons for hunters age 65 and older: Only applicants sixty-five years of age or older on or before March 31 of the current license year will be eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for hunters age 65 and older.

(d) Special hunting seasons for master hunter program graduates: Only persons who hold a valid certificate from the Washington department of fish and wildlife's master hunter program are eligible to apply for special hunting season permits for master hunters.

(6) Citizen reward for reporting violations - Bonus points: A person who provides information which contributes substantially to the arrest of another person for illegally hunting or killing big game or an endangered species as defined by Title 77 RCW is eligible to receive ten bonus points toward the special hunting permit drawing for one application category of deer or elk special hunting season permits.

(a) Only ten bonus points can be awarded for providing information for each person charged regardless of the number of violations involved.

(b) Selection of bonus points is in lieu of application for a cash award.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240. WSR 21-14-022 (Order 21-61), § 220-412-080, filed 6/28/21, effective 7/29/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, 77.12.040, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.210, 77.12.240, 77.12.320, 77.12.570, 77.12.800, 77.15.245, 77.32.007, 77.32.050, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530. WSR 18-11-061 (Order 18-76), § 220-412-080, filed 5/11/18, effective 6/11/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090. WSR 17-10-076 (Order 17-10), amended and recodified as § 220-412-080, filed 5/3/17, effective 6/3/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 10-10-061 (Order 10-94), § 232-28-291, filed 4/30/10, effective 5/31/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-28-291, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210. WSR 08-09-090 (Order 08-78), § 232-28-291, filed 4/18/08, effective 5/19/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-11-032 (Order 06-92), § 232-28-291, filed 5/8/06, effective 6/8/06; WSR 05-02-046 (Order 04-327), § 232-28-291, filed 1/3/05, effective 2/3/05; WSR 03-16-087 (Order 03-175), § 232-28-291, filed 8/5/03, effective 9/5/03; WSR 03-13-047 (Order 03-129), § 232-28-291, filed 6/12/03, effective 7/13/03; WSR 03-02-005 (Order 02-301), § 232-28-291, filed 12/20/02, effective 1/20/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. WSR 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-291, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]

PDF220-412-090

Multi-season deer and elk tags.

Multi-season deer and elk tags allow hunters who draw and purchase those tags to hunt during more than one general season.

The department will conduct an annual drawing for multi-season tags.

(1) Multi-season deer and elk tags:

(a) To apply for multi-season deer and elk tags, applicants must purchase a multi-season application for deer and/or elk.

(b) The department will not refund or exchange applications for multi-season deer and elk after they submit the application.

(d) Applicants will be randomly drawn by computer selection.

(e) Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

(f) Multi-season deer and elk drawings will be held in April.

(2) Multi-season tags:

(a) Hunters who are drawn will be required to purchase their multi-season tag by July 31.

(b) Multi-season tags are not transferable.

(c) Multi-season tags not purchased by successful applicants prior to August 1 may be made available for purchase to nonsuccessful applicants at the discretion of the department.

(3) Multi-season tag holders are required to follow all rules and restrictions, including bag limits, for general season hunters, for the species, within the game management unit or area hunted.

Number of Tags	Dates	Game Management Units (GMUs)	Legal Animal	Eligible Hunters
Multi-season Deer Tags
8500	Sept. 1 - December 31 within general seasons and regulations established by the commission for deer	Statewide in those GMUs with general seasons for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm hunters	Any legal deer consistent with the game management unit or area restrictions	Any licensed deer hunter
50	Sept. 1 - December 31 within general seasons and regulations established by the commission for deer	Statewide in those GMUs with general seasons for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm hunters	Any legal deer consistent with the game management unit or area restrictions	Hunter education instructors meeting qualifications and selection criteria established by the department
100	Sept. 1 - December 31 within general seasons and regulations established by the commission for deer	Statewide in those GMUs with general seasons for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm hunters	Any legal deer consistent with the game management unit or area restrictions	Any licensed hunter that meets the eligibility requirements of the WDFW Chronic Wasting Disease Incentive Programa
Multi-season Elk Tags
1000	Sept. 1 - December 31 within general seasons and regulations established by the commission for elk	Statewide in those GMUs with general seasons for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm hunters	Any legal elk consistent with the game management unit or area restrictions	Any licensed elk hunter
25	Sept. 1 - December 31 within general seasons and regulations established by the commission for elk	Statewide in those GMUs with general seasons for archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm hunters	Any legal elk consistent with the game management unit or area restrictions	Hunter education instructors meeting qualifications and selection criteria established by the department

a	To be eligible, hunters must have submitted their deer or elk for CWD sampling to WDFW staff during the preceding license year.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.08.030. WSR 23-23-161 (Order 23-13), § 220-412-090, filed 11/21/23, effective 12/22/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240. WSR 20-12-080 (Order 20-76), § 220-412-090, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-090, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-061 (Order 15-100), § 232-28-294, filed 5/1/15, effective 6/1/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.32.450, and 77.32.370. WSR 12-06-008 (Order 12-21), § 232-28-294, filed 2/24/12, effective 3/26/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.32.450, and 77.32.370. WSR 11-01-041 (Order 10-313), § 232-28-294, filed 12/6/10, effective 1/6/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020, 77.12.570, 77.12.210, 77.12.150, 77.12.240. WSR 09-09-083 (Order 09-53), § 232-28-294, filed 4/15/09, effective 5/16/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.020. WSR 08-01-052 (Order 07-292), § 232-28-294, filed 12/13/07, effective 1/13/08; WSR 06-04-066 (Order 06-09), § 232-28-294, filed 1/30/06, effective 3/2/06.]

PDF220-412-100

Landowner hunting permits.

(1) A landowner may enter into a contract with the department and establish boundaries and other requirements for hunter access consistent with commission policy.

(2) It is unlawful to participate in a landowner hunting permit (LHP) hunt without a landowner LHP permit from the landowner or a public LHP permit from the department for the species covered under the landowner's contract and possess an unfilled tag for said species. A violation of this section is punishable under RCW 77.15.410.

(3) Acceptance Guidelines

(a) LHP contracts must provide one or both of the hunting opportunities listed below for the public via landowner permits and public permits:

• Hunting opportunity that otherwise would not exist.

• Hunting opportunity that helps resolve chronic crop damage problems that have been documented by WDFW.

(b) WDFW may deny LHP applications that do not provide substantial public access benefit beyond the allotted WDFW public permit opportunity.

• For the purposes of this program, "substantial public benefit" will be defined as access for the general public to the property outside of the designated LHP permit season, for any of the following activities: General season or special permit hunting access for deer, elk, bear, cougar, sheep, goat, moose, upland game birds, turkey, waterfowl, dove or other nonhunting activities such as wildlife viewing or fishing. At a minimum, the LHP property should attempt to allow access for at least two types of recreational opportunity outside of the designated LHP permit seasons for deer and elk. Each LHP agreement must demonstrate a substantial public benefit to the citizens of the state and the wildlife resources of the area. For further information regarding public benefit, please refer to the standard operating procedure.

• Lands that are contiguous can span GMU boundaries.

• Lands that are not contiguous have to reside within the same GMU.

(d) Only 2 LHP contracts will be active at the same time in each WDFW district (Appendix B). If an LHP crosses district boundaries, the LHP will be considered to be in the district containing the majority of the land and/or hunting opportunity.

(e) WDFW will prioritize LHP applications that score the highest using the scoring matrix (Criteria - Appendix D in the standard operating procedure). In addition to LHP hunts, "no-fee" general public access opportunity is strongly encouraged (e.g., general deer, elk, turkey, upland hunting, or other opportunities as stated in (b) of this subsection). Special accommodations for hunters with disabilities, youth, seniors, and designated master hunters are also strongly encouraged, as well as "no-fee" access for special permit holders (e.g., elk, bear, moose and bighorn sheep).

(f) To ensure predictability for landowners, hunters, and WDFW, all landowners who enter into an LHP contract in April are required to abide by the conditions of the LHP contract for the term of the contract. Any changes in property ownership, total acreage or management practices on the land(s) enrolled in the LHP will require an amendment to the contract. WDFW reserves the right to alter conditions to the contract if an amendment is required. It is the responsibility of the landowner to inform the proper WDFW regional staff of any changes. Not providing accurate information may result in the termination of the contract.

(g) Landowners may only be involved in one LHP statewide.

(4) Program Guidelines

(a) Policy C-6002 divides hunting on LHP cooperator lands into public and landowner permit opportunities. Public opportunity is defined as permits that are drawn through the WDFW permit drawing system or are drawn through a public raffle. Landowner opportunity is defined as those permits allocated to and distributed by the LHP cooperator(s).

(b) No LHP permits for elk will be issued in those GMUs where branch-antlered bull elk hunting is by quality or bull elk special permits only.

(c) No LHP permits for deer will be issued in those GMUs where antlered deer hunting is by quality or buck deer special permits only.

(d) Landowners may sell access associated with the landowner portion of the permits, but then must waive the right to all claims for wildlife damage that may occur on their lands. Selling access may also affect landowner liability as described in RCW 4.24.200 and 4.24.210. It is the responsibility of the landowner to ensure they are protected against liability claims.

(e) WDFW will draw permits for public hunting opportunity through the licensing permit drawing system or through a public raffle. Public raffles must be conducted according to state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, WAC 220-412-050 and as outlined in the commission policy C-6002.

(f) Access to LHP property and associated hunting will be free of charge for individuals who draw a public LHP permit. Hunting opportunity (i.e., location, length of time, season of the hunt and hunting area) must be equivalent for public permit holders and landowner permit holders. Landowners not meeting this requirement will have their LHP contract voided. Landowners in an LHP may be required to provide evidence verifying equitability between both the public and landowner permits.

(g) Lands in an LHP contract will be identified on the WDFW website, along with other private and public hunting lands. The cooperator or WDFW may create additional detailed maps to better inform the public. Any additional maps or materials may also be posted on the WDFW website.

(h) LHP boundaries will be posted with WDFW approved signs in accordance with boundary posting requirements section of the standard operating procedure.

(i) LHP properties may not have fences that alter or prevent the natural movement of wildlife.

(j) All LHP permits are only valid within the identified LHP property boundaries. Any wildlife harvested outside the boundaries of the LHP using an LHP permit will be considered a "closed season" violation. LHP permits are not valid on private or public in-holdings that are not included in the LHP contract.

(k) Any cost to implement the program, other than costs typically covered by WDFW (e.g., WDFW staff time and LHP signage), will be the responsibility of the landowner.

(l) Damage prevention permits authorized under WAC 220-440-060 will be issued to LHP cooperators only if WDFW deems it necessary to control damage.

(m) All LHP contracts will be tied to the three-year season setting cycle.

(n) LHP permits will be allocated annually. WDFW regional staff will provide permit recommendations to the private lands section manager by November of each year.

(o) A cooperator who does not comply with their LHP contract may have their contract voided by the department. If their contract is voided, they will not be able to reapply until the next application cycle and forfeit any remaining permits to WDFW. If a contract is voided, the LHP property may be enrolled in another WDFW access program without having to wait until the next LHP application cycle.

(p) WDFW at its discretion may deny any LHP application for biological or social reasons.

(q) LHPs shall not be authorized in areas where other access opportunities may be jeopardized.

(r) Due to the limited availability of habitat funding, LHP properties will not be prioritized for any funding available to the private lands access program for the purposes of habitat enhancement, restoration or other habitat related activities. This does not include federal programs, where WDFW staff provide technical assistance.

Annual reports (Appendix C) will be required for all LHP properties. The annual report form will be mailed to the landowners with their LHP permits each year. Reports are due back to the private lands section manager no later than May 1st of the following year. Failing to mail/send completed annual reports may result in a delay in issuing permits the following hunting season. Chronic failure to submit reports will lead to voiding of the LHP contract.

(5)(a) Buckrun

(i) Buckrun is located in Grant County, near the town of Wilson Creek.

(ii) Hunting on Buckrun is managed for a quality experience by scheduling hunt dates and keeping the number of hunters in the field low. Hunters with limited flexibility for hunt dates may experience scheduling problems. Hunters can generally expect one-day hunts during the permit seasons with written authorization from the Buckrun manager. All hunters must check in and out with the landowner or their designee on hunt day. Hunts are scheduled on a first-come basis by calling 509-345-2577 in advance.

(b) Buckrun landowner hunting permits

(i) Buckrun's manager will distribute Buckrun's landowner hunting permits. Buckrun may charge an access fee for these permits, but not for winning raffle permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for permits on Buckrun's properties. Contact the manager at 509-345-2577 for additional information.

(ii) Deer Seasons for the landowner portion of LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Buckrun	10	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Antlerless Mule Deer or any White-tailed Deer	Buckrun
Buckrun	30	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Any deer	Buckrun
Buckrun Raffle	10	Oct. 25 - Dec. 31	Any deer	Buckrun

(i) Hunters must apply to the Washington department of fish and wildlife for Buckrun's special hunting permits. Only hunters possessing a modern firearm deer tag are eligible for these special permits. All hunters must check in and out with the landowner or their designee. Hunts must be scheduled in advance by calling 509-345-2577.

(ii) Deer Seasons for the public portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Buckrun	10	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Antlerless	Buckrun

(6)(a) Silver Dollar Association

The Silver Dollar Association is located in Yakima and Benton counties, on the western edge of the Hanford Reservation.

(b) Silver Dollar Association landowner hunting permits

(i) The Silver Dollar Association's manager will distribute the association's landowner hunting permits. The association may charge an access fee for these permits.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the landowner portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Silver Dollar	30	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Elk	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar	8	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless	Silver Dollar

(i) Hunters must apply to the department for the Silver Dollar Association's special hunting permits.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the public portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Weapon/Tag	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Silver Dollar	11	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Any Elk	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar Antlerless Elk	6	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Antlerless Elk Only	Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar Antlerless Elk	2	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Persons of Disability Only, Antlerless Elk Only	Silver Dollar

(7)(a) Blackrock Ranches

Blackrock Ranches is located in Yakima County west of the Hanford Reservation.

(b) Blackrock Ranches landowner hunting permits

(i) Blackrock Ranches' manager will distribute the ranches' landowner hunting permits. Blackrock Ranches may charge an access fee for these permits.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the landowner portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Blackrock Ranches	8	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	2	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless	Blackrock Ranches

(i) Hunters must apply to the department for Blackrock Ranches' special hunting permits. To apply, hunters must have an eastside elk tag.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the public portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Permit Number	Weapon/Tag	Permit Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Blackrock Ranches	2	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	1	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Antlerless Only	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	1	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Any Elk	Blackrock Ranches
Blackrock Ranches	1	EF	Aug. 1 - March 31	Youth Only, Antlerless Only	Blackrock Ranches

(8)(a) Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association

(i) The Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association (CPWMA) landowner hunting permit area is located in Spokane County (GMU 130) near Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

(ii) Landowner permit hunts are primarily small ranch hunts but are managed for a quality experience by keeping the number of hunters in the field low.

(b) Columbia Plateau Wildlife Management Association landowner hunting permits

(i) CPWMA's manager will distribute the association's landowner hunting permits. CPWMA will not charge an access fee for raffle permit winners. Only hunters possessing an elk tag are eligible for permits on CPWMA's properties. All successfully drawn permit applicants must have written authorization from CPWMA's manager and must check in and out with CPWMA's designee at the beginning and ending of the scheduled hunting dates. Successful applicants will receive a packet of information with forms to complete and a map showing the hunt area. These applicants must complete the forms and return them before September 30. Applicants should see CPWMA's website at www.cpwma.org or contact the hunt manager at 509-263-4616. Holders of landowner permits selected through raffle, including 12 antlerless elk and 3 any bull elk permits, are eligible to purchase second elk tags that may only be used on lands included in the CPWMA LHP.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the landowner portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
CPWMA	2	Jan. 1 - Mar. 31	Antlerless	CPWMA
CPWMA	1	Jan. 1 - Mar. 31	Any Bull	CPWMA
CPWMA Raffle 1	4	Jan. 1-31	Antlerless	CPWMA
CPWMA Raffle 2	4	Feb. 1-28	Antlerless	CPWMA
CPWMA Raffle 3	4	Mar. 1-31	Antlerless	CPWMA
CPWMA Raffle 4	3	Jan. 1 - Mar. 31	Any Bull	CPWMA

(i) Hunters must apply to the department for CPWMA's special hunting permits. All successfully drawn permit applicants must have written authorization from CPWMA's manager and must check in and out with CPWMA's designee at the beginning and ending of the scheduled hunting dates. Successful applicants will receive a packet of required information with forms to complete and a map showing the hunt area. These applicants must complete the forms and return them before September 30. Applicants should see CPWMA's website at www.cpwma.org or contact the hunt manager at 509-263-4616.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the public portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
CPWMA 1	1	Jan. 1 - Mar. 31	Any Bull	CPWMA

(9)(a) Centralia Mine

(i) Centralia Mine landowner hunting permit area is located in Lewis and Thurston counties (GMU 667) on the Centralia Mine near Centralia.

(ii) The Centralia Mine is owned by TransAlta and is a federally mandated, closed access area. Hunters must be escorted by TranAlta employees to access the property. Public hunters that are drawn for permits are escorted to huntable areas on the mine by employees with TransAlta that volunteer their time.

(b) Centralia Mine landowner hunting permits

(i) TransAlta staff will distribute the Centralia Mine landowner hunting permits including to TransAlta staff that volunteer as guides for state disabled, senior and youth permit elk hunts. TransAlta volunteers using their permits will attempt to target limping cows to assist with Treponeme Associated Hoof Disease control.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the landowner portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Centralia Mine	5	Sept. 1 - Dec. 31	Antlerless	Centralia Mine

(i) Hunters must apply to the department for Centralia Mine special hunting permits. To apply, hunters must have the required license/transport tag who are 65 years and older at some point during the license year for the senior hunts or be registered with the department as a hunter with a disability for the disabled hunts or meet the qualifications for youth hunting for the youth hunt. Due to landscape conditions, all hunters, regardless of tag type, are required to use a rifle during these hunts. Successful applicants will be contacted by TransAlta to arrange their hunt date and will receive a packet of logistical information from TransAlta about the hunt.

(ii) Elk Seasons for the public portion of the LHP permits:

Hunt Name	Quota	Access Season	Special Restrictions	Boundary Description
Centralia Mine	5	Sept. 1 - Oct. 15*	Senior only, Antlerless	Centralia Mine
Centralia Mine	5	Sept. 1 - Oct. 15*	Disabled only, Antlerless	Centralia Mine
Centralia Mine	1	Sept. 1 - Oct. 15*	Youth only, Any Bull	Centralia Mine

*Individuals selected for these hunts will be granted a single weekend within the listed time frame. Coordination with the hunt manager is required when selecting specific weekend dates.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.08.030, 77.08.045, 77.12.047, 77.12.722, 77.12.800, 77.15.190, 77.32.320, 77.32.530, and 77.32.535. WSR 24-11-029 (Order 23-18), § 220-412-100, filed 5/7/24, effective 6/7/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.08.030. WSR 23-11-118, § 220-412-100, filed 5/22/23, effective 6/22/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-15-096 (Order 22-71), § 220-412-100, filed 7/19/22, effective 8/19/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, and 77.12.240. WSR 21-14-022 (Order 21-61), § 220-412-100, filed 6/28/21, effective 7/29/21; WSR 20-12-080 (Order 20-76), § 220-412-100, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.090, 77.04.130, 77.15.568, 77.08.010, 77.65.510, 77.65.515, and 77.65.520. WSR 19-10-011 (Order 19-79), § 220-412-100, filed 4/19/19, effective 5/20/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, 77.12.040, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.210, 77.12.240, 77.12.320, 77.12.570, 77.12.800, 77.15.245, 77.32.007, 77.32.050, 77.32.070, 77.32.090, 77.32.370, and 77.32.530. WSR 18-11-061 (Order 18-76), § 220-412-100, filed 5/11/18, effective 6/11/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090. WSR 17-10-076 (Order 17-10), amended and recodified as § 220-412-100, filed 5/3/17, effective 6/3/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, 77.12.240, 77.12.800, 77.32.090, and 77.32.155. WSR 16-12-087, § 232-28-296, filed 5/31/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.047, 77.12.150, and 77.12.240. WSR 15-10-031 (Order 15-94), § 232-28-296, filed 4/28/15, effective 5/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047, 77.12.240, and 77.32.070. WSR 14-10-019 (Order 14-95), § 232-28-296, filed 4/25/14, effective 5/26/14; WSR 13-11-078 (Order 13-94), § 232-28-296, filed 5/16/13, effective 6/16/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 12-11-005 (Order 12-70), § 232-28-296, filed 5/2/12, effective 6/2/12.]

PDF220-412-110

Hunting contests.

A person wishing to hold a hunting contest must comply with the following provisions:

(1) Only organizations filed with the state of Washington as a nonprofit corporation may apply for a hunting contest permit.

(2) Hunting contest permit applications shall be submitted to the department 30 days prior to the date for which the contest is proposed.

(3) Applications must include the permit fee required by the department. The fee will be returned if the permit is denied.

(4) Contests involving unclassified and classified wildlife species without a bag limit are prohibited and will not be permitted.

(5) Total value of prizes per contest shall not exceed $2000.

(6) Entry fees or requests for donations are prohibited.

(7) It is unlawful to fail to comply with the conditions of a hunting contest permit.

Hunting contests which may adversely affect wildlife resources will be denied.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 71.12.047, 77.32.050, and 77.32.525. WSR 20-19-115 (Order 20-199), § 220-412-110, filed 9/21/20, effective 10/22/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-110, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 77.16.010. WSR 87-09-026 (Order 287), § 232-12-169, filed 4/7/87.]

PDF220-412-120

Permit for holding field trials.

(1) Except as authorized by permit issued by the director it is unlawful to hold field trials for hunting dogs during the months of April, May, June, and July. Field trials on department lands or those involving use of live wildlife may not be held without a permit.

(2) Applications for a field trial permit must be filed with the department at least thirty days before the proposed date for holding such trials. The application shall state the time and place the field trials will be held, the names of sponsors and persons who will conduct the trials, and such other information as the director may require.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-412-120, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040. WSR 82-04-034 (Order 177), § 232-12-041, filed 1/28/82; WSR 81-12-029 (Order 165), § 232-12-041, filed 6/1/81. Formerly WAC 232-12-110.]

PDF220-412-130

Nonlethal pursuit training pass program.

(1) In order to effectively manage and train hound handlers and their dogs to be agents of the state used for cougar conflict response, the department establishes the nonlethal pursuit training pass program.

(2) The nonlethal pursuit training pass program emphasizes safe, ethical, responsible, and lawful hound handling practices as well as detection of specific wildlife species by dogs. The goal of the nonlethal pursuit training pass program includes improving dog handler/department relations, effective detection of target species when requested by the department, and the ethical treatment of working dogs and wildlife. The yearly application cost to be considered for placement on the list of screened nonlethal pursuit handlers shall be twenty-five dollars and will cover the cost of an application review and a background check. This cost will occur annually when renewing an application to be on the list of screened nonlethal pursuit handlers. The WDFW enforcement program shall determine the nonlethal pursuit program's requirements and curriculum in consultation with stakeholders including, but not limited to, working dog handlers and wildlife conservation organizations in Washington state.

(3) Working dog handlers are held to the highest ethical standards as these individuals may be asked to perform as agents of the state under RCW 77.12.077. As such, they may be ambassadors for the department and the working dog community. Criteria to be considered include the following:

(a) Currently own and train working dogs on scent detection and tracking;

(b) Maintain health records of working dogs;

(d) Hold a current driver's license;

(e) Up-to-date vehicle registration and vehicle insurance for any vehicle used to transport working dogs;

(f) Understanding of best practices in dog handling equipment and proper usage; and

(g) Working knowledge of terrain navigation and digital mapping equipment.

Initial approved applicants on the list of screened nonlethal pursuit handlers and individuals reapplying to be approved on the list of screened nonlethal pursuit handlers must annually submit to a criminal background check, and the department shall deny entry into the nonlethal pursuit training pass program to those applicants who have:

• Been convicted within the last ten years of any criminal offense under chapter 77.15 RCW (WDFW enforcement), 76.48 (specialized forest products), or 16.52 (animal cruelty) RCW;

• Been found to have committed, or to have paid, any infraction for a violation of chapter 77.15 RCW except recreational fishing under RCW 77.15.160, in the last ten years;

• Been convicted within the last ten years of any crime of dishonesty;

• Been convicted of any felony, or released from custody pursuant to any felony conviction, within the last ten years;

• Been convicted of, or been found to have committed, any criminal or civil violation where the department obtains a report from the citing authority that alleges the applicant was deceptive, untruthful, or obstructed a law enforcement officer in the course of the officer's duties, other than violations of RCW 46.61.050 and 46.61.400, within the last ten years;

• Been convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm under RCW 9.41.040, or has been convicted of any felony offense and the applicant has not successfully petitioned to have the applicant's firearm rights restored, or is otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm for any reason provided in RCW 9.41.040;

• A current hunting or fishing license revocation or a current suspension of hunting or fishing license privileges in Washington or in another state.

An applicant must disclose to WDFW at the time of application whether the applicant is aware of any pending criminal charges in any municipal, state, or federal court. The department may defer approval or denial on an application until such criminal charges have been adjudicated.

The department may, based on the results of a criminal background check or based on information it has received involving active investigations or pending charges, deny an application, at its discretion, if it believes the applicant does not meet the high ethical standards of the program, or would not be a suitable state agent or ambassador for the department and the working dog community.

(4) If a firearm is discharged at any point during a training activity, the training pass granted pursuant to subsection (11) of this section shall be placed on hold until reinstated by the department captain or training area sergeant. Before a training pass may be reinstated or reissued, WDFW police shall investigate the circumstances of the discharge to determine if it was unlawful or a result of not meeting the best practices of dog handling.

(5) A nonlethal pursuit training pass program participant who purchases a cougar harvest tag in Washington state cannot fill a cougar tag seventy-two hours before or after a training exercise.

(6) An individual who holds a current nonlethal pursuit training pass and is found to have any of the invalidating circumstances addressed in subsections (3) through (5) of this section, shall be removed from the program and the training pass revoked. If the department learns of a new pending criminal charge or incident involving a current training pass applicant which could lead to an invalidating circumstance addressed in subsections (3) through (5) of this section, the department may suspend the training pass applicant's participation in the program until resolution of the charge or incident.

(7) Nonlethal pursuit training pass applicants will be required to complete an agency affidavit which specifies that the applicant has read, understands, and will comply with the program rules and ethical standards required of the program. This affidavit must be signed, dated, and returned along with a copy of the applicant's driver's license, current proof of vehicle liability insurance, and a copy of a valid hunting license. Submission of false or fraudulent information is grounds for removal from the program.

(8) The enforcement program nonlethal pursuit training pass program coordinator will maintain open communications with landowners and the community. The department will investigate written accusations about nonlethal pursuit program participants and determine whether such complaints have merit and/or warrant enforcement or administrative action.

(9) Any person who has been denied initial admission into the nonlethal pursuit training pass program, or renewal of his or her application to be placed on the list of screened nonlethal pursuit handlers, has the right to an administrative hearing to contest the agency action pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW. An applicant denied a training pass may request an informal review within thirty days of receipt of the application denial. The request for an informal review shall be served on the chief of the enforcement program in writing. The chief may ask the applicant and department for additional information before ruling on the informal appeal, and shall respond to the informal appeal in writing. The applicant shall have initiated the formal appeal no later than thirty days from receipt of the notice of denial of the training pass, or thirty days from receipt of the decision on the informal review, whichever is later. Date of receipt shall be five days after any written notice or decision is mailed to the applicant. Initial nonlethal pursuit training pass applicants who fail to submit the application fee or who submit an incomplete application will have their application returned. Denial of admission on these grounds does not trigger the right to an administrative hearing.

(10) Training program enrollment – The department will authorize no more than fifty valid training pass holders to participate in the program annually on a statewide basis. Training passes issued by the department for training activities shall be geographically limited to no more than nine training passes at a time per WDFW region, and no more than three training passes at a time per enforcement detachment.

(11) Prior to engaging in any nonlethal pursuit training activity, a member of the nonlethal pursuit training pass program shall obtain from the department captain with oversight responsibility for the area proposed to be used for training a nonlethal pursuit training pass, which will be in via paper or electronic format. A nonlethal pursuit training pass, issued at the captain's discretion, will be issued for a period of up to thirty days, with an option for a thirty-day renewal at the request of the training pass holder. This training pass will detail the time frame and geographic scope of the training area that is acceptable to the captain and the training pass holder. Prior to engaging in a training exercise within the limitations of the training pass, the training pass holder will communicate with a department sergeant with oversight of the training area. The training pass holder shall keep the department sergeant appraised of regular training activities, and the sergeant shall keep the training pass holder appraised of any operational or logistical concerns or restrictions. A department captain may, at any time, change the geographic scope or time frame of the training pass to address management or emergent needs, and retains the discretion to terminate a training pass. The department captain shall restrict training pass scope for certain game management units (GMU's) during big game hunting seasons when prudent.

(12) Any training pass holder engaged in training activities is required to carry either pepper spray or an air horn so that nonlethal means are available to mitigate wildlife interactions.

(13) Training pass holders will be allowed to have up to four immediate family members present while participating in a training exercise with a nonlethal pursuit training pass. "Immediate family member" shall be limited to spouses and domestic partners, children and step-children, siblings, parents, and step-parents. Additionally, the owner of real property who has granted permission to the training pass holder to use said lands for a training exercise with a nonlethal pursuit training pass may be present with the training pass holder or may designate a representative in writing. Corporate landowners may designate security personnel or contractors to accompany a training pass holder participating in a training exercise with a nonlethal pursuit training pass. A department sergeant with oversight of the training area may authorize, in advance, additional observers of a training pass holder participating in a training exercise with a nonlethal pursuit training pass.

(14) As a best practices in dog handling, training pass holders shall not knowingly engage in the pursuit of spotted kittens or cougars with spotted kittens. Upon any observation of tracks of more than one cougar or visually observing the presence of spotted kittens during a training exercise, the handler shall terminate the current training pass activity and report the observations to the training area sergeant. The sergeant may choose to subsequently limit future training activities in the area.

(15) Training pass holders shall maintain a logbook of training activities under the nonlethal pursuit training program. Logbooks shall be made using a template made by the department to be uploaded online or downloaded and printed. Entries in the logbook shall include:

(a) Training pass holder's name, names of those accompanying or observing the training exercise, and number of dogs trained or participating;

(b) Date and location of the training, including the names of any roads traveled, trails traveled, or routes taken. The entry shall specify the owners of any land traversed;

(d) The discharge of any firearms, identification of the firearms, and the person responsible for the discharge.

Logbooks are required to be completed for each training trip before leaving the field. Logbook pages must be provided to the department through an online reporting system or postmarked within ten days following any calendar month in which the training pass activity took place.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.15.245, 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, 77.12.077, and 77.12.047. WSR 21-10-064, § 220-412-130, filed 4/30/21, effective 5/31/21.]