Disabled hunter road access entry program

To apply for this ADA accommodation, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Have WDFW disability status in good standing, and
2. Have a permanent inoperable lower extremity mobility impairment, and
3. WAC 220-200-160(1)(a): Have been medically prescribed the use of an assistive device every time for mobility, including, but not limited to, a wheelchair, walker, crutch, lower extremity prosthesis, or oxygen bottle, or
4. RCW 46.19.010(1)(a-j): Have been issued a DOL blue disability parking permit, or
5. Unable to walk more than 200 feet.

You must complete the online application through the WILD licensing system to be eligible for the drawing.

Mail-in applications are no longer accepted.

Road Access Entry Program Booklets are available by the middle of June each year at any WDFW Regional Office, or by calling the Wildlife Program Customer Service desk at 360-902-2515.

Please review all the Road Access Areas and their locations. Apply only for those areas you would travel to should you be drawn. If applying for elk, the west side and east side elk tags are different, and you must hunt in compliance with your license, tags, and equipment.

Game Management Unit (GMU) numbers for the Road Access Entry Areas are listed at the top of each page for your convenience.

Filling out the submission form

You may select up to four (4) options. These options can be any combination of either Elk and/or Deer. Fill out the online submission form with the entry number(s) for the road area(s) you would like access to. Please read where the Road Access areas are located and apply only for those areas you would actually travel to if you should be drawn.

Entry Numbers in the booklet are separated into two hunt categories, Deer and Elk. Please be aware of which entry you are applying for and ensure you list the appropriate entry number.

Select the number listed under the “Entry Number” column and select it from the drop-down menu in the online application. You may select up to four (4) options. If you want to be considered as an alternate, check the “alternate” box. If there are areas left over, whenever possible, we will match unsuccessful hunters with disabilities to
an area close to your preferred choices by geographic location.

Step by Step Instructions on How to Apply through the WILD Licensing System: Application submissions will begin June 1 and close July 31. WDFW will ONLY accept Road Access Program submissions online and are ONLY available through the WILD Licensing System. 

Please log in to your WILD account at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login and complete the application. If you need assistance, please call the Wildlife Program Customer Service Desk at 360-902-2515 OR Licensing at 360-902-2464.

The specific instructions on how to apply through WILD are listed below:

1. Log into your WILD account (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login) and verify that your contact information is correct (Email, Physical Address, and Phone number).
2. To begin the application, click on the PURCHASE A SPECIAL HUNT APPLICATION tile at the top of your customer home page.
3. Add the free hunt application, 490 - Special Hunt Application Deer and Elk ADA Road Access, to your shopping cart and complete your purchase.
4. From the order confirmation page click on the blue SPECIAL HUNT button to return to your account and submit your hunt choices.
5. On the SPECIAL HUNT page, locate the 2023 Deer and Elk ADA Road Access application in the Special Hunt applications table and click on the blue SUBMIT button.
6. Enter your hunt choices in priority order using the drop-down menus, 1 through 4 (any combination of deer and/or elk), and click on the blue NEXT button. 
7. Review your hunt choices to ensure they are correct. If you wish to make changes, click the black CANCEL button to return to the previous page. If they are correct, you must attest that you meet the minimum requirements to participate in the Road Access Entry program by checking the attestation box (see page 5 for criteria), then click on the green CREATE button to submit your hunt choices.
8. You will be sent an email confirmation of your submitted application. Please ensure your email is correct in your profile before submitting the application. Submitted applications can be viewed in your account under the Special Hunt link.

If you are not able to access this process online, please call the Wildlife Program Customer Service Desk at 360-902-2515 OR Licensing at 360-902-2464.

Hunters who have been drawn will be notified no later than August 31. Hunters will be able to see if they were drawn in their WILD Account under the Special Hunt Link.

Those who are drawn will receive the following information:

• Congratulation letter
• Information about the Road Access Entry Area for which they were drawn, and
• Instructions about how to obtain the access permit, lock combination and/or key, map, etc.

You may be required to visit the land manager's office in person at a specific time to pick up a key, sign papers, and receive the access permit.

Designated Hunting Companions/Companion Hunters

Hunting areas have different rules about whether the hunter companion can also hunt on their license or must only assist the disabled hunter in the harvest. Please verify with the contact person listed in your award letter. Successfully drawn hunters with disabilities and their designated hunting companions must follow the rules of
the land manager while hunting and driving in the permit area.

Other Non-hunting Persons

Depending on the area and the permit, other non-hunting persons or family members besides your hunting companion may be allowed to accompany the hunter with a disability. Each land manager makes this decision, so verify with the contact person listed in your award letter.

All Road Access Entry Booklet information is available online or by calling the Wildlife Program Customer Service desk at 360-902-2515. Questions regarding DNR lands should be directed to Heidi Stephens at 360-338-2128.