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Master Hunter
Program
The Master Hunter
program is designed to promote responsible hunting. In addition to training,
the program emphasizes safe, lawful and ethical hunting priorities while
upholding the highest standards. The program offers an opportunity for
conscientious, committed hunters who care about the future of hunting
to assume a leadership role among their peers. Through their knowledge
and conduct in the field, Master Hunters play a key role in improving
relationships with landowners, thus ensuring continued hunter access to
private lands.
Benefits
Individuals who successfully complete the Master Hunter program receive
a patch as recognition of their accomplishments. A personalized Master
Hunter card with the person's name, Master Hunter number, issue date,
and renewal date will also be provided. Master Hunters are eligible to
participate in special hunts aimed at reducing
property damage and/or public safety problems posed by wildlife. Special
hunt opportunities vary from year to year, and may include elk, deer
and turkey hunts in designated areas throughout Washington.
Training
and certification
Those enrolling in the Master Hunter program should be motivated by a
genuine desire to learn and model a high level of hunting knowledge and
skill. Training is offered through independent study, offering maximum
flexibility for candidates.
To become a certified
Master Hunter, each applicant is required to:
- Demonstrate proficiency
with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle or shotgun.
- Provide at least
20 hours of volunteer service on a project benefiting state wildlife
resources.
- Attend Crime Observation
and Reporting Training (CORT).
- Receive a score
of at least 80 percent on a written examination, based on provided independent-study
materials.
- Submit to a law
enforcement background check.
- Sign an agreement
to abide by the Master Hunter code of ethics.
All program requirements
must be completed within nine months from the date of enrollment.
How
to enroll (Enrollments closed until January
1, 2009)
To enroll in the Master Hunter training program, download and fill out
the Master Hunter Application Package.
Mail the completed application, with the $20 application fee payable by
check to WHEIA, to the address listed on the application form.
Cost
The $20 Master Hunter course application fee includes independent-study
materials in a CD format. Individuals requesting printed study materials
pay an additional $13.19 to cover the cost of printing. Monies are used
to defer program costs.
More
Information
For more information about the Master Hunter program, call the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education staff in Olympia
at (360) 902-8412 or loveltal@dfw.wa.gov.
Lost cards
If you have lost your Master Hunter certification card,
contact WDFW at (360) 902-8412. You may request a duplicate card but
will be charged a $5.00 fee. Checks MUST be written to WHEIA.
Update your contact
information
Please remember to update your contact
information including phone, mailing address, and e-mail address. Notify
WDFW at (360) 902-8412, loveltal@dfw.wa.gov .
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