Master Hunter Permit Program | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

MASTER HUNTER OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

The next open enrollment period for the Master Hunter Permit Program (MHPP) will begin January 1, 2014 and remain open until February 15, 2014.

Anyone wishing to get a head start during 2013 on becoming a certified Master Hunter in 2014 is advised to do the following:

Start working on your volunteer hours by helping with specific projects listed on the MHPP webpage or by obtaining approval from appropriate WDFW field staff for work meeting the criteria listed on the Conservation Projects section of the webpage. Written proof of volunteer work done during calendar year 2013 must be kept. On a one-time basis, your volunteer time, even though put in during 2013, will be accepted if you apply for certification during the 2014 open enrollment period.See: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/conservation_projects.html. Specific volunteer hour requirements for certification are subject to change.
About half of the questions on the 100 question written examination that must be passed by MHPP applicants came directly from the WDFW Hunter Education Student Manual and from WDFW Hunting Regulation Pamphlets. Study all these materials in detail.The Hunter Education Student Manual Study Guide can be found at: http://www.hunter-ed.com/washington/index.html.
Review MHPP background materials posted on the MHPP webpage.See: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/policies_procedures.html.
Attend a Crime Observation and Reporting Training (CORT) session and keep your training certificate.Upcoming CORT classes can be found on the following website: www.eyesinthewoods.org. Becoming a certified witness to help curb poaching of our fish and wildlife resources is recommended whether you pursue being a member of the MHPP or not.

The pause in 2013 enrollment announced last December was to evaluate and determine:

WDFW Administration recently transferred the responsibility for the Hunter Education Division from the Law Enforcement Program to the Wildlife Program effective July 1, 2013. The Hunter Education Division includes the Master Hunter Permit Program (MHPP) and facilitation of the Master Hunter Advisory Group (MHAG). A new Hunter Education Division manager is being recruited to lead the division and will be tasked with completing the evaluation in 2013.

The Master Hunter Permit 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 Permit Program receive a patch as recognition of their accomplishments. A personalized Master Hunter permit 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, bear, turkey and goose hunts in designated areas throughout Washington.

Training and certification
Those enrolling in the Master Hunter Permit 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.

Master Hunter Applications will only be accepted during the open enrollment period of January 1 – February 15 of each year. All program requirements must be completed by November 15, of the year the application is received.

How to enroll
To enroll in the Master Hunter Permit Program, download and fill out the Master Hunter Permit Application form. Mail the completed application, with the $50 application fee payable by check to: WDFW Master Hunter, to the address listed on the application form.

Cost
Beginning October 16, 2009, the fee for a Master Hunter permit application will be $50.00, payable by check or money order to: WDFW Master Hunter. The fee includes independent study materials in CD format and printed documents.

Effective October 16, 2009, the cost to renew a Master Hunter permit for an additional five year period will be $25.00, payable by check or money order to: WDFW Master Hunter. This non-refundable fee will apply to any certified Master Hunter with a renewal anniversary date of October 16, 2009, or later.

More Information
For more information about the Master Hunter Permit Program, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education staff in Olympia at (360) 902-8412 or tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov

Lost Permits
If you have lost your Master Hunter permit, contact WDFW at (360) 902-8412. You may request a duplicate permit but will be charged a $5.00 fee. Checks MUST be written to: WDFW Master Hunter.

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, tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov

Contacting the WDFW Master Hunter Permit Program
Mailing Address:
WDFW
Master Hunter Permit Section
Enforcement Program
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091