Master Hunter Advisory Group

WDFW is seeking Master Hunters who are exemplary communicators and leaders to become members of the Master Hunter Advisory Group (MHAG). The group, which represents Master Hunters statewide, advises WDFW on issues and opportunities affecting Master Hunters and the Master Hunter Permit Program. 

Six volunteer positions will be opening on the 15-member group in April. Five members will serve three-year terms while one member will finish the term of a member who resigned between recruitment periods. All appointees must retain their Master Hunter certification throughout their entire term. The appointee’s terms will start on April 1, 2025. The group’s bylaws state that at least two advisory group members should reside within each of the six WDFW administrative regions. The following seats are opening for recruitment:

• Region 1 (Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties) – one vacancy (two year)
• Region 4 (Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties) – one vacancy
• Region 6 (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, and Thurston counties) – one vacancy
• At large (any county within Washington state) three vacancies

Applicants are required to submit a letter of interest answering the eight questions below. The letter of interest will inform the selection committee of the applicant’s background and leadership skills. Applicants should limit their response to 200 words or less for each question while completely answering the question. Letters of interest will be accepted through Dec. 31. 

The letter of interest must include contact information (phone number, email address, mailing address, county of residence) and permission for WDFW to conduct a criminal background check. The background check comes at no cost to applicants. All letters of interest should be sent to Kris Thorson by email (Kristopher.thorson@dfw.wa.gov) or USPS mail (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Master Hunter Permit Program, Attn: Kris Thorson, PO Box 43137, Olympia, WA 98504).

1. Tell us about your history as a hunter in Washington state.
2. Why do you want to become a member of the MHAG?
3. What qualifies you to become a member of the MHAG?
4. How will you help the MHAG achieve its goals?  
5. Explain your primary motivation for becoming a Master Hunter. 
6. Explain the leadership roles you have held.  
7. Explain your strengths as a communicator. 
8. What role(s) you have played with professional, social, and conservation or sporting organizations? 

Applicants are encouraged to expand on the questions as much as they can within the guidelines. The application process is open to all certified master hunters with no ongoing legal proceedings. After letters of interest are reviewed, prospective candidates may be contacted and interviewed by current members of the MHAG. 

The MHAG meets at least four times per year with three of those meetings being held in Ellensburg. Members serve as volunteers and may qualify for direct compensation of up to $200 per meeting. Mileage reimbursement is provided by WDFW to attend meetings. Members can expect to donate 75 to 100 hours of their time during their three-year term.