Hunters reminded raffle tickets now on sale for big game species

OLYMPIA -- The Washington Fish and Wildlife Department today reminded hunters that raffle tickets are now on sale for a chance to win a big game permit.

For the first time this year, four permits-- one each for a bighorn sheep, moose, elk and deer-- are being raffled by the department under authority granted by state lawmakers. Revenues raised through the raffle will be used to pay for wildlife conservation programs for the four species.

Raffle tickets can be purchased through the department, or at hunting license dealers statewide. In addition, a ticket mail order form is included in the department's latest Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules Pamphlet available through the department and license dealers.

Tickets cost $5 each for a chance to win the deer, elk or moose permit, and $10 each for a chance to win the bighorn sheep permit.

Tickets must be filled out and returned by 5 p.m., July 3, to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Licensing Division, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA., 98501-1091. The winning tickets will be drawn Aug. 1.

"We're hopeful hunters will see this as an opportunity to have some fun," said Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Bern Shanks. "The raffle not only increases opportunities for hunters, but also helps the department raise money for conservation work."

The four permits are in addition to the game permits or tags traditionally issued by the department to hunters. A holder of one of these traditional permits or tags is still eligible to buy a`raffle ticket and win.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted April 19 to sell raffle tickets for the same species again next year. The number of permits and ticket prices will remain the same as this year.