Big game hunt special permit deadline is June 20, 2004

OLYMPIA -The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for big game hunt special permits is midnight on Sunday, June 20.

"Hunters interested in applying for deer, elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose and fall turkey should act now," said Jerry Nelson, WDFW deer and elk section manager. "We have a lot of good opportunities this year for special permit hunts."

Special permits not affected by this application window are 2005 spring bear permits and 2004 cougar seasons for northeast counties, which will be set in August.

Jim Rieck, WDFW special permit coordinator, said hunters who intend to apply for special permit hunts should avoid any potential last-minute application logjams.

"Because the application process requires hunters to apply either over the Internet or by telephone, it's best that hunters not wait until the eleventh hour," Rieck said.

Hunters are advised to read the special permits application instructions in the 2004 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules Pamphlet to make sure they have all the licenses and big game tags required before trying to apply.

Special permit applications can be purchased at license dealers, by phone at 1-866-246-9453, or on the Internet, at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. The cost is $5.48 per application for residents, $3.29 for youth under the age of 16, and $54.75 for non-residents.

Once the special permit applications are purchased, hunters can apply for their special permit hunt choices by calling1-877-945-3492, or online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.