First winners drawn for lifetime fishing, hunting privileges

OLYMPIA -Two Washington residents will never again have to buy a license to go fishing or hunting in this state after they came up winners recently in a new drawing offered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Michael H. Mackey of Chelan and Curtis Darrin Easterbrook of Tenino were the winners in the state's first drawing for lifetime recreational license privileges, said Frank Hawley, WDFW licensing manager.

The two names were picked June 1 from among 14,049 applicants in a computerized, random selection process conducted by GreatLodge.com, which provides WDFW's online licensing sales and services.

The remaining applicants' names, along with new entries, will be entered into three remaining drawings for the current license year. Two more winners will be selected in each of those three drawings on Sept. 30, Dec. 31 and next March 31.

Tickets for a chance at the lifetime license privileges cost $6.50 each for state residents and $12.50 apiece for non-residents, and may be purchased online or at recreational license vendors. There is no limit on the number of entry tickets an individual may purchase. Tickets are valid for all drawings held within 365 days of purchase, and winners may transfer their lifetime license to another qualified individual at the time they claim it. Winners of the lifetime license are required to renew their document annually, but at no cost.