Holiday gifts for those who enjoy Washington's fish and wildlife

Holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift for the fish and wildlife enthusiast on their list can choose from a variety of products and privileges offered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Wildlife-themed license plates are always a popular gift, and fishing and hunting licenses are now on sale for the new licensing period that begins April 1. These and other options - from wildlife area vehicle-access permits to wildlife-related books - are featured at http://wdfw.wa.gov/gifts/ on WDFW's website.

All are available over the Internet, by phone, or at license vendors across the state.

"These are gifts that people who enjoy the outdoors will use over and over again," said Bill Joplin, WDFW licensing manager. "Also, it's always great to have a current fishing or hunting license in hand when the new season arrives."

An annual resident adult freshwater fishing license, including all fees, is just $26; saltwater fishing is $24.20; shellfish/seaweed is $14; and a combination license is $48.20.

Resident hunting licenses vary with package options, including a small game license for $38 or a deer/elk combination license for $69.20 (all fees included).

Most annual fishing and hunting licenses (excluding shellfish) come with a vehicle-use permit for access to 900,000 acres of WDFW owned or managed land in 32 wildlife areas and 700 water-access sites throughout Washington. Those permits can also be purchased separately for just $14, including transaction fees.

Some gift purchases fishing and hunting licenses require the buyer know certain information about the recipient. WDFW's licensing division, at (360) 902-2464, can answer questions on how to purchase these items.

Some of the other gift items featured on WDFW's website include:

• Wildlife-themed license plates: Select an image a bald eagle, killer whale, elk, mule deer, or black bear for just $40, in addition to regular vehicle-licensing fees. These images can be paired with personalized license plates, also featured on WDFW's website. Proceeds from both kinds of special benefits benefit wildlife.
• Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary packet: Contains information on landscaping, supplemental feeding, nest boxes and other ways of creating year-round habitat for birds and other wildlife. Cost: $5.
• WDFW wildlife books: "Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest," at $25, is a 392-page guide to living and dealing with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. "Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest," at $28, is a 320-page guide featuring specialty gardens for butterflies and hummingbirds, ponds and waterways, and nest boxes and feeders.
• Free guide: "Woodworking Projects for Backyard Wildlife" provides free information on how to construct a bird nest box or feeder.
• Watchable Wildlife Decal package: The package includes a decal you can display to show your support for watchable wildlife, a guidebook on wetlands wildlife, and a vehicle use permit for use on 900,000 acres of WDFW owned or managed land in 32 wildlife areas and 700 water access sites throughout Washington. The package costs $31, all fees included.