Mandatory hunter reports due Jan. 31

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is reminding hunters that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each black bear, deer, elk, or turkey tag they purchased in 2010.

All hunters, whether successful or not, are required to submit activity reports. Failure to meet the deadline can result in a $10 fine, payable before a hunter can purchase a 2011 license.

"Hunter reports are an important source of information for managing the resource and developing future hunting seasons," said Dave Ware, WDFW game manager.

Hunters can report by phone (877 945-3492) or the Internet http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.

New this year, WDFW is requiring hunters to file separate reports for general-season hunting activities and for special-permit hunts for deer, elk, black bear and turkey. That change will give game managers more information about hunters' success during both kinds of seasons - general and special permit, Ware said.

Whether reporting online or over the phone, hunters should follow the prompts until they receive a confirmation number for each report, Ware said.

Ware noted that hunters who filed their reports by Jan. 10 have been entered into a drawing for special permits for this year's hunting seasons.