WDFW drawing offers lifetime hunting and fishing privileges

OLYMPIA — A small investment now could earn a lifetime of savings for the lucky winners of a unique drawing offered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The drawings, which are held four times a year, reward winners with a lifetime of hunting and fishing privileges in Washington state. The cost to enter is $6.50 for Washington residents and $12.50 for non-residents. Those who win will never have to buy another license to hunt or fish in the state.

This could translate into significant savings especially for avid enthusiasts who buy licenses each year, said Bill Joplin, WDFW licensing division manager.

"This is a popular drawing for folks who enjoy hunting and fishing," Joplin said. "The potential to have lifetime privileges is quite an enticement."

Two names are drawn each quarter throughout each licensing season. For the 2008-09 season, the first drawing will be held June 6. Additional drawings are scheduled for Oct. 3, Jan. 4, 2009 and April 4, 2009.

Tickets are good for all drawings held within a year of purchase. There is no limit on the number of entry tickets purchased and participants do not need a current fishing or hunting license to be eligible.

Winners may transfer their lifetime license to another person at the time they claim it. Winners of the lifetime license are required to renew their document annually, but at no cost.

Joplin said the program has been very successful since it was first established in 2004 to promote hunting and fishing opportunities in Washington. Tallies for the 2007-08 season show that more than 13,500 tickets have been sold.

To learn more about the program or buy a ticket, visit https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/lifetime_license.html. Tickets are also available from recreational license vendors at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/vendors.