Regional News

Spring black bear hunt applications due Feb. 28

Feb 12, 2014

Hunters may now purchase and submit applications for a 2014 spring black bear hunting permit, applicable to specific areas of western and eastern Washington.

To be eligible for a permit, hunters must purchase and submit an application to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) by midnight Feb. 28.

A drawing will be held in mid-March for 383 permits in western Washington and 314 permits for hunts east of the Cascades. Permit winners will receive notification in the mail no later than March 31. Applicants may also check the results of the drawing at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting on the WDFW website.

To apply for a permit, hunters must purchase a special permit application and a 2014 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be purchased online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/, by calling (866) 246-9453, or at any license vendor in the state.

Special permit applications, which require a correct hunt choice number, may be submitted online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/, or by calling (877) 945-3492.

More information on hunts scheduled on both sides of the state is available on page 63 in the 2013 Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations).

Any legal weapon used during the modern firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons can be used for spring black bear hunts. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting.