Gambling to benefit big game with raffle hunts

Raffle hunt permits

This is an interesting way for Fish and Wildlife to raise money, plus provide hunters with more time in the field pursuing big game. Washington gambling regulations prohibit online sales. Raffle tickets must be purchased from a vendor, such as at your favorite sporting goods store. After all, this is gambling.

Prices

Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat: $6.00/ticket. Bighorn Sheep: $11.50/ticket. Multi-species: $17.00/ticket for 3-species raffles and $22.50/ticket for 4-species raffles. The raffle hunt permit deadline is July 15.

There are several categories with multiple species, such as the Northeast Washington big game category. The winner will be allowed to harvest three of the following six species: one additional buck white-tailed deer; one additional bull elk, one bull moose, one additional cougar, one additional black bear, one additional turkey. Wow, this is a bunch of hunting.

There are also several single-species categories. So here is what I do: I purchase four mule deer tickets, which allows one additional buck mule deer; four eastside elk tickets, for one additional bull elk and four moose tickets, which allows the taking of one bull or cow moose. The season for all of my species is Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.

Proceeds from the sale of single-species raffle tickets will be used for the management and benefit of that species. Proceeds from the sale of multiple-species raffle tickets will be used for general game management. There is no limit on the number of tickets a person may purchase. The once-in-a-lifetime-Harvest restriction is waived for raffle hunts.

Fishing regulations

A new Washington Sports Fishing Rules Pamphlet is now in place, effective from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. This means we have a new pamphlet beginning today.

Pick one up at your favorite sporting goods store and study it.

Fishing videos

Recently we featured the Fish and Wildlife website page dedicated teaching people how to fish. This may not have been available, due to the website problems. Keep trying, as the tips on the site are applicable to novice as well as seasoned anglers. Check these videos out at: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/videos/.

Even if these videos aren’t the end-all instruction about fishing, they will be a good start.