Two days left in the current duck and goose hunting seasons

Two days remain in the current duck and goose hunting seasons. The duck season will continue through Sunday, Jan. 29.

The goose season will also end on Sunday, Jan 29, in Goose Management Area four, which includes Grant County. Limit is four per day.

Cottontail and snowshoe hare seasons are open through March 15. The limit is five mixed bag.

Master Hunter Permit Program is open for applications

Fish and Wildlife will accept applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program through Feb. 15. The program is designed to promote safe, lawful and ethical hunting, and to strengthen Washington’s hunting heritage and conservation ethic.

Fish and Wildlife enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property. Master hunters also participate in volunteer projects involving increasing access to private lands, habitat enhancement, data collection, hunter education and landowner relations.

Hunters enrolling in the program must pay a $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, pass a written test, demonstrate shooting proficiency, provide at least 20 hours of approved volunteer service.

There are about 1,650 certified master hunters currently enrolled in the program. Approved volunteer work conducted during 2016 will be honored for individuals applying in 2017.

Hunting and fishing licenses now available for 2017-2018 season

Recreational fishing and hunting licenses for the 2017-2018 season, which begins April 1, 2017, are available for sale. Normally Fish and Wildlife begins to sell the upcoming year’s licenses in December.

Fish and Wildlife decided to delay selling the 2017-2018 licenses because of the new licensing system. With an additional month to refine the system, Fish and Wildlife is now ready to process the new licenses.

Additional dates to note: Special hunt applications for most big game species will be available after the Fish and Wildlife Commission approves the 2017-2018 hunting season framework at its meeting in April in Spokane.

Also, spring bear hunters hoping to draw a permit for 2017 can purchase their application now and will be able to submit for their preferred hunt choice online from Feb. 15 through midnight, Feb. 28. The spring bear drawing will occur in early March.

License fees for the 2017-2018 season have not changed from the previous year.