Black bear season now open in most of Washington

The black bear season opened on Aug. 1 in most areas of the state. The limit is two black bears, but only one may be taken in Eastern Washington. The season will end on Nov. 15.

Good luck to all.

Upgrades close Quincy Lake and Barker Canyon access areas

Upgrades to the Quincy Lake and Barker Canyon access areas in Grant County will cause these access areas to close. Fish and Wildlife will close the areas during boat ramp upgrades and other repairs to the areas.

Quincy Lake Access will be closed Aug. 12-16 for repairs and an upgrade to extend the existing ramp to make it easier to launch boats. The lake is located about 15 minutes south of Quincy off Highway 281.

The Barker Canyon Access will be closed Aug. 19-30 to replace the ramp’s planks and extend the ramp by 8 feet. The lake is located about 30 minutes southwest of Grand Coulee off of Highway 174.

Limited-entry deer hunt deadline looms

The deadline to apply is midnight next Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Read on.

There is a special hunt in the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area in Okanogan County scheduled this hunting season. The drawing will allow 18 hunters to chase deer on the 6,000-acre Charles and Mary Eder Unit of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area.

This hunt allows a selected hunter to take one deer. The drawing is open to the general public without any additional fees beyond the cost of a hunting license and the standard tags.

The 18 access permits are for six bowhunters, six muzzleloaders and six hunters using modern firearms.

The hunt dates are Sept. 1-27 for bow hunters, Sept. 28 to Oct. 6 for muzzleloaders and Oct. 12-22 for hunters using modern firearms.

Results of the drawing will be available on WDFW’s website the last week of August. Hunters who are drawn will receive an access permit and a boundary map in the mail.

Hunters can submit an application for this hunt on Fish and Wildlife’s website or by contacting the WDFW north central region office at 509-754-4624 or headquarters at 360-902-2515.

Good luck to all applicants.

Open application for master hunters

The deadline to apply is next Thursday, Aug. 15. Read on.

Fish and Wildlife is inviting new applicants to join the ranks of 1,650 certified master hunters across the state. Fish and Wildlife administers the Master Hunter Permit Program to skilled volunteers who are willing to aid department efforts in support of the public and Washington wildlife.

They are opening the Master Hunter Permit Program to new applicants. Fish and Wildlife enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove wildlife that damage property. Master hunters also provide approximately 15,000 hours each year on volunteer projects involving landowner relations and access to private lands, conservation projects for game and diversity species, and hunter education.

To enroll in the program, hunters 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 and meet other qualifications described on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/master-hunter.

Applicants can submit applications from July 1 through Aug. 15, 2019.

Check out the Fish and Wildlife website to see if this is a program for you.