MOSES LAKE - The Master Hunter Advisory Group is pleased to announce that Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Phil Anderson has appointed these individuals to the Advisory Group, effective as of yesterday.

Mike Britton, a current Region 1 representative had his term extended, Craig Broadhead will be a Region 3 representative, Dennis Clay will be a Region 2 representative. Mike Estes is a current Region 3 representative and saw his term extended, James Fitzgerald will be a Region 4 representative, and Ted Wolkenhauer will be a Region 4 representative.

A primary responsibility of Advisory Groups members is to act as liaisons between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Master Hunters, and others with an interest in the program. Master Hunter Advisory Group members may be contacted with any questions or comments about the Master Hunter program.

The Master Hunter Permit Program is designed to promote responsible hunting. In addition to training, the program emphasizes safe, lawful and ethical hunting priorities while upholding the highest standards.

The program offers an opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters who care about the future of hunting to assume a leadership role among their peers.

Through their knowledge and conduct in the field, Master Hunters play a key role in improving relationships with landowners, thus ensuring continued hunter access to private lands.

To become a certified Master Hunter, each applicant is required to: Demonstrate proficiency with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun shooting shot, shotgun shooting slugs, or crossbow; Provide at least 20 hours of volunteer service on a project benefiting state wildlife resources; Attend Crime Observation and Reporting Training (C.O.R.T.); Receive a score of at least 80 percent on a written examination, based on provided independent-study materials; Sign an agreement to abide by the Master Hunter Code of Ethics and submit to and pass a law enforcement background check.

The Master Hunter vision statement is: Develop a Corps of sportsmen dedicated to preserving the heritage of hunting by giving back to the sport, displaying the highest standards of conduct, and working to conserve wildlife habitat and hunting opportunity. Additionally, the Master Hunter Motto is, "Giving Back."