What is the Master Hunter Permit Program? As stated by Fish and Wildlife: "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."

During the five years between certifications, master hunters must provide 40 hours of volunteer work. Most master hunters are true to the program and realize the idea is to give more than they receive.

It is true the program offers master hunters special hunts. These are aimed at reducing property damage and/or public safety problems posed by wildlife and generally have replaced the damage-control hunts. Special hunt opportunities vary from year to year, and may include elk, deer, bear, turkey and goose hunts in designated areas throughout Washington.

Program requirements

Those enrolling in the Master Hunter Permit Program should be motivated by a genuine desire to learn and model a high level of hunting knowledge and skill. Training is offered through independent study, offering maximum flexibility for candidates.

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, known as 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; Submit to and pass a law enforcement background check.

The next application period will begin on Jan. 1 and continue through Feb. 15 of next year. All of the program requirements must be completed by Nov. 15.

Elk

There are several late archery and muzzleloader general elk seasons throughout Eastern Washington.

Two Master Hunter elk hunts are ongoing and one will begin on Dec. 9 and continue through Dec. 31.

Turkey

The Late Fall General Turkey Season is scheduled for Nov. 20 through Dec. 15 in Game Management Units 105 through 124. The limit is one turkey of either sex.