Cougar hunting remains open through March 31 in some areas of the state. Now, through a new cougar hunting plan, Game Management Units will close, depending upon how many cougars have been killed in some areas. A hunter heading into the Great Outdoors in search of cougar or those who may encounter a cougar while hunting other animals, should check with Fish and Wildlife before stepping out the front door. Read on.

Cougar hunts in several areas of the state will close at dusk on Dec. 31 now that harvest guidelines for the animals have been reached in those areas, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Eight of the 49 cougar hunt areas will close, including Game Management Units 105, 117, 149, 154, 157, 162, 163, 328, 329, 335, 336, 340, 342, 346, 382, 388, 560, 574, and 578.

Those GMUs are located in portions of Stevens, Pend Oreille, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat, and Cowlitz counties.

This is the second year the department has managed cougar hunts under a plan approved by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2012.

That plan establishes harvest guidelines for specific areas of the state, based on cougar populations in those areas. Under the plan, WDFW can close areas where cougar harvest meets or exceeds guidelines, while continuing to allow for hunting opportunities elsewhere.

The goal is to preserve a variety of cougar age classes in numerous areas throughout the state, particularly older animals which tend to be more effective at maintaining sustainable populations.

Last year, hunters harvested 156 cougars statewide, up from 145 in 2011 and 108 in 2010. Ware said the number of cougars harvested this season is expected to be similar to last year.

During the late-season cougar hunt, lasting from Jan. 1 through March 31, other areas of the state could close early. Before going afield, hunters should check WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/cougar/ or call the cougar hunting hotline (1-866-364-4868) to check which areas of the state remain open.

Any additional closures will be posted on the website and hotline, both of which will be updated weekly.

Razor clam dig will continue through Jan. 5

Clam diggers can ring in the new year with an eight-day razor clam dig on ocean beaches that starts Dec. 29 and stretches through Jan. 5.

Fish and Wildlife approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. As in previous openings, all digs are scheduled on evening tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides: Dec. 29, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Dec. 30, Monday, 4:55 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Dec. 31, Tuesday, 5:42 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Jan. 1, Wednesday, 6:29 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 2, Thursday, 7:15 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 3, Friday, 8:00 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks. Jan. 4, Saturday, 8:45 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis. Jan. 5, Sunday, 9:31 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

Master Hunter open enrollment begins Jan. 1

Yes we have presented this information before, but we need to reach those hunters who are interested.

Fish and Wildlife will accept applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program from Jan. 1 through Feb. 15, 2014. 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.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices to qualify for the program.

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 and meet other qualifications.

Individuals who enroll in the program are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the written test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam.

About half of the questions on the 100 question written examination that must be passed by MHPP applicants came directly from the Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Student Manual and from Fish and Wildlife Hunting Regulation Pamphlets. Study all these materials in detail. The Hunter Education Student Manual Study Guide can be found on the Fish and Wildlife website under hunting and then hunter education.

Also each applicant is required to: Demonstrate proficiency with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun shooting shot, shotgun shooting slugs, or crossbow. Plus, attend Crime Observation and Reporting Training (C.O.R.T.).

There are about 1,850 certified master hunters currently enrolled in the program, which is now administered by Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Program.

Approved volunteer work conducted during 2013 will be honored for individuals applying in 2014.

Dennis note: Readers having questions about the program or fulfilling the requirements should feel free to contact me.

We wish you all the best New Year ever.

And a Happy New Year to you also,