My hunting buddies and I are studying the 2015 Big Game pamphlet to determine which hunts are our favorites for the fall season. The deadline is May 20, about 12 days from today. Read on.

Hunters have through May 20 to apply for special hunting permits for fall deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and turkey seasons in Washington State.

Permit winners will be selected through a random drawing conducted by Fish and Wildlife in late June. The special permits qualify hunters to hunt at times and places beyond those authorized by a general hunting license.

To apply for a special permit, hunters planning to hunt for deer or elk must purchase an application and hunting license for those species and then submit their application.

Applications and licenses are available from license vendors statewide or on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/special_permits.html. Applications must be submitted on that website or by calling 1-877-945-3492 toll-free.

Most special hunt permit applications cost $7.10 for residents, $110.50 for non-residents and $3.80 for youth under 16 years of age.