Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their names into the drawing for a 2020 multi-season tag.

Fish and Wildlife will hold the drawing in mid-April, randomly selecting names for 8,500 multi-season deer tags and 1,000 multi-season elk tags.

Winners of the drawing can buy a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2020. Winners who purchase the multi-season elk tag can participate in general elk hunting seasons in both eastern and western Washington.

Hunters can only use the tags during the general seasons and in game management units open during a modern firearm, muzzleloader or archery general season. For example, winners may not hunt during the muzzleloader general season in an area not open for the muzzleloader general season.

Hunters can apply only once for each species. Their bag limit remains one deer or elk.

A 2020 hunting license is not required to apply, but winners of the drawing must buy a license before they can buy a multi-season tag. The deadline to purchase the multi-season tag is July 31.

Results of the March 1 fishing opener

Fish and Wildlife did not have a report on the opening results of the March 1 fishing opener.

Spring turkey season approaching

It is time to begin thinking about hunting. The first season is turkey, beginning on April 15 and continuing through May 31. Only male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards can be taken.

Two turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington and only one of those may be taken in Chelan, Kittitas or Yakima Counties, combined.

There will be a special youth-only hunt on April 4 and 5. This special season is open statewide. The youth must be accompanied by an adult, age 18 years and older. The hunting methods and bag limit are the same as the regular spring season.