2019 spring black bear special hunt applications due Feb. 28

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters that they must purchase and submit their 2019 black bear special hunt applications by midnight on Feb. 28.

The hunts will occur in specific areas of western and eastern Washington.

Those who submit their applications will be entered into a drawing in mid-March for one of the 272 permits in western Washington and the 509 permits for hunts east of the Cascade range.

Winners of the drawing will be notified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife no later than March 31. Applicants can also check the drawing results here.

In addition to purchasing and submitting an application, hunters also have to buy a 2019 hunting license that includes black bear as a species option.

"Additionally, hunters must identify their hunt area choice by indicating the number associated with the hunt area," the department said in a news release.

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Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and permit applications can be purchased online, by phone at (866) 246-9453 or at any license vendor in Washington.

Those interested in hunting black bear in GMUs 101,105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 203, 204, 209, 215, 418, 426 will also need to successfully complete the Black Bear identification test. Click here to take the test.

The department is also reminding hunters that “private timberland owners in some hunt areas are limiting access or charging fees for access. If you cannot secure access in advance, do not apply for these hunts.”

In addition, the department says those interested in hunting on the Kapowsin Tree Farm should contact the tree farm before submitting an application to determine which areas are open.

Hunters selected for the Kapowsin Tree Farm hunt must purchase an access permit from Hancock Forest Management. Click here for contact information.

Click here for more information about the hunts scheduled across Washington state.

Cox Media Group