Multi-Season Permit clarification needed please!

[returnofsid]

I know there are at least a dozen threads regarding the Multi-Season Tag but I'm still all kinds of confused. This will only be my second year hunting, since about 1998, so I'm still learning about everything that's changed in the past 15+ years. I also plan to apply for some special hunts for deer/elk and second deer/second elk etc.  I'm completely unfamiliar with any of those special hunt opportunities since nothing of the sort existed back when I used to hunt.

I'll start by stating that ALL of my hunting will be done with a bow, regardless of what season I'm actually hunting, and all of my hunting will take place within the few units that make up the North East corner of the state.

So, I, along with everyone else who applied, was selected for a Multi-Season Deer Tag.  The 2014 Big Game Regulations became available, online, today.  In reading the regulations, I understand that I must surrender my Archery Season Deer tag and purchase the Multi-Season Deer Tag, in order to use the MS Deer Tag.  Last year, I purchased the Big Game package that included Deer+Elk+Bear+Cougar w/discounted Small game license.  This year, that same package is $117.50.  The Multi-Season Deer Tag costs $139.10.  Do I end up paying both FULL AMOUNTS or do I get some type of "refund" amount when I surrender my Archery Deer Tag? I just don't like the idea of actually buying a Deer tag, then surrendering it and buying another deer tag.

I'm looking at different options that might save some money.  I know that I'll absolutely not be cougar hunting and will most likely not bear hunt, though I suppose it'd be nice to have both tags in my wallet, "just in case" I happen to see one.  My priority will be Deer and Elk. 

Options I seem to think might save some money...

1.  Purchase the Elk w/discounted Small Game and then purchase Multi-Season Deer Tag.  This would cost $72.40 + $139.10

Okay, I guess that's the only option I see, other than purchasing the entire package and then surrendering the Archery deer tag and purchasing the Multi-Season deer tag.

Now for my next area of confusion, or needed advice.  Remember, all of my hunting will be done with a bow, regardless of the season, and all of my hunting will take place within the few units that make up the North East corner of the state.

Special Hunts?  From what I understand, purchasing the Multi-Season deer tag allows me to apply for special deer hunts in any season, instead of just Archery season.  Should this change the way I apply for special hunts for deer or elk, second deer or second elk?

Any and ALL advice, suggestions and/or remarks are gratefully welcomed!

[bobcat]

Think of it like this:  you pay for a deer "license." The tag is free. So you buy the multi season tag for $140 and return the free tag that they already gave you.

When applying for special permit hunts, just remember, you're still limited to only two choices on the quality deer application. So yes, you can apply for any hunt you want, but you have to narrow it down to only two.


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[snowpack]

Have you bought the combo (or any deer license) already?  If you don't have an archery tag already, you don't need to return anything. 
If you buy online the combo is 115.50 instead of 117.50.

[returnofsid]

Think of it like this:  you pay for a deer "license." The tag is free. So you buy the multi season tag for $140 and return the free tag that they already gave you.

When applying for special permit hunts, just remember, you're still limited to only two choices on the quality deer application. So yes, you can apply for any hunt you want, but you have to narrow it down to only two.


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See this is where most of my confusion is coming in...I think. Years ago, you'd buy a Hunting License, and tags for each species.  I don't think I'd be applying for anything "Quality."  I'll probably mainly apply for Second deer/Second elk opportunities.

Have you bought the combo (or any deer license) already?  If you don't have an archery tag already, you don't need to return anything. 
If you buy online the combo is 115.50 instead of 117.50.

No, I've not purchased anything yet.  So, I could opt to purchase the Elk + discounted Small game license for $72.40 + Multi-Season Deer tag for $139.10?  This option would save me approximately $45.00, instead of buying the entire package AND the Multi-Season Deer.

[CavemantheHunter]

Hey Bobcat,

So you're saying that with the multiseason elk you can still only apply for 2 different hunts on the quality permit app? Does the permit give us the ability to purchase  multiple quality hunt apps and then apply for them at each weapon type? It seems kind of misleading because the WDFW website says this:

"If you buy your Multiple Season tag before applying for deer or elk Special Permits, you also have more options. You can apply for any weapon type. You can also apply for both eastern and western Washington elk Special Permits, even on the same application. For example, you apply for a Bull Elk Special Permit with the following hunt choices:

      1. Western modern firearm
      2. Eastern archery
      3. Western muzzleloader

You could not submit these choices on a single Special Permit application without a Multiple Season tag.

If you're only allowed the traditional two choices, why are they showing the ability to apply for three different weapon types for one Bull Elk Special Permit app?

I too, just got drawn for my first multiseason elk permit and have a lot of special permit app points and want to use them to greatest advantage.

Thanks,

[vandeman17]

Hey Bobcat,

So you're saying that with the multiseason elk you can still only apply for 2 different hunts on the quality permit app? Does the permit give us the ability to purchase  multiple quality hunt apps and then apply for them at each weapon type? It seems kind of misleading because the WDFW website says this:

"If you buy your Multiple Season tag before applying for deer or elk Special Permits, you also have more options. You can apply for any weapon type. You can also apply for both eastern and western Washington elk Special Permits, even on the same application. For example, you apply for a Bull Elk Special Permit with the following hunt choices:

      1. Western modern firearm
      2. Eastern archery
      3. Western muzzleloader

You could not submit these choices on a single Special Permit application without a Multiple Season tag.

If you're only allowed the traditional two choices, why are they showing the ability to apply for three different weapon types for one Bull Elk Special Permit app?

I too, just got drawn for my first multiseason elk permit and have a lot of special permit app points and want to use them to greatest advantage.

Thanks,

Nope, still in quality you can only apply for two units. You can just choose from any of the weapons and east or west. They show the three choices just because there are three different weapon choices but still just two "hunt choices"

[bobcat]

The bull elk application does allow up to four choices. The quality application only allows two.


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[CavemantheHunter]

Roger that.

Thanks,

[snowpack]

Have you bought the combo (or any deer license) already?  If you don't have an archery tag already, you don't need to return anything. 
If you buy online the combo is 115.50 instead of 117.50.

No, I've not purchased anything yet.  So, I could opt to purchase the Elk + discounted Small game license for $72.40 + Multi-Season Deer tag for $139.10?  This option would save me approximately $45.00, instead of buying the entire package AND the Multi-Season Deer.

You're buying the permit, not the license or tag.  You still have to get a deer license.  You just don't have to designate a weapon on the tag.  It will say 'multi season' instead of archery on the tag. 
It looks like it is straight across reduced multi tag price for deer.
Think you would have to get:  Deer+Elk w/discounted small game  (104.50) + deer multi permit (138.60)

[returnofsid]

Have you bought the combo (or any deer license) already?  If you don't have an archery tag already, you don't need to return anything. 
If you buy online the combo is 115.50 instead of 117.50.

No, I've not purchased anything yet.  So, I could opt to purchase the Elk + discounted Small game license for $72.40 + Multi-Season Deer tag for $139.10?  This option would save me approximately $45.00, instead of buying the entire package AND the Multi-Season Deer.

You're buying the permit, not the license or tag.  You still have to get a deer license.  You just don't have to designate a weapon on the tag.  It will say 'multi season' instead of archery on the tag. 
It looks like it is straight across reduced multi tag price for deer.
Think you would have to get:  Deer+Elk w/discounted small game  (104.50) + deer multi permit (138.60)

Okay, I think I've got my mind wrapped around it now...maybe...

So, the combination actually consists of a "Deer Hunting License" w(free transport tag) + "Elk Hunting License" w(free transport tag) + Discounted Small game hunting license.   I would be surrendering the free Deer transport tag and purchasing the Multi-Season Deer tag...as bobcat originally explained...lol.  I guess I had to hear it a couple different ways, before I understood it.  Like I said, I'm so accustomed to the old system of buying a single Hunting License and then transport tags for each species.

[BKMFR]

Can you apply for different special deer hunts some in archery and some late season modern rifle?

[returnofsid]

Can you apply for different special deer hunts some in archery and some late season modern rifle?

From my understanding, yes, as long as you only apply for one permit per category, with the allotted number of choices on each permit. 

[TriggerMike]

This is a portion of the E Mail that we all received today regarding multi season tags.

"The cost of the multiple season Elk tag is $182.00, the multiple season deer tag is $139.10, this is in addition to your deer or elk license, for residents and nonresidents; this includes applicable fees.  If you have already purchased a license and have been issued a general tag, you must contact Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Licensing Department at (360) 902-2464 prior to purchasing the multiple season tag online or at a license dealer.  Business hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m."

Bobcat hit the nail on the head.

[PA BEN]

Think of it like this:  you pay for a deer "license." The tag is free. So you buy the multi season tag for $140 and return the free tag that they already gave you.

When applying for special permit hunts, just remember, you're still limited to only two choices on the quality deer application. So yes, you can apply for any hunt you want, but you have to narrow it down to only two.


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Why only two?

[returnofsid]

Because in the Quality categories, you're only able to apply for 2.

[bobcat]

Only two choices on the quality applications.


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[MattySuto]

I have similar questions cause i been reading through the Regs and im still confused on this Multiseason Deer tag i was drawn from as well. I dont own an guns i just bow hunt... can i use my bow during the Muzzy seasons?  Also, can you kill a deer with your multiseason tag you were drawn for and purchase a regular tag and use that for your early or late season archery? any help would be great thanks..

[bobcat]

You only get one deer tag but with the multi season tag you can hunt the archery season, the muzzleloader season, and the modern firearm season, all with your bow. You just need to wear orange during the modern season.


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[MattySuto]

You only get one deer tag but with the multi season tag you can hunt the archery season, the muzzleloader season, and the modern firearm season, all with your bow. You just need to wear orange during the modern season.


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thanks man... i problem jumped the gun i read a few other post an got my answers excited to hunt the rut with my bow now since thats when i only see my big shooter bucks on my camera is during the rut but i can finally hunt them during the rut, and since i just got back from a 9 month deployment looks like ill be able to use that multiseason tag... not happy about the price but if i get my chance at a big black tail i been seening the last few years its worth it....

[irishevox]

youcan still apply for second deer tag right?

[Bob33]

youcan still apply for second deer tag right?

Yes.

[irishevox]

Thanks Bob

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

See this is where most of my confusion is coming in...I think. Years ago, you'd buy a Hunting License, and tags for each species.  I don't think I'd be applying for anything "Quality."  I'll probably mainly apply for Second deer/Second elk opportunities.


There is no second elk oppurtunitys. 

[jstone]

I got one for you. If i buy the Multi Season deer i put in for a muzzy unit first then can i join a party for my second choice if its archery?

[bobcat]

I got one for you. If i buy the Multi Season deer i put in for a muzzy unit first then can i join a party for my second choice if its archery?

No. You could only do that if all members of the party had the multi season tag.

[returnofsid]

What order should I purchase in?  I plan to hunt Deer and Elk. I suppose I'll probably get the Bear and Cougar, just because...  I've heard that if you've already purchased your Deer/Elk hunting licenses, you then have to turn in your Deer Transport Tag, before purchasing the Multi-Season Deer Tag. To turn it in, you have to go to a WDFW office?  Is there a way to purchase it all at once, from Walmart, rather than purchasing the combo package, then having to go to WDFW office to purchase the MS Tag? 

[irishevox]

can you only purchase a second deer tag at a vendor or can you purchase online?

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Second deer is a permit that you must be awarded before you can hunt a second deer.

[jackelope]

What order should I purchase in?  I plan to hunt Deer and Elk. I suppose I'll probably get the Bear and Cougar, just because...  I've heard that if you've already purchased your Deer/Elk hunting licenses, you then have to turn in your Deer Transport Tag, before purchasing the Multi-Season Deer Tag. To turn it in, you have to go to a WDFW office?  Is there a way to purchase it all at once, from Walmart, rather than purchasing the combo package, then having to go to WDFW office to purchase the MS Tag?

I don't think you have to go to a wdfw office at all. I think you do have to go to a license vendor during business hours that the wdfw personnel are in office ie Monday-Friday 8-5 or whatever their hours are. The vendor can call wdfw.

[bobcat]

can you only purchase a second deer tag at a vendor or can you purchase online?

You can purchase an application for a second deer permit online. Then if you are drawn, you purchase the tag online or at a license dealer.


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[irishevox]

thanks bob

[jackelope]

What order should I purchase in?  I plan to hunt Deer and Elk. I suppose I'll probably get the Bear and Cougar, just because...  I've heard that if you've already purchased your Deer/Elk hunting licenses, you then have to turn in your Deer Transport Tag, before purchasing the Multi-Season Deer Tag. To turn it in, you have to go to a WDFW office?  Is there a way to purchase it all at once, from Walmart, rather than purchasing the combo package, then having to go to WDFW office to purchase the MS Tag?

I don't think you have to go to a wdfw office at all. I think you do have to go to a license vendor during business hours that the wdfw personnel are in office ie Monday-Friday 8-5 or whatever their hours are. The vendor can call wdfw.

[irishevox]

can't find it online

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

it would be under special permits and apps.  cost 7.10 and then you need to submit the app with whatever hunt choices you desire.

[bobcat]

can't find it online

It should be there. I just logged in and it shows up for me. It's item number 364. Everything is listed in order by that number, which is on the left side. Just go on down each line until you see 364. It should say:  DEER - SECOND DEER - SPECIAL HUNT APPLICATION.


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[irishevox]

can you link it

[returnofsid]

can you link it

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for or not.  I can't get into the specific special hunts without entering my Wild ID and then it wouldn't link what you're looking for, I don't think...

https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/special_permits.html

[returnofsid]

I'm logged in, and see the Second Deer hunt.  Let's see if it lets me link it...

https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/WA/License/Select

[bobcat]

https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov




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[returnofsid]

First, I sincerely apologize that I keep asking so many questions about this.  As I originally said, other than last year, I lasted hunted many years ago.  This new system is just so foreign to me.  Last year, I didn't even decide to hunt until June so it was too late to apply for anything special.

I truly appreciate all of your patients!

When buying everything online...WITH the Deer Multi-Season, I have a few questions, or should I just go to a dealer to do it?  LOL

I check the box for Combo deer, elk, cougar, bear with discounted small game. 
I check the box for Deer Multi Season.
Then I'm asked if I want to choose my deer and elk tag.  I clicked NO for deer and Yes for elk.
Then I pick Eastern/Archery for Elk

I click continue and it lists everything, along with a total price.

I'm assuming that this course of action would eliminate the need to "surrender" my general deer tag to purchase the multi season deer tag?

Does this sound right? 

Before even getting this far, there was an option to click something IF these were needed in less than 10 days.  Unless I decide to hunt turkey, they aren't needed within 10 days.  However, I'd like to keep that option open...

I'd also like to keep the option of purchasing and applying for special hunt permits, but not necessary within 10 days.

Am I just better off stopping by Walmart and doing all of this with one stop?

[irishevox]

Thanks ya'll

[bobcat]

Returnofsid, I wouldn't trust walmart to get your stuff right. You can obviously operate a computer so do it yourself. You know more about what you need than the non-hunter clerk at the store.

I think not checking the box for your deer tag is fine. But what happens if you do check it? Because you DO want them to mail your deer tag, it just has to be the ms tag.

If you decide you need a turkey tag, stop by the store and buy it at that time. No reason you can't buy everything else right now.


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[returnofsid]

Returnofsid, I wouldn't trust walmart to get your stuff right. You can obviously operate a computer so do it yourself. You know more about what you need than the non-hunter clerk at the store.

I think not checking the box for your deer tag is fine. But what happens if you do check it? Because you DO want them to mail your deer tag, it just has to be the ms tag.

If you decide you need a turkey tag, stop by the store and buy it at that time. No reason you can't buy everything else right now.


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If I Check YES, on the box to choose a deer tag, it asks if I want Archery, Muzzle Loader or Modern Firearm.  If I click Archery, and Continue, I end up at the same screen, same total, as if I do not choose a deer tag.

[bobcat]

I guess you did it right then.


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[returnofsid]

I guess you did it right then.


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I sure as heck hope so!  I haven't finalized anything yet.  Thank you, so much, for your invaluable help!

[returnofsid]

I made a quick phone call to WDFW to verify everything.  For future reference, for anyone else who falls into this situation, and is as unaware as I am, here's the procedure...

On the website, you have to FIRST check the box for whatever regular licenses you're purchasing (in my case Combo deer, elk, bear cougar w/discounted small game).
THEN, you'll be prompted to pick your tag choices for Deer and Elk AND asked if you plan to hunt Migratory Fowl.
You can click Yes or No.
Click NO, for the species for which you're purchasing a Multi Season tag (Multi Season Deer, in my case), Click YES on the species for which you do NOT have a MS Tag.
Then, scroll up and click on the Multi Season Tag that you're purchasing.
Click Continue
You'll then be prompted to make your tag choices (in my case, Eastern Archery Elk).
Click Continue again.
If the MS doesn't appear in your list, Click Modify, which will take you back to where you can Click on MS (Species) again.
Click Continue
You may be prompted to fill out a survey, from the previous year, (Pheasant and Grouse harvest, in my case) This survey is mandatory...
Click Continue
Verify that everything you want is in the list
PAY
Print your Confirmation Page
Await your licenses, tags in the mail!


During this entire process, you can also purchase your Fishing stuff.

Now you can purchase all your special hunt permits and submit them! (Which I'm about to do!!)

Again, thank you all for your invaluable help!