The email mentions that current permit holders will be contacted by Hampton in July.
I know they have pretty liberal access, but let's face it....east Skagit Co gets a lot of trash and timber theft. I won't hold my breathe that they open any gates.
Personally, I like the pay to play program.
It hurts the pocketbook, but it's darn nice hunting for four months and only running into a half dozen or so people the entire time.