Here is more than you may have ever wanted to know about the program.
History: the program was created by WDFW in 1992 as the “Advanced Hunter Education” program. It was revised and renamed in 2007 to the “Master Hunter” program. In 2009 the phrase “permit” was added, because this allowed a Master Hunter to have his status immediately suspended by an enforcement officer taking the hunter’s permit, which he is required to carry. (The Master Hunter number is now imprinted on the hunting license of all Master Hunters, so enforcement officers can readily identify them.)
The Master Hunter program is addressed in WAC 232-12-073:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-073WAC 232-12-073
Master hunter permit program.
(1) In order to effectively manage wildlife in areas or at times when a higher proficiency and demonstrated skill level are needed for resource protection or public safety, the department establishes the master hunter permit program.
(2) The master hunter permit program emphasizes safe, ethical, responsible, and lawful hunting practices. Program goals include improving the public's perception of hunting and perpetuating the highest hunting standards. A master hunter permit is required to participate in controlled hunts to eliminate problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission issued policy C6005 regarding the program:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/policies/c6005.html(Pertinent sections follow):
Policy: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will develop a Master Hunter Program that provides an adequate number of hunters, with specific qualifications, to address the wildlife/human interaction outlined in the discussion above.
It must be understood and fundamental to the policy that Master Hunter certification is a privilege and not a right. Further, the Master Hunter resource is a tool that will be employed by the Department to resolve certain human/wildlife conflict situations. These hunting situations will require hunting in areas that may be highly visible to the public and may be on private property. In all cases, these hunting situations will require good judgment and professional conduct by Master Hunters. Violations of hunting rules or regulations will not be tolerated and will result in loss of Master Hunter privileges and possibly all hunting privileges, depending on the violation.
Master Hunters are role models for the rest of the hunting community and, through their actions, act as ambassadors for the Department. Qualifications for the Master Hunter program are:
Qualifications: application is open to Washington residents only. Applications are accepted annually between January 1 and February 15. All requirements must be completed by November 15 of the same year. To become a Master Hunter one must:
1. Pay a $50 non- refundable application fee.
2. Pass a 100 question written test; typical applicants study a minimum of 20 to 30 hours.
3. Demonstrate proficiency with one of seven hunting methods, via a witnessed shooting test.
4. Complete a minimum of 20 hours of wildlife conservation volunteer work.
5. Attend a C.O.R.T. class
6. Sign a Code of Ethics.
7. Pass a criminal background check. Entry is denied to anyone who has:
- Paid the required fine or been convicted within the last ten (10) years of a Chapter 77.15 RCW offense;
- Paid the required fine or been convicted within the last ten (10) years of criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, criminal conspiracy, or making a false statement to law enforcement, while hunting, fishing, or engaging in any activity regulated by the WDFW;
- Prior felonies prohibiting the possession of firearms, unless firearm possession is reinstated; or
- A current hunting or fishing license revocation or a current suspension of hunting or fishing license privileges in Washington or in another state.
7. Sign a Code of Ethics.
Recertification: Master Hunter permits are valid for five years. Master Hunters must pay a renewal fee, have completed a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer wildlife conservation work, and pass a criminal background check.
Statistics: as of December there were 1964 Master Hunters. In 2010 approximately 800 individuals applied to the program, and 152 completed all requirements.
The “Zero Tolerance” policy is such that anyone violating one of the conditions previously noted is either permanently removed from the program or suspended for two years in the case of a Chapter 77.15 RCW infraction. In 2010, one individual was removed for life, and one was suspended for two years.
