Application period open for premium deer hunting permit

OLYMPIA — Sportsmen have until Aug. 14 to apply for a premium deer hunting opportunity this fall on 6,000 acres of Scotch Creek Wildlife Area in Okanogan County.

Hunters can submit an application for the limited-entry deer hunt on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/permits/scotchcreek or by calling either 509-754-4624 or 360-902-2515.

Eighteen applicants will be chosen in a drawing on Aug. 15. Winners will receive access permits to the Charles and May Eder Unit of the wildlife area, near Oroville.

“This is part of our effort to provide quality hunting opportunities in Washington,” said Matt Monda, regional wildlife manager. “This drawing is open to the general public without any additional fees beyond the cost of a hunting license and the standard deer tag.”

Of the 18 access permits available this year, six will be reserved for bowhunters, six for muzzleloaders and six for hunters using modern firearms.

Hunters are allowed to take only one deer, as authorized by their general hunting license.

Deer-hunting seasons for the area are Sept. 1-30 for bowhunters, Oct. 1-9 for muzzleloaders, and Oct. 15-28 for hunters using modern firearms.

The results of the drawing will be available on WDFW’s website the last week of August. Hunters who are drawn will receive an access permit and a boundary map in the mail.