Cowlitz Game & Anglers

We see the Fish & Wildlife Dept is still tinkering with the Master Hunter Program that started in the early 1990s. Last year they cancelled all existing members and started sort of fresh by requiring everyone to re-apply so a review of all MH’s could be made. This move was attributed to the fact 3 or 4 MH’s were caught trespassing and exceeding lawful bag limits. This from a population of about 1,700 MHs. Even though the malfeasance was less than .3 % the whole MH program came under scrutiny & investigation. Typical PC rhetoric.

The whole idea of the MH program is to educate hunters in the finer points of ethics in game management activities and the importance of maintaining a profile of competence and responsibility. The vast majority of MH card holders have a squeaky clean record of ethics and, most importantly, improving the image of hunters in the eyes of the 96% of the population that does not hunt. You are urged to enter the process of qualifying for the MH program for your own self improvement and the over all sake of hunting in Washington.

Apparently there may soon be a moratorium on acceptance of new applicants due to some people that believe the current population of 1665 MH’s are all that should be allowed in this important fraternity. Currently requirements are: Pass a 75 question conservation test with an 80% score, shoot 10 of 10 in a 6 inch circle at 100 yds. from an elbow rest, shoot 10 of 10 at 50 yards into an 8 inch circle offhand, perform 40 hrs of volunteer effort in a conservation project and pay $20.00 good for 5 years.