More master hunters needed

The state game department is actively asking for experienced hunters to try out for the Master Hunter program, a program in which qualified hunters are trained to hunt problem wildlife for the department.

There are already 19 master hunters in Whitman County and 1,956 in the state.

Hunters are tested on their hunting prowess, including their ethical standpoint on hunting.

The state game department routinely calls out master hunters to take down problem animals in areas where elite or ethic-sensitive hunting is needed. For example, the state game department ruled a special hunt on an out-of-control elk herd in Kittitas County. From Aug. 1 to Oct. 29 this year, master hunters in that area were called out to shoot the problem animals.

A spokesman for the state hunter education program, Lt. Eric Anderson, said such a hunt could be called in Whitman County for elk damaging a number of crop fields.

Qualifying for the program takes several steps. Applicants must pass an extensive written exam based on the program’s curriculum, provide 20 hours of volunteer service on projects that benefit the state’s wildlife resources, pass a criminal background check, sign a code of ethics form and pay a $50 application fee.

Hunters are expected to be proficient in one of several hunting firearms, such as a rifle, shotgun or archery.

Fish and wildlife enforcement officer for Whitman County, Bob Weaver, said he does not work directly with master hunters. On one occasion, some of the master hunters in the area helped him put down an injured moose. They then loaded the animal and took it to a donation center.