Hunting options

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted new hunting rules last week that will increase the number of multiple-season hunting permits available for deer and elk each year.

The permits, awarded through annual drawings, allow hunters to participate in all general hunting seasons for deer and elk. Without the permit, hunters must choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons.

The commission approved a proposal to increase the number of deer permits from 4,000 to 8,500, and the number of elk permits from 850 to 1,250. State wildlife managers have assured the commission that increasing permit levels will expand hunting opportunity without posing a risk to big-game populations.