Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their names into the drawing for a 2016 multiple-season tag. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will hold the drawing in mid-April, randomly selecting names for 8,500 multiple-season deer tags and 1,000 multiple season elk tags.

Winners of the drawing will be eligible to purchase a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader, as well as modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2016. Winners who purchase the multiple season elk tag can participate in general elk hunting seasons in both eastern and western Washington. The deadline to purchase the multiple-season tag is July 31.

Winners may also choose any weapon type when applying for a special permit to hunt deer or elk.

“This is a great opportunity for hunters to extend their hunting season this fall,” said Mick Cope, game manager for WDFW. “The multiple-season tag allows more flexibility, since winners do not need to choose one hunting method over another.”

Cope noted that the tags can be used only during general seasons and in game management units open during a modern firearm, muzzleloader, or archery season.

For example, winners may not hunt during the muzzleloader general season in an area that is not open for the muzzleloader general season.

Hunters can apply only once for each species and are limited to harvesting one deer or elk.

A multiple season application can be purchased at any authorized license dealer. Find a list at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors or call (866) 246-9453. The application costs $7.10 for residents and $110.50 for nonresidents.

A 2016 hunting license is not required to apply to the drawing, but winners must purchase one to purchase a multiple season tag.

For more information, visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov, or call the Licensing Division at (360) 902-2464.