HUNTING – Members of the Washington National Guard and the Washington State Guard who meet state residency and other requirements can qualify for free hunting licenses under a new law that took effect last week.

Here are details from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:

A free license package to hunt big game, small game, and migratory waterfowl is now available to active, full-time members of the National and State Guard, and to those who participate in drill training with these military units on a part-time basis.

Sponsored by Rep. Brian Blake of Aberdeen, the special licensing offer won unanimous approval by state Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Inslee earlier this year.

“I think the new license option is a great way to thank Washington Guard members for their service and encourage them to stay in and serve,” said Maj. Steve Beecroft, one of the first National Guard members to apply this week at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) office in Olympia.

Those interested in receiving the free licensing package must submit a printed application to WDFW along with:

• Verification of their military service.
• A copy of their Washington State driver’s license to verify state residency.
• A copy of their hunter education certificate, unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1972, or have previously purchased a Washington hunting license. WDFW also accepts hunter education certifications from other states.

Application forms and additional information about the free licensing option are available on WDFW’s website.