OLYMPIA - Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their name in a drawing for a 2013 multiple-season permit, which can greatly increase their opportunities for success in the field.

In mid-April, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will randomly draw names for 8,500 multiple-season deer permits and 1,000 multiple-season elk permits.

Winners of the drawing will be eligible to purchase a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm general hunting seasons for deer or elk in 2013. Winners who purchase the multiple-season elk tag by Aug. 31 can participate in general elk-hunting season in both eastern and western Washington.

Hunters can apply only once for each species and are limited to harvesting one deer or elk during the general season. However, unlike other hunters, those drawn for a multiple-season permit are not restricted to one type of weapon when applying for special permit hunts for deer and elk.

"This is a great opportunity for hunters to extend their hunting season this fall," said Dave Ware, game manager for WDFW. "Rather than having to choose one hunting method over another, hunters drawn for a multiple-season permit who purchase the tag can participate in multiple seasons."

Ware noted that multiple-hunt tags can only be used during general seasons in game management units that are open - and with a weapon legal to use - during a modern firearm, muzzleloader, or archery general 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 may purchase a multiple-season permit application at an authorized license dealer, listed at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/ , or by calling (866) 246-9453. The permit application is $7.10 for residents and $110.50 for nonresidents.

A 2013 hunting license is not required to submit an application, but winners of the drawing must purchase one before they can purchase a multiple-season tag.

Hunting licenses and multiple-season tags can be purchased from local license dealers, on the Internet (http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ ) or by calling (866) 246-9453. Including transaction fees, multiple-season deer or elk tags cost $182.00 for residents and nonresidents in addition to the cost of an annual hunting license.

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