Hunters can now purchase and submit applications for a 2009 spring black bear hunting permit, for specific areas of eastern Washington. To be eligible for a permit, hunters must purchase and submit an application to WDFW by midnight, Friday, March 13th. A drawing will be held in mid-March for 225 permits in eastern Washington. Permit winners will be notified through the mail by March 31st. To apply for a permit, hunters must purchase a special permit application and a 2009 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be purchased at any license vendor in the state. They also may be purchased online through the department web site. Special permit applications which require a correct hunter choice number may be submitted online as well. More information on hunts scheduled in both eastern and western Washington is available on page 58 of the 2008 Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet. The pamphlet is available online through the WDFW web site, too. On another topic, I don’t want you fly fisher out there to think I have forgotten about you. Rufus Woods is a great place to cast a fly and I am headed for Rocky Ford soon. I’ll let you know how I do,.