The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Master Hunter advisory group have scheduled a meeting for certified master hunters June 14 in Spokane to discuss the new Master Hunter program and upcoming hunts in northeastern Washington.

The meeting is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council Headquarters, 6116 North Market Street.

At the meeting, WDFW staff and representatives from the advisory group will provide updates on recent changes to the program and listen to suggestions on its future direction. The transition from the former Advanced Hunter Education program also will be reviewed.

Similar meetings will be announced this summer for Snohomish and Chelan counties.

WDFW's voluntary Master Hunter program was recently revamped to clarify requirements for participation. An enrollment process was held this spring for those interested in participating in the program and gaining certification. The next opportunity to apply will be Jan. 1, 2009.

Master hunters are highly qualified hunters who participate in controlled hunts to help WDFW remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. A primary purpose of the program is to offer an opportunity for committed hunters to help preserve the sport's heritage, said Mike Kuttel, policy lead.

"Our goal is to develop a group of highly skilled people who consistently display the highest standards of conduct and are dedicated to conserving wildlife habitat and ensure future hunting opportunities," Kuttel said.

Kuttel also reminds master hunters to use the program’s website as their primary source of information and to check it routinely for updates and other information http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/.

There are approximately 250 certified master hunters in the northeast region.

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As a young lad growing up in any rural area can tell you, predators are a part of life, whether you like it or not. I was introduced to a form of predator control at an early age, my father always used to run a small trap line, nothing special, just a bunch of snares and a few foot traps set out on only the most popularly used predator trails. My old man was always on the lookout for a new spot to set up traps and was usually right on the money when he returned to see if his hunch was correct. His personal best was 8 coyotes and one red fox, which he managed to collect during a 2 - day period about 20 years ago, it seems the tradition is bred into our heritage. This is the story of how my brothers and I tied my dad's personal best.