(1) The commission in consultation with the director may authorize hunting of big game animals and wild turkeys through auction. The department may conduct the auction for the hunt or contract with a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct the auction for the hunt.

     (2) The commission in consultation with the director may authorize hunting of up to a total of thirty big game animals and wild turkeys per year through raffle. The department may conduct raffles or contract with a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization to conduct raffles for hunting these animals. In consultation with the gambling commission, the director may adopt rules for the implementation of raffles involving hunting.

     (3) The director shall establish the procedures for the hunts, which shall require any participants to obtain any required license, permit, or tag. Representatives of the department may participate in the hunt upon the request of the commission to ensure that the animals to be killed are properly identified.

     (4) After deducting the expenses of conducting an auction or raffle, any revenues retained by a nonprofit organization, as specified under contract with the department, shall be devoted solely for wildlife conservation, consistent with its qualification as a bona fide nonprofit organization for wildlife conservation.

     (5) The department's share of revenues from auctions and raffles shall be deposited in the state wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170. The revenues shall be used to improve game management and shall supplement, rather than replace, other funds budgeted for management of game species. The commission may solicit input from groups or individuals with special interest in and expertise on a species in determining how to use these revenues.

     (6) A nonprofit wildlife conservation organization may petition the commission to authorize an auction or raffle for a special hunt for big game animals and wild turkeys.

[2009 c 333 § 41; 1996 c 101 § 5. Formerly RCW 77.12.770.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- 1996 c 101: "The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of recreational hunters to provide them with the variety of hunting opportunities provided by auctions and raffles. Raffles provide an affordable opportunity for most hunters to participate in special hunts for big game animals and wild turkeys. The legislature also finds that wildlife management and recreation are not adequately funded and that such auctions and raffles can increase revenues to improve wildlife management and recreation." [1996 c 101 § 1.]