WAC 232-28-292   Washington auction hunts.  1. The commission, in consultation with the director, may authorize hunts for big game animals and wild turkeys through auction.

     2. When an auction hunt is adopted by the commission, the director shall solicit nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations (hereafter referred to as "organizations") to bid to market and conduct a public auction for the special auction hunt. The department of fish and wildlife shall solicit bids consistent with established state competitive bid rules.

     3. The organization interested in conducting an auction for an authorized hunt shall submit a proposal outlining its experience and plan to conduct a public auction. The proposal shall include:

     a. Name of the organization, articles of incorporation, and contact person.

     b. The date, time, and place of the proposed public auction.

     c. The approximate number of people expected to attend the auction.

     d. Past experience in conducting auctions.

     e. Marketing strategies to be used.

     f. Portion of revenue proposed to be retained by the organization.

     4. The director will select an organization to conduct an auction.

     a. Revenue potential to the department will be a primary criterion in applicant selection.

     b. The department shall enter into a contract with the organization identifying specific terms of the contract.

     5. The organization shall notify the public about the auction hunt opportunities.

     a. The public must be informed of the date, time, and place of the auction and, the organization must hold the auction as specified.

     b. The auction must be accessible to the public.

     c. Anyone may bid on an auction permit.

     d. The organization shall award the hunt to the highest qualified bidder who will then become the auction hunt hunter.

     e. The organization shall notify the department of the name and address of the successful bidder within two days of the auction.

     f. The department's share of the auction revenue shall be delivered to the department within 30 days of the auction.

     6. All revenue to the department from an auction shall be used for the management and benefit of that species. Except, that the hunting license fees for the appropriate species shall be considered part of the auction price and be deducted from the auction revenue. A hunting license and transport tag will be mailed to the successful bidder.

     7. The deer auction winner may purchase an additional deer hunting license and transport tag, and the elk auction winner may purchase an additional elk hunting license and transport tag. Even if drawn in a previous license year for a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose hunt, a hunter may participate in an auction hunt.

     8. Hunting licenses or transport tags obtained pursuant to an auction may not be resold or reassigned.

     9. The auction hunt hunter shall comply with all applicable hunting rules and regulations.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040, 77.12.020, 77.32.070, 77.32.530. 01-10-048 (Order 01-69), § 232-28-292, filed 4/26/01, effective 5/27/01.]