Hunters have until mid-March to buy and submit applications for one of the 520 spring black bear hunting permits the state will issue for 2009.

Hunters must send an application to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife by midnight March 13.

A drawing will be held in mid-March for 295 permits in Western Washington and 225 permits for hunts east of the Cascades. Permit winners will receive notification in the mail by March 31, according to a department news release.

To apply, hunters must buy a special application and a 2009 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be bought at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by calling 1-866-246-9453 or at any license vendor.

Special permit applications, which require a correct hunt choice number, may be submitted online or by calling 1-877-945-3492.

Hunters interested in hunting on the Kapowsin Tree Farm should contact the tree farm before submitting an application to find out what areas are open, the release said. Those selected for the Kapowsin Tree Farm hunt must then buy an access permit from Hancock Forest Management by calling 1-800-782-1493.

Hunters selected for the Copalis hunt must obtain a Recreational Use Permit and should contact Rayonier at 360-533-7000 during regular business hours.

More information on hunts scheduled on both sides of the state is available in the 2008 Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet, and at wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/hunter.htm.