What the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are calling “some of Washington’s most popular hunting seasons” will get underway Saturday, Oct. 15. Both waterfowl and deer hunting seasons start that day, as well as crabbing season.

Department officials are expecting fruitful hunting seasons.

“Last year’s deer harvest was the highest in our state since 2004, but drought took less of a toll this summer and overwinter survival was favorable in most areas,” Jerry Nelson, the department’s deer and elk manager, said.

The 15th marks the start of duck — except scaup — coot and snipe seasons statewide as well as goose season in all goose management areas.

Hunters can purchase their licenses at any department of fish and wildlife license dealers or by calling WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.

Information on access to private hunting land can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/hunting_access/private_lands/.

To read the department’s 2016 hunting prospects report, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects/.