Just announced 2013 shrimping seasons bode well for personal use gatherers of these delectable Salish Sea shellfish.

All of Washington's inland waters managed for shrimp harvest will open for recreational pot users Saturday, May 4.

And because of the recent allocation policy change guiding 70 percent of the non-treaty side's annual take, shrimp seekers especially here in northern inland waters will see a lot more open days on the calendar.

A similar expansion of personal use opportunity is expected in Strait of Juan de Fuca waters and even marine management areas in inner Puget Sound have evolved in recent years into sport shrimping hotbeds could see a few extra days from now on.

ALL FALL LONG HUNTS

A total of 9,500 special Washington permits allowing their bearers to hunt with some limitations from the first of September to the end of December or until they get their big game quarry will be awarded by raffle in April by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The deadline for submitting an application for either one or both drawings for these so-called multiple-season permits to hunt deer or elk is Sunday, March 31.

COMING SUNDAY

For more about May personal use shrimp seasons and how to apply for an all-fall hunting opportunity plus more fishing and hunting news, read Sunday's Outdoors Column.

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.