[ODFW-News] ODFW Reminds Hunters to Apply for Big Game Hunts

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700

For Immediate Release	Monday, April 28, 2003

ODFW Reminds Hunters to Apply for Big Game Hunts
Deadline is Thursday, May 15

PORTLAND - State wildlife officials remind big game hunters that the deadline to apply for this fall's controlled hunts is quickly approaching.  Hunters should submit their applications through their local license agent, ODFW office or mail well before the Thursday, May 15, cutoff to avoid long lines.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife limits the number of hunters for particular hunts to improve game management and enhance the hunting experience.  Hunters must apply for tags for these "controlled" hunts in the spring.  A random computer drawing occurs in June and hunters are notified around June 20 if they were successful.  

Pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, eastern Oregon buck deer, many eastern Oregon bull elk seasons and most antlerless deer and elk seasons are managed via the controlled hunt system. The cost to apply is $4.50 per hunt type. Hunters must have a 2003 hunting license to apply.

By the close of business Saturday, April 26, more than 99,960 applications had been received. Last year, ODFW received more than 423,000 applications before the drawing. 

ODFW asks hunters not to wait until the final days before the May 15 deadline to apply for controlled hunt tags. Applying early can avoid overloading the Point-of-Sale computerized system and prevent other associated application problems. Hunters can avoid frustration and save time by applying early in person or using the mail order application found on page 23 of the 2003 Oregon Big Game Regulations.  The application form also may be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/Regulations/regs.html.

ODFW also reminds hunters that Wednesday, May 7, is the last day to purchase raffle tickets at any license agent for a chance at winning a tag for a special deer, elk or bighorn sheep hunt.

Each year the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife raffles elk and deer hunts as a fundraiser for the Access and Habitat Program. Last year's A&H raffle generated $100,557 for wildlife habitat and hunting access projects throughout the state. ODFW also offers a raffle tag that benefits the state's bighorn sheep program by providing funds for bighorn trapping, transplants and research. 

The 2003 A&H raffle hunts feature a statewide deer hunt; statewide combination elk and deer hunt; northeast Oregon, southeast Oregon and central Oregon deer hunts; and northeast Oregon, high desert, western Oregon and statewide elk hunts. Deer and elk raffle winners may hunt across multiple management units Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2003.  

Ticket prices for deer hunts are $4 for one ticket, $11 for six, $21 for 15, $51 for 40 and $101 for 100. Elk raffle tickets are $6 for one, $21 for six, $41 for 15 and $101 for 40.  Combination deer and elk hunt tickets are one for $11, six for $31, 15 for $61 and 40 for $151. Bighorn sheep raffle tickets are one for $11, six for $51, and 13 for $101.

Order forms are available from Point-of-Sale agents, the 2003 Oregon Big Game Regulations or by calling (503) 872-5260, Ext. 5349.

Purchased tickets must be filled out and returned to ODFW to be officially entered in the drawing or hand-delivered to the Oregon Hunters Association convention in Redmond on May 17.  Completed tickets must be post-marked no later than May 10. 

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528