Application Period for Controlled Hunts is Open

The application period for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear controlled hunts is open and runs through June 5. Note to hunters: An error in the big game rule book left out a portion of three controlled elk hunts. Hunts 2021, 2090 and 2116 include all of Units 45 and 52. The 2008 harvest statistics and drawing odds for controlled hunts are now available on the Idaho Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/ch/ and in the Hunt Planner. Hunters can use harvest statistics and drawing odds from the past 10 years (1998-2008) to search for similar controlled hunts for this year. Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at any hunting and fishing license vendor, Fish and Game office; with a credit card by calling 1-800-55HUNT5 or 1-800-824-3729; or online: Go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov and click on the "Licenses Sold Here" button. An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet applications. Hunters must have a 2009 Idaho hunting license to apply. Those who apply early also have a chance to win cash. Fish and Game's annual early application contest for 2009 for those controlled hunts will be handing out one $550 prize and one $450 prize to two lucky winners. Hunters who get their applications in by May 12 will be eligible to win $550 in the May 15 drawing. Those who get their applications in by May 19 will be eligible to win $450 in the May 22 drawing. Applications in by May 12 also will be eligible for the May 22 drawing, except for the winner of the May 15 drawing. Others not applying for a controlled hunt may submit their name, age, address, and telephone number on a 3- by 5-inch piece of plain paper to: IDFG Early Application Contest, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. The drawing is funded by Outdoor Central, a part of Active Network, and sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The drawing encourages hunters to apply early and helps avoid last-minute congestion on license vendor computer terminals.