Apply Early, Avoid the Rush, Win Cash

Applying early for controlled hunt drawings and fishing licenses will help avoid last-minute congestion on license vendor computer terminals as the Idaho Department of Fish and Game switches to a new licensing contractor. Anglers who don't have a 2007 Idaho fishing license yet and who don't want to be part of the rush, and the inevitable wait that comes with it, will get their licenses before the Memorial Day weekend fishing opener. The application period for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear controlled hunts runs through June 5. But hunters who get their controlled hunt applications in by May 20 will be eligible to win $450 in the May 25 drawing, the second of two, in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's annual early application contest for 2007. Controlled hunt applications and fishing licenses are available by phone at 1-800-554-8685 or 1-800-824-3729, at Fish and Game offices, license vendors or on the Internet at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. 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 sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation and funded by Fish and Game's new licensing contractor Outdoor Central, which also operates similar systems in Washington and several other states across the country.