Hunters can start applying for fall hunts now; draw deadline is June 9

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PHOENIX —The 2009-10 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations are available now at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Applications are now being accepted for hunting permits for fall deer, turkey, juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear, mountain lion and pheasant (antelope and elk are already complete).

The application deadline for the fall draw is Tuesday, June 9, by 7 p.m. (MST) – postmarks do not count. Those applying are reminded there is no online application process available. All requests must be via the paper application process only – either by dropping the application off at any department office or by U.S. mail.

All of the materials needed to apply are available at www.azgfd.gov/draw, including a digital PDF application that can be filled out using a computer for improved legibility, some minor error prevention and convenience. However, the PDF form must be printed, signed and submitted (along with the correct fees using check or money order) by mail, or by hand delivery to any department office. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

Printed copies of the 2009-10 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, applications and envelopes are anticipated to be available at license dealers statewide by mid-May.

Applicants should note, there is a new P.O. Box for submitting hunt permit applications and the new address should be reflected on the new envelopes. The new address is Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052. However, applications mailed to the old address will be automatically forwarded to the new address.

Hunters are reminded to avoid a couple common mistakes when applying for a fall hunt permit-tag. Common errors include using Game Management Unit numbers (one to two-digit sometime with letter code) in lieu of the hunt numbers (four-digit), incorrect payment amount, and using the wrong years hunting license number are just a few.

Speaking of errors, apply early and take advantage of the grace period. Here’s how it works: if your application has a mistake and is received by May 28, the department will attempt to call you three times in a 24-hour period and give you the opportunity to correct the mistake. After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

New this year, pheasant applications are now due at the same time as the other big game species, Tuesday, June 9. This improvement will eliminate remembering an additional deadline date for this permitted hunt and it should simplify the internal processing of these applications.

Another change to the tag allocation process for this year is an improved system for distributing leftover tags through the first-come, first-served process. The by mail-only process using an application will still apply starting Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. However, after 8 a.m. on Aug. 10, remaining tags may be purchased at any department office.

Compared to last year, the changes to hunt structures are relatively minor, and there is a reason for that. Every two years (odd numbered years), the department reviews the existing hunt guidelines. Hunt guidelines are the “recipes” used to formulate the annual hunt recommendations in which sportsmen participate. The direction for the next guideline revision is to standardization, simplification, and increasing hunter participation and 2009 marks the ground floor and hunters are encouraged to participate in the process. If you have an idea or suggestion, submit it to the hunt guideline team through May 31 to azgamebranch@azgfd.gov or to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

To learn more about the hunt guideline process, to review and download the current guidelines, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.