"Because of the complications of the anthrax mail terrorism and hoaxes, it is understandably taking longer for mail to reach its destination," said G&F License Draw Manager Tom Rowe. "So we are urging all hunters to apply during the first 10 days of an application period in order to maximize the chance of their application arriving by the established deadline date."

Nonresident elk hunters and all limited-quota spring turkey and bison hunters must have their applications to the G&F's Cheyenne office by 5 p.m. January 31. The deadline for both resident and nonresident moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat applications is February 28 and nonresident deer and antelope is March 15.

Even though anthrax problems have temporarily closed postal centers and stranded mail for extended periods, Rowe says the G&F is bound by regulation to only accept applications that arrive by the deadline and to reject all those which arrive after the deadline date. "We are issuing this alert because we do not want any hunter to miss the chance to draw their license," he said.

Nonresident applications are available by calling the G&F at (307) 777-4600. Resident applications can be picked up at license agents and G&F offices. All applications are also available from the G&F's website at gf.state.wy.us.

Anyone with questions about the application periods or licenses is urged to call the G&F at (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 outside Wyoming.