The applications are accepted during the whole month of May, but only those received by May 10 will be entered in the $600 drawing to be held May 14. The next deadline is May 20 for the $400 drawing to be held May 25. The drawing is sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation and funded by GTECH Corporation. By encouraging the early application process, the Foundation and GTECH hope to prevent overload on the computer terminals at license vendors in the final days of the application period.

The information needed to apply is in the big game seasons brochure, which should be to license vendors the last week of April. It is late due to a date-change for the Fish and Game Commission meeting where seasons were set. The rules and seasons are available now under "Hunting" on the Department's website, as are the drawing odds from the 2001 season.

Applicants for controlled hunts may still use the mail-in procedure, but most will find it more convenient to drop by any one of about 430 private license vendors where their application will be entered on the Point of Sale computer system. They can also apply in person at Fish and Game offices. Many residents, as well as nonresidents, prefer to use a credit card and call in their application (1-800-554-8685 or 1-800-824-3729) or the Department's website. Either adds a transaction fee of three percent of the transaction, plus $3.50 in order to pay the contractor who processes the telephone and Internet applications.

Applications for controlled hunts must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $6.50 per applicant per species. Fish and Game accepts personal checks.

All applications must be received or postmarked no later than May 31. The drawing for controlled hunts is conducted by computer and all successful applicants are notified by mail following the drawing. Applicants who cannot wait for their notice can check the Department's website beginning July 10 at www2.state.id.us/fishgame. Information on the drawing can be found in the controlled hunt information section of the 2002 big game seasons booklet.