Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
November 2012

Application Process for Alaska’s Big Game
Drawing Hunts Changes This Year

By Riley Woodford
caption follows
Steve Bethune with the results of a successful Dall sheep hunt. Photo courtesy Steve Bethune.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has changed the application process and period for hunters applying for big game drawing hunts. The department will accept only online applications this year and will no longer accept paper applications. Applications will be accepted online between Nov. 1 and Dec. 17; the end of the application period is earlier than last year.

Hunters will find that applying online is easy. A visit to the hunting section of the ADF&G website will walk the applicant through the process. Go to hunt.alaska.gov and click on the “Buy licenses and tags” button and follow the purchase instructions. Information regarding drawing hunt permits is available through the highlights section of the hunting page, including frequently asked questions and drawing supplements.

A telephone help line will be available this year for hunters that do not have internet access and staff will assist anyone who is unable to apply online. Applicants can call 907-267-2895 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday from Nov. 1 through Dec. 17.

Hunters are encouraged to apply early to ensure their application is successfully entered into the drawing, especially those who use the telephone help desk and will be sending in payment by mail. Historically, the majority of hunters apply in the last week, regardless of the deadline, so it’s important to note that the deadline is earlier this year. The Tier I and Tier II application period also ends Dec. 17.

Drawing hunts require an application fee and are awarded by lottery. Applicants must have a valid hunting license to apply. The results of the drawing hunts and Tier I/II hunts will be available online at 5 p.m. Feb. 15, 2013.


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