Hunters’ deadline nears

The Department of Game and Fish is reminding hunters to obtain a free customer identification number — new this year — before applying for hunting licenses or permits in annual drawings.

The numbers must be obtained before an April 8 application deadline for 2009-2010 hunts.

Hunters can obtain customer identification numbers and apply for hunts online at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by visiting department offices in Roswell Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Raton or Las Cruces 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

April 8 is the deadline for hunters to apply for 2009-2010 deer, elk, antelope, ibex, javelina and bighorn sheep hunting opportunities allotted by draw in New Mexico.