Deadline is April 8 to apply for big-game licenses, permits

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

Online applications must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Paper applications must be postmarked by April 8 or delivered to the Department office in Santa Fe by 5 p.m. April 8.

Online applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline because of forgotten passwords or other computer-related issues at the last minute. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants are reminded that everyone applying for a public-land license or permit, or purchasing a license via a private land authorization or the Valles Caldera must first obtain a free Customer ID Number online at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us or in person from any Department office. This number must be included on each application, paper or online, or the application will be rejected.

The Department is expecting to receive more than 150,000 applications for about 50,000 available licenses and permits.

All applicants who were licensed to hunt deer or elk, or to hunt or trap furbearers in the 2008-2009 seasons must have submitted a harvest report to be eligible for the upcoming drawing. Hunters and trappers who did not report by the deadlines -- Feb. 15 for deer and elk hunters, April 7 for furbearer hunters and trappers -- can still participate in the 2009-2010 drawings if they submit their harvest survey and pay an $8 late fee before applying. Hunters who fail to report their 2008-2009 harvest results -- successful or not -- will have their 2009-2010 applications rejected. Harvest reports can be submitted online at http://www.newmexico-hunt.com or by calling toll-free (888) 248-6866.

The drawing will take place in June, and results will be available in late June on the Department Web site or in person at any Department office.