Regulations are available: It’s time to apply for spring hunts

PHOENIX – A true sign of autumn rapidly approaching is being able to apply for Arizona’s spring hunts for javelina, turkey, bear and buffalo.

Sharpen your pencil; it’s that time again. This year’s draw even includes a record number of much-sought-after spring turkey permits offered for 2007.

The deadline to apply for the spring hunts is Oct. 10. Remember, postmarks don’t count. If you are running late, hand-carry that important application to any Arizona Game and Fish Department office before the 7 p.m. deadline on the second Tuesday of October.
  
The spring regulation supplement should be available by this weekend at all hunting and fishing license dealers in the state (almost any sporting goods store). You can even obtain the regulations online at the department’s Web site. 

But don’t expect to apply online: the department is only taking paper applications this time. However, the applications are downloadable from the department’s Web site to print out.

  
For those who have gotten out of the practice of filling out manual applications, it might be a good idea to apply during the grace period, just in case you make a mistake. Here’s how the grace period works: if a paper hunt permit-tag application contains an error, and it’s received prior to Sept. 22, the department will make three attempts within a 24-hour period to notify the applicant by telephone (if a phone number is provided).

Be sure to enclose the right amount of money in the application because tag fees have been increased a little starting in 2007. Check the regulations for the latest amounts. Also don’t forget to get your 2007 hunting license and use that license number when applying. It’s surprising how many applicants forget that important detail each fall.

Speaking of licenses, some super new license deals are available for 2007, especially for families.

The new Family Hunting License is $32.25 for the primary adult, $25.80 for the spouse, and $15 for each child, which is a $29 savings for a family of four. Or get the Family Combination Hunting and Fishing License, which is $54 for the primary adult, $43.20 for the spouse, and $20 for each child. That is a savings of $24.

A new Super Conservation Hunting License for residents is also offered, which includes general hunting privileges; a Unit 12A (North Kaibab) Habitat Stamp; state waterfowl stamp and state migratory bird stamp privileges; plus over-the-counter archery deer, archery turkey, fall bear and mountain lion tags; and enrollment in the Hunter Pool, all for $118. This package will save you $37.

Another new license bargain for 2007 is a Super Conservation Combination Hunting and Fishing license for just $163, which is a $50 savings. The Super Combo License for residents contains all the Super Hunting License opportunities listed above, plus Class G Fishing License, Urban Fishing License and trout-fishing privileges.