CHEYENNE - A new Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Rule, outlined in Chapter 44, established a new preference point only application period.

Hunters wishing to apply for only a preference point, but no big game licenses in a given season, must now do so between July 1 and Sept. 30.

"Because of the new preference point system, we received an increased volume of new applications to process during the 2006 big game application period," says Jean Cole, Game and Fish license manager. "The preference point only application period will cut down on the number of applications we handle during the critical time of the big game application period."

Because the rule takes effect immediately, hunters who have not yet applied for or received a preference point in 2006 can still apply for their point through Sept. 30, 2006, including nonresident deer, antelope, elk, moose and bighorn sheep and resident moose and sheep. Preference point applications are available on the Game and Fish Web site at http://gf.state.wy.us.

(contact: Teresa Cole)