5/23/2007

Elk application deadline is rapidly approaching

LITTLE ROCK – Time is ticking away for chances to win one of the permits to hunt elk in the Buffalo River country of Arkansas. The hunt dates this year are Sept. 24-28 and Dec. 3-7.

The most pressing date at present, however, is June 1. That’s your last chance to apply for one of the coveted free elk hunting permits for the 2007 seasons. Mailed applications will not be accepted if postmarked after June 1. Online applications must be made before midnight May 31.

The applications are available on http://www.agfc.com/hunting/elk/permit-apps-elk.aspx, at license dealers, AGFC offices and other outlets across the state. Applying doesn't cost anything, nor does winning one of the available permits. Two other permits are issued through fund-raising activities of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, with 85 percent of the money received returned to Arkansas for elk habitat work.

The drawing for the public land permits will be Saturday, June 30, on the Newton County Courthouse Square in Jasper, near the Buffalo River and center of Arkansas's elk country. Persons applying for permits don’t have to be present, but many attend each year, joining in the festivities and activities.

There is an added attraction this year. One permit will be issued to someone who makes application at the Elk Festival in Jasper. Sign up, stick around and you may win a permit. For this one, you have to be present to win it. And like the other public land elk permits to be drawn, you have to be an Arkansas resident.