Don't procrastinate, get your applications in now

PHOENIX — The Tuesday, Feb. 12 application deadline for elk and antelope hunt-permit tag applications is less than a week away – don’t procrastinate, get your application in now.

Remember, postmarks don’t count. The Arizona Game and Fish Department needs your applications by 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12. Applications must be received by mail or be hand-delivered.

You cannot apply online. Also, keep in mind that the Game and Fish Department headquarters has moved to 5000 W. Carefree Highway, which is 1.5 miles west of Interstate 17.

Applications and the 2008 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet should be available at all license dealers, including all seven Game and Fish Department offices in the state. You can also download a copy of the application and/or the booklet from the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov.

Something to keep in mind when purchasing a license is that this is also shaping up to be a great year for fishing in Arizona, thanks in large part to well above average snowpack and superb runoff so far. This is a great year to obtain a combination license.

Youth less than 21 years of age really get a great deal – a youth combination license for residents and nonresidents alike is just $26.50. That is almost $6 dollars less than just purchasing a general resident hunting (Class G) license.

Don’t forget that by purchasing licenses, tags and hunting equipment, you are helping fund wildlife management efforts. Wildlife conservation and management of game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible in large part by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment.