ONLINE APPLICATIONS GAINING POPULARITY WITH HUNTERS

CHEYENNE - To say that the online application process is catching on with hunters is something of an understatement according to license draw coordinator Aaron Pelto with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Hunters in increasing numbers are turning to their computers when it comes time to apply for a big game license.  In 2008, several license deadlines have already come and gone and the online process is proving to be very efficient.

"Already this year we've passed deadlines for nonresident elk, deer, antelope, wild turkey, bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat along with resident deadlines for bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat and wild turkey," Pelto said.   "So far, more than 60 percent of the applications we've received this year have been online.  The resident application period for limited quota elk, deer and antelope is coming in May and we're hoping the residents continue to use the online process for these applications as well."

The online application procedure has several advantages over the mail-in paper applications.  First, it ensures accuracy of the application, and it removes the doubt that mail delays could cause someone to miss the deadline.  It also allows hunters who have met the deadline to go online and make changes to their application or remove their application from the drawing up to 15 business days prior to the tentative drawing date.

From a workload perspective, the online application process has also proved valuable.  Every year during the application period the Game and Fish hires temporary help to process the influx of applications.  Online applications have allowed the WGFD to reduce the seasonal help from 20 positions to seven.  It has also considerably lightened the workload of mailroom personnel who sometimes receive thousands of pieces of mail per day that must be sorted and distributed.

To apply online, hunters simply need to go to the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us.  The next application period is May 1-31 and is for resident limited quota elk, deer and antelope.                                      
(Contact: Al Langston, (307) 777-4540)

-WGFD-