From Staff Reports

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AUSTIN — Hunters are encouraged to start making plans by applying online now for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s drawn hunts.

Hunters can select from more than 35 hunting categories on 95 areas throughout the state; they include hunts for whitetail, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, exotics, turkey, alligator and more.

The system is currently accepting applications for 2015-16 drawn hunts, including special permit hunts, E-postcard hunts, and U.S. Forest Service antlerless deer permits. For the second year, the entire process is handled electronically from applications to fee payments and permit issuance.

Hunt options can be viewed online by category or by area using an interactive map. A downloadable PDF of the 2015-16 Drawn Hunt Catalog is also available online.

To participate, applicants will need internet access, an email address, and a credit or debit card. The customer ID number from the applicant’s hunting or fishing license allows easy access to the system.

The first application deadlines are Aug. 3 for the alligator and exotic game hunt categories, and other hunt category deadlines occur from Aug. 25 through Dec. 30. Hunters can apply up to 11:59 p.m. central time on the application date, and, after the application is submitted, the drawing status can be checked online at any time.

For more information about the online system, and to get started in the application process, visitwww.tpwd.texas.gov/drawnhunts.

For questions contact [email protected] or call 512-389-4505 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The drawn hunts program offers affordable hunting experiences throughout the state, including 11 specifically for youth only. There are no application fees or permit fees for youth up to age 16, and non-hunting supervising adults on youth only hunts.

Adult application fees for special permit hunts are either $3 or $10 depending on the category. Adult hunters who are selected will also need to pay an additional permit fee of $80 for regular hunts and $130 for extended hunts.

Some categories, such as the E-postcard hunts and U.S. Forest Service antlerless deer permits, require no application or permit fees.