SALEM, Ore.-The controlled hunt application deadline has been extended through close-of-business Monday, May 19 due to a slowdown in ODFW’s point-of-sale system created by the high-volume of sales activity and system data communication capacity. ODFW and the system supplier are working on solutions.
“We understand lines have been long in some places and want to make sure everyone has a chance to apply for a big game hunt,” said ODFW License Services Manager DeAnna Erickson.
Hunters can apply for a controlled hunt in a variety of ways: visit an ODFW office or a point-of-sale agent; mail an application found on page 33 of the Big Game Regulations to ODFW Licensing, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303 (must be postmarked by May 19); or fax an application to 503 947-6117/6113 (must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT May 19).
Hunters are reminded to check store and office hours of ODFW license agents. Even stores open 24 hours may not have staff available to do license sales at all hours. Stores have also been known to stop accepting customers because of long lines on deadline day.
Hunters are also reminded that June 1 is the deadline to make any changes or corrections to a controlled hunt application. Call ODFW’s licensing division at (503) 947-6101 to make a change.
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More about controlled hunt applications
ODFW limits the number of hunters for particular big game hunts (some deer and elk hunts, all pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mtn goat hunts) for game management and to enhance the hunting experience. Hunters must apply for tags for these "controlled" hunts in the spring. A random computer drawing occurs in June.
Specific 2008 controlled hunt proposals are available online. In general, elk tag numbers will be proposed to be similar to last year while mule deer and pronghorn tag proposals will be down slightly due to poor fawn recruitment
Below is a list of controlled hunt application mistakes commonly made by hunters:
- Getting personal information wrong. Double-check your name, birth date, phone number, address, and Hunter/Angler I.D. number.
- Choosing the wrong hunt. Hunt numbers can change. Double-check your hunt number with current regulations so there is no risk of losing hard-won preference points. Don’t rely on store clerks or hunting buddies for this information.
- Not including correct daytime tel. information. ODFW needs your current phone number so we can get in touch if there is a problem.
- Getting party details wrong. ODFW’s new POS system should make party applications easier because once one member applies, the system can access that information as other party members apply. Be careful not to exceed party size on your application—for example, for pronghorn antelope hunts the maximum party size is two.
- Faxing in multiple applications. Not only does this confuse ODFW staff but your credit card could be charged multiple times, which takes time to correct. Avoid the last minute and you won’t face a busy fax machine that doesn’t provide a confirmation.
- Writing illegibly. Mail order applicants need to write neatly and legibly to ensure their applications are processed correctly.
- Waiting until the last minute to apply at POS locations. While ODFW’s point-of-sale system no longer shuts down at 11 p.m., many stores close well before that hour. Even stores open 24 hours may not have staff available to do license sales at odd hours. Stores have also been known to stop accepting customers because of long lines on deadline day. Get your application in well before the deadline to avoid this problem.
For more information on controlled hunt applications, contact ODFW’s licensing division at (503) 947-6101. |
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