Reminder: Jan. 30 is deadline for for 2018 elk, pronghorn hunts

PHOENIX — Hunters are reminded that paper applications for the 2018 elk and pronghorn hunt draw must be received by the Arizona Game and Fish Department no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Jan. 30.

With the deadline only four days away, applicants should consider hand-delivering their paper applications to any of the seven statewide department offices to ensure they are received by the deadline. Postmarks do not count. For those who need assistance with filling out an application, staff will be available until 5 p.m. at all department offices.

The department encourages hunters to apply for the draw through the online service for several reasons:

  • It’s fast and easy, and can be done from home or work – no driving, no mailing.

  • Reduces chance for errors (applicants should still read options closely).

  • Applicants will only be charged for the cost of the hunt permit-tag if drawn for that species.

  • Opportunity to purchase PointGuard to protect bonus points.

  • The deadline to apply online is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 13.

As an additional reminder for online applicants, the deadline for purchasing PointGuard and updating credit card and debit card information is March 1.

The “2018 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet can be accessed online at https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. Printed copies of the booklets are available at department offices and license dealers statewide.

The department encourages all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their draw applications, license history, bonus points, gain access to their “I Support Wildlife” membership and more in the “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems. Draw results will be posted to portal accounts.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on “My Account” in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Register” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

AZGFD is dedicated to assisting applicants with the online process. All department offices are equipped with customer computers that can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer service representatives can be reached by calling (602) 942-3000. As a reminder, customer service representatives will be available to provide assistance only until 8 p.m. Feb. 13. (deadline day).

A valid hunting license (or combination hunting and fishing license) is required to hunt wildlife in Arizona. No one under 14 may hunt big game without having completed a Hunter Education course. While it is not necessary for anyone 10 to 13 to complete a Hunter Education course before applying for a hunt permit-tag, these courses fill quickly. Consider registering now by visiting www.azgfd.gov/huntered or calling (623) 236-7239.