Online application process no longer available for fall hunts; deadline extended to June 26

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has indefinitely suspended the online application process for big game hunts, including this fall’s hunts for deer, bighorn sheep, turkey, javelina and buffalo, after the department determined it could not resolve concerns that its online service provider could adequately perform under its contract.

Hunters applying after May 21 must submit a paper application form by mail; forms can also be dropped off at department offices. Hunters who already applied using the online process do not need to resubmit a paper application. Their online applications will be valid for the fall big game draw.

The deadline to apply for this year’s fall hunts has been extended from June 12 to June 26. All applications must be received by the department by 7 p.m. (MST) on June 26; postmarks don’t count.

Applicants submitting paper forms must remember to include their tag and application fees, and license fee, if they haven’t already purchased a hunting license. Those fees can be submitted by personal check, cashier’s check or money order.

The correction period for those applying with paper forms has been extended from May 30 to June 6. If a submitted paper application contains an error and is received by June 6, the department will make three attempts within a 24-hour period to notify the applicant by telephone, if a telephone number is provided on the application.

Printed application forms and 2007-08 Hunting and Trapping Regulations are available at all license dealers and department offices. They can also be downloaded from the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/draw.

Department officials suspended the online application process on May 21 after canceling the contract with its online service vendor. At issue was the vendor’s inability to meet a performance bond requirement, and this undermined the department’s confidence in the vendor.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some of our customers,” says Harry Seck, assistant director for special services for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The department, however, could not accept what the vendor offered to resolve this issue.”

Despite the changes in the draw application process, there will be no effect on the draw itself or how it is conducted. Draw results will be available online at azgfd.gov/draw no later than Aug. 10, and hunt permit-tags for successful applicants will be mailed out no later than Aug. 10.

More information on the fall big game draw can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov/draw.