New 2017-2018 hunting rules and information booklet available

Printed versions of the 2017-2018 hunting rules and information booklet will be available at license vendors and Game and Fish Department area offices soon.

The booklet includes information hunters need to apply for and purchase big-game, trapper and upland game licenses and permits. Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield.

The department will begin accepting online applications at 10 a.m. Jan. 11. The application deadline for bear and turkey permits is 5 p.m. Feb. 8. The application deadline for big-game licenses is 5 p.m. March 22. Hunters need to file all mandatory harvest reports from last season’s hunts to be eligible for the 2017-2018 draw.

New this year is an opportunity to draw a premiere statewide deer and elk hunt. Also new are extended seasons and over-the-counter licenses for javelina. Now included in the draw are hunts for elk and turkey on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. And hunters now can share all or part of their harvest through the Hunters Helping the Hungry program.