Elk refuge offering hunt permits online
From staff reports, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
July 29, 2008
Sportsmen this year can use a new online application process to obtain elk hunting permits for the National Elk Refuge.
Hunters will use an online system from Aug. 12 through Oct. 3 to apply for National Elk Refuge elk hunting permits. A computerized random drawing will take place Oct. 6 for all of the hunting periods, with the results posted on the application Web site by Oct. 7. The online application Web site is http://gf.state.wy.us/plpwhmprogram/frmHunterManagementHome.aspx.
Previously, hunters were required to attend a weekly public drawing at the Teton County Fairgrounds to obtain a permit for Elk Hunt Area 77, the hunt area that lies within the National Elk Refuge.
People with inflexible work schedules or those attending from out of town found it difficult to attend.
The new process was implemented to provide a more equitable permitting system to all Wyoming and nonresident hunters and allow them to better plan their fall elk hunt, refuge officials said.
With the computerized system, hunters will be able to apply for, receive and print refuge elk hunt permits from their home and know well in advance the dates they will be allowed to hunt.
Information for elk hunting on the National Elk Refuge, including the application process, permit availability, alternate permits and regulations, is at www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge/NERHuntingRegs.htm.
People without Internet access or those who need assistance will be able to complete the permitting process from a terminal at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson or the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Jackson regional office. Personal assistance is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and at the visitor center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For information, contact the Jackson Game and Fish office at 733-2321 or 800-423-4113, or call the National Elk Refuge headquarters at 733-9212.
