Thousands of hunting permits still available

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, more than 5,500 hunting permits are left over from its fall drawing/lottery process, which means a second chance for Yuma-area hunters to take part in the popular big game hunts.

Doug Burt, Game and Fish spokesman, said the hunting permits will be available through a first-come, first-served drawing/lottery process by mailed-in applications only, beginning no sooner than 8 a.m. Monday. After Aug. 9 at 8 a.m., hunters can apply for a leftover tag in person at any of the seven Game and Fish offices — including Yuma's — in addition to the mailed application option.

Burt says there is a second chance at more than 4,300 deer tags, 900 fall turkey tags and 300 juniors-only fall javelina tags through the leftover process.

For a detailed list of the leftover permits remaining and to get an application form, hunters can visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Burt said applicants should refer to the 2010-11 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations to determine the hunt dates, legal wildlife, method of take and for application instructions. A list of Game and Fish regional office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call 1-520-533-2549 for more information.