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The controlled hunt application deadline has been extended through Tuesday, May 19 11:59 PT due to a slowdown in ODFW's point-of-sale system affecting sales online and at license agents.
The high volume of sales activity is believed to be the cause of the slowdown. Within the past week, more than 90,000 applications have been processed, compared to about 43,000 the previous week.
As of today, 229,775 applications have been processed, but ODFW estimates there are about 200,000 more to go. (Last year, 420,000 controlled hunt applications were submitted.)
"Processing licenses at point-of-sale agents has taken longer than usual,"” said ODFW License Services Manager DeAnna Erickson. "We want to make sure everyone has a chance to apply for a big game hunt."
ODFW and the system supplier are working on solutions.
Some of Oregon's big game hunts are limited entry, including almost all rifle hunting of deer and elk east of the Cascades and pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat hunts. Hunters must apply for these "controlled" hunts by mid-May each year.
To apply, visit an ODFW office that sells licenses or a point-of-sale agent; apply online; mail an application found on page 15 of the 2009 Oregon Big Game Regulations to ODFW Licensing, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303 (must be postmarked by May 19); or fax an application to 503 947-6117/6113 (must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT May 19).
Hunters are reminded to check store and office hours of ODFW license agents. Even stores open 24 hours may not have staff available to do license sales at all hours. Stores have also been known to stop accepting customers because of long lines on deadline day. ODFW offices that sell licenses close at 5 p.m.
Hunters are also reminded that June 1 is the deadline to make any changes or corrections to controlled hunt applications. Call ODFW's licensing division at (503) 947-6101 to make a change or use this form.
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