AGFD -- Apply now for 2021 spring hunts

[Outdoor Writer]

GAME AND FISH NEWS       Sept. 24, 2020       Don't delay —  apply now for 2021 spring hunts  Deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 13       PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages hunters to submit their 2021 spring hunt applications early and avoid the stress of waiting until the last minute.   The deadline to apply for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear hunts, and raptor capture, is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 13. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting/draw.    For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2021 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison, Bear and Raptor Capture Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed booklets are available at license dealers statewide.    A few helpful reminders: An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through Oct. 13. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at https://www.azgfd.com/license/. Know your Department ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are three ways to locate a Department ID: Log into your AZGFD portal account and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard,” check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license if it was purchased online, or call AZGFD at (602) 942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, see Page 8 of the “2021 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison, Bear and Raptor Capture Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Purchasing PointGuard is encouraged. This benefit ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. The cost is $5 for each species. New beginning with this draw: A free AZGFD portal account is no longer required to purchase PointGuard, either at the time of application or through the application deadline (Oct. 13). A portal account is still needed for those hunters wishing to view their draw results, however. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete the required fields. In the meantime, hopeful hunters might want to view a couple of short videos before applying for a hunt.  Amber Munig, big game management supervisor, explains how the draw process works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpI0lLp5Adk. AZGFD provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a hunt permit-tag issued through the draw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UVVH7OGo0Y. AZGFD is available to assist all applicants. A customer service representative can be reached by calling (602) 942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.