Moose lottery deadline approaching

New system that rewards repeat applicants

The deadline for applications for the 2004 moose hunt lottery is May 28. Hunters want to be sure they don't skip a year of submitting an application, because a new bonus point system rewards repeat applicants by increasing their chances of winning in future years."If you don't apply for the lottery this year, other hunters who do enter are going to have more points and a better chance of winning later," said Karen Cleveland, Data Manager for New Hampshire Fish and Game.Hunters can apply for the 2004 moose lottery online at www.wildlife.state.nh.us, or pick up an application at a N.H. Fish and Game license agent and send it in with the nonrefundable $10 application fee.Last year, a total of 485 moose-hunt permits were issued; for 2004, Fish and Game is proposing to boost the number of permits to 525, pending the upcoming rulemaking process and related public hearings (for hearing dates and information, visit the Fish and Game newsroom at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/newsroom.htm).People from around the world apply for the chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire. The season lasts nine days in October (October 16-24, 2004), with hunters bringing in animals that sometimes dress out at over 1,000 pounds. "Moose are a premiere species," said Cleveland. "If you're willing to get off the beaten track, you can really find some exciting hunting." The odds of winning a permit -- usually about one in 25 for state residents and one in 75 for nonresidents are among the best in the nation for moose hunting. Those who do participate in the hunt have had a high success rate. About 75 percent of the hunters got their moose last year. Winners will be drawn during a computer-generated lottery on Friday, June 18. To be eligible, applications must be postmarked no later than May 28, or received at N.H. Fish and Game, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord NH 03301 no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 28. Online applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. EST on May 28. Applicants must be 16 years old by May 28. Each hunter may submit only one application. You do not have to hold a current hunting license to enter. Hunters who won moose permits in 2001, 2002 or 2003 are not eligible to enter this year's lottery. Lottery winners will be offered a moose-hunting permit, which costs $100 for New Hampshire residents and $300 for nonresidents. Application fees are used exclusively for the implementation of a comprehensive moose management program, including education, research, protection and management. New Hampshire's moose population is now estimated at 6,500 animals. For more information on the New Hampshire moose lottery, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us or call 271-3211.