Some changes are on hand this year for applying for big game drawing hunt permits.
The Fairbanks Daily-News says the application period opened Thursday and will close Dec. 17. That is two weeks earlier than last year.
One big chance this year is that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will only accept applications online.
A telephone help line will be available for hunters who do not have Internet access.
Fish and Game says about 95 percent of hunters apply online. On average, 15,000 to 17,000 people apply for the permits and each applicant puts in for an average of five hunts. That translates to about 75,000 individual applications.
Drawing hunts require an application fee and are awarded by lottery.
