March 15 is the deadline to apply for Montana’s 2013 deer and elk hunting permits. An easy-to-use eight-page application packet is now available from all hunting license providers, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and online at  fwp.mt.gov.

Successful applicants will receive their permits in mid-April and, as a result, have three extra months to make preparations for their fall hunts.

“As usual, resident hunters need a 2013 conservation and elk license to apply for a special elk permit but  everything else needed to apply is in the application and information packet,” Ron Aasheim FWP spokesman in Helena said.

Aasheim noted all deer and elk regulations became final Feb. 14. Hard copies of the hunting regulations will be on the shelf at FWP offices and local license providers in April.

Nonresidents who wish to apply for big game combination, elk combination or deer combination licenses and deer and elk permits for the 2013 fall Montana hunting season can also apply online or  download an application from FWP’s website.

To request an application by mail, write to: Licensing Section; Montana FWP; P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT; 59620-0701; or call: 406-444-2950. The application deadline is March 15.

(Report by John Fraley, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Region 1)