SANTA FE - Rules and information about applying for 2016-2017 hunting licenses is now available online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Printed versions of the 2016-2017 hunting rules and information booklet will be available at license vendors and Game and Fish Department area offices soon.

The booklet includes information hunters need to apply for and purchase big-game, furbearer and upland game licenses and permits. Hunters are encouraged to review season dates, application deadlines and other information before applying for licenses or going afield.

The department will begin accepting online applications at 8 a.m. Jan. 13. The application deadline for bear and turkey permits is Feb.10. The application deadline for big-game licenses is 5 p.m. March 23. Hunters need to file harvest reports from last season's hunt to be eligible for the 2016-2017 draw.

New rules this season include a 50 percent discount off licenses, permits and stamps for resident active duty military and veteran applicants.

Elk licenses and turkey permits for the Valles Caldera National Preserve now are available through the draw.

Customer service center hours will be extended during the draw period from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays from March 12 through March 22. The information center will close at 4:30 p.m. on March 23. Online applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 23. For more information or help with the draw, please call (888) 248-6866.
For more information about how to apply for the draw, please visit the department website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or see the instructional video on the department's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/NMGameandFish