UPDATE: Big game application period extended until June 7

UPDATE 6/6/18: Idaho Fish and Game Department computers are back up and operating and its licensing system has resumed. People can now apply for controlled hunts online, at license and tag vendors, at Fish and Game offices and via telephone at (800) 554-8685.

On Monday, Fish and Game extended the controlled hunt application deadline to midnight on June 7 for deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear hunts.

The deer, elk, pronghorn and fall black bear controlled hunt application period is among the busiest of the year for the licensing system. Last year, there were 166,000 applications for those controlled hunts. It is not yet known whether extending the application deadline will affect the drawing and notification dates.

ORIGINAL STORY:

On Monday, the Idaho Fish and Game computer systems appeared to struggle in processing control hunt applications.

IDFG officials said they continued to have the same technical issues on Tuesday and have decided to extend the deadline for controlled hunts applications until Thursday at midnight.

Officials acknowledged there were issues statewide, and crews are working to resolve the issue quickly.

“It’s a brand new computer system for the controlled hunts we’re hoping to get things iron out before next year, but the best thing people can do is not procrastinate and get their applications early, we just had a big run in a lot of people trying to apply,” said Kelton Hatch, Regional Conservation Manager.

There is no estimated time yet on when the licensing system will be working again.

Idaho game officials said their online systems have been slow as well and suggest applicants take their time and avoid noon or evening hours which sees more users trying to apply.

It is not yet known whether extending the application deadline will affect the drawing and notification dates.