SALEM, Ore. — Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a controlled or premium hunt as the May 15 deadline falls on a Saturday this year.

The online licensing system will process applications until 11:59 p.m. on May 15, and license vendors will also be selling applications. But ODFW licensing staff will not be available to help hunters who wait until Saturday and encounter problems accessing their account.

“We are urging hunters to not wait until the last minute this year,” said Michael Hawkins, ODFW Licensing Services Manager. “The majority of applications come in during the last few days before the deadline and our hold and email response times peak. But because the deadline falls on a weekend, ODFW customer service staff will not be able to help you if you wait until Saturday to apply.”

It’s easy to apply online at MyODFW.com (click the green Buy a License button at top right corner). If you don’t already have an account but have preference points (or a Pioneer License, NW Goose permit or any other special certification), use the Verify/ Look Up feature to find your account. Remember to use an email you can actually access in case you need it to reset your password later.

After you login, go to Purchase from the Catalog/ Big Game Hunting to find the application for each series. You will be prompted to complete your hunt application and select your hunt choices (or get a Point Saver) in the checkout process. An annual hunting license is required to apply and can be purchased at the same time as controlled hunt applications.

Directions on how to apply online are here https://myodfw.com/articles/how-apply-controlled-hunt and more tips on using ODFW’s electronic licensing system are here https://myodfw.com/ELS

If you have problems with your online

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