A total of 84.9 percent of Nevada big game hunters used the Internet

This is late March and it's that time of the year, again, for Nevada big game hunters to begin day-dreaming and seriously planning.

Yep, it's time to begin making plans for the many different, big game hunts to be held later this year.

Nevada law requires a computerized drawing process for the issuance of hunting tags for its big game species, which include: Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, California bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat.

So, if you are an archer, black powder shooter or rifle hunter, with hopes of drawing one of those hard-to-get, tags, draw a big red circle around Apr. 17, 2006.

Apr. 17 at 5 p.m. is the absolute deadline for RECEIVING applications for the up-coming big game hunts in the State of Nevada.

Note: The key word "receiving." That is the final deadline for when they must be received!

Then, when you are ready to submit you applications, you have two choices: Send them through an authorized postal service or submit them over the Internet.

Choice No. 1:

If you use an authorized postal service, you must use a service such as the U.S. Mail, UPS or FedEx. Your application(s) must be mailed to the Wildlife Administrative Office, P.O. Box 1345, Fallon, Nevada 89407-1345.

DO NOT mail your application(s) to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). That is the wrong location.

When you have the necessary forms, very carefully fill out all of the requested information.

Then, have a friend or relative double check to make sure that you did not make any errors in filling out that information.

Once you have completed the forms and have written your check for the proper amount for the various tags and their associated fees, mail them to that Fallon address.

Choice No. 2:

You can also apply via the Internet, which in my less-than-humble Don Q opinion is the only way to go. Many other people also believe that is the only way to apply.

In 2005, there were a total of 123,038 applications. Of that total, 104,460 were submitted via the Internet (including Don Q's). That's 84.9 percent!

I am going to use the Internet, again, for three reasons:

Reason no. 1

The data that you enter is automatically checked as you key it in.

In the event you enter erroneous data, the computerized system will not accept your application until that error has been corrected.

If the data you enter is valid, the computer will accept it. Bingo!

It's that simple.

REASON NO. 2

At the time the computer system accepts your application information, you must also provide credit card information for the necessary money amounts.

Once your application information and money amounts have been accepted, you are officially in the drawing! It's that simple!

REASON NO. 3

This is the sneakiest reason why Don Q applies via the Internet:

After the deadline of Apr. 17 passes, wait approximately three weeks and then start checking the status of your charge card account on a daily basis.

If you have been successful in the drawings, your credit card account will reflect the charge!

And, that is long before you receive any notification via the U.S. Mail ("Snail Mail"). It's sneaky, very legit and very, very informative.

On the other hand, if there is no charge on your credit card, you were unsuccessful and will finally receive something in the mail stating you struck out in the drawings.

To apply, go to website: www.huntnevada.com. You'll have plenty of company!

In addition:

At huntnevada.com, you can also access all kinds of informative data such as: The 2006 hunting season dates, areas and units description information, and information about herd movement, groupings, camping, map resources and access limitations.

Finally:

If you applied last year for big game tags, you should have already received your 2006 applications through the mail.

If you did not apply last year, you can obtain the necessary forms at any Nevada Department of Wildlife office or at any authorized license agent outlet.

For information:

Call the Wildlife Administrative Services Office in Fallon at (800) 576-1020 during regular hours.

• Bet Your Favorite Pigeon

Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you which tags I will be applying for this year.

Here's a big, big hint: Do not, do not, do not apply for a rifle, bull elk tag for the Ely area. It will greatly help to improve my own chances of getting drawn!

• Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.