On Friday, March 20, the Nevada Department of Wildlife began accepting big game tag applications for the 2009 - 2010 hunting season.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5 p.m. April 20.

Big game applications and the 2009 Nevada Big Game Seasons and Application Regulations booklet can be found online at www.ndow.org and can be picked up at any department office and at more than160 license agents and sporting goods retailers statewide.

The department accepts applications via mail or online at www.huntnevada.com.

Sportsmen doing their homework can visit the department's Top 10 Big Game Tag Application Resources page where they can find all the latest big game information such as season tables, maps, hunter information sheets, fees, what's new for this season and much more.

As with past years, the big game drawing is anticipated to take place during the last week of May or the first week of June.

New this year, in an effort to get the drawing results out to the public as quickly as possible, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has requested the department provide a conditional announcement of successful tag applicants on the www.huntnevada.com website within 48 hours after the drawing occurs.

These results are not final pending full receipt of license and tag fee funds.

With the majority of applicants applying online, successful applicants who see their names on the conditional announcement on the website should double check that they have sufficient funds on their credit card.

"We appreciate that applicants want their results more quickly and these changes in practice will allow for that," said Ken Mayer, the department director. "We would ask for a little patience this first year, as we work out the details of delivering the results within a shortened processing time."

Tags for successful applicants will be mailed not later than June 19. Additionally, results letters and emails for all applicants, and any refunds owed, will also be sent out by this date.