With a hint of coolness in the air this week sportsmen are no doubt turning their attention to plans for hunting season. Hunters can still apply for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s popular drawn public hunts gun deer categories until 11:59 p.m. CST Monday, September 29 through the new online-only Public Hunt Drawing System.

The online-only system is still accepting applications for some of the 2014-15 Drawn Hunts categories, including Special Permit hunts for Youth Only and Guided Hunt Packages, E-Postcard hunts, and US Forest Service Antlerless Deer Permits. This is the first year that hunters can apply for multiple hunt areas within the same hunt category (i.e. apply for a Gun Deer – Either Sex hunt on more than one hunt area).

The entire process — from applications, to fee payments and permit issuance — is being handled electronically, which means hunters can apply online right up untilmidnight on the deadline date. Available hunt options can be browsed online by category or by area using an interactive map. A downloadable PDF of the 2014-15 Drawn Hunt Catalog is also available online.

To participate applicants need internet access, an email address, and a credit or debit card. All applicants (adults and youth) must have a Customer Account. Applicants that have previously applied for a drawn hunt or purchased a hunting or fishing license should already have an account. Those who do not have an account will need to create one before applying for a drawn hunt. A unique ID number is required to create an account. Unique ID numbers can be any of the following: State Driver’s License Number, Social Security Number or Passport Number.

Because all hunt permit winners will now be notified by email immediately after selection, including those drawn as second chance permit winners, hunters are encouraged to check their status online following the category entry deadline. From the Drawn Hunts page you can click the Check Status button to view all applications you have submitted for the current season, hunts you have been selected for and the permits you have won. It will also show current individual and group Loyalty Points (formally called Preference Points) for each hunt category.You can also view applications and drawing results for past hunt seasons.

For more information about the new online system and how to get started in the application process, visit www.tpwd.texas.gov /drawnhunts . For questions contact hunt@tpwd.texas.gov or call 512.389.4505 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.