JEFFERSON CITY -- Being accepted for a Missouri Department of Conservation managed deer hunt is like winning the lottery, and like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play. In this case, you don't have to buy a lottery ticket to win, but you do have to send your application in on time. Applications for the 1997-1998 managed deer hunts must be postmarked by August 15, 1997 to be eligible to take part in one of 54 special hunts this year.

According to Barb Cole, who processes the applications for the MDC, 20,000 to 30,000 hunters apply each year. Only about one-third of applicants will be selected by random computer drawing for a hunt, but the number of managed deer hunts is increasing each year due to their popularity and the state's abundant deer population.

According to Cole, the MDC conducts special deer hunts because they are beneficial to both hunters and wildlife. "The hunts are the best method for controlling deer populations, while also providing additional deer hunting opportunities," she said.

Managed deer hunts allow hunters to pursue deer outside of regular hunting seasons. Deer season opens Oct. 1 for archers and Nov. 15 for those using firearms, but the managed deer hunts begin in early October and run through January.

Managed hunts also provide a chance to hunt in selected areas statewide. "Many of these hunts are held on areas where deer hunting is not normally allowed for one reason or another," Cole said. Each hunter may apply only once, either as an individual or as part of a group of up to six. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified the first week in September. Those drawn for hunts will be assessed a $3 administration fee and must buy a 1997 Missouri Deer Hunting Permit before the hunt. Bonus Deer Hunting Permits no longer can be used for any special hunt.

The MDC also offers one youth-only managed deer hunt through a separate application process. Seventy-five youth hunters ages 11 through 15 will be selected to hunt at the Weldon Springs Conservation Area in St. Charles County Nov. 8 and 9. This youth-only hunt requires participants and their accompanying sponsors to be hunter-education certified and to attend a pre-hunt orientation. Youth-only managed deer hunt applications are also due Aug. 15.

Information and applications for the youth-only hunt are available by calling August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area at (314) 441-4554, or MDC headquarters at (573) 751-4115, ext 156. Information and applications for other managed hunts are available at MDC district offices or by calling MDC headquarters.

Whether you're applying to attend a managed deer hunt or are just looking forward to a rewarding deer season, MDC officials urge you not to wait until the last minute to buy a 1997 deer hunting permit. Although thousands of Any-Deer and Bonus-Deer Hunting Permits remain in most deer management units, they are limited in some areas. Hunters can buy regular bucks-only deer hunting permits from now through the end of firearms deer season.