The application period is open for all deer hunting seasons, but time is running out for some of them.

West River, Custer State Park, and Black Hills deer applications must be turned in by July 17. East River applications are not due until August 28. The special buck license periods for East and West River are closed.

While July 17 is still nearly three weeks away, that time tends to go quickly for most people. I have always put off my applications until all of a sudden it is the due date and I have to apply at 11:45 P.M. that Friday night.

If you are planning a big group hunt and are thinking of applying together you may not want to apply together. The group application will apply the smallest number of preference points in your group. So if all of you have one or two points, but one person in your group has none, your group will apply with no preference points. This is why my group is all applying separately. If you have a non-resident in your group you can also have a lesser chance of getting your first choice.

You can apply for your license online at the on the GFP website, or you can get a paper application in most stores that sell licenses.

Mark your calendars for all of the season dates as well:

Archery Deer - September 26 - Jan 15, 2015

Black Hills Deer - November 1 - 30, 2015

Custer State Park - November 1 - 14, 2015

West River Deer - November 14 - 29, 2015

Muzzleloader Deer - Dec 1 - 31, 2015

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