Licensed hunters have only until Aug. 3 to submit online applications for a 2007 any deer permit. Applying online is the only way for hunters to submit applications, as the deadline for mailing in applications has passed.

The any deer permit system is entering its 22nd year. According to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, permit applications are based on management goals for each district. Few or no permits are granted in areas where deer populations are low. In areas where deer are more abundant, a larger number of permits are allocated. IFW also takes into account hunter success rates from previous seasons.

You must possess a valid Maine license to hunt big game at the time you apply for an any deer permit. Licenses may be purchased online or from a licensed agent. Maine resident landowners may hunt without a license on their own land if they live on that particular piece of land, the piece of land exceeds 10 acres in size, and the land is used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

Maine hunters may apply for three Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) in the order of preference. There are currently 29 WMDs in Maine.

A random computerized drawing will be held in September from the pool of applicants to determine who will receive a permit. The permits will be mailed in late September to all successful applicants.

Only those possessing an any deer permit may hunt does or bucks with antlers less than three inches during the regular firearms and muzzle-loading seasons. A permit holder may take a buck with antlers three inches or longer anywhere in the state or any doe or buck within the wildlife management district for which the permit is valid.

There is no application fee to apply for the permit. For more information, call the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at 287-8000 or visit www.maine.gov/ifw/hunttrap/anydeerpermits.htm. Online applications and additional information about the program can also be accessed at that Web site.