The deadline for paper applications for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s any-deer permit lottery has passed, leaving the online application the only option for hunters.

The department will be accepting applications online through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 16.

To apply online, go to www.mefishwildlife.com and select “Any Deer Permit” from the top or right side of the screen.

The department no longer mails paper applications to hunters who have entered in past lotteries. By moving the application process online, hunters are finding it faster and easier to enter and receive instant confirmation that their entry has been accepted.

The Department is issuing 48,825 any-deer (antlerless) permits this year for Wildlife Management Districts 12, 13, 15-17, 20-26, 29. It is bucks only in all other Wildlife Management Districts.

The permit allocation is: 32,907 for residents; 12,208 for landowners; 2,649 for non-residents; and 1,061 for Superpack holders. (Superpack and landowners must meet certain requirements. See the department’s website for more information.)

The drawing will be held on Sept. 10, 2010.

If an applicant does not have access to a computer or the Internet at home, the department offers the following suggestions:

• Use a computer at work during break or lunch;

• Use a computer at your local library or Internet cafe?;

• Ask a friend or relative with a computer for help.

If those options are not available, please visit one of the department’s 840 licensing agents and they will assist you in applying online. There is an additional $2 processing fee if you apply online through an agent.

Applicants must possess a valid Maine license to hunt big game in order to apply or a valid Superpack license to apply for a Superpack deer permit. (The Superpack license is available to Maine residents only.)

For more information about the any-deer permit lottery, visit www.mefishwildlife.com and select “Any-Deer Permit” at the top or right side of the screen.