LARAMIE - Thanks to the generosity of several landowners, elk hunters who hold licenses valid in hunt areas 5 and 6 may apply for a permit that will allow access to a large amount of private lands in the Iron Mountain area.

The 2013 Iron Mountain Hunter Management and Access Program (HMAP) is a special access program designed to increase antlerless elk harvest on private lands in hunt areas 5 and 6. It occurs primarily on the Roger's Canyon road between Laramie and Cheyenne.

This hunt is for cow/calf elk only and does not allow the harvest of bulls. This is a great opportunity for hunters to harvest an antlerless elk.

Applicants must have one of the following unfilled 2013 licenses: General elk, elk hunt area 5 type 6, or elk hunt area 6 type 1, 4, or 6. If you have more than one license you only need to apply once.

There will be 10 hunt periods that will have a limit of 24 hunters each. Hunters wishing to get a permission slip will have to apply for a random drawing from Oct. 18 - 30. Hunters may only apply for one time period. Draw results will be available Nov. 1. There is no standby list this year. Hunters may apply online at http://wgfd.wyo.gov beginning Friday, Oct. 18 for one of the following time periods:

•November 12-13 (Tuesday and Wednesday, 24 permission slips)
•November 16-17 (Saturday and Sunday, 24 permission slips)
•November 19-20 (Tues/Wed, 24 permission slips)
•November 23-24 (Sat/Sun, 24 permission slips)
•November 26-27 (Tues/Wed, 24 permission slips)
•November 30-December 1 (Sat/Sun, 24 permission slips)
•December 3-4 (Tues/Wed, 24 permission slips)
•December 7-8 (Sat/Sun, 24 permission slips)
•December 10-11 (Tues/Wed, 24 permission slips)
•December 14-15 (Sat/Sun, 24 permission slips)

Several generous landowners have enrolled their private lands to allow hunting for those who draw a permit. Approximately 250,000 acres will be available for hunter access. Hunters should be aware that the hunt is likely to be challenging and should be prepared for hunting in fairly rugged terrain. ATVs are not permitted on Iron Mountain HMAP lands.

Only the hunter who drew the permit may hunt during their two-day timeframe. Friends or family are welcome to come help pack out the animal, but may not hunt unless they also possess an Iron Mountain HMAP permit.

Each hunter must have a signed permission slip with them at all times while on the HMAP. In addition, each vehicle must have a vehicle identification slip visible while driving on the HMAP. It is the hunters' responsibility to know, understand and comply with all Ranch Rules and Game and Fish Commission Regulations. Hunters agree to comply with these rules in order to access the HMAP. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or the termination of access privileges. Ethical hunting practices are expected at all times. These include respecting the landowners and their land, fellow hunters, livestock, the wildlife and being aware of your surroundings to assure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Hunters who draw a permit are required to attend an orientation at 6 a.m. at the Laramie Regional Office, 528 S. Adams, or 5:30 a.m. at the Cheyenne Headquarters building, 5400 Bishop Blvd., on the first morning of their hunt period. Hunters will need to print their permission slip, ranch rules and map and bring them to the orientation. During the orientation, hunter coordinators will inform hunters where the elk have most recently been seen. The coordinators will also go over ranch rules and ethics. Copies of ranch rules will be available at a later date for successful applicants.

If a hunter is unable to make his/her hunt period, no replacement hunt periods will be issued. Hunters will not be able to reschedule their hunt period due to weather, personal, or other reasons. Hunt periods may be cancelled at very short notice due to inclement weather conditions. Contact: Robin Kepple (307-777-4523)