CARIBOU (AP) – Maine wildlife officials are now accepting applications for the lottery that doles out the state’s coveted moose hunting permits.

The state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife accepts the applications until 11:59 p.m. on May 15 and will hold the lottery drawing on June 17 at Caribou Parks and Recreation.

The odds of winning the moose lottery are long. The state gave out 2,140 permits last year after nearly 49,000 hunters entered the lottery.

Lottery applicants get “bonus points” for each consecutive year that they unsuccessfully apply for the lottery. Each point gives the applicant an additional chance in the drawing.

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Online: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/lotteries/moose/index.htm