AUBURN - Hunters aiming to bag a doe this fall began setting their sights on getting licenses this week.

Most hunters who apply on the first day Deer Management Permits are offered either are excited to have everything taken care of, or have a misconception that people who go in the beginning of the process will have a better chance at getting both of their regional selections, said George Fiorille, promotions manager for Bass Pro Shop Sportsmen's Center.

Hunters choose two areas where they want to hunt female deer and the requests are run through the computer, which randomly picks where they can hunt. Neither the date, nor the location, affect the results, Fiorille said.

The Auburn City Clerk's office had about a half-dozen people ask for the licenses on Monday, but had to turn three away during a 45-minute time period when the computer system DECALS, Department of Environmental Conservation Automated Licensing System, was down, clerk Debra McCormick said. She's seen a decrease in the amount of people coming to Memorial City Hall for the permits.

She attributes some of the change to Bass Pro Shop Sportsmen's Center coming to Finger Lakes Mall in 2004.

The first week used to be a big deal, McCormick said, but she hadn't seen as many people over the past couple years.

On the other hand, Bass Pro Shop always adds another person on the customer service desk this time of year, and is looking to buy a second computer to handle the amount of permits, said Barb Weaver, front end manager. Hunters have until Monday, Oct. 1, to track down licenses.

Fiorille hasn't seen much of a change over the four years the store has been in the region. However, the DEC now allows people to donate $1 during the licensing process for a program that provides venison to food pantries, called Venison Donation Coalition.

People can call 1 (866) 862-3337 to find out how to contribute. Also, a habitat stamp costs $5 and helps fund wildlife conservation, he added.

Weaver didn't have an estimate of the number of licenses the shop sold, but said it was a busy day, and added the first day is always a big day.

“It's been encouraging. A lot of hunters who came in got their double picks,” Weaver said, referring to the lottery.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net

Hunting for a license

Here's a list of things to take with you when you go to buy a certificate. Call the DEC for more details at 1-86-NY-DECALS.

€ If you have it, the 2006-2007 DECAL license.

€ Proof of residency: New York state driver's license, tax form, or voter registration.

€ Money: For residents, licenses range from $16 to $76.