May 15 is the deadline for hunters to complete and submit their applications for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's controlled hunts drawings. The controlled hunts program offers once-in-a-lifetime elk and antelope hunts, highly sought-after buck deer hunts, and a range of other quality deer and turkey hunting opportunities through randomized drawings that only cost sportsmen $5 to enter.

Opportunities offered through the program include hunts on Department or other government-owned or managed lands where unrestricted hunting would pose safety concerns or where overharvest might occur.

The online application process takes just a few minutes and must be completed through the Wildlife Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com.

All applicants, including lifetime license holders, must pay the $5 application fee to enter the controlled hunts drawings. The fee is paid only once per person per year regardless of the number of categories entered.

Applications are offered online through a secure process that only accepts applications once they have been filed correctly, and a print-out confirmation page is available for sportsmen to document their submitted application.

Log on to http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/controlledhunts.htm for complete application instructions and a full listing of available hunts. The site also provides tips for increasing chances of being selected for certain hunts.