The Department of Fish and Game is offering a drawing for an apprentice deer hunt on the Chimineas Unit of the Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve.

Three hunters between ages 12 and 15 will be chosen through a lottery and allowed to hunt on the weekend of Sept. 15-16.

In addition, the selected participants may also show up on Friday, Sept. 14, for a barbecue and hunter education refresher course that will cover gun safety, deer hunting and game care.

The drawing is being held in cooperation with the California Deer Association (CDA).

To apply, applicants must submit a postcard with the hunter’s name, address, telephone number and 2012-2013 Junior Hunting License number to:

Chimineas Apprentice Deer Hunt
Department of Fish and Game
3196 South Higuera Street, Suite A
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Applications must be received in the office by 5 p.m. on July 27. Late or incomplete applications will not be entered in the lottery.

Successful applicants will be notified by phone and will receive additional information, including maps and special regulations prior to the hunt.

Selected hunters must be accompanied by an adult and possess a valid Junior Hunting License and zone A tag.

Hunts will be led by CDA volunteers. Overnight lodging is available at the main ranch house on the ecological reserve.

CDA will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

The Chimineas Unit of the Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve is located in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.

It is a 30,000-acre property owned by DFG that provides habitat for deer, tule elk, pronghorn antelope and a host of other species.