TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas wildlife officials say the application period for special big game hunting permits is now open. Rose Clawson with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) said in a press release that state-based chapters of nonprofit organizations which have a focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the heritage of hunting and fishing now have a special fundraising opportunity. Eligible organizations can now enter a random drawing for one of seven special big game hunting permits which can then be sold to fund conservation projects. Clawson said the drawing will occur at the next KDWP commission meeting on Jan. 30, 2025. People do not need to be present to win. Special big game permits include hunting opportunities for elk, deer and antelope in Kansas. All applications are due by Jan. 17, 2025. You can submit an application by using the following instructions: Click here. Select "Commissioner Permits" close to the bottom of the page. Download the "2025 Commissioner Permit Application fillable" document. Return the completed form by mail or email at the addresses listed on the application. The KDWP offers up to seven Commission Big Game permits each year for no more than one elk and one antelope and up to seven deer, depending on the preferences of applicants. Deer permits are either-species/either/sex and are valid across the state during any season with legal equipment for that season. These also do not count against other big game permits the license holder may get. Will this legendary Kansas catfish world record ever be beat? Organizations involved in this program keep 15% of their sale price of the permits to support their individual missions. The remaining 85% is held by the KDWP until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved. Organizations cannot win one of these permits more than a single time in a three-year period. For more Kansas Outdoors, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf