Montana's spring season for hunting wild turkeys opens on Saturday, April 12 and extends through May 11. Hunters wishing to hunt turkey gobblers in several areas of western and central Montana during the 1997 spring season have only until March 15 to apply for a special permit.

Applicants may apply for a special permit in only one area of the state. Permit quotas are:

• In the northwestern portion of the state, 200 permits have been authorized for use in Flathead and Lake counties. In portions of Sanders County, there will be 50 permits issued. In Lincoln County, 10 permits will be issued. Persons wishing to apply for one of these permits should apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Turkey Drawing, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell MT 59901.
• In the western portion of the state, 30 permits have been authorized for use in Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli and a portion of Granite counties. Those interested in these hunts should apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Turkey Drawing, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula MT 59801.
• Ten permits have been authorized for use in Toole and Pondera counties of north_central Montana. Those interested should apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Turkey Drawing, PO Box 6610, Great Falls MT 59406.
• Five permits have been authorized for use in southwestern Montana in FWP administrative Region 3. Those interested should apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Turkey Drawing, 1400 South 19th, Bozeman MT 59715.

Applicants must submit in writing on a plain sheet of paper: their name, address, 1997 Conservation License number and an indication of the special hunt for which they are applying.

Prospective hunters also must submit a $3 nonrefundable drawing fee with their application, which must be postmarked by March 15. Successful applicants will receive their special permit by mail and they must purchase a 1997 Spring Turkey License before hunting.