FRANKFORT - Elk hunters in Kentucky have twice the opportunity this season.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will issue 200 elk hunting permits this year, double the number permitted last year.

But those wishing to experience the hunt of a lifetime in Kentucky must hurry - the deadline to apply for this year's quota hunt is July 31.

Kentucky began restoring elk in the winter of 1997-98; today, the eastern part of the state is home to 5,700 free-ranging elk, the largest herd east of the Mississippi River.

Hunters enjoyed a record season in 2005. Mt. Vernon resident Paul Cummins took the new state record for a bull with typical antlers, which scored 319 6/8 points in the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system. Cummins took his elk in Knott County. Matthew Hall of Middlesboro also took the new state record for a bull with non-typical antlers. Hall's elk, taken in Bell County, scored 320 2/8 points.

Rita Tharp of Bedford held the previous state record with a 310 3/8 bull.

Other state records could fall this year because the number and size of mature bulls continues to increase.

Kentucky's quota elk hunts occur in October and December.

To apply, you must purchase a $10 elk application permit. A hunter may apply only one time a season. Quota hunt applications are available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, by phone at 1-877-598-2401, and over the Internet at fw.ky.gov. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. Drawing results will be made public by Aug. 20.