AUGUSTA — Hunters who dream about the hunt of a lifetime will be happy to know that the 2016 Maine moose permit online application process is now open and accepting applications.

The online application process allows users to receive instant confirmation after successfully entering the lottery. To apply, visit informe.org/online/moose/. The deadline for online applications is 11:59 p.m. on May 16.

Paper applications are available by contacting the Department at 207-287-8000 or online here. Completed paper applications must be postmarked by April 1 or delivered to 284 State St. in Augusta by 5: p.m.

Maine residents are awarded bonus points for each consecutive year the applicant has applied for the lottery since 1998 without being selected, and each bonus point gives the applicant an additional chance in the drawing.

For Maine residents, bonus points are earned at the rate of one per year for years one to five, two per year for years six to 10, three per year for years 11 to 15 and 10 per year for years 16 and beyond.

Since 2011, applicants can skip a year and not lose their bonus points. So if they applied in 2014 but not in 2015, they still have their points available if they apply in 2016.

The moose permit drawing will take place on June 11 at Kittery Trading Post in Kittery.

For more information about moose hunting in Maine and the moose permit lottery, click here.