SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Game and Fish Department says hunting license applications increased by nearly 10,000 this year.

The department said Tuesday there were 169,463 applications for 63,772 licenses to hunt deer, elk, antelope and other big game.

The agency has sent email notices to hunters who were successful in obtaining a license through this year's lottery.

Hunters can go online to check their results in the license draw or can call the department's toll-free information line, 888-248-6866.

License fee refunds will be sent this week to applicants who weren't successful.

This year's drawing was the first with newly reinstated quotas giving New Mexico residents an advantage over out-of-state sportsmen when applying for licenses to hunt ibex, oryx and bighorn sheep.