Kentucky marks the 20th anniversary of its wildly successful elk restoration program with a special “Kentucky Afield” television show preceding this year’s drawing for elk permits.

Tune to KET (Kentucky Education Television) at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern) Saturday, May 13, to get a behind the scenes look at how Kentucky’s Commonwealth Office of Technology conducts the annual drawing. “We’re airing this special program so everyone can see how it’s done,” said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Gregory Johnson.

The 30-minute show features Wildlife Division Director Steve Beam answering questions about the drawing process. Beam will also provide guidance to drawn hunters on selecting an area to hunt.

At 9 p.m. (Eastern), following the conclusion of the show, visit the Facebook site of “Kentucky Afield” TV or Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to see a scroll of the names of successful applicants. People may also check the status of their application by selecting the “My Profile” tab on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website, located at fw.ky.gov.

Kentucky received more than 78,000 applications this year for the 710 permits available through the drawing. Kentucky has the largest elk herd east of the Rocky Mountains and offers more elk hunting permits than all of the eastern states combined.

Kentucky’s restoration effort began with the release of seven elk in 1997.