Austin -

William Vlasek got an unexpected surprise on his fiftieth birthday when notified he had been selected as the first person ever to receive a Lifetime Super Combo hunting and fishing license as part of a new promotional program from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Vlasek, from Hunt, Texas, was among 7,889 who applied in a TPWD's first special drawing for a lifetime license combo.

"When they told me I had won, my first thought was it was a hoax because I've never won anything," said Vlasek. "It's like the lottery; I play every week, but never really thought about being drawn. I'm excited. That'll save me a lot of money every year."

Vlasek will be permanently exempted from purchasing state hunting and fishing licenses.

TPWD is this year again offering Texas hunters and anglers the chance to win a Lifetime Super Combo hunting and fishing license - an $1,800 value - for only $5.

Entries for the next Lifetime License Drawing on June 30 can be purchased anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold, as well as on the TPWD Web site. Entries received during the first round will still be eligible for the second drawing. Entries for the June 30 drawing must be purchased by June 27. In all, 10,008 entries were received for the initial drawing, generating $48,943 for TPWD conservation efforts.

Participants can purchase as many entries as they like, and winners are allowed to give the license as a gift to family or friends who are Texas residents.

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