2012 Hunting Guide by Cortez Journal

2012

Hunting Guide

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2012 Hunting Guide

2012 Hunting Guide 

2012 Southwest Colorado H u n ti n g G u id e Table of Contents Published by the Cortez Journal Publisher Suzy Meyer Advertising Director Mark Drudge Section Editor Dale Shrull Production/Layout Linda McDarby INSIDE Thrill of the hunt ................................................................................. 14 Wildfire impacts ................................................................................... 15 Deer hunt preview . .............................................................................. 17 Hunter Q&A .......................................................................................... 8 Deer & elk stats .................................................................................... 19 Elk hunt preview .................................................................................. 10 Elk hunting tips .................................................................................... 11 Hunt photos ......................................................................................... 12 Deer hunting tips ................................................................................. 14 A tormenting duty . .............................................................................. 15 Other big game .................................................................................... 16 Know the rules ..................................................................................... 17 Hunting with ATVs . .............................................................................. 19 Hunting safely . .................................................................................... 22 Poaching problems . ............................................................................. 23 Know where you are . ........................................................................... 26 Ranch hunts ......................................................................................... 27 Problems at altitude . ........................................................................... 28 Take care of the meat ........................................................................... 30 Contact numbers . ................................................................................ 31

Colorado Deer & Elk Season Dates & Info Archery Deer/Elk west of I-25 (and unit 140) Aug. 25-Sept. 23 Bear — Sept. 2-23 See wildlife.state.co.us or hunting brochure for breakdown of split seasons. Muzzleloader Deer/Elk/Moose (by drawing only) Sept. 8-16 Pronghorn — Oct. 21-29 Bear — Sept. 8-16 Rifle seasons Deer, Combined Deer/Elk and separate limited Elk Note: All licenses for separate & 4th season by drawing only. Separate Limited Elk (1st Season) Oct. 13-17 Combined Deer/Elk (2nd Season) Oct. 20-28 Combined Deer/Elk (3rd Season) Nov. 3-11 Combined Limited Deer-Elk (4th Season) — Nov. 14-18 High country antlered deer (by drawing only) — Sept. 8-16

season and units stated on the license. 3. It is illegal to give false information to obtain a license. It also is illegal to alter a license or to loan, transfer, sell or give your license to someone else. 4. If you lose or destroy your license, you can get a duplicate before the season opens from a license agent for a fee. Duplicates cost half the price of the original license, but not more than $25. After the season begins, duplicate licenses are available only at Wildlife Service Centers. 5. Licenses expire on the expiration date printed on them. Hunters Safety Requirements Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1949, must have completed an approved hunter education course sanctioned by a state or province before applying for or purchasing a license. Colorado honors hunter education courses from other states and provinces. You must present an original hunter safety card when buying a license (unless previously verified) or enter the required information when applying by mail or online. All hunters must carry their hunter education card while hunting unless a “V” is printed on the license, which indicates hunter education has been verified at a Wildlife Service Center.

Habitat Stamp Stamps are $10 and are nonrefundable. Only one is required per person Rifle Pronghorn, by drawing only per year, valid April 1-March 31. A lifeOct. 6-12 time stamp is $300.25. 2. Anyone 1864 MUST purchase a stamp in order Rifle Moose, by drawing only to buy or apply for a preference point Oct. 1-14 or for a hunting or fishing license. 3. Hunters applying for a limited license Black Bear, Limited, by drawing only must purchase a 2012 stamp to apply Sept. 2-20 in the drawing process. To purchase a stamp with your draw application, inSee wildlife.state.co.us or chanting clude $10 in addition to your license brochure for details on seasons. fee when you send in your application. 4. Exemptions: Anyone with a free lifeLicense Requirements time fishing license, a veteran’s lifetime 1. Hunters must have a license to hunt combination small-game hunting and and carry the original license with fishing license, or those approved for the them while hunting. Big-Game Mobility Impaired Hunting 2. A hunter may hunt only the animal, Program are exempt. Rifle Late Elk — Nov. 19-Jan. 31 2013

On the hunt

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A pair of hunters from Wisconsin head off into the woods on Missionary Ridge in search of elk during a past hunt.

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2012 Hunting Guide

The thrill of the season

It’s the experience that counts for bow hunter By Kimberly Benedict Cortez Journal

or some hunters, the value of the hunt lies not in the trophy on the wall or the meat in the freezer. For some, the value of the hunt can be found in the quiet mountain mornings and the memories that flood the mind with each step in the forest. Craig Muzzy is such a hunter. Muzzy, 55, has stalked prey in the San Juan Mountains for close to 40 years, with a bow as his weapon of choice. As a bow hunter, Muzzy finds himself in a small, but growing, group of hunters who utilize more traditional methods of take rather than relying on scopes and high-powered rifles. For Muzzy, the decision to hunt with a bow was as natural as the decision to become a hunter. “I hunt because my family hunted and I bow hunt because my older brother was bow hunting,” Muzzy said. “I just started bow hunting together with him and it just went from there.” Though he relies on a compound bow, not the simple recurve, Muzzy said the simplicity of bow hunting and its former rarity is what attracted him and his brother to the sport. “Originally what drew us to bow hunting was the solitude of it,” Muzzy said. “When we first started there were maybe 30 bow hunters in the whole area. There was no pressure and not a lot of hunters in the field. That is what drew us to bow hunting.”

Through his years as an archer, Muzzy has seen many changes come to the sport he loves, and to his own life as a hunter. Archery has become a more popular method of hunting, leading to improvements in the cams and limbs of bows and easing the difficulty of the sport. “Yeah, things have changed drastically,” he said. “Anybody can be a bow hunter today. (The bows) are so forgiving and easy to shoot, it doesn’t take a lot of skill or practice anymore to be a bow hunter.” The stalk is an important part of the hunt for the bow hunter and archers often find themselves wandering through acres of forest, taking silent steps, listening for the high-pitched calls of the cow elk and the awe-inspiring bugle of the bulls. Muzzy, a logger, prefers spending his September days in the aspen groves of the Southwest, drawn to the dappled forest floors and the changing colors of the shimmering leaves, an ideal habitat for Rocky Mountain elk. He says the perfect hunting days are days that are not too warm or too cool. Decent weather and decent company. For many bow hunters, the hunt is a solitary activity. A quiet stalk through the woods. Time for reflection and moments spent in nature. For Muzzy, the best memories of hunting are the ones that involve others. He remembers hunting with his brother, the one who first introduced him to bow hunting. Though his brother is now gone, the memories remain. “I used to hunt with my brother. Those were good days,” he said. “We were always seeing some animals, but it was about more than that.” Though he has seen plenty of success in the field, Muzzy said there have been years when he has ended bow season without filling his tag, but adds, “For me, harvesting an animal is not high on my list of priorities. If you bow hunt and you are

real concerned about coming home with something, you’ll stop bow hunting.” The hunting is about more than bringing down an animal. It is about family and memories. For Muzzy, the best memories of hunting don’t involve his own hunts, but the success of others, including a nephew who came home from his service with the U.S. Navy in the Middle East just in time for hunting season.

“He stayed over there all through his leave so he could take his time at the end of his tour so he could be home for archery season,” Muzzy said. “He got a nice bull. That was a good day. There are a lot of good memories.” It is because of those memories, and the promise of more, that September will find Muzzy amongst the aspen, carrying his bow, following the call of the wild.

Courtesy Photo

Craig Muzzy bagged this 4 by 5 elk during a past hunt.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Wildfire can benefit big game environment By Kimberly Benedict Cortez Journal

s hunters take to the woods this fall in search of the perfect trophy animal and meat for the freezer, many will find their favorite forests beginning the slow march to recovery that follows wildfire. What Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper called “the worst fire season in Colorado history,” was also the most destructive, scorching over 200,000 acres, claiming 600 homes, and taking five lives. Southwest Colorado, and Montezuma and La Plata counties were not exempt from the flames. The Weber Fire, which ignited near Mancos in June, burned over 10,000 acres in Weber Canyon and on Menefee Mountain, including thousands of acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Many of those acres are considered prime hunting grounds, home to elk, mule deer and bear, all favorite game animals in the region. However, while public lands recovering from fire may not be attractive on a visual level, many would be surprised to learn that hunters have an incentive to take tentative steps into burned forest, rather than avoiding charred landscapes. “What we have actually seen (after fires) is that flush of new growth that occurs is desireable to wildlife,” said BLM Tres Rios Field Office Manager Connie Clementson. “A lot of times that is a really good place to hunt because the animals are starting to come back in and they are drawn to these new plants that are really nutritious. It is a draw to wildlife, and so it really could be a draw to hunters as well.” Wildlife officials have noticed quick regrowth in the burned remains of the Weber Fire and note the nutritional content of the forage plants will be a draw

“They leave when the fire is there and they cover a lot of ground, but the animals always come back. And without the thick undergrowth, it can be easier to hunt in those areas when the animals return to feed on the new growth.” Journal/Sam Green

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regional Spokesman Joe Lewandowski to animals, some of which may not have been in the region before. Wildfire often disrupts the migratory patterns of game animals, causing them to move from their feeding grounds earlier than anticipated, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regional Spokesman Joe Lewandowski. But once the flames have receded and a hint of green returns to the landscape, the animals return in full force, often more than were originally there, looking for the tender shoots springing from the blackened ground. The rebirth of the forest and movement of game animals can mean a wealth of fortune for hunters. “They leave when the fire is there and they cover a lot of ground, but the animals always come back,” Lewandowski said. “And without the thick undergrowth, it can be easier to hunt in those areas when the animals return to feed

on the new growth.” There are also long-term benefits to wildlife that result from fires in the forest, Lewandowski said. Fires thin out underbrush and change the composition of the forest canopy, allowing for aspen, oak and grass growth, forage that appeals to game species. Bears, in particular, are drawn to these areas and the new growth that exists after fire, according to Clementson. She said hunters who are not out stalking the ursines should still be “bear aware.” Though hunters may find animals in burned areas of the forest, it is possible to run into unanticipated trouble as well. Those stalking prey through the skeleton of trees left behind after fire has raced through the forest should be aware of the changes brought to the landscape. Many of the trees left standing after

A tower of flames mushrooms from the trees on the hillside during the Weber Fire. Fires destroy the habitat for wildlife. The Weber Fire, which started on June 26, was one of numerous fires to hit Colorado in the summer. fire are referred to as “snags” or “widow makers” because of their tendency to fall easily and without warning. Clementson cautions hunters to be aware of the dead trees still standing in the forest and proceed with care in burned areas. Hunters should also be aware of soil composition changes and the possibility of flash flooding in areas where they hunt. “People need to be aware of snags and other dangers,” she said. “That is a concern whenever you are in the forest, but especially when you are in an area after fire. Sometimes people get tunnel vision when they are hunting. They need to be sure to stay aware.”

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2012 Hunting Guide

DAVID HANNIGAN/Division of Wildlife

Elk Hunting University hits the mark Cortez Journal Staff

he Elk Hunting University from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now its third year. The program provides lessons and hunting tips to elk hunters hoping for a more successful in the Colorado high country. According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, the lessons from 2012 will build on the 31 lessons provided in the 2010 and 2011 and add to the hunter’s “tool box of tactics and techniques when hunting elk.” The program will also be tapping into a few guest lecturers to discuss some of the things they’ve learned about hunting elk over the years. According to by Hunter Outreach Coordinator Jim Bulger, the program was started to provide a learning opportunity for novice hunters, and deer hunters wanting to make the jump to hunting elk. After starting the University, Bulger said they also saw a number of experienced, but unsuccessful, elk hunters check out the online program to see what kinds of lessons ere provided. “Elk Hunting University began as an attempt to provide people who were interested in elk hunting but had little or no experience, with a series of lessons,” Bulger said. “We recognized we could not mentor a large number of folks in the field, so using the Internet was a good

option to try. The ultimate goal of the effort has been to give folks enough information and basic skills to feel comfortable trying a hunt in the field.” The online learning project has been very successful. In 2010, Bulger said that they had more than 400,000 page views on the articles. Bulger said the initial 2010 response included veteran hunters checking out what was being offered. In its sophomore year, Bulger said he thinks people have a better understanding that the real effort is toward the novice hunter. The Elk Hunting University provides more than just “hunting stories.” Bulger said authors write in a style similar to the way they hope to teach when the Colorado Parks and Wildlife is mentoring a new hunter in the Hunter Outreach Program. “While we cannot show them physically how to use the wind, read the signs or understand the elk, we can talk through it and hopefully they can get the idea of what we are trying to describe,” he said. “The articles are a tool and for those of us who have spent years in the field, any tool we have found that adds to the skills and understanding is a good tool.” For questions or more information on the program, email to jim.bulger@state. co.us.

2012 Hunting Guide 

Deer numbers down in SW Colorado But still plenty of opportunities for a successful hunt

By Kimberly Benedict Journal Staff Writer

espite declining populations in mule deer herds across Southwest Colorado, opportunities abound for hunters willing to spend time stalking the perfect trophy. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials estimate deer populations to be down 20 to 30 percent over the past few years, but still believe close to 29,000 deer will remain in the area for the 2012 hunting season. That number, along with fewer hunters in the field, allows for outstanding circumstances for those committed to the hunt this year. “We have been cutting back on deer licenses in all of Southwest Colorado because we are seeing a decline in populations,” said Joe Lewandowski, regional spokesman for parks and wild-

life. “The cutback is because we are seeing a decline in the population.” Wildlife officials do not know the direct cause of the lower herd numbers, according to Lewandowski, but consider many factors to be influential including continual development of rural subdivisions, agricultural expansion and oil and gas development. In relation to the declining population, the number of licenses granted through the draw to hunters has also dropped recently, declining by roughly 200 a year for the past three years. In 2011, roughly 2,500 hunters took their chances in the mountains, fields and canyons of game management units 71, 711, 72 and 73 — comprised mostly of Dolores and Montezuma counties. Hunters saw mixed results last year, with 31 percent of hunters finding success in Unit 71, 46 percent in Unit

711, 60 percent in Unit 72 and 58 percent in Unit 73. The numbers include five hunting seasons: archery, muzzleloader and three rifle seasons. Statewide, 76,445 hunters harvested 33,217 deer, a success rate of 43 percent. Lewandowski said this year’s mule deer hunting promises to be outstanding for hunters. A mild winter reduced the normal seasonal stress on the herds, allowing spring and summer feeding to go directly into antler production, rather than weight gain or survival. “We know there are some nice bucks out there and if people are looking for a big buck, if they are willing to exercise some patience and really look for one, there is a great chance of finding a nice buck,” he said. “There are fewer deer so there is less competition on the range and a good chance that more bucks have survived the winter and they are

growing a little bigger.” Early in the hunting season, deer can be found at a variety of elevations and the method of hunt will depend on the game management unit and the time of year. Deer tend to move along ridge lines and spend much of there time in aspen and forest edges, according to parks and wildlife. Deer are much more likely than elk to be pushed down from higher elevations after the season’s first snowfall, so hunters may be well served by sticking to lower-elevation hunts after late October. Lewandowski advises patience and a slow stalk for successful mule deer hunting in Southwest Colorado. “Take the time to know the area and be patient as you look for the herds,” he said. “The animals are there, it just may take time to find what you are looking for.”

Journal/Sam Green

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2012 Hunting Guide

Hunter Q&A

Talking hunting and the big one that got away

Do you remember your first kill (what was your first gun)? I absolutely do. It was a black tail buck deer in the Topatopa Mountain Range near Santa Paula, Calif. I took the deer with a Remington, model 700, .30-06 rifle that I bought from a friend a few weeks earlier. I was very excited about taking the deer but I remember that I did not do a very good job field dressing the deer and my father let me know about it later when we got it home. I am much better now.

essie Farias Jr. is the Chief Ranger at Mesa Verde National Park. Farias, 47, is originally from California and grew up in the small town of Santa Paula in Ventura County and has worked for the National Park Service for over 25 years. He has lived and worked in places like Grand Canyon National Park, Golden Gate Recreation National Recreation Area, Yellowstone National Park, and now, in Mesa Verde National Park. Farias and his wife Rene have two sons, Neil and Cody.

What do you shoot with now? For deer, believe it or not, I still use that Remington, model 700, .30-06 that I shot my first deer with. It works, it shoots straight, and it feels comfortable. I have known that rifle for a long time. I also used the .30-06 on elk for several years but 9 years ago I bought a Tikka .300 Winchester Short Magnum and now use that as my primary elk hunting rifle. I like the ballistics and extra “umph” that the .300 provides.

When did you start hunting? I started hunting when I was 13 years old. I have hunted deer, elk, squirrel, quail, pheasant, grouse, duck, and geese. Although I enjoy all kinds of hunting, I mostly enjoy hunting elk and deer. I have been a rifle hunter for most of my 34 years of hunting but I have really learned to enjoy archery hunting more in the last 10 years and find it more challenging. What do you love about hunting? As someone that chose their career to be in the outdoors, even though it seems that I spend more time in my office than I do outside lately, I truly appreciate the element of being outdoors when it comes to hunting. I have seen some spectacular things in the outdoors while out hunting. I have seen everything from bull elk in the Wyoming backcountry chase grizzly bears (yes, the elk was chasing the grizzly bear), to bighorn sheep climb near vertical cliffs as if on level ground. I completely enjoy just being outside and in the wild. Who taught you to hunt? My father was not a big hunter but he did teach my brother and me the basics and ethics of hunting. I learned a lot from neighbors and friends that hunted a lot and were willing to drag along a 14-15 year old to teach him the do’s and don’ts of black tail deer hunting. One thing that my father said

Courtesy photo

Jessie Farias and his oldest son Neil pose for a photo following a successful deer hunt in 2009.

when he was teaching us about hunt- boys will be old enough to hunt and we See Q&A on Page 9 ing has stuck in my head all these all will be able to be out there together. years and I have passed on to my son and friends that are willing to listen. He would tell us routinely, “All the game in the world is not worth the loss of your life or someone else’s.” That was his way of telling my brother and me to be careful and know what you are shooting at! Best/most successful hunt ever: I consider all my hunting opportunities successful. Yes, it would be nice to harvest a deer or elk every year but, there are a lot of things about hunting that I enjoy and I always see something out there that makes me say, “I have not seen that before.” I also think that my best hunt has yet to come. That hunt will occur when my two

Deer Hunting Numbers A partial list of GMUs in Southwest Colorado Archery Unit Hunters Harvest 70 97 33 71 83 16 7 711 26 72 31 12 83 31 73 72 17 74 741 32 13 Muzzleloader Unit Hunters Harvest 70 51 19 44 13 71 711 41 15 51 20 72 73 51 18 63 32 74 741 28 13 2nd rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 505 286 71 267 95 711 234 90

Where do you hunt? It really depends on where I am able to draw for my deer or elk tags. I like hunting the high country of the San Juan National Forest because that scenery is great and I have found plen-

72 73 74 741

202 221 156 239

140 132 45 141

3rd rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 512 368 71 199 62 711 286 130 177 111 72 73 164 109 44 19 74 741 210 147 4th rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 24 18 71 11 3 711 24 11 72 16 10 17 15 73 74 35 12 57 741 71 Source: 2012 Big Game Hunting in Southwest Colorado

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Hunter Q&A From Page 8 ty of game in my hunting locations. I enjoy hunting up the West Fork of the Dolores River but I also like hunting for deer in the low areas near the Canyons of the Ancients. What do you enjoy about hunting in Southwest Colorado? Well, for starters, I think that the game is plentiful if you are willing to work for it. There is a reason why so many hunters travel to this area to hunt in the fall. The variety of terrain that Southwest Colorado has to offer is great because it allows you to follow the game depending on the time of year or the weather we may be experiencing. As I have mentioned before, you really can’t beat the scenery. For those who have never had a successful hunt, what’s it like to get that big bull or buck (or whatever it might be)? To be honest, I can’t say that I have taken what I consider a large elk or deer yet. I have been fortunate enough to have taken some goodsized deer here in Colorado and Wyoming, as well as a few cow elk, but I am still after that elusive big bull and big deer. Someday it will happen, I hope, but if it does not, that is OK and I will enjoy all the “smaller” deer and elk that I get. Tips for new hunters? The single most important piece of advice that I can give out to a new hunter is to get out and know the terrain and area that you will be hunting. You can save a lot of time and energy by knowing where you will be hunting once opening day starts and where you will be set up once legal shoot time arrives. I notice so many hunt-

ers wandering about without a hunt plan hoping to stumble onto game. I am sure that this works for some folks but it definitely does not work for me. I usually have the best luck when I make a plan and stick to it. Tell us about the one that got away?. This occurred a few years ago and I was hunting deer for the first time with my oldest boy. We had spotted three very nice bucks (any one would have been the largest buck I had ever taken). The deer were heading our way so we set up on a small ridge waiting for the deer to come out of an arroyo. Well, the deer did come out at approximately 90 yards. The first deer that came out, the largest one, stood broadside but its rear quarter of its body was still behind some brush. I anticipated a much further shot but I was able to get a shot off. The deer backed into the brush but I was confident that I made a good shot. The two other deer came out and stood right where I had shot at the large deer a few seconds earlier. They stood out in the open for several minutes. My son said, “Shoot, Dad, they are going to get away.” I told him that I was sure that I had hit the first large deer and did not want to shoot again. And then I started to second guess myself. “Did I make a good shot? Should I shoot again?” Well, long story longer, I did not shoot again because I did not want to walk up to the deer and find two deer lying on the ground. I thought that this would not be a good teaching experience for my new hunting partner. So, we walked up and did not find the deer We spent 4 hours on our hands and knees looking for any sign of blood to indicate that I had actually hit the deer — not one sign. Yes, the one that got away!

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2012 Hunting Guide

Elk herds are ‘in really good shape’ Southwest Colorado is ripe for good elk harvest

By Kimberly Benedict

Elk Hunting Numbers

Cortez Journal

rom the sheer size of the animal, to the majesty of the rack and the remarkable sound of the throaty bugle echoing across the mountains, there are many reasons why stalking the Rocky Mountain elk is considered an iconic hunt. Nowhere is this more true than in Southwest Colorado, where an elk hunt may lead across the mountain peaks near Rico or through a deep canyon east of Dove Creek. The method and manners of elk hunting are as diverse as the landscapes that provide habitat for the king of the Colorado forest and for hunters looking to bag a trophy elk in Southwest Colorado, 2012 may prove to be a magical season. “Our elk herds are in really good shape right now and we are just seeing great numbers and quality animals across Southwest Colorado,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regional Spokesman Joe Lewandowski. “This is a great year to be hunting elk in this region.” Parks and wildlife officials estimate an elk population of 18,720 in game management units 70, 71, 711, 72 and 73, the units comprising and closest to Dolores and Montezuma counties. The population features a 17 to 100 ratio of bulls to cows. A mild winter and rainy monsoon season have provided easy living conditions and abundant forage for the large ungulates and allowed herds to limit their migration, sticking mostly to the higher elevations early in the season. “We are really seeing good terrain,” Lewandowski said. “Though we have

“

A partial list of GMUs in Southwest Colorado Archery Unit Hunters Harvest 70 653 126 71 837 123 47 711 308 148 20 72 73 269 41 636 67 74 741 94 6

3rd rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 975 360 71 349 53 181 711 810 72 107 21 200 29 73 74 203 36 12 741 66

1st rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 578 254 71 576 162 108 711 678 72 52 16 141 23 73 74 411 91 5 741 51

4th rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 285 113 53 8 71 711 252 121 14 5 72 73 15 1 69 22 74 741 29 2

2nd rifle Unit Hunters Harvest 70 1319 464 1060 166 71 711 678 108 129 18 72 73 257 36 586 75 74 741 93 22

Muzzleloader Unit Hunters Harvest 70 95 26 112 15 71 711 21 3 31 0 72 73 52 3 26 3 74 741 0 0

Source: 2012 Big Game Hunting in Southwest Colorado

been facing drought in the area, it really hasn’t impacted our animal herds yet. The high country has been getting rain every day since the first of July and the ranges are as green as they have been all summer. The elk are really up high and spread across the range and they are just doing really well.” Elk hunting in the San Juans and across the high desert of Southwest Colorado is always a bit of a gamble, as hunters try to outwit and outplay nature. In 2011, 7,338 hunters geared up in camo and shouldered their rifles, muzzleloaders and bows and set out into the Colorado wild to stalk their prey. Only 20 percent of those hunters

found success, highlighting the ellusive nature of the Rocky Mountain elk, and the competitve nature of hunting. “Elk hunting isn’t easy,” Lewandowski said. “Every hunter has had a year where they have gone home emptyhanded. That is just the nature of hunting.” The varied terrain of Southwest Colorado and the ability of elk herds to hide in plain sight, provides a challenge for hunters looking to fill their tag. Elk are more likely to be found on steep hillsides and in thick timber than out in the open, shattering the illusion of a quick, easy shot that will drop a trophy animal.

In warm weather conditions, elk tend to stay in the high country, spread out in loose herds. Colder weather and snow will prompt the animals to form tighter groups and begin a descent to lower elevations. Hunters looking to add a classic elkhunting story to their tales of success must be willing to hunt in difficult areas and lay the groundwork for a good experience. “If you are willing to do a little homework and some solid scouting, you will have a really good chance of success this year,” Lewandowski said. “You have to do the work, but it is worth it in the end.”

We are really seeing good terrain. ... Though we have been facing drought in the area, it really hasn’t impacted our animal herds yet. The high country has been getting rain every day since the first of July and the ranges are as green as they have been all summer. The elk are really up high and spread across the range and they are just doing really well.

”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regional Spokesman Joe Lewandowski

Wishing all our hunters a successful 2012 season!

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Sam Green/Cortez Journal

An elk herd spends the winter in a hay field in the Pleasant View area.

Tips for improving the hunt for elk By Colorado Parks and Wildlife out over vast areas at high elevations at and are likely to be grazing in transi- move far above or far below the roads

he popular hunting magazines often display colorful photographs of huge bull elk standing in open meadows presenting easy targets. The reality in the mountains of Colorado, however, is far different. Stalking these animals is challenging and most hunters won’t get easy shots. You’re more likely to find elk on a steep hillside, in a dark ravine, or in thick timber than standing out in the open. The hunter success rate for all manners of take in Colorado was 21 percent in 2011, and a total of 43.480 were harvested. A total of 211,392 hunters stalked elk last season. It’s estimated that there are about 280,000 elk in Colorado, the most of any state. If weather is warm, elk stay spread

and above timberline. In those conditions hunters need to work extra hard. When snow falls, elk will usually start to move, bunch up, and look for food sources at lower elevations or on slopes where vegetation is exposed. However, the snowfall must be significant; usually more than a foot of snow must be on the ground to get elk moving. Hunters must get off their ATVs and hunt slowly and quietly far from any road. Elk are very smart, move quickly at any hint of danger and hide in rugged terrain. Compounding the challenge for hunters is the fact that elk typically gather in groups of 10 or more. If one is spooked they all move and they can run easily for a mile or more. Elk are most active during the night

tion areas — meadows next to heavy timber, where different types of vegetation meet and just above or below ridgelines. Hunters should watch these areas at first light and at dusk. During the day, hunters need to move into the dark timber — cool north-facing slopes — and not be hesitant to hunt in difficult areas. Hunters should move as quietly as possible for short distances and then scan the woods for 10 minutes or more before moving again. Even in dense forest it’s a good idea to use binoculars so you can discern subtle movement or unusual colors in the trees. If you find the areas where animals graze at night it’s likely that you’ll find them in adjacent areas during the day. When hunting in areas with roads,

to find elk. In areas where two roads are in close proximity, locate the most difficult terrain in between. Line up your shot carefully because elk are difficult to knock down. The best shots are delivered in the critical area of the lungs and heart just behind and below the front quarters. Never try for a head shot, as this can result in only wounding the animal. To learn more about hunting elk, check out “Elk Hunting University” on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/. This program gives extensive information regarding all phases of elk hunting. To learn how to field dress big game, see the video at: http://wildlife.state. co.us/NewsMedia/Videos.

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Sure shots!

2012 Hunting Guide

Courtesy Photo

Rick Dailey, center, poses with his elk that he shot and killed during the third rifle season last year. He’s surrounded by guides from Colorado Hunting Expeditions out of Dolores. Dailey is from Pennsylvania. Courtesy photo

Larry Russell bagged with 5-point bull with his Black Widow traditional bow in Sept. 2011 on the San Juan National Forest.

Courtesy Photo

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Vern Stiegelmeyer poses with his buck that he killed in 2009.

Robbie Hind poses with this huge bull elk that he killed last year in the 71 region. He was huniting with Colorado Hunting Expeditions. Hind is from Hawaii.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Journal/ Sam Green

A buck hides among the brush in a field southeast of Cortez.

Preference points — understanding the system

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By Colorado Parks and Wildlife drawing a future license. You must ap-

hen applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their firstchoice hunt code. Preference points provide a mathematical advantage when applied to future drawings. Some things to remember: ■■ Preference points are awarded by species, not hunt code. A point can be used to apply for any type of license available for that species. ■■ A preference point is awarded only for unsuccessful applications for a firstchoice hunt code. ■■ Use a preference point hunt code as your first choice if your goal is to accumulate points for use toward a future quality hunt. Points needed can change significantly from year to year. ■■ For bear, elk, deer and pronghorn, you will accumulate preference points until you are successful in drawing a first-choice license. If you draw your first choice, your preference points drop to zero. There is no “banking” of preference points. ■■ If you do not apply or hold a license for that species at least once within 10 consecutive years for a bear, elk, deer or pronghorn, your preference points for that species will be lost. ■■ For bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat, an applicant can accumulate a maximum of three points. Future applications are pooled with other three-point applicants. If you are unsuccessful in the pooled drawing, a “mathematically weighted” point is awarded to increase the probability of

ply at least once in a consecutive 10year period to keep your points. ■■ Nonresident allocations are determined by the average number of preference points a Colorado resident needed to draw a specific license during a 3-year period. For hunt codes that required six or more points for a Colorado resident to draw an elk or deer license, up to 20 percent may go to nonresidents. For hunt codes that required fewer than six points for a Colorado resident to draw an elk or deer license, up to 35 percent may go to nonresidents. ■■ A Colorado Habitat Stamp is required to buy or apply for a license. The Habitat Stamp may be purchased online, by phone or at any Wildlife Service Center or license agent. How long will it take to draw a license? Statistics from previous years may be used to estimate the approximate time required to successfully draw a license. For example: If a unit allowed 20 licenses with 60 applicants, zero preference points required, 40 were unsuccessful. These 40 were awarded a preference point. Assuming that the quota for this unit remained the same for 2010, and these 40 apply, 20 will draw a license using their preference point and 20 will be awarded a second point. An applicant with no points could expect to draw a license in three years. Preference-point requirements can be found at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. See: wildlife.state. co.us/Hunting/BigGame/Statistics.

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2012 Hunting Guide

Journal/Sam Green

Four big bucks keep an eye out for hunters during last year’s season.

Prepare to make for a successful deer hunt By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

unting mule deer in Colorado is always challenging. Hunters can improve their success by understanding the habits of these critters. During the 2011 seasons, for all manners of take, 76,445 hunters harvested 33,217 mule deer for a 43 percent success rate. It is estimated that Colorado is home to about 430,000 deer. In the mountains and foothills, mule deer don’t spend much time in heavy timber. They are primarily browsers and prefer aspen and forest edges where there are plenty of low shrubs, small trees, oak brush and varied vegetation types. Mule deer are most active at night and

de e r hunti ng stats ■■ During the 2011 seasons, a total of 76,445 hunters harvested 33,217 mule deer for a 43 percent success rate. It is extimated that Colorado is home to about $430,000 deer.

can often be found in meadow areas during low-light hours. During the day, they’ll bed down in protective cover. In warm weather, look for deer along ridgelines where wind is consistent and helps to keep them cool. During the low-light hours of evening and morning, hunt in meadows at the edge of thick cover. If you see where they are feeding during times of low-light, it’s likely they’ll move into nearby timbered areas to rest for part of the day. Deer tend to move

during the middle of the day toward the areas where they feed in the evening. A slow stalk is recommended. Spend a lot of time scanning slowly with binoculars — a deer can appear at any time. Pay attention to the wind direction. If the wind is blowing in the direction you are moving, a deer will likely pick up your scent. Deer avoid going to creeks in daylight so there is no advantage to hunting near moving water sources during the day.

One advantage mule deer give to hunters is their curiosity. When mule deer are spooked, they’ll often run a short distance then turn to determine if they are being pursued. That may give you one good chance for a shot. A small amount of snow will get deer moving quickly out of high-altitude areas. Usually by late October migrating herds will move to winter range areas, even if there is no snow. Hunters should aim at the vital organ area which presents a small target — about the size of a dinner plate just behind the front quarter. Hunters, no matter how good they are at the range, should never try to make a head shot. Many animals are injured and die slowly because of attempted head shots.

2012 Hunting Guide 

A necessary but tormenting duty Putting down the occasional bear is part of the job

EDITOR’S NOTE: In late summer and early autumn, bears are especially active as they bulk up for the winter ahead. Colorado Parks & Wildlife reminds everyone to keep food and attractants out of reach of bears.

t was 3:30 in the morning. The acrid smell of gun powder lingered in the air, mixed with the sweet, sickening smell of bear blood that oozed down the driveway of the home. The blood looked black illuminated in the glow of the porch light and the wavering beams of our flashlights. The bear was black too — big, black, and now, lifeless. I wish that it hadn’t end up this way; the bear’s final agonized writhing in the driveway, the smoking shotgun, my hands shaking from the rush of adrenaline and emotion. Unfortunately, neither of us had much say in the matter. This tragic end had been decided long ago. This is part of my job as a district wildlife manager, a part that I despise. Dozens of wildlife officers must perform this same awful duty every year throughout Colorado. Some bears, no doubt, must be killed. But many of these incidents can be avoided if people used some common sense. I knew this end would come, long before he did. I met him three years ago, when he was just a cub. He was trapped in a dumpster that his mother led him into to eat. I lifted him out with a snare pole and let him go — he was freed from the confines of the dumpster, but he couldn’t escape his fate — the end of his story was already being written. Our paths crossed several times over

Chris Parmeter Colorado Parks and Wildlife the next couple of years. He’d pull down bird feeders and I’d give out “Living with Bears” brochures to the homeowners. A month later I’d see the birdfeeders hung out again, right against the picture window. The homeowners would report the bear’s “aggressive behavior,” how it stood and looked in their window — how it wasn’t frightened of people, even as they stood just on the other side of the pane and took pictures of it. I knew how the bear must have thought, too. Four hours picking berries one by one, versus four minutes munching down bird seed for the same caloric

gain. The goofy looking humans on the other side of the glass had never bothered him, never told him he was trespassing, never tried to stop him, never tried to help him by permanently taking down the birdfeeders. Plainly, that meant the bird seed was his. This side of the window became his turf, not theirs. Later we hashed it out over trash cans and dumpsters. He was a good sized bear by now, handsome and black as the night. In the dark, he was a mere shadow, or more so, a complete absence of light. He was big enough to upend a dumpster if he felt like it, but more often he’d just took advantage of the myriad of trash cans left casually, thoughtlessly, out on the street. The complaints would come, and the garbage can owners would all cite the same solution — get rid of the bear. No one wanted him killed, of course. After all, he had only gotten into their garbage. They just wanted him gone; taken away, moved somewhere else so that they would not have to make any changes in the way they did business. It was convenient for them to put their trash out the night before pick-up. Bear proof trash cans cost $200 or more. They’d lived there for five years and never had a problem before. I’d preach the gospel of living with wildlife, wishing it wasn’t falling on deaf ears but knowing through experience that it most likely was. I’d give my advice and a color brochure on how to avoid conflicts and take my leave, knowing that the ultimate, unfortunate fate of the bear was getting nearer with each apathetic encounter. Then finally one night, inevitably, the old bruin took it too far. Lured in by a

chain of unwitting and apathetic homeowners, urged on by a string of bountiful successes, he was at last coaxed over the line. It all came down with frustrating irony, not even the backdrop seemed right: a well kept, rustically adorned summer home in a forested subdivision. Most ironically though, the home owners who were his final victims did not feed birds, or leave garbage cans on the street, or feed their pets outside or anything else to draw him in. They did nothing at all to encourage this bloody outcome, but suffered the ugly consequences of their neighbors neglect and sloth. In the end the bear, driven by biology and emboldened by experience, broke through the kitchen window, only to be run back out by the home’s rightful occupants. But the bear was determined now, and lingered, and after a while seconded his attempt to hijack the house. A second roust, more confrontational than the first that involved thrown objects and much yelling put the bear out again. But he wasn’t going to leave until he got what he wanted. This is when I met this bear for the last time. Our final encounter, considerably less pleasant for both of us over any previous ones, involved two slugs fired from my 12-gauge shotgun into his chest. As he gasped his last breath and his blood oozed out onto the driveway, I only wished that all those people we had met along the way could have been there to share this moment with us. Maybe then… well… Chris Parmeter is a district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Gunnison Basin.

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2012 Hunting Guide

Other big game hunting in Colorado By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

eer and elk are the most commonly hunted species in Colorado. But hunters also go to the high country to pursue other magnificent big game animals: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, moose and mountain lions. The numbers of these animals in the state are significantly lower than deer and elk, so licenses are few and difficult to get. But those who obtain a license can look forward to a high-quality hunting experience.

Bighorn Sheep The bighorn is perhaps the most recognized and sought after animal in Colorado. The curled horns of the rams display one of the most magnificent characteristics of any wildlife species. But while the hardy animals live in harsh terrain, bighorns are a fragile species and Colorado wildlife managers are keeping a close watch on them. The population of bighorns is estimated at only about 6,900 and the population has dropped slightly in the past few years. For the 2011 season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued only 260 licenses for the entire state. Last season 213 hunters took a total of 131 animals, including 114 rams and 17 ewes for a 62 percent success rate. Getting a license is difficult, with most hunters waiting a minimum of five to seven years to draw a tag. Depending on the unit, many hunters have waited more than 10 years for a license. The preferred habitat of bighorns is steep, rocky slopes with little vegetation. “They are very challenging to hunt,” says Scott Wait, a senior biologist for the agency. While not meaning to be discouraging, Wait doesn’t mince words about the realities of hunting for sheep. Preseason scouting is essential. “They are very wary. The stalk is usually long, strenuous and in difficult terrain,” Wait says. “Most hunters must make long shots, often 200 yards or more. So you’ll need high-quality optics, and rifles must be properly sighted in.” Retrieving an animal, of course, adds to the hunting challenge. The good news for hunters is that bighorns are most active during the day and follow predictable daily patterns. Unfortunately, for the bighorn, their predictability contributes to their fragility. Unlike other big game species, they do not adapt easily to new areas. They like to stay on their home turf, even when they are pressured by development or other animals — wild and domestic. When pressured, the animals become stressed and do not reproduce well.

hunti ng oth e r gam e ■ BIG HORN: The population of big horns is estimated at only about 6,900 For the 2011 season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued only 260 licenses for the entire state. Last season 213 hunters took a total of 131 animals, including 114 rams and 17 ewes for a 62 percent success rate. ■ MOUNTAIN GOATS: The estimated population of the mountain goat in Colorado is 1,965. In 2011, 229 licenses were issued and 167 goats were harvested, an 82 percent success rate. ■ BLACK BEARS: It’s estimated that from 16,000 to 18,000 bears live in Colorado, living primarily in the range of 6,000 feet to 9,500 feet in elevation. In 2010, just over 11,000 bear hunters harvested 1,074 bears. ■ MOUNTAIN LIONS: The population of lions in the state is estimated to be from 3,000 to 7,000. For the 2010-2011 season, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 1,700 licenses were issued and 374 lions were taken by hunters. ■ MOOSE: Only 187 licenses were issued in 2011 and a total of 152 animals were taken during the season.

Sheep also are susceptible to diseases spread by domestic sheep and goats, and wild mountain goats. All the herds in the state are now being closely monitored. Colorado is also home to desert bighorn sheep. Statewide, the population of this species is growing, although there are only an estimated 480 animals in the state, all on the western edge of Colorado. Only 10 ram licenses were issued in 2010 and all the hunters were successful. Mountain Goats The adaptable, hardy mountain goats seem to be able to defy gravity. These snow white critters inhabit terrain that is even more severe than the haunts of bighorn sheep. Goats balance on narrow bands of rock on sheer cliffs, and eat lichen and small plants. They seem to think nothing of jumping from one precipice to another. Goats also remain at highelevation year around, enduring brutal winter conditions above timberline at more than 11,000 feet. Mountain goats were transplanted in Colorado from other states in the 1940s. There is still debate over whether they were ever native to the state. Goats are very adaptable and can move long distances to get to new terrain. Unfortunately, they also carry a disease that might infect bighorn sheep. Consequently, wildlife managers work to keep the goats in areas where they’ve long been established and where they don’t interact with bighorns. These areas include the Raggeds Wilderness near Gunnison, in the mountains around Georgetown, in the Collegiate Peaks west of Buena Vista, in the Gore Range in the central mountains, and in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton. The DOW estimates the mountain goat population at 1,965. In 2011, 229 licenses were issued and 167 goats were harvested, an 82 percent success rate. Those who want to hunt goats should

expect to wait five years or more to accumulate enough preference points to for a license. Black Bears After being adversely affected by drought in the early years of the decade, black bears appear to be making a slow comeback in Colorado. Bears are very dependent on specific types of plants for survival. Adequate rain and snow in most parts of the state during the last few years has helped spur growth of good crops of acorns in scrub oak, service berry, choke cherries and a variety of grasses and forbs. It’s estimated that from 16,000 to 18,000 bears live in Colorado. Bears are mostly solitary and reproduce slowly. Sows do not start producing cubs until they are five years old and then can only give birth every other year. Cubs often stay with their mothers for up to two years. Bears range generally in size from about 175 pounds for a sow and up to about 300 pounds for a boar. Few bears exceed 350 pounds in Colorado. Bears live primarily in the range of 6,000 feet to 9,500 feet in elevation in thick oak brush and aspen groves. Population and reproduction vary depending on the availability of their favorite foods – acorns from oak brush, berries, grasses and forbs. When the weather is wet, that’s good news for bears. In drought fewer bears are born. Most bears are killed by hunters during September when the animals are most active searching for food before they go into hibernation. The difficulty in obtaining a hunting license depends on the season and the specific game management unit. Bearonly rifle licenses, obtained through the draw, usually require preference points depending on the unit. During the regular big game deer and elk seasons, a limited number of bear licenses are available over-the-counter, but a hunter must have a deer or elk license for the same season.

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In 2010, just over 11,000 bear hunters harvested 1,074 bears, a 10 percent success rate. One reason for the low harvest rate is that bears are difficult to hunt because they live primarily in thick brush. Also, after September their eating slows down and they are more difficult to find. By early November, most bears are curled up for their sixmonth nap. Most bears are harvested when the weather is warm, so a successful hunter must attend to the carcass quickly. Remove the hide as fast as possible after the kill and trim away the fat. Then get the meat on ice as soon as possible. In warm weather, meat will spoil quickly. Anyone who harvests a bear also must bring the carcass to a parks and wildlife office within five days of the kill so the sex and size can be determined and entered into a data base. A small tooth — the first premolar — is also being removed so that researchers can be determined the age of the animal and how many times the sow has given birth to cubs. Mountain Lions The most elusive big game animal in Colorado is the mountain lion. Also known as pumas or cougars — they live in areas where there is dense vegetation and often very broken terrain such as canyons and rocky hillsides. Deer are the primary prey for Colorado’s biggest native cat. The population of lions in the state is estimated to be from 3,000 to 7,000. For the 2010-2011 season, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 1,700 licenses were issued and 374 lions were taken by hunters. Licenses for lions can be purchased over-the-counter and the season lasts from November through March. Hunters who obtain licenses must call in every day to check if quotas have been filled in specific game management units. Most lion hunting occurs when there is snow on the ground. Dogs pick up the scent from tracks and chase the lions into trees. The chase is often long and difficult through challenging terrain. Moose Moose were introduced to Colorado in the mid 1970s. Moose are solitary and reproduce slowly. It is estimated that about 1,700 moose live in Colorado. They are concentrated primarily in North Park, on the Grand Mesa, in the Taylor Park area, in the upper Rio Grande River drainage, and in the La Garita Mountains south of Gunnison. Moose licenses are difficult to obtain and more than 11,000 hunters annually apply for licenses. Only 187 licenses were issued in 2011. A total of 152 animals were taken during the season for an 88 percent success rate.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Know the rules and know your limits By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

unting is challenging. Not only must you understand the habits of the animal you are hunting, you must also understand regulations, laws governing public and private lands and your own limitations. Following are some reminders and things to consider before you start your hunt. • To obtain a license, all hunters born after 1948 must present a Hunter Education Card from Colorado or another state. • You must know the specific rules that apply to the Game Management Unit in which you are hunting. If you violate rules you can be cited and fined. • Be sure to know where you are hunting. You can only hunt in the Game Management Unit that your license specifies. • As you are hunting be aware of buildings, homes, roads, and your overall surroundings. Make sure you know what is behind an animal before you shoot. A bullet shot from a high-powered rifle can easily carry for more than 1,000 yards. • Make sure that someone at home knows where you are hunting, your vehicle’s license plate number and where you are staying. • Weather in the fall can change rapidly in Colorado. A day that starts sunny and warm could end with a snow storm. Be sure you are prepared for all weather conditions. Make sure you can recognize the symptoms of hypothermia in your hunting partners. • Know how to get back to your camp. • Cell phone service is not reliable in the mountains. Don’t expect to contact someone by phone if you are lost or if your vehicle is stuck. • Make sure to drink plenty of water. Colorado’s dry air and high altitude can

Colorado Parks and Wildlife file photo

Zach Holder, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife district wildlife manager in Cortez, checks a hunter’s license. Carcasses must be properly tagged, and tags must remain with all processed meat. quickly dehydrate you and deplete your energy stores. • Be sure to consult the Colorado Parks and Wildlife publications to understand antler requirements for taking bull elk. • Do not attempt to shoot at animals that are in areas where you could not retrieve the meat. Know your physical limits. • If you are using horses: Each must have a Certificate of Health Inspection within 30 days of entering Colorado; each must present evidence of a Coggins Blood test within a year of coming to Colorado;

to combat the spread of noxious weeds on federal lands and DOW properties, hay, straw and mulch must be clearly marked as weed free. • If you harvest an animal, make sure the carcass is properly tagged. Tags must remain with all processed meat. • If you transfer an animal killed by another hunter, ensure that it is properly tagged. You could be cited for illegal transport of a game animal even if someone else made the error. • Do not strap a harvested animal on the

outside of your car. • Operate ATVs and OHVs responsibly. The vehicles must be registered in Colorado — even if it is registered in another state. Off-road vehicles can cause resource damage. Be sure to know the local travel management rules for public lands. OHV’s also disturb animals and other hunters. • If you see hunters violating laws, please report the actions to a wildlife officer or other law enforcement agency. Actions by a few hunters can reflect badly on all hunters.

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Common hunting violations can be costly

2012 Hunting Guide

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

very hunting season, officers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife hand out thousands of tickets for violations that cost hunters hundreds of thousands of dollars. While some of those tickets are for flagrant violations of wildlife regulations and hunting laws, many more are for minor violations that could have been avoided. Hunters are reminded that not only can they be fined for violations, they can also lose their hunting privileges in Colorado and the 34 other states that cooperatively participate in a wildlife compact agreement. Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager for the San Luis Valley, explained that hunters need to set aside some time to review the Colorado Big Game Brochure. The brochure explains many of the common violations and how to avoid them. “Hunters must know their responsibilities when they get into the field,” Basagoitia said. “Wildlife laws are written to protect a valuable resource and for safety.” Following are some of the more common violations that occur every year: ■■ Not wearing fluorescent orange: You must wear at least 500 inches of daylight fluorescent orange, plus a head covering of the same color. Camouflage orange or mesh orange do not qualify. ■■ Carrying loaded firearms in or on vehicles: Rifles must not have ammunition in the chamber while in or on any motor vehicles. For those riding ATVs, weapons (rifles and bows) must also be in a closed case and fully unloaded (chamber and magazine). Most accidents involving firearms occur in or near vehicles. ■■ Shooting from a road: Before firing a shot, you must be at least 50 feet off of a designated state or county road, and just off forest service or BLM roads. ■■ License not voided: After you kill an animal, you must void the license immediately. ■■ Improperly attached carcass tag: The carcass tag must be attached to the animal. The best way is to cut a hole in the hide and attach with a tie. It is OK

Sam Green/Cortez Journal

A couple of bull elk lead some cows through the snow. to wait until you get back to camp or to your vehicle to attach the carcass tag. ■■ No evidence of sex: Be sure to leave evidence of sex naturally attached to the carcass. Evidence includes the head, the ovum or the scrotum. ■■ Waste of game meat: Big game meat can begin to spoil at 38 degrees. To keep the carcass cool, remove the hide as soon as possible after the kill to allow for air to circulate around the meat. Reduce the mass of the carcass by quartering the meat or boning out the meat. Place the meat in a cooler as soon as possible. Even in cold weather, a carcass should not hang outside for more than 36 hours. Remember: Because game meat contains very little fat, it cannot be aged like beef. The socalled “gamey taste” is caused by spoilage, not because the animal is wild. To learn how to field dress a big game ani-

o pe r atio n gam e th ie f ■ Operation Game Thief is a nonprofit organization that pays rewards to people whose tips lead to an arrest being made or a citation being issued to poachers. The number to call is 1-877-265-6648, which also is printed on carcass tags. Tips can also be made to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife via e-mail at game.thief@state.co.us. ■ Since 1981, Operation Game Thief has received more than 5,000 reports of poaching, resulting in more than 900 convictions. These convictions netted more than $800,000 in fines, and have resulted in the seizure of more than 1,300 illegally-taken animals. During this time period, rewards of more than $150,000 have been paid. mal, see the video at: http://wildlife. state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos. ■■ Shooting a spike-antlered elk: Hunters who hold a cow elk tag sometimes shoot spike bulls. Be sure of your target. If you are shooting at a long distance or in low light conditions, it can

be difficult to see spike antlers. If you are not absolutely sure, do not shoot. ■■ Illegally tagging an animal: You can only place a tag on an animal that you shot. You cannot trade tags with other license holders, or use tags of other license holders.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Use ATVs properly; know the rules By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

at v 411

he number of all-terrain vehicles used during hunting seasons has been increasing steadily during the last five years. While the vehicles can be useful tools to aid a hunt, some hunters are using them improperly and causing a variety of problems. Hunters must be aware of Colorado ATV rules, local regulations and new federal travel management regulations for national forests and BLM lands. All ATVs must be registered in Colorado. Your home-state registration is not valid. To register your vehicle call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 303-791-1920, or go to the web site: www.parks.state.co.us. Courtesy photo/Colorado Division of Wildlife On national forest lands, and generally on BLM lands, ATV travel is allowed only Many hunters choose between accessing their hunting grounds on all-terrain vehicles or on on roads and trails designated for such use. horses. ATVs can provide a less expensive alternative in the long run, but horses can provide Roads and trails open to motorized use will be signed as “open”, or be shown as open an aesthetic value to hunters. on forest service and BLM travel maps. It is recommended that you consult with the local forest service or BLM office prior to your trip to make sure you understand travel ■ Rifles and bows carried on ATVs must be completely unloaded and secured regulations in your hunting area. Federal in a case. fines, up to $500 per incident, may be lev■ Be sure to check with local U.S. Forest Service and BLM offices for the local ied for violations of travel management travel management plans on the national forest or for the BLM district in which regulations. you will be hunting. Colorado wildlife officers are authorized ■ Game retrieval off of roads and trails designated for motorized use is not to write tickets for illegal ATV use. Besides allowed on national forests in Colorado, with the exception of limited allowancthe federal fines, violators who are using es on the Rio Grande National Forest. Check with local BLM and forest service ATVs while hunting, fishing or trapping offices for specific game-retrieval policies. will be assessed penalty points against their ■ ATVs cannot be driven into designated wilderness areas. license privileges: 10 points for most viola■ Be careful not to trespass onto private roads. tions, 15 points for riding into wilderness ■ Be considerate of other hunters. Drive slowly to reduce noise; drive only to areas. Hunters who accumulate 20 penalty areas where you will begin to walk; don’t hunt from the road. points lose their ability to buy hunting or ■ Explain these rules and guidelines to young hunters and those unfamiliar fishing licenses for at least one year. with proper ATV use. Cary Carron, a district wildlife manager in Bayfield, explained that hunters must get off their ATVs if they expect to see any big game animals. around on ATVs all day and then they com- Carron said. “There are some hunters who drive plain that they’re not seeing any animals,” The constant drone of ATVs also causes

AT V Rules & Guidelines

■ All ATVs must be registered in Colorado. Your home-state registration is not valid. To register your vehicle call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 303-791-1920, or go to the web site: www.parks.state. co.us. ■ FYI: Colorado wildlife officers are authorized to write tickets for illegal ATV use. ■ Violations can result in penalty points against license privileges: 10 points for most violations, 15 points for riding into wilderness areas. Hunters who accumulate 20 penalty points lose their ability to buy hunting or fishing licenses for at least one year. problems for other hunters. ATVs are noisy and cause animals to move deep into inaccessible territory. Just one vehicle can cause problems for numerous hunters. “There is getting to be a real backlash against ATVs from people who actually get out there and hunt the way they’re supposed to,” Carron said. Big-game hunters who wish to be successful must walk slowly and quietly well away from roads. It is unlikely during hunting season that a hunter will see a big game animal from the road. And if an animal is spotted, a hunter doesn’t have time to get off the vehicle, take a rifle or bow out of its case, load the weapon and move off the road to take a shot. Besides disturbing animals and other hunters, ATVs used improperly can cause resource damage when they are driven off of established roads and trails. That action can destroy vegetation, compact soil, and lead to stream and water-quality degradation.

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2012 Hunting Guide

Resources available to hunters By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

unters looking for information to help with their big game adventure will find plenty of helpful material on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site, http:// wildlife.state.co.us. The information ranges includes how to apply for a license, where to hunt, tips for hunting elk, detailed maps, how to field dress a big game animal and much more. A popular feature is “Elk Hunting University.” Jim Bulger, hunter outreach coordinator, has worked with hunters, huntmasters, biologists and field officers to compile a series of ar-

ticles that address details on how to hunt elk. Article topics include: scouting, using maps, ballistics, how to select a hunting area, archery hunting, etc. See: http://wildlife.state.co.us/ Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity. “We’re providing hunters with helpful information that will make their hunts more enjoyable and productive,” Bulger said. “These articles are not just aimed at novices, even veteran hunters will benefit from these.” Also available on the web site are hunting guides for each of the agency’s four regions: Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest. Available as PDFs on the web site and

in printed booklet form, the guides provide statistics, game management unit descriptions and hunting tips. The web site also offers statistical tables that provide complete harvest details for all big game species, including method of take and a seasonby-season break down. Hunters can also check if they’ve drawn a license and look at preference points tables for each GMU and season. Detailed maps are provided by the agency’s geographic information system known as the Natural Diversity Information Source. These maps show habitat areas and migration

corridors in a detailed topographic format. Go to: http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/. Also on the web site: hunting regulations, the big game brochure, explanations of Ranching for Wildlife, leftover license information, information about all Colorado hunting opportunities, description of various species, and much more. Anyone can also sign up to receive the Insider newsletter which provides press releases and various notices via e-mail throughout the year at http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/DOWInsider/Pages/DOWInsider.aspx.

Simple rules to follow when hunting with horses By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

f you plan to use horses on your hunting trip, please be aware of the following: ■ ■ You must have a Certificate of Health inspection for each horse. Talk to your veterinarian about getting a health check for your horse. Be sure to bring the certificate with you. ■ ■ Horses must have a Coggins Blood Test within one year of entering Col-

orado. The test must be negative. Be sure to bring documentation. ■ ■ Because of the recent outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), those bringing in horses must obtain a state permit to enter Colorado. Your veterinarian must contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 1-303-239-4161 and request a permit number. That number will be added to your horse’s health certificate. ■ ■ Hay, straw and mulch must be certified as “weed free.” Only the

following products are allowed on National Forests in Colorado: cubed and pelletized hay, steamed grain, treated/steamed mulch from tree fibers. For information, call the Colorado Department of Agriculture; or for a list of regulations and vendors, go to www.ag.state.co.us. ■ ■ Do not tie horses to trees in camp. This causes tree damage and causes vegetation around the tree to be trampled. ■ ■ Highline or picket your stock. If you use a highline, please use tree-

saver straps to avoid damaging trees. ■ ■ Move horses often to keep them from trampling vegetation or overgrazing an area. ■ ■ Keep stock 200 feet or more from lakes, streams, wetlands and trails. ■ ■ Restrictions on horse travel in wilderness areas are often greater then in other areas. Be sure to read notices at trailheads. Many wilderness areas carry maximum group size limits, which regulate the number of livestock and people that are allowed to travel together.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Hunting and wildlife management in Colorado By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

unting provides tens of thousands of people in Colorado a unique recreational experience. But hunting goes far beyond the realm of recreation — it also provides an important wildlife management tool. When few humans roamed the Rockies and the Great Plains more than 150 years ago, wildlife could move over hundreds of thousands of square miles of open range. But while wild critters still have room to move around in Colorado, their interface with humans requires the attention of professional wildlife managers. “Wildlife management covers a wide range of issues,” explains Ron Velarde, northwest regional manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We look at wildlife populations, winter range protection, human/wildlife conflicts, law enforcement and more.” The first wildlife managers worked to protect wildlife populations. In the late 1800s, many game animals and birds were nearly wiped out by market hunters and pioneers who hunted to provide basic sustenance. Fortunately, conservation-minded hunters helped pass wildlife laws that restricted hunting and fishing. Those laws, many of which still hold today, set seasons, methods of take, bag and possession limits and other restrictions. Those laws proved critical to restoring deer, elk, trout, wild turkeys, pronghorns, bighorn sheep and many other species. “Now we can examine important biological issues such as over-population, health of winter range and diseases,” Velarde says.

The first laws, many of which still hold today, set seasons, methods of take, bag and possession limits and other restrictions. Those laws proved critical to restoring deer, elk, trout, wild turkeys, pronghorns, bighorn sheep and many other species. The agency’s professional biologists are continually engaged in numerous research projects and all are designed to help maintain healthy wildlife populations. Among the issues wildlife managers study are reproduction, survival rates, migration patterns, habitat and nutritional needs. “A lot of the work is done on the ground by wildlife officers and biologists who go out into the field to collect data. They go out at every time of year, day and night and in every kind of weather. It’s hard, demanding work,” Velarde says. After the information is collected, researchers analyze the data to determine trends and solutions to problems. During the last decade, the advancement of computer modeling and software technology has greatly enhanced researchers’ ability to evaluate and use data. That combination of on-the-ground work and computer analysis helped wildlife biologists recognize in the late 1990s that Colorado’s deer population was struggling. In 1999, based

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on that information, the agency moved to limit the number of deer licenses every year. Today, deer herds have recovered and big mule deer bucks can be found in most game management units. In another example from the late 1990s, biologists using improved modeling technology learned that Colorado’s elk population was much larger than previously thought. With that information, more licenses for cow elk were issued for a few years and now the elk population is in line with what biologists consider to be suitable to Colorado’s habitat. Adhering to sound wildlife management practices, the agency then reduced the number of cow elk licenses in most areas of Colorado. Wildlife management also includes extensive work to protect non-game species such as river otters, lynx, peregrine falcons, native trout and dozens of others. “With better technology we have more tools that allow us to get better results,” Velarde says.

The DOW also uses high-technology in law enforcement to catch poachers and others who violate wildlife laws. Some of the tools now available to wildlife officers: aerial surveillance, night-vision goggles, DNA analysis, databases of hunting licenses, and cooperative agreements with wildlife agencies throughout the country. Ambitious wildlife management, however, doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, hunters and anglers are willing to fund this important work through their annual purchases of hunting and fishing licenses. License revenue in Colorado funds about 75 percent of all the agency’s wildlife activities. Professional wildlife management assures that hunting and fishing opportunities will be available 100 years from now, says Velarde. “In Colorado we have a great heritage of wildlife conservation and hunting tradition,” Velarde says, “At Colorado Parks and Wildlife we are working to make sure that continues.”

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Tips for a safe hunt

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

2012 Hunting Guide

unting accidents have declined rapidly since the passage of two laws in 1970. One law requires hunter education training for all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1949. The other requires hunters to wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist — including a head covering visible from all directions. Colorado averages fewer than two hunting fatalities per year. Since 2000 hunting has continued to post the best safety record of outdoor recreation forms, with a per-year average of only 1.3 fatalities and approximately 12 total incidents involving injury from a firearm, arrow or other gear used in hunting. Almost all hunting incidents involve hunters; non-participant injuries are extremely rare. “Hunting is safe and getting safer all the time in Colorado,” said Mark Cousins, hunter education coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Still, the agency sells more than 560,000 hunting licenses every year, resulting in several million hunter recreation days. Over the course of all the hunting seasons — small game, upland game, waterfowl and archery, muzzleloader and rifle big game season — tens of thousands of individual hunters will take to the field carrying bows and arrows, shotguns and rifles. Consequently, safety must always be a primary concern. Almost all hunting incidents could have been avoided if the hunter had exercised a little more care, Cousins explained. “With hunting one moment of carelessness can mean a lifetime of consequences,” Cousins said.

Most hunting incidents involving firearms occur around vehicles. The reason: that’s where guns are usually loaded or unloaded and where hunters are standing close to each other. Long before the hunting season starts, hunters should head to the shooting range for practice. “Get out to a range and practice and be familiar with the guns you’ll be using,” Cousins said. “Practice makes for a much safer and enjoyable hunt.” Most hunting incidents involving firearms occur around vehicles. The reason: that’s where guns are usually loaded or unloaded and where hunters are standing close to each other. Exercise extra caution when loading and unloading a gun, and do it well away from your vehicle. Hunters are also reminded that it is illegal to place a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle. It’s also unnecessary. It is illegal to hunt from or shoot from a vehicle. Hunters must be at least 50 feet from the center line of a maintained road before shooting. The distance is further in some areas, so check local regulations in the Colorado big game brochure. On

forest service or BLM roads you need to be just off the road. It is highly recommended that firearms be unloaded when you’re crossing streams and fences, and while walking on unstable, steep or rough terrain. The gun’s safety isn’t always enough to prevent it from firing because it can be moved to the fire position by clothing, vegetation or a fall. “The safety is a mechanical device that can break or fail. It is not a substitute for proper gun handling and safety,” Cousins said. As soon as the hunt is over, whether that means an animal has been harvested or you’re finished for the day, unload your gun. Firearms should be unloaded well before getting to the vehicle or camp, and then double- or even triplechecked to be certain they are empty before placing them in a case or vehicle. “At the end of a long day in the field when hunters are tired, it is more im-

portant than ever to be extra careful with firearms,” Cousins said. The following are brief summaries of a few hunting incidents that have occurred in Colorado. Every hunting accident is different, but these examples provide useful information for all hunters. As you read these think about situations you might find yourself in. In one fatality, a father and son were kneeling side by side ready to fire at an elk. The son also was holding the lead rope of a string of horses. When his father fired, the horses spooked, pulling the son’s rifle toward the victim. During the commotion the gun fired and the father was killed. Last season a hunter was walking with a guide on a steep hillside. He slipped, the rifle discharged and the bullet struck the guide in the head, killing him. If you are on difficult terrain or walking near someone, it’s best to unload your rifle. In another incident, a bow hunter took off alone in pursuit of elk. At some point he fell on an arrow — which was not in a quiver — and cut the femoral artery in his leg. The hunter bled to death. “This is a graphic reminder that most bow hunting incidents are the result of self-inflicted wounds,” Cousins said Non-fatal hunting incidents are more common; here are some examples: An elk hunter was running in an attempt to get ahead of some elk. But he stumbled and fell and the .308 rifle fired, shooting him through the leg. Never run while carrying a loaded gun. Another big game hunter was using his rifle as a walking stick. The rifle fired, shooting off the tip of his thumb. Always carry a rifle with two hands and never use it as a support.

2012 Hunting Guide 

Poaching remains a consistent problem

Ethical considerations for hunters

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

By the Colorado Division of Wildlife

oaching continues to be a major issue in Colorado. Studies in various states indicate that poachers kill almost as many animals as legitimate hunters do during legal seasons. If poachers kill even half that number each year, the problem is serious because they are stealing game from licensed hunters, robbing businesses and taxpayers of revenues generated by hunting and depriving us all of a valuable resource — our wildlife. And it’s not just game animals that poachers steal — they also kill threatened, endangered and non-game species. Bob Thompson, assistant chief of law enforcement for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, says most poachers are not poor people trying to feed their families. Some kill for the thrill of killing, others for trophies. Some kill for money — trophy heads, antlers and bear gall bladders can be worth thousands of dollars. Poaching is the illegal taking or possession of any game, fish or non-game wildlife. Hunting out-ofseason or outside of the game management unit for which you have a valid license, hunting at night with a spotlight or taking more animals than the legal limit all constitute poaching. A non-resident who buys a resident license can also be convicted for poaching. Flock shooting big game is tantamount to poaching since it usually

unting is an integral part of wildlife management in Colorado. While you are involved in an enjoyable recreational activity remember that you are also an active and important participant in managing big-game herds. With your license comes a responsibility to hunt and conduct yourself in an ethical manner. Correct answers

Journal/ Sam Green

A couple of bucks tromp through the sagebrush south of Cortez. leaves multiple dead and wounded animals. “Hunters who keep shooting into a herd of animals should realize that not every animal goes down right away when it is hit,” said Thompson “Not only is it unethical hunting, it leads to a lot of game waste, which in itself is illegal.” Hunters who witness such violations should report them to wildlife officers, local law enforcement or call Operation Game Thief, a nonprofit organization that pays rewards to people whose tips lead to an arrest being made or a citation being issued to poachers. The number to call is 1-877-265-6648, which also is printed on carcass tags. Tips can also be made to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife via email at game.thief@state.co.us. Rewards are paid for information which leads to an arrest or a

citation being issued-- $500 in cases involving big game or endangered species, $250 for turkey and $100 for information on other wildlife violations; although awards of up to $1,000 may be given in significant poaching cases. “We depend on concerned citizens to report poaching activity. We need the public’s eyes and ears to help catch outlaws,” Thompson said. Since 1981, Operation Game Thief has received more than 5,000 reports of poaching, resulting in more than 900 convictions. These convictions netted more than $800,000 in fines, and have resulted in the seizure of more than 1,300 illegally-taken animals. During this time period, rewards of more than $150,000 have been paid to citizens who reported suspected illegal activity.

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Take a few moments to answer the following questions; then remember the answers when you are out in the field: ■■ Are your hunting actions providing a “fair chase” scenario for the animal? ■■ Would you behave the same way if you were hunting with a wildlife officer or being videotaped for the evening news? ■■ Do you know exactly where you are hunting? Are you in the right GMU? ■■ Do you know the habits of the animal you are hunting? ■■ Are you in good enough shape to be able to hunt in mountainous terrain and properly retrieve a harvested animal? ■■ Do you know how to properly field dress a big-game animal? ■■ Do you minimize the impacts of your camp on the landscape and do you leave a campsite cleaner than how you found it? ■■ Do you pack out all of your trash? ■■ Will you report rule violations — yours and others — to a Colorado wildlife officer? ■■ Have you read the Colorado Big Game brochure to check the rules and regulations for the area in which you are hunting? Ethical behavior is critical to the future of hunting. Please, consider how your actions impact wildlife, fellow hunters and the general public.

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2012 Hunting Guide

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2012 Hunting Guide 

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Know where you are while on the hunt By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

arvesting a deer or elk in the wrong Game Management Unit is not only illegal, it can be very expensive. Consider the experience of an Oklahoma couple hunting in southwest Colorado. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer drove into their camp late one morning during the first rifle season. When he asked how the hunt was going the husband explained that they had each killed a cow about a mile away from their camp. The officer congratulated them and then asked to see their licenses. He looked at the licenses and then asked exactly where they’d hunted. “Well, we were just over that ridge there,” the husband said, pointing to the west. The officer shook his head slightly and said, “Well, I’ve got some bad news. You were hunting in the wrong unit.” The man protested and attempted to point out their location on the basic map that’s printed in the Big Game Hunting brochure. The map provides little detail, shows only the location of a few major roads and offers no topographic markings. The wildlife officer pulled out a topographic map and showed the man that they were at least 15 miles — as the crow flies — away from where they were authorized to hunt. “But we’ve been hunting here for years,” the man said.

Politely, but firmly, the wildlife officer explained the consequences: The meat would be confiscated and donated to a local food bank, and each of them would be fined $1,500. The couple’s hunting privileges in Colorado were subsequently suspended. “There is no excuse for hunting in the wrong unit,” says Kirk Madariaga, a veteran wildlife officer in Paonia. “Most unit boundaries have been in place for years and they seldom change.” Despite that fact, hunting in the wrong GMU is a common mistake. Here’s how to make sure you are hunting in the right unit: • Go to page 56 in the 2012 Colorado Big Game Brochure, find the GMU number and read the official location description. • Buy a high-quality topographic map that includes the GMU area and locate the boundaries; then mark the map. • After you arrive at your hunting location, study the map and the landmarks in the area to make sure of the boundaries of the GMU. • If you have any questions, contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office. Hunters must also be aware of the location of private land. To hunt on private land you must obtain permission. In Colorado, landowners are not required to post or mark their property. GMU descriptions can also be found on the Parks and Wildlife website: http://wildlife.state.co.us, then click on the “Regulations” button.

2012 Hunting Guide

Take care of your campsite By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

amping can cause significant impacts on public lands. You can minimize much of your impact by following these guidelines: ■■ Hundreds of campsites have been established over the years and are apparent along many forest service roads. Use established areas as much as possible. ■■ Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days at all campsites. ■■ Campsites must be at least 100 feet from streams, lakes or riparian areas. ■■ Occupy as small of an area as possible. Avoid trampling grass and shrubs. ■■ Do not dig a trench around your tent site. ■■ Unless otherwise posted, you can only drive a vehicle 100 feet off of an established road to set up camp. However, you cannot drive off of an established road into an area if your vehicle would cause resource damage. So don’t drive into wet areas, or in areas recently soaked by rain or snow. ■■ Using a stove is safer, easier and causes less impact than using a fire for cooking. ■■ Collect all cooking grease in a can and carry it out. Do not dump it on the ground. ■■ Collect “microtrash” by straining cook water and wash water. Then dump the debris in your garbage container. Small

particles of food on the ground will attract insects and wildlife to the campsite. ■■ Bring firewood or collect deadfall for campfires. It is illegal to cut down trees, even if they appear to be dead. ■■ Keep campfires small. ■■ Be aware of local regulations; fire bans are common in the fall. Be careful with fires, do not leave them unattended. Put fires out every night. ■■ Do not bury trash; do not burn items that contain aluminum foil or any type of metal. ■■ After shopping, attempt to minimize the amount of packaging materials brought to camp. Less material means you’ll have less garbage to store and pack out. ■■ When you leave camp for the day store all food and garbage securely inside vehicles, trailers or bear-proof containers. Leaving food and garbage out will attract animals--including bears. Animals will chew through bags and force open containers. ■■ At camp, collect human feces in a bag or a bucket; then carry it out. Sanitary bags and chemicals are available at camp stores and on-line. Human waste at thousands of campsites is an environmental and sanitary concern. ■■ Pack out all trash. Inspect your camp carefully after it is packed up. Leave your camp cleaner than how you found it.

2012 Hunting Guide 

Some private ranches open to limited hunting By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

oloradans seeking the hunt of a lifetime without the expense of guides, outfitters or access fees should know that more than a million acres of prime private wildlife habitat is open to the public on a limited basis under the Ranching for Wildlife program. Licenses for these private land hunts, available only to residents of Colorado, cost the same as any public land hunting license issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This makes them popular and also hard to get. Trophy hunters have to wait years to get enough preference points — up to 15 for a bull elk or a buck deer on some ranches. Doe and cow elk hunters need fewer points but are subject to the luck of the draw. Hunters seeking licenses to hunt on a Ranching for Wildlife property must plan ahead, since these licenses are available only through the big game license draw. The payoff for patience is a quality hunting experience on a private ranch with a very high success rate: 65 percent to 95 percent. Initiated in 1985, Ranching for Wildlife is limited to ranches with at least 12,000 contiguous acres that contain a significant number of species for which licenses can be drawn — elk, deer, pronghorn, bear, turkey, moose and bighorn sheep. The program now encompasses more than 24 ranches. Participating landowners must have an acceptable management plan to improve wildlife habitat on their properties. Some ranches make special contributions to managing threatened and endangered species, and species of special concern such as sage grouse. Other ranchers have dedicated significant perpetual conservation easements. Many provide youth hunting opportunities, special public seasons during premier hunt times, and offer exceptional services to public hunters. All ranches must provide free public access to hunters who draw a limited license for the property. The number of licenses issued on these

“

Hunting on these ranches is a privilege and public hunters need to respect the ranch rules for hunting at all times. ... That means closing gates, safeguarding livestock and sticking to designated hunting areas. Above all, public hunters should never forget that they’re hunting for a fraction of the fee they’d pay as a private hunting guest. Their behavior may determine whether the landowner opts out of Ranching for Wildlife or stays in the program. Jerry Apker coordinator, Ranching for Wildlife

r anch i ng fo r wildlife

More than 3,000 Ranching for Wildlife licenses are available each year. Season dates for each ranch vary and change each year. They are listed in the Big Game Brochure or at the link http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/RanchingforWildlife/Pages/RFW.aspx. body ranches and the season dates are determined through negotiations between the landowner and Parks and Wildlife officials, with 10-20 percent of the male licenses and 100 percent of the female licenses allocated to the public. In return, landowners receive 80-90 percent of the male licenses issued for their properties, for which they can charge hunters fees to access the land. They also are allowed up to 90 days to hold their hunts. Both the public and the private seasons can start

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earlier and run later in the year than regular rifle seasons. Jerry Apker, the Ranching for Wildlife program coordinator, says some ranches with resident herds manage their big game populations to increase the age and size of their male animals. These locations offer true trophy hunts. Other ranches simply play host to migrating herds. Those animals move between private and public land, but during the seasons are usually under little hunting pressure.

“One added advantage is that we get a female animal harvest on private land where without Ranching for Wildlife we probably wouldn’t get much at all,” says Apker. “That helps us meet our management objectives.” Licenses issued for these ranches can only be used on the specified ranch. The public hunters are given the same access to the private property as those who pay a fee. Wildlife managers and the landowners, however, often work out some additional conditions on public hunters in order to spread hunting pressure and to relieve concerns about security and liability. “Hunting on these ranches is a privilege and public hunters need to respect the ranch rules for hunting at all times,” says Apker. “That means closing gates, safeguarding livestock and sticking to designated hunting areas. Above all, public hunters should never forget that they’re hunting for a fraction of the fee they’d pay as a private hunting guest. Their behavior may determine whether the landowner opts out of Ranching for Wildlife or stays in the program.” Successful applicants receive information on ranch rules well before their hunts. Each hunter is usually allowed to bring one nonhunting companion. Each must sign a liability release and check-in and check-out with the landowner. Hunters may have to camp on adjoining public land or secure lodging in the nearest town. More than 3,000 Ranching for Wildlife licenses are available each year. Anyone who has hunted on a Ranching for Wildlife unit has waited years to amass the preference points, but most will tell you the wait was worth it. Season dates for each ranch vary and change each year. They are listed in the Big Game Brochure. The Ranching for Wildlife link is http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ BigGame/RanchingforWildlife/Pages/RFW. aspx; it also lists the number of public licenses issued for each species by each ranch, the number of preference points needed and hunter success rates for the previous year.

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2012 Hunting Guide

Be prepared for the high altitude Survival experts explain that or smoke from green branches during

By the Colorado Division of Wildlife

the day; with a signal mirror in bright

survival is 80 percent attitude, sunshine; and with sound — hence

very year more than a few hunters must be rescued from the wilds and high country of Colorado. Hunters get trapped by snowstorms, injured in various types of accidents or simply get lost in the woods. Hunters must remember that altitude can affect their health and their ability to move easily. And in the Rockies, weather can change quickly with fast-moving storms dumping a couple of feet of snow in just a few hours. Be prepared for all types of weather — wet, cold, dry and hot. Take appropriate clothing and the right camping gear. If possible, especially for those coming from lower altitudes, spend a few days at higher elevation before hunting season to allow your body to acclimate. Heavy snowfall can occur starting in September. High-country hunters, especially those who backpack into wilderness areas and have to get out on foot, need to watch the weather closely and pick their escape routes before they choose a campsite. Snow can obliterate trails or make them impassable. Survival experts recommend that you never go into a wilderness area alone. Unavoidable accidents do happen. Learn how to use a compass, take a map of the area and orient yourself before leaving camp. Explain to your hunting partners where you’ll be going and when you plan to return. Always carry a survival kit and know how to use it. Such a kit should include a knife, waterproof matches, fire starter, compass, reflective survival blanket, high-energy food, water purification tablets, first aid kit, whistle and unbreakable signal mirror.

10 percent equipment and 10 percent skill and knowledge.

If you get lost, sit down, regain your composure and think for a few minutes. Many times people who are lost can figure out where they went wrong and make it back to camp. If you truly don’t know where you are, stay put. Survival experts explain that survival is 80 percent attitude, 10 percent equipment and 10 percent skill and knowledge. If you are caught in a storm or forced to spend the night out, there are three keys to survival: shelter, fire and signal. If you can’t find camp and have to overnight in the wild, your first priority is shelter. Even if you have nothing else going for you — no fire or food — an adequate shelter that is warm and dry will keep you alive until rescuers find you. That means anything from an overhanging rock shelf to a cave, a timber lean-to or snow cave. Always prepare for the worst and build a shelter that will last. Cut boughs from evergreen trees and use them as padding

and for covering. Dress in layers and take extras with you. Put on layers before you become chilled and take off a layer before you become damp with perspiration. Staying warm is a process of staying dry. Do not dress in cotton — it becomes wet easily and is difficult to dry. Use wool, wool blends or synthetic clothing that wicks moisture away from skin. Be sure to carry a quality stocking cap that is made of wool or synthetic fleece. You lose up to 45 percent of your heat around your head, neck and shoulders. Winter headgear should conserve heat, breathe and be water repellent. The old saying, “If your feet are cold put your hat on” is good advice. Use water-proof footgear, wool or synthetic socks, and always remember to carry gloves. Fire is the second priority if you are forced to stay out overnight. Know how to build a fire even in wet or snowy conditions. That means carrying lighter, metal matches or wooden matches in waterproof containers and a fire-starter — such as steel wool, cotton or sawdust saturated with paint thinner or alcohol. Camping stores sell a variety of fire starters. Experiment with various materials before going into the field. A fire will warm your body, dry your clothes, cook your food, and help you to signal for help. The third priority is signaling. This can be done by fire — flames at night

the whistle. You can live up to three or four weeks without food. You will, however, be more efficient and alert, and have more confidence if you are able to satisfy your hunger. So carry some high-energy food in your survival kit. Water is more important to survival than food. Your body needs about three quarts of water a day to metabolize its energy reserves and carry away waste. Carry iodine tablets to add to water taken from streams or snow banks. Avoid drinking ice-cold water which can cause your body temperature to drop. Altitude sickness is another danger. Hunters who are fatigued, cold or exhausted are vulnerable. At the very least, altitude sickness can ruin a hunting trip; at the worst, it can be fatal. Hunters who are coming to Colorado from low altitude areas should be especially careful. Take time to acclimate and do not move quickly above 8,000 feet. Symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, headache and loss of appetite. To avoid altitude sickness get in shape, limit alcohol consumption, acclimate for a few days before the start of the season and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is key factor in reducing your chances of getting altitude sickness. Hunters with any heart problems should be extra careful in Colorado’s high country. To prevent problems, hunters should consult their doctors before going to the high country. If you have a heart condition you should keep any prescribed medication with you at all times.

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2012 Hunting Guide 

Long-term efforts helped save Colorado wildlife By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

n Colorado 150 years ago wildlife faced a dire future. To provide food for miners and settlers streaming west during the gold rush and land rush of the mid- and late-1800s, market hunters slaughtered deer, elk, bear, buffalo, pronghorn and any type of bird that could provide meat. Fish fared no better as nets and even dynamite were set in rivers and streams. Polluted water flowing from mining operations also devastated hundreds of miles of rivers and streams. Colorado’s wildlife was decimated and many people thought some species were gone forever. Fortunately, farsighted conservationists and hunters decided that strong action was needed to assure survival for wildlife in Colorado. In 1870, the Colorado Territorial legislature passed its first wildlife protection law: It banned the use of nets for taking fish. In 1879, the first wildlife protection agency was established. With a law-enforcement agency in place, the legislature was able to set season and bag limits for most species. Some of the most far-reaching laws

included bans on hunting pronghorn and Bighorn sheep. The bans remained in effect for more than 50 years. The efforts paid off. Today, Colorado is renowned for its wildlife. Hunters come from throughout the country to hunt geese, turkeys, deer, elk, pheasants, pronghorn, bears and mountain lions. Rivers and streams attract anglers from around the world. Birders travel to Colorado to watch the mating dance of sage grouse, the stop-over of sandhill cranes in the San Luis Valley, and to look for the hundreds of bird species that live on the eastern plains. Other wildlife watchers hope for a glimpse of big game animals, bats, the elusive lynx or the solitary moose. Many of the early wildlife conservationists also were hunters, so much of the early effort to restore wildlife focused on game species. By the 1950s, Colorado’s deer and elk herds were healthy; hunting for pronghorn and bighorn sheep was opened. Fishing improved as rivers and streams were cleaned up, and as hatchery techniques improved. Starting in the late 1960s, scientists and the public recognized that the health of

wildlife provided an indication of the overall health of the environment. Biologists began to study various habitats to determine the importance of vegetation and landscapes to wildlife. By the 1970s, the agency, formerly known as the Colorado Division of Wildlife, was no longer just a “hook and bullet” outfit. The agency broadened its role to become the caretaker for all wildlife species in Colorado. Biologists were employed to learn about non-game species and the habitats that supported them. They also started looking at endangered and threatened species and how those animals could be restored or reintroduced. One of the most important efforts brought the peregrine falcon back from the brink of extinction. Starting in 1978, the wildlife agency decided to attempt to save the peregrines. Because of DDT use, eggs were brittle. When a falcon sat down to incubate, the eggs would crack and the embryos would perish. With that knowledge, wildlife biologists found peregrine nesting sites and went to them when the mother was out hunting. “Dummy” eggs were placed in

the nests and the real eggs were taken to a laboratory where they were hatched in captivity. After the chicks were born they were placed back with the mother. This was no easy job. Peregrines build nests in cracks on sheer cliff walls. Researchers often rappelled hundreds of feet to get to the sites. The project was successful, and today peregrine falcons live throughout Colorado and their numbers are growing. The effort is still hailed as one of the most important environmental victories in North America. Since then, the agency has worked to help restore populations of river otters, Canada lynx, the black-footed ferret, the greater prairie chicken and others. Currently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is engaged in a major effort to protect wildlife habitat throughout Colorado through purchase of land, habitat improvement efforts and with conservation easements. Not only will those conservation efforts help game animals, they’ll also provide more elbow room for sage grouse, red fox, eagles and most other wildlife species in Colorado.

Pronghorn hunting provides unique challenge By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

erious pronghorn hunters are willing to wait years for the opportunity to hunt trophy bucks in the best pronghorn units in Colorado. All Colorado pronghorn hunting tags are issued by draw. The average buck tag requires two to three preference points, but tags for premium units can require five or more points. Doe tags are easier to draw, but most hunters still need at least one point. The majority of pronghorns are in northwest Colorado and on the eastern plains. Small populations of Pronghorn also are found in North Park, Middle Park, South Park and the San Luis Valley. Demand for tags in the northwest region is usually highest, so more points are required. There are two reasons more hunters apply in the northwest: there are big herds with big bucks; hunters have the opportunity to hunt on both public and private land. In eastern Colorado there are also large herds and trophy bucks. Most of the land, however, is private with the exception of some isolated pockets of public land including the Pawnee National Grasslans in the northeast and the Comanche National Grasslands in the southeast. The good news is that many ranchers and farmers in eastern Colorado are willing to grant permission to those who want to hunt pronghorn. The best advice for a hunter to gain access to private land is to ask permission well in advance of the season. Never wait until opening day. If properly asked in ad-

vance, many landowners are willing to allow pronghorn hunting. Some will even offer directions to the best pronghorn locations, and information about watering holes and road access. In 2011 for all manners of take, approximately 20,000 pronghorn licenses were issued, 11,708 animals were harvested for a 57 percent hunter success rate. About 80,000 pronghorns exist in the state. Hunters lucky enough to draw a pronghorn tag in Colorado face a unique adventure that requires a different set of strategies than those used for hunting deer or elk. Compared to deer or elk, pronghorn are easier to locate. They roam wide-open rangeland rather than woodlands or steep mountains; they travel in large visible herds; and they do not hide in thick vegetation. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to hunt. Pronghorn evolved with keen eyesight and the ability to outrun predators. The vision of a pronghorn compares to a human looking through 8X binoculars. Pronghorns’ ability to quickly burst into a sprint of over 60 mph helps them to stay out of range of even expert marksmen. So what can a hunter do to increase the odds of bagging one of these magnificent unique game animals? The three major strategies are stalking, ambush and flagging. Stalking an animal with the vision of a pronghorn on the open range can be an exercise in frustration. If it is said that deer and elk hunters must be patient, pronghorn hunters must learn to be really patient. A stalk may include

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crawling on your belly for an hour only to have the animals spook and quickly move a half-mile away. Experts estimate that only one out of five stalks gets the hunter close enough for a shot. A hunter who sees the animals before being seen gains a huge advantage. That means avoiding ridge tops and hills. Pronghorn can spot objects on a ridgeline at great distances It is also important to consider wind direction to avoid sending a foreign odor in the direction of a pronghorn. Winds tend to change direction less frequently on the wide-open prairie. But for hunters, avoiding being seen by a pronghorn is most important. Sometimes it takes hours of hard work to get within range. The initial part of a stalk requires a hunter to move through draws and along the back sides of ridges to avoid detection. Then you should be ready to crawl the final few hundred yards to get close enough for a shot. Be prepared to crawl through yucca, sagebrush, cactus and cow pies. Some hunters sew leather patches on the knees of their pants and on the elbows of their jackets for added protection against rocks and sharp objects. Crawling through an open field can be exhausting. If you are lucky enough to get close without being spotted, take the time to catch your breath and steady yourself before the shot. Some hunters prefer to wait for pronghorns to come to them. Waterholes and fence lines are the best places to wait in ambush. But waiting also requires great patience. Pronghorns alternate between feed-

ing grounds and watering holes at varying times of the day. But it’s unpredictable how and when pronghorns move. Fence lines are good places to wait because although pronghorns have the ability to leap fences, they generally do not jump over unless they are really pushed. They prefer to crawl under or find a way around fences. One reason biologists believe pronghorns don’t like to jump is because their powerful back legs have the capacity to leap, but their front knees are not suited for the impact of landing. Searching for a place where pronghorn go under a fence can put a hunter in a great position to wait in ambush. This requires advance scouting to find crossing locations and good hiding places. Some pronghorns can also react with curiosity to shiny things and moving objects that draw attention. “Flagging” is the technique of trying to pique a pronghorn’s curiosity and getting the animal to come to you. The concept behind flagging apparently originated when early settlers were crossing the plains and noticed that antelope readily approached covered wagons. After you spot an animal, walk back and forth in an adjacent downwind draw while hoisting a white handkerchief on a stick. Curious animals will approach right away. If they don’t, they probably won’t come in at all. Some people have tried sitting still with a flag flapping in the wind above them. But stationary objects tend to go unnoticed. Shot selection is extremely important. Pronghorn present a small target. At a weight of just over 100 pounds, the vital target area is about the size of a small plate.

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Don’t spoil the hunt: take care of big game meat

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

thical hunters not only make a clean kill, they don’t waste what they kill. So that means taking care of the meat. It’s against the law to waste game meat. If you harvest an animal, it is your responsibility to remove and care for the meat. Start preparing before you go into the field. Get your body in shape and be ready to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. Be sure you know how to field dress an animal. Numerous books and web sites are available to provide explanations. If you will be hunting with someone who is inexperienced, teach them the proper techniques. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has produced two videos that explain big game field dressing techniques. See “How to field dress a big game animal,” on the website at http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos. Another video, “Down to the Bone”, explains how to bone out the meat of a big game animal in the field. By boning out the meat there is much less weight for a hunter to pack out. Deboned elk or deer meat also tastes much better than one with the bones left in. That’s because bones and bone marrow impart a more “gamey” taste, as does the fat. You can order the video by calling 303297-1192; or by going to the website at http://wildlife.state.co.us. Get your gear in shape. Collect and test all of the equipment you need for cleaning, hauling and caring for your meat. A short list to consider: high quality knife, sharpening stone, bone saw, tarp, game bags, frame pack, paper tow-

els, rope and rubber gloves. Get your freezer ready, too. Be sure you have enough room to store the meat. Make a clean kill Shot placement can affect meat quality. Try for a quick kill with a shot that will produce minimal meat damage. The best target: the heart/lungs area just behind the front quarter. A shot to that area will drop an animal quickly. Avoid shooting an animal in the gut or hindquarters. Don’t try for head shots. Also, be aware of where the animal might fall. Don’t shoot an animal in an area where you will not be able to retrieve it. Make sure you are capable of retrieving all the meat before it spoils, before it attracts predators and before you become exhausted. If you can’t make a clean shot, don’t shoot! The animal is down; now what? When you bring down a big game animal with bullet or arrow, you have achieved one immediate goal, but you haven’t fulfilled all of your responsibilities as a hunter. You still have to field dress, transport and butcher the meat properly. Animals must be field dressed immediately. That means removing the guts, heart, lungs, liver, esophagus and other internal organs. If you choose to bone out the meat, you do not need to “gut” the animal. After removing all the entrails, roll the animal over to drain the body cavity, then use a clean rag to wipe off excess blood, bone chips, dirt, partially digested food particles and other foreign mat-

hunting trip preparations reparing for a hunting trip is a P major effort. Listed below are a few common items that hunters often forget as they get ready to go into the backcountry. First aid kit (include mole skin/duct tape for blisters) Compass and high-quality maps Fire starter for use in the field Knife sharpener Extra batteries Rain gear Blaze orange vest and cap Extra fuel for camp-stove

Tire chains Cleaning supplies, trash bags Flashlight/lantern Game bags Sunscreen Toilet tissue Hunting license List of family/friends phone numbers Extra water bottles Water purification pump or tablets 2011 Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure — Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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ter. Only leave the hide on long enough to keep the meat clean while dragging it on the ground or transporting it over dusty roads in the back of an open pickup. Next, cool the meat as quickly as possible. Skin the animal as soon as you reach camp. Time is critical, even in cool weather. Without air circulating around the carcass the meat can sour quickly. Bacterial growth begins at any temperature over 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Maggots can hatch within eight hours if the carcass is exposed to flies and other winged insects. Remove the head, trim as much fat as possible, place in game bags and hang them in the shade. Keep the meat dry. Do not allow meat to hang more than two days in the woods. If the weather is warm get the carcass into cold storage as soon as possible. Remember — aging does not improve the flavor or serve to tenderize game meat. Beef can be aged to become more tender and flavorful because the fat on a domestic cow protects the meat from rotting at 38 degrees. Deer and elk are 90-95 percent lean, and the leaner the meat the faster it deteriorates. When taking the animal home, keep it cold and out of sight. Do not strap an animal to the top of your car. Game meat can last for several years in a good freezer if it is well-wrapped. The best wrapping is a vacuum seal. If you don’t have one, use freezer paper. It’s better than plastic in staving off freezer burn. For a more in-depth explanation of field dressing animals and caring for meat, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us and type “handling game meat” in the search window.

2012 Hunting Guide

Habitat Stamp helps bring in much-needed funds Cortez Journal Staff

t’s a stamp that delivers big results for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Habitat Stamp is required for anyone who buys a hunting or fishing license in Colorado. The annual cost is $10 for the season (April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013) and only one stamp is required for both hunting and fishing licenses. A lifetime Habitat Stamp costs $300.25. The stamp is required for all hunters and anglers between the ages of 18 to 64. Funds from Habitat Stamp sales go to wildlife preservation projects, said Joe Lewandowski, public information specialist for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “The purpose of the program is to collect funds dedicated to preserving wildlife habitat,” he said. “Revenues from the stamp have been about $3 million each year. The money can only be used for habitat protection and work. “It was started to really work on obtaining more habitat through purchases of conversation easements, fishing easements and things like that,” he added. Started in 2006, the Habitat Stamp project has lead to 90,000 acres of land being protected through purchases. Lewandowski said every year they get proposals from land owners. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife only works with willing sellers, and he says the process is very transparent. One of the biggest areas that habitat preservation effects in the winter range area for big and small game animals. “The winter range is a crucial factor for Colorado wildlife,” he said. “All animals need that terrain.”

2012 Hunting Guide 

contact numbers Recorded Help Lines Big Game Season Dates/Info: ------------------------------------ (303) 291-7529 Hunter Safety Classes/Replaement Cards: ---------------------- (303) 291-7530 General Fishing Season Dates/Fees: - --------------------------- (303) 291-7533 Fishing Condition Reports: --------------------------------------- (303) 291-7534 Small Game/Furbearer Season Dates --------------------------- (303) 291-7546 Upland Birds/Turkey Season Dates: ----------------------------- (303) 291-7547 Waterfowl Season Dates/Fees: ----------------------------------- (303) 291-7548 Chronic Wasting Disease: - --------------------------------------- (303) 291-7293 Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Results: ------------------------- 800 434-0274 State & Federal Agency contacts United States Fish & Wildlife Service: --------------------------- (303) 236-7905 Bureau of Land Management: - ---------------------------------- (303) 239-3600 U.S. Forest Service Camping reservations: --- 877 444-6777 or (303) 275-5350 U.S. Geological Survey: - ----------------------- 888 275-8747 or (303) 226-5900 National Park Service: --------------------------------------------- (303) 969-2000 Colorado Department of Agriculture: --------------------------- (303) 239-4100 Colorado Department of Transportation: ----------------------- (303) 757-9011 Colorado Division of Water Resources: -------------------------- (303) 866-3581 Colorado State Parks: --------------------------------------------- (303) 866-3437 Office of Outfitter Registration: ------------------------------------ 303) 89407800 State Land Board: - ------------------------------------------------ (303) 866-3454 Colorado Avalanche Information Center: ----------------------- (303) 499-9650 Parks and Wildlife Program Information Accommodation permits for people with disabilities: --------- (303) 291-7485 Mobility Impaired Hunting Program Information: ------------- (303) 291-7380 Disability License Information: ---------------------------------- (303) 291-7235 Aquatics: --------------------------------------- (303) 291-7358 or (303) 291-7355 Colorado Outdoors Magazine: ---------------- 800 417-8986 or (303) 291-7469 Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation: ------------------------ (303) 291-7212 Hunter Education: ------------------------------------------------- (303) 291-7470 Law Enforcement Administration: ------------------------------- (303) 291-7223 License Agent Information: - ------------------------------------- (303) 291-7235 Licensing/application questions: -------------------------------- (303) 297-1192 Operation Game Thief: - -------------------------------------------- 877 265-6648 Priority Landowner Program Information: - -------------------- (303) 291-7380 Project WILD (Education program): ----------------------------- (303) 291-7165 Public Affairs: ------------------------------------------------------ (303) 291-7307 Hunter Outreach Program: --------------------------------------- (303) 291-7248 Women Afield Program: ------------------------------------------ (303) 291-7248 Small Game & Waterfowl Reservation (SWA): -------------------- 800 846-9453 Harvest Information Program: ------------------------------------ 866-265-6447

What to do if you make a hunting mistake

very year hunters make mistakes in the field. Hunters might: shoot the wrong animal, accidentally kill more than one animal, hunt in the wrong Game Management Unit, etc. Most of these mistakes can be avoided, although some are truly accidental. Officers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife understand that mistakes occur. If you make a mistake, your best course of action is to contact an officer as soon as possible to report the problem. While you will still be subject to penalties, they could be less severe if the officer determines that you are cooperative, that the error was not intentional, or that it was unavoidable given the circumstances. Hunters who make errors can be penalized with fines, suspension points against

license privileges, felonies and misdemeanors, loss of meat, license suspension or confiscation of equipment. Penalties can be much more severe against those who purposefully attempt to hide mistakes from wildlife officers. Many errors can be prevented by carefully reading the Colorado Big Game brochure. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations of hunting. The brochure provides a variety of important information that hunters must know. “Ignorance of the regulations is not a defense,” says J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison. “There is a difference between a legitimate mistake and a careless error.” — Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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