Colorado Hunter 2013

2013 Edition | A Complete Hunting Guide For western Colorado | Free

Survival Skills 101 How To Cook Elk

Hunting Tales From Across The Region Herd Updates

PLUS: Everything you need to know: Business Directory, Maps, Fees, Dates and More!

The Hunt Ends Here: western Colorado a Mecca for hunting

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Glenwood Springs 1410 S Grand Ave. 970-945-8207

Granby 1001 Thompson Road 970-887-7140

Grand Junction 2770 Hwy 50 South 970-245-1411 569 32 Road 970-434-9603 200 Rood Ave 970-241-2278 630 24 Road 970-244-8100

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Welcome to Colorado Hunter About the cover: Dave Dietrich captures two elk steaming outside Steamboat Springs.

Colorado Hunter is published once per year by the Steamboat Pilot & Today and distributed free throughout western Colorado.

Creative Services Supervisor Lindsay Porter

Writers Andy Bockelman, Dave Buchanan, Joe Moylan, Joel Reichenberger, Noelle Leavitt Riley, Nate Waggenspack

Circulation Managers Steve Balgenorth/Amy Fontenot

Copy Editors Laura Mazade, Jerry Martin, Vicky Ho, Sydney Fitzgerald

Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Schlicht General Managers Scott Stanford (Steamboat Pilot & Today) Renee Campbell (Craig Daily Press) Editor Eugene Buchanan

Assistant Editor Nicole Miller

Photographers Andy Bockelman, John DePalma , Dave Dietrich, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Bill Van Ness

Advertising Design and Production Craig region: Kelsey Day, Laura Sigmund Steamboat Springs region: Seve DeMarco, Megan Maynard, Chris McGaw. Grand Junction region: Grand Junction Media Advertising Sales Craig region: Kaitlyn Balfour, Lauren Gewuerz, Sheli Steele

Steamboat Springs region: Christy Woodland, Reed Jones (Advertising manager: Mike Polucci) Grand Junction region: Doug Freed, Lori Henricksen, Dennis Mitchell For advertising information, call 970-875-1785 (Craig region); 970-871-4215 (Steamboat Springs region); or 970-256-4270 (Grand Junction region).

To get a copy mailed to your home, call Steve Balgenorth at 970-871-4232 or Amy Fontenot at 970-875-1785.

Email letters to the editor to Eugene Buchanan (ebuchanan@SteamboatToday.com, 970-870-1376).

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2013 Colorado Hunter Welcome Message.................................................9 Hunting Licenses Fees and Seasons......................12 Western Colorado................................................13 Best Towns for Sportsmen...................................16 What’s New in 2013.............................................17 Grand County.......................................................18 Herd Update.........................................................20 Hoyt Bows............................................................24 Understanding Preference Points........................25 Tax Laws Affect Hunting Parcels...........................26 License Draws Strong...........................................28 Elk Hunting Capital of the World..........................30 Hunting 101.........................................................32 Moose on the Loose.............................................36

Bear Licenses on the Rise.....................................37 Hunting When It’s Dry..........................................38 10 Things to Know When Hunting BLM Lands......42 Big Game License Update.....................................47 My Gear Closet.....................................................52 A Letter from Colorado Parks & Wildlife...............54 Post-Hunt Activities.............................................57 Cooking Game......................................................67 Fishing.................................................................68 Making the Most of Meeker.................................72 Rules of Engagement...........................................74 Saving Your Meat.................................................75 Surviving the Hunt...............................................77 Hunting Safety 101..............................................78

Open 7 Days a Week

Western Colorado Taxidermists............................80 Vanatta Outfitters................................................82 Chris Jurney Outfitters.........................................85 Reader Photos......................................................87 Hunting Tales...........................................95 Sheep Hunting With Lady Luck............................95 Luck of the Draw..................................................97 GMUs.......................................................99 Hunter Directory....................................105 Craig Area..........................................................105 Grand Junction Area........................................... 111 Kremmling Area................................................. 117 Steamboat Area................................................. 118 Visitor Information............................................. 124

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Welcome to Colorado Hunter H

owdy, and welcome to the 2013 issue of Colorado Hunter, the premier guide to biggame hunting in Western Colorado.

You couldn’t have picked a better place to plan your trip. The region offers some of the best deer and elk hunting in the world, whether you’re pulling back a bow or sighting in your scope.

Whatever your big game fancy, whether it’s elk atop Grand Mesa or moose near Walden, we hope you make the region your hunting destination for years to come.

While the area offers countless, year-round recreational opportunities — as well as outstanding scenery, friendly locals and Old West charm — for hunters, the action kicks in every autumn when game migrates from the high country to its winter range. That’s when thousands of hunters also

migrate here, flocking to the hunting hotbeds of Grand Junction, Meeker, Rangely, Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Kremmling, Granby, Yampa and more to hunt some of the largest elk herds in the nation. Whether you fill your tag or not, the real reward comes in the experience of hunting in one of the most beautiful locations in Colorado.

This magazine is designed to make the hunt easier for everyone, from novices hearing their first bugle to seasoned veterans looking for a record trophy. Inside, you’ll find tips on what to bring and where to go, information on herd updates, tales from local hunts and a directory listing everything you need for your stay, from outfitters and guides to meat processors and more.

So here’s to a great hunt this year and thanks for coming to Western Colorado.

Clockwise from left: Renee Campbell, General Manager, Craig Daily Press; Scott Stanford, General Manager, Steamboat Pilot & Today; Jay Seaton, Publisher, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

2013 | colorado Hunter

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Hunting License fees/seasons Note: Subtract $3 for over-thecounter elk and pronghorn

Fees Deer (draw/limited)

■ Resident $34 ■ Youth resident $13.75 ■ Nonresident $354 ■ Youth non-resident $103.75

Elk (draw/limited)

■ Resident $49 ■ Youth resident $13.75 ■ Nonresident bull $589 ■ Nonresident cow $354 ■ Nonresident either sex $589 ■ Youth nonresident $103.75

Pronghorn

■ Resident $34 ■ Youth resident $13.75 ■ Nonresident $354 ■ Youth nonresident $103.75

Bear

■ Resident $44 ■ Nonresident $354

Moose

■ Resident $254 ■ Nonresident $1,954

Hunting seasons Archery ■ Deer: Aug. 31 to Sept. 29 ■ Elk: Aug. 31 to Sept. 29 ■ Pronghorn Bucks: Aug. 15 to Aug. 31 ■ Pronghorn: Sept. 1 to 20 ■ Bear: Sept. 2 to 29 ■ Moose: Sept. 7 to 29

Muzzleloading ■ Deer: Sept. 14 to 22 ■ Elk: Sept. 14 to 22 ■ Pronghorn: Oct. 21 to 29

■ Bear: Sept. 14 to 22 ■ Moose: Sept. 14 to 22

Deer/limited rifle ■ Second season/combined deer and elk: Oct. 19 to 27 ■ Third season/combined deer and elk: Nov. 2 to 10 ■ Fourth season/combined deer and elk: Nov. 13 to 17

Elk/limited And unlimited Rifle ■ First season: Oct. 12 to 16 (limited) ■ Second season: Oct. 19 to 27

■ Third season: Nov. 2 to 10 ■ Fourth season: Nov. 13 to 17 (limited)

Pronghorn Rifle (Draw) ■ Oct. 5 to 11

Bear/limited rifle ■ First season: Oct. 13 to 17 ■ Second season: Oct. 20 to 28 ■ Third season: Nov. 3 to 11 ■ Fourth season: Nov. 14 to 18

Moose Rifle ■ Oct. 1 to 14

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Western Colorado: A haven for hunting T

here’s plenty of reason of set your sights on Western Colorado as your hunting destination.

The Centennial State harbors the two key ingredients all hunters look for: some of the largest elk herds in the country, as well as extensive public lands for hunting.

All this spells one of the best chances of filling your tag of anywhere in the country.

“The scale of the elk herds in Western Colorado is unprecedented compared to the rest of the country,” says Brad Petch, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s senior biologist for Northwest Colorado. “There are very few places in the West where you can pick up a license at the counter and have a decent shot at getting a four-point bull.”

It’s estimated that there are about 280,000 elk in Colorado, the most of any state, with more than 15 percent of those getting harvested every year. Other big game

populations are just as strong, with hunters migrating here from across the country to hunt for mule deer, moose, pronghorn, bear, mountain lions and more.

From Grand Junction, you can head out onto Grand Mesa (units 41, 42, 411, 421, 52 and 521 for over-the-counter elk) and the Uncompahgre Plateau (units 61 and 62 for elk), as well as the Gunnison Basin (units 76 and 77 limited elk). After your hunt, take a tour through Grand Mesa or Colorado National Monument.

Farther northwest, Dinosaur National Monument offers a glimpse of the region’s prehistoric past amid world-class pronghorn options. The region also is home to Brown’s Park on the Green River, offering world-class trout fishing in the A, B, and C sections below Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Just 20 miles off U.S. Highway 40, Rangely is another sportsmen’s hotspot whose hilly landscapes are populated with deer, pronghorn, elk and small game. Craig, the seat of Moffat County, continues to be ranked as one of the top hunting destinations in the coun-

Photo by Dave Dietrich

By Eugene Buchanan

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 13

Photo by Dave Dietrich

try for its vast public lands, private ranches and herds.

From Craig, Colorado Highway 13 heads north toward Wyoming and south to hunter-friendly towns like Meeker. Everywhere you go is as prime of hunting habitat as you’ll find anywhere.

Head east from Craig on U.S. Highway 40 and you’ll arrive in Hayden, also rich in ranching and hunting heritage. Another 30 minutes east is Steamboat Springs, the seat of Routt County and one of the most beautiful resort towns in the Rocky Mountains.

Known for its world-class ski area, Steamboat also is home to fifth-generation ranches and some of the best trout fishing and hunting in the state. With sagebrush-covered hills giving way to mountains thick with aspen and pine, like Moffat County, Routt County also is home to large elk and deer herds as well as a booming moose population.

South of Steamboat on Colorado Highway 131 are the towns of Oak Creek, Phippsburg and Yampa, the “Gateway to the Flat Tops” and the wilderness area’s prime hunting habitat.

Then comes North Park, a series of small towns known for its moose and fishing. Located an hour drive on Colorado Highway 14 from Steamboat and Laramie, Wyo., Walden is the largest city in North Park and the best place to load up on provisions. Its public lands are extensive, offering endless hunting opportunities. Farther south are such hunting hotbeds as Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs and Granby, which also carry vast herds of elk and deer.

So no matter where you put your crosshairs, set them on Western Colorado and you’re already ahead of the game — in more ways than one.

Joe Wood 2655 County Road 12 Meeker, CO 81641 970-878-0233 970-688-0249

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Grand Junction, Craig ranked best towns for sportsmen W

hile hunting magazine Outdoor Life shelved its annual top sportsmen’s towns listing this year, two cities in Northwest Colorado still are riding high on the accolades of their most recent rankings. In 2012, the magazine ranked Grand Junction sixth and Craig 20th in its annual Best Towns for Sportsmen compilation.

Since the magazine first started compiling its list in 2008, Craig made the cut each year, finishing with its highest, 20th-place ranking in 2012. Colorado Hunter partner city Grand Junction was named the sixth best town in the country for outdoorsmen.

Outdoor Life bases its rankings largely on hunting and fishing opportunities available in each city. “In our last installment, we placed less weight on socio-eco-

nomic data and went with 35 dream towns our editors would love to live in based on their hunting and fishing,” says the magazine’s John Taranto. “Several of our editors have hunted in Northwest Colorado and we all love the country and towns there — it offers some of the best big-game hunting in the world.”

In its listing, the magazine cited Craig’s “access to a million acres of public land, and two of the largest elk herds in North America.”

“It’s certainly why I live here,” admits the Craig Chamber of Commerce’s Rob Schmitzer. “And outdoor opportunities here go well beyond hunting and fishing.”

Don Myers, of Myers Hunting Services, pins the ranking on the area’s large elk numbers and easy access to game.

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than a lot of other places,” he says. “People like to see game, which is an opportunity not a lot of people get.”

Elkhorn Outfitters’ Tony Bohrer feels the same way.

“Hunters come because of the high success rate and our large elk population,” he says, adding that large tracts of public land are also attractive.

Colorado was one of two states to be represented in the top 20 twice. Grand Junction, which nearly broke into the top five with its sixth-place ranking, was praised for its “magnificent mesas and endless elk,” as well as trout fishing lakes.

“The towns on this list are the dream places for outdoorsmen to live,” Taranto says. “Any sportsman would be lucky to call these towns home.”

DEL ’

By Nate Waggenspack

RANch

What’s new in 2013 for hunting in Northwest Colorado

By Eugene Buchanan

F

rom no doe hunting in North Park to the reinstatement of new antlerless elk licenses in the fourth season, several Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting regulation changes are in store for hunters this year. Following is a wrap-up of what to expect in Northwest Colorado.

Elk New antlerless hunts — Fourth season licenses for GMU 32 are being reinstated this year, and a new private-land-only season is offered in GMU 511.

Closed hunts — Late season antlerless hunts in GMUs 21, 40, 58, 59 and 581 have been closed. Resident elk populations in those areas are at or below population objectives set by CPW. Hunt code changes — Hunters should pay close attention to hunt codes as there are some hunt changes around the state. Antlerless tags in GMU 20 are now List A; antlerless licenses in 41, 42, 52, 411, 421 and 521 are now List B; the either-sex licenses in the northwest region are again separate bull or cow licenses; and the antlerless hunts in GMUs 25 and 26 are no longer over-the-counter with caps, hunters must now apply in the draw for these tags.

Check forest service closures Projects on the National Forest can impact access any time of the year. Closures of areas, roads and trails can change quickly. Your hunting destination or access route may be affected. For information on current closures, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r2/ huntnfs-co.

Habitat stamp requirements If you haven’t purchased a 2013 Habitat Stamp, you must buy one or submit the payment with one of your big-game applications to be entered into the draw. New this year: Applications submitted for hunters who do not already have a 2013 Habitat Stamp will be disqualified from the draw. If you apply for more than one species, include the Habitat Stamp payment with just one of your applications.

Deer

Pronghorn New hunts — GMUs 66 and 551 in the Gunnison Basin are re-opening this year for pronghorn hunting. Harsh winters in 2007-08 decimated the area’s herds, but through CPW biological management and transplant efforts, the population has increased to allow hunting once again. Also, GMUs 9 and 191 near Fort Collins move from privateland-only to public hunts this year to allow hunters to access public properties like Soapstone and Red Mountain Ranch Open Space areas.

Moose Mandatory tooth extraction — To keep age records of moose harvested, CPW is introducing a tooth extraction this year. During the mandatory inspection, an incisor tooth from the bottom jaw will be pulled.

New hunts — numerous new hunts are available around the state. These include bull hunts in GMUs 12, 23 and 24, and cow hunts in GMUs 39, 41, 42, 46, 49, 52, 411, 421, 500, 501 and 521.

Photo by Dave Dietrich

New hunts — There are a variety of new hunts for both bucks and does this year.

They include: doe hunts in the Gunnison Basin GMUs 66 and 67; private-land-only hunts for bucks near Boulder Creek in GMUs 29 and 38; and private-land-only doe hunts in GMU 96 with a season-choice tag.

Closed hunts — North Park deer herd numbers have remained low for six years.

To help restore this herd, doe hunting in the North Park area is currently not available.

Late youth elk hunt changes Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s late youth elk seasons are designed to help get young hunters in the field while reducing elk overpopulation. But as populations close-in on long-term objectives, the need for late elk seasons is diminishing. As a result, youth participation rules have been modified this year.

Among the changes: Youth hunters now need to plan early on where they’d like to hunt a cow. Licenses won’t be transferable to different areas around the state as they have been in the past; this year, youths must hunt within the red boundary on the GMU map where their original tag was purchased.

The change reduces the number of areas available to late-season youth hunters when compared to past years.

“Allowing youth to hunt late seasons is popular because it typically overlaps holiday breaks from school, making participation easier,” says Parks and Wildlife Director Rick Cables. “Given this change, we’ll be looking for other ways to provide additional youth opportunity.”

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2013 | colorado Hunter

| 17

Grand County Grand for big game

By Eugene Buchanan

W

ith vast tracts of public land and sizable animal herds, Grand County, which encompasses Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby and Grand Lake, also can apply its grand namesake to big game hunting.

“The hunting opportunities there are excellent, especially for mule deer,” maintains Colorado Parks and Wildlife Communication Manager Mike Porras. “It definitely has its own unique opportunities and tons of hunting acreage.”

The Middle Park deer herd is modeled at more than 15,350, with a target objective of 11,500, making deer a primary target for many hunters.

“Historically, this region has always been known for its deer hunting,” says Lyle Sidener, CPW Grand County area wildlife manager. “It has lots of low-lying central sage brush areas surrounded by mountains, which is what gets deer through winter.

There’s also a long history of deer research here, from habitat use to nutrition. Deer here have probably been studied more than they have anywhere else.”

Adding to the region’s hunting opportunities is its vast acreage, comprising units 15, 18, 27, 28, 37, 181 and 371. “There’s a high percentage of public land here to hunt,”

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“There’s a high percentage of public land here to hunt.

That’s largely what makes it such a prime hunting destination.”

— Lyle Sidener CPW Grand County area wildlife manager Sidener adds. “That’s largely what makes it such a prime hunting destination.”

Every fall, hunters come from the Front Range and out of state to the area, joining a strong population of local hunters to fill the area’s hills, restaurants, campgrounds, hotels and more. The region also harbors a robust outfitter business, with the area home to several of the state’s busiest guides and outfitting services.

Driving this demand is the area’s elk and moose populations, Sidener adds. Moose have migrated down from North Park to Middle Park and elk herds are also blossoming. The region’s three elk herds — Gore Pass, Troublesome Creek and Williams Fork — total nearly 15,000.

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Hot spots for hunting include Gore Pass, William Peak, Willow Creek Pass, and Parkview, Elk and Grouse mountains. Big bulls also can be found south of the boundary for Rocky Mountain National Park in the Meadow Creek area, Sidener says. “That area is pretty under-utilized because it’s so hard to get to,” he says. “While there’s no hunting in the park, elk don’t necessarily understand that boundary — but they figure it out pretty quickly.”

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TheElk numbers wordstabilizing; on deerthestill down herd

By Eugene Buchanan

A

s hunters traipse the countryside to fill their tags this year, they can do so knowing that herd numbers for elk, deer and pronghorn in Western Colorado are holding their own. “Northwest Colorado remains a great place to hunt and we anticipate another great hunting season,” says Colorado Parks and Wildlife Public Information Officer Mike Porras. “It appears that we weathered last year’s drought fairly well and this year’s range conditions are surprisingly good.”

Elk update The number of elk licenses issued the past two years has dropped considerably to manage the populations, particularly limited cow licenses. And it’s worked, says CPW Senior Biologist for Northwest Colorado Brad Petch.

“Nearly all the units in northwest Colorado are at or close to their desired management range,” he says, adding that a couple of units in Middle Park and near Vail and Aspen are even growing. “It’s taken a long time to get there, but we’re as close as we’ve been anytime in the last 25 years.”

In the past couple of years, he adds, they’ve reached the objective range for the vast number of elk herds in the region, particularly the larger Bear’s Ears and White River herds. Objective numbers for the White River herd are between 32,000 and 39,000 animals, and it’s currently estimated to be “right in the middle of the range” at 35,000 he says. The Bear’s Ears herd north of the Yampa River is now at 16,500, he says, with

Photo by Dave Dietrich 20 |

an objective of 15,000 to 18,000 animals. “Those two herds account for the majority of the elk hunting in Northwest Colorado, and we’re right where we need to be,” he says. “It’s the first time in a long time that we’re at a management range where we want to be.”

The downside for hunters is that these numbers are lower than they were in the hunting heyday of a decade ago, meaning fewer tags, especially for late season cows.

“We’re hearing from hunters that they’re not seeing the elk they were 15 to 20 years ago,” he says. “And license availability isn’t what it was, and is unlikely to return in the foreseeable future.”

But the region still offers some of the best elk hunting in the country. “Overall, the herds are healthy,” Porras says. “We intentionally have fewer elk than we did 15 years ago to meet population objectives, but the hunting is still very good and we still have very productive herds and two of the largest herds in the country. And there’s still plenty of license opportunity for anyone who wants to hunt elk.”

Mule deer update Deer is another story, as numbers are continuing to drop in Western Colorado, spelling a decreasing number of licenses available.

“The general trend is that they’re not doing as well and are below objective management levels,” Petch says.

Colorado’s mule deer population is estimated at about 408,000, down from the 418,000 estimated in 2012 and 430,00 in 2011. That’s about half the level during the all-time high years of the 1950s.

More regionally, the White River herd’s estimate of 43,000 deer is well below the

Herd Size determines tag availability With elk and mule deer tags much less available in recent years due to decreased herd population sizes, it is unlikely for the tags in northwest Colorado to increase in availability in the years to come. Objective numbers for herds are determined approximately every 10 years by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPW biologist Brad Petch says, after discussions with landowners and sportsmen.

For elk in the Bears Ears and White River herds, population goals were set in the past five years, and will therefore stay at their current numbers for awhile.

“It takes a fraction of the licenses to maintain an objective as it does to get there,” Petch says. “We’ve ratcheted back the cow licenses especially the past two years.”

For mule deer, Petch says the Bear’s Ears herd goal of 37,800 is old and “overdue for being looked at.” So the objective number could come down in the next couple years if that herd is discussed, but with its population significantly below objective currently, tags would still likely be harder to come by until the herd recovers.

“The memory people have is from the 1990s and early 2000s,” Petch says. “It will take time for the public to get a sense if that’s where they want (the populations) to be.”

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Reversing the downward deer trend In an effort to reverse the decline in the state’s mule deer herds, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has unveiled a new adaptive management tool called the Colorado Mule Deer Strategy. “Our goal is to get everyone involved, including members of the public,” says Parks and Wildlife Northwest Region Co-Manager Ron Velarde.

“We’re going to examine all the issues and possible solutions and put together a deer strategy for the next five-year season structure. We want to focus on how we can enhance our populations and provide recreation for our customers. Nothing is off the table for discussion.”

— Dave Buchanan

Photo by Dave Dietrich

objective range of 67,500, adds Petch, and the Bear’s Ears herd is off by about 8,000 animals. As a result, he says CPW has reduced doe licenses available in the White River region by as much as 95 percent since 2007. “We’re not hunting anything like we were before that,” he says. “Things aren’t going well for deer there right now.”

A lot of this is because of weather, with the 2007-08 winter being especially hard, he says. Last December’s deep snow and bitter cold also affected herds.

State big-game manager Andy Holland says there’s no single answer to the collapse.

“It’s a host of things,” he says, adding that other Western states also are seeing declines. “We’re looking at impacts from severe winters, increased human and energy development, habitat fragmentation and depletion, migration corridor fragmentation and more.”

But perhaps the biggest contributor to the decline has been recent weather. “We’ve had three hard winters for deer out of the past six,” Petch says, adding that in the worst ones they’ve seen up to a 50 percent mortality rate among fawns. “It’s not a rosy situation. It’s really hard to grow a herd with that kind of fatality rate.”

The good news, he adds, is that the proportion of bucks is “as high as anywhere you’ll find in the West,” and that their quality is high. And some units are actually prospering, with an up to 75 percent survival rate in certain areas north of Craig, says Porras.

The Middle Park region has enjoyed a high survival and low winter mortality rate, adds Petch, and is “performing beautifully.” Other regions in Eagle County north of Interstate 70 also are doing well. “There are some places where deer are doing really well,” he says.

“And we’ve increased the licenses available for both does and bucks there.”

Pronghorn update From 2001 to 2005, pronghorn numbers took a huge hit across much of Western Colorado, says Petch, with last summer’s drought rough on them also. Herd populations are at or somewhat below longterm objectives, and they haven’t seen tremen-

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Helping Pronghorn Concerned about unexplained decreases in a 100-strong pronghorn herd between Delta and Grand Junction, Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists recently began a multi-year study to determine the cause.

“Very few fawns are surviving and we don’t know why,” says Brad Banulis, terrestrial biologist for the Montrose area. “Aside from the recent droughts, we hope this study will help us figure out what’s going on.”

The project began with the capture of 19 pronghorns, with radio collars placed on 10 and neck bands and ear tags on the rest, to let biologists track their

movements.

Shortly later, 24 pronghorn were captured in eastern Colorado and released near the Delta-Mesa county line. Nine were fitted with radio collars and the others received ear tags and neck bands. The pronghorn also were vaccinated against viruses responsible for fatal hemorrhagic diseases.

The transplanted pronghorns are expected to join the existing herd, Banulis says, which, combined with tracking, will help biologists determine the habitat they’re utilizing and if fawns are surviving.

— Dave Buchanan

Photo by Dave Buchanan

dous fawn crops, he adds. “We’re making some recovery and strides, but still not where we want to be.”

The problem, he adds, is that pronghorn are more susceptible to drought than other big game. Much of their range occurs in drought areas, and they’re less migratory than other big game. “Antelope populations are particularly fluid in regard to drought conditions,” he says, adding that fawns are particularly susceptible to dry conditions. “The rains we had this April came in the nick of time and helped as far as grazing, but we’re still in a drought, just a normal one.”

In what CPW calls the Great Divide Herd (herd No. 9) west of Craig and north of the Yampa, estimates place the number of pronghorn at 11,000 with an objective of 15,800, he says. Smaller herds are faring better, he says, including the 1,500-strong herd on unit 11 southwest of Maybell as well as those in North and Middle Parks, but the bigger herd number is more crucial and worrisome.

He says he’s also hearing from hunters on the recent drought conditions affecting horn growth.

But he adds that it’s not nearly as bad as it could be.

“We’re below, but better than we’ve been in a while,” he says. “Last winter hit the deer population harder than it did the antelope, and because of the spring we had we should be in decent shape.”

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23

Hoyt Bows available in craig

By Joe Moylan

L

ike automobiles, archery bows all have their defining characteristics that can breed lifelong customers.

Allen Jenkins, 58, owner of Craig’s Sand Springs Archery, says although archery shooters have their unique preferences, one product line stands out as the Cadillac among Moffat County bow hunters: the Hoyt.

“Bows are just like cars,” Jenkins says. “They all have their own specific features people either like or don’t like, but there are a lot of Hoyt shooters in Craig.”

Jenkins recently expanded his business into a larger space equipped with a target to allow customers to “test drive” bows, and also expanded his product line to include the highly sought-after Hoyt brand (he also sells Martin, PSE and Parker bows in his shop).

Although Jenkins was born in Oak Creek and raised in Craig, he’s a relative new-

comer when it comes to slinging arrows. He picked up the sport about five years ago and was converted after his first trip into the field with a bow instead of his trusty rifle.

“There’s always something thrilling about being in the outdoors, but the weather is nicer and you get to hear more elk bugling during bow season,” he says.

Sand Springs Archery, which he opened in July 2012, offers new and consignment bows as well as a full-service repair shop. Jenkins sells used bows for a 20 percent fee largely to expand the sport to novices. “It’s a good opportunity for first-time shooters to try the sport and find out if they like it,” he says. “More often than not people come back for a new bow.”

With a rotating schedule as an equipment operator for Colowyo Coal Company, holding regular business hours is difficult. But look for a 3-D target out on Fourth Street as the surest sign that Sand Springs Archery is open. Customers also can set up a repair appointment by calling 970-824-0139.

Photo by Joe Moylan Allen Jenkins, owner of Sand Springs Archery in Craig, prepares to sling an arrow at his store on 80 E. Fourth Street.

24 |

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Understanding Preference points

By Dave Buchanan

Photo by Dave Dietrich

A

favorite hunting-camp conversation is how to get a big-game license through the state’s computer system.

While not many hunters understand the convoluted system of checks and balances, most questions about how hunting licenses are allocated can be answered quite simply.

“It all depends on preference points,” says Henrietta Turner, manager of the license administration section for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It’s a misconception, she adds, to think there’s pre-set order by which licenses are drawn.

For as long as licenses have been distributed through a computer-generated distribution system, there have been complaints that somehow human elements affect the way licenses are shared. But in reality, Turner says, there’s little chance of outside influence.

The process starts with each license application number being inverted and then converted to another sixdigit number by computer to insure the draw is random.

Once you accrue sufficient preference points to qualify for the draw in a given unit, that final application number determines your place in the draw, with lower numbers drawn before higher numbers.

But even if you have the right number of preference points needed to draw a license, once the quota for a hunting unit is reached, you may not get a license.

Which is why, of two people with the same number of preference points, one may get a license (a better draw number) and the other won’t. And why, especially with the so-called “hybrid draw” for licenses in units requiring 10 or more preference points, someone holding the minimum number of points but fewer preference points than you might get a license thanks to a better draw number.

The deer and elk drawing ratio is under a “soft-cap,” meaning both residents and nonresidents are guaranteed up to, but not necessarily all, 65 or 35 percent of the draw licenses, depending on the unit. But how much of that soft-cap quota is reached depends on how many preference points the other side holds.

The wildlife commission established the 60:40 resident-to-nonresident cap in 2001. It’s presently at 65:35 or 80:20, depending on the game unit.

State terrestrial manager John Broderick says his staff spent 100 hours this past spring looking at the effects of a hard-cap (guaranteed license allocations) on nonresident licenses. He says the final line showed a $600,000 loss of elk income and an increase of $230,000

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The number of applications for big-game draw licenses was up this year by 17,000 to 468,816 over 2012, with more than 82 percent of those done online.

in deer income if nonresidents were given a hard-cap preference in the draw. “That’s an overall loss of $370,00 in income,” Broderick says.

Some of that lost elk revenue was due to the sale (or actually nonsale) of leftover licenses, those licenses unclaimed during the computer draw.

Under the current soft-cap system, any licenses not claimed during the regular draw, whether resident or nonresident, high point requirement or not, go into a pool from which anyone can purchase that tag.

This results in licenses not allocated to nonresidents instead may get purchased by a resident paying about one-twelfth of the nonresident fee. Also, some licenses never get allocated or bought through the leftover system and are “burned,” with no revenue to the state.

Resident hunters already have a one-day advantage over nonresidents when it comes to buying leftover licenses.

The exercise also found that more than 77 percent of all nonresident elk hunters (and 79 percent of nonresident deer hunters) used only their first-choice on their applications, opting for a preference point instead of selecting the second through fourth choices.

In comparison, 45 percent of resident elk hunters (42.5 percent of deer hunters) were first-choice appli-

cants with 34 percent of both elk and deer hunters taking that second choice license.

This means a majority of nonresident hunters are willing to gamble on getting their first choice and if it doesn’t happen, they’ll pay $3 to accumulate another preference point, not participate in the leftover license sales, and sit home for a year.

This accumulation of preference points exacerbates preference point “creep,” meaning it takes more points each year to draw a license.

“But resident hunters want to hunt every year, so they’ll take that second, third and fourth choice,” Broderick says, and not accumulate preference points at the rate nonresidents.

Which is why so many residents burn through the preference points, then wonder why nonresidents seem to have all the preference points.

If the nonresidents were under a hard cap, which guarantees a certain number of licenses going to nonresidents, it could result in nonresidents receiving licenses with fewer preference points than residents.

Under the soft-cap system, once the pool of applicants for a first-choice license is exhausted, any remaining licenses move to the other side of the draw.

However, a hard-cap would eliminate the movement, meaning even if a number of nonresident licenses were remaining after the first-choice draw, those licenses would not be available for residents to purchase as leftover licenses.

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 25

A tale of the taxing times Tax laws affect hunting parcels

By Eugene Buchanan

F

or Chris Ricks and his brother, Jeff, preserving a pristine hunting ranch south of Hayden is proving difficult thanks to Uncle Sam’s estate tax laws.

The brothers, as beneficiaries of the John Ricks Family Trust, are owners of the 4,100-acre R Bar None Ranch that their father, John, bought in 1989 after falling in love with the region. Held under a Conservation Easement that restricts development, it has a 1,200-squarefoot hunting cabin and for more than 20 years they’ve leased it to hunters, with an 85 percent success rate.

Some hunters have come back for 18 years in a row.

Nearly a dozen proud fathers can say they accompanied their son as they took their first elk on the ranch.

Chris and Jeff became owners of the ranch following the passing of their parents John and Beverly, whose ashes are scattered on the property. The problems

arose after the market declined. “The government assessed the ranch at the 2008 peak market value and want 45 percent of that figure even though its worth has dropped considerably since then,” he says. “They’re saying, ‘Either give us half of it, or we’ll take it.’”

The problem isn’t unique to the Ricks. High estate taxes have long affected properties passed from generation to generation. When values decrease significantly, as they have in the past four years, the recipients are often left holding a liability instead of a trophy.

“It’s a glaring example of what’s wrong with today’s estate tax,” Ricks says. “It’s a legacy piece of property.

We’re trying to hang onto the tradition of this large elk habitat and preserve its open space, but we’re running out of time and can’t do it alone.”

While the laws have changed since then — according to tax attorney Gregg Kampf, the estate tax exemption is now at $5.25 million per person, up from $2.5 million in 2008 — that does little to help the Ricks.

“It can be devastating,” says Kampf, a partner in firm of Hoskin, Farina and Kampf in Grand Junction. “Back then, the market was incredibly high and the exemption rate low, so it’s a double-whammy, especially at a tax rate of 45 percent. The exemption rate has now more than doubled since then. Someone today can pass on a lot more because of higher exemptions and lower values.

“It’s still a problem on huge ranches,” he adds. “If all you have is real estate to pass down and the recipients have to come up with cash for the government, it can be difficult — especially if the property value declines.

And these ranches usually offer prime hunting. That’s where all the elk habitat is.”

The choices for the Ricks are simple. Either they sell the property outright and leave the land where their parents’ ashes are scattered or find a third party to come aboard and share their vision for this unique piece of land.

“Big pieces of property like this held in long-standing value are being broken apart,” Ricks says. “It’s causing these legacies and heritages to be shattered. The reason to have properties like this is for legacy and tradition, but unfortunately we’re in this position.”

— For more information on the Ricks’ property, contact elkriverhaymaker@zirkel.us, 970-879-2149.

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License draws strong despite new gun control measures

By Nate Waggenspack

T

he 2013 hunting season in Northwest Colorado is shaping up well despite concerns about new firearm legislation that took effect July 1.

After Colorado House Bills 13-1224 and 13-1229 were signed into law, hunting concerns arose when out-of-state hunters said they might boycott Colorado if the gun laws passed. While there still are several steps to go in the license sales and distribution process, the limited big game draw showed a 4 percent increase in demand for Colorado in 2013 compared to 2012. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, more than 197,000 people put in for elk licenses in Colorado, compared to 191,000 last year.

Of the 103,000 people who drew licenses, 28,452 were out-of-staters, up by 400 from 2012. In most regional GMUs, the demand for cow elk licenses is equal to or higher than last year. Mule deer demand is also up this year.

To Colorado Parks and Wildlife, that’s a good sign to meet their goal of managing herds. The laws “really won’t affect hunting, and hunting regulations haven’t changed,” says CPW’s Mike Porras. “During the application and draw process, we saw

the 4 percent increase, and that’s a positive sign. But we still need to see over-thecounter sales.”

Chris Jurney, owner of Craig’s Chris Jurney Outfitting, thinks over-the-counter sales is where Colorado could see some trouble. “A boycott won’t necessarily show up in a limited draw, where you have a higher potential for trophy animals,” he says. “The place it will show up this year is during the over-the-counter, second and third seasons. There’s still a demand, but I believe we’ll be affected.”

Nonresident hunters accounted for 17 percent of the CPW budget last year, according to CPW data.

While 2013 appears to be another good year for hunting in Colorado, people are concerned about the years to come. Shari Kempton, of Maybell’s R&R Ranch, is a landowner from Florida who watched the Colorado laws pass from afar. She heard immediate concern from hunters. “I think everybody got nervous at first and a lot of my regular hunters called and were asking questions,” Kempton says. “I told them I thought everything was going to be OK, and so far it has.”

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Craig now “Elk Hunting Capital of the World”

By Darian Warden It’s official: Craig is now the “Elk Hunting Capital of the World.”

Having spent five years building the brand, businessman John Ponikvar trademarked the phrase this spring.

“It’s fantastic,” says Christina Oxley, of the Craig Chamber of Commerce. “I have a lot of respect for him taking this effort on, supporting it with his own dollars, marketing it and getting it trademarked.”

Ponikvar says he trademarked the phrase to give the community some identification. “We were trying to brand Craig and they didn’t like my ideas so I thought, ‘Shoot, I’ll go do it myself,’” he says.

Several years and thousands of dollars later, Craig is on the map, with the logo appearing on bumper stickers, banners, hats,

T-shirts and more. “It’s worth it,” he adds. “Hopefully it’s a source of pride for Craig and Moffat County.”

Oxley says trademarking the phrase likely will bring good things for Craig, and they’ve already received positive feedback from visitors. “It gives us great visibility and searchability online,” Oxley says. “Every time somebody inputs elk hunting, having that as our brand draws people.”

Ponikvar adds that a man who films outdoor hunting shows even already found a hat with the phrase at a Georgia golf course and because of it, decided to film an elk hunt for their show in Craig. “I’ve been hunting in Florida and New Zealand and took Tshirts and hats with me,” he says. “Everyone loves them. It’s starting to get around the world.”

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Hunting 101 Big game tips for elk, deer and pronghorn How to hunt elk Filling your elk tag and putting meat in your freezer isn’t a given. On any given year, hunter success rates for elk in Colorado clock in near 20 percent. Following are a few tips to better your chances: Spread out. In warm weather, elk stay spread out over vast areas at high elevations at and above timberline. When snow falls, elk will usually start to move, bunch up, and look for food sources at lower elevations or on slopes offering exposed vegetation. However, the snow fall must be significant; usually more than a foot of snow must be on the ground to get elk moving.

Embrace the hike. While ATVs are great for getting you off the beaten path and deep in the woods, experts recommend going beyond where they can take you. Hunt slowly and quietly far from any road. Elk are smart, move quickly at any hint of danger and hide in rugged terrain. They also 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.

Scope transition areas. Experts suggest watching transition areas at first light and Photo by John DePalma 32 |

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at dusk. Elk are most active during the night and graze in transition areas — i.e. meadows next to heavy timber, and where different types of vegetation meet near ridgelines. Find where animals graze at night and you might find them in adjacent areas during the day.

Don’t neglect dark timber. In particular, check out cool north-facing slopes and hard-to-reach areas during the day.

Move quietly for short distances. Move quickly and quietly. Then scan the woods for 10 minutes or more before moving again. Even in dense forest use binoculars to discern subtle movement or unusual colors.

Move far above or below roads. In areas where two roads are in close proximity, locate the most difficult terrain in between.

Line your shot carefully. Elk are difficult to knock down. Deliver your shot in the critical area of the lungs and heart just behind and below the front quarters. Never try for a head shot.

How to hunt mule deer While mule deer success ratios are higher than they are for elk — most years see

Photo by Dave Dietrich

success rates as high as 45 percent for mule deer — deer hunting still can be challenging. Follow these tips to improve your chances of filling your tag.

Hunt varied terrain. Mule deer don’t spend much time in heavy timber, preferring aspen and forest edges, low shrubs and varied vegetation. In warm weather, look for deer along ridgelines.

Hunt at dawn and dusk. Mule deer are most active at night and often can be found in meadow areas during low-light hours. During the day, they bed down in protective cover.

Scout out edges. During low-light hours, hunt in meadows at the edge of thick cover. Deer move during the middle of the day toward the areas where they feed in the evening.

Stalk slowly. Spend time scanning slowly with binoculars.

Monitor wind direction. If the wind is blowing in the direction you’re moving, a deer likely will pick up your scent. Also, avoid hunting near moving water during the day.

Play off their curiosity. When mule deer are spooked, they’ll often run a short distance then turn to see if they are being pursued. This may offer the chance for a shot.

Go to snow. Light snow will get deer moving quickly out of high-altitude areas to their winter range areas.

Aim for the vitals. It’s a small target — about the size of a dinner plate just behind the front quarter — but it represents your best chance for success.

How to Hunt Pronghorns Pronghorn hunters enjoy the highest success rate of all big game hunters, with success rates often as high as 60 percent. Still, even with Colorado’s population of 80,000

pronghorns (many of which are in the northwest part of the state), filling your tag isn’t a sure thing. While they’re easier to locate than deer or elk, pronghorn hunting requires a different set of strategies.

Ask for private land permission early. Never wait until opening day. If properly asked in advance, many landowners are willing to allow access and might even offer directions to the best locations and information about watering holes and road access.

Keep hidden. Pronghorn have the vision of looking through 8X binoculars. They also can burst into a sprint of more than 60 mph to stay out of range of even expert marksmen.

Be patient. A stalk may include crawling on your belly for an hour only to have the animals spook and quickly move. Only one out of five stalks gets you close enough for a shot. Be prepared to crawl the final few hundred yards — even if it’s through yucca, sagebrush, cactus and cow pies (some hunters sew leather patches on their knees and elbows for added protection).

See them first. This gives you a huge advantage. Avoid ridge tops and hills, and move through draws and along the back sides of ridges to avoid detection.

Consider wind direction. It’s easy to send a foreign odor in their direction. Winds change direction less frequently on wide-open prairies.

Catch your breath before firing. Crawling can be exhausting. Steady yourself before the shot.

Try an ambush. Waterholes and fence lines are good places to wait (they tend to go under fences rather than over). Pronghorns alternate between feeding grounds and watering holes during the day. But they move unpredictably.

Practice flagging. Pronghorns react with curiosity to shiny things and other objects. Flagging piques their curiosity and gets them to come to you. After you 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 33

Photo by John DePalma

spot an animal, walk back and forth in an adjacent downwind draw while hoisting a white handkerchief on a stick (or sit with a flag flapping above you). They might approach you.

Nail your shot. Shot selection is important. Pronghorn present a small target; the vital area is the size of a small plate. Shots also tend to be longer, especially on windy days when the animals are more alert. Know the capabilities of your rifle and scope.

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Also, don't shoot a pronghorn that is running.

Blind early. If you use a blind (best around water holes or fence crossings), set it up a week before hunting to let the animals get used to it.

Decoy in bow season only. Decoys cut in the shape of a pronghorn often attract bucks chasing challengers (bow hunters often hide behind them). But they also attract other hunters, so don’t use them during rifle season.

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Moose on the loose

By Eugene Buchanan

E

lk and deer aren’t the only trophy big game on hunter’s wish lists for northwest Colorado. The area also is a hotbed for moose, the largest deer in the world.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reintroduced moose to the North Park region in 1978. In 2005, it introduced moose on Grand Mesa, and in 2008 it transferred another group of moose to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area near Meeker. Since these reintroductions, moose have thrived through Northwest Colorado, spelling a good chance of success for properly prepared hunters.

The giant herbivores, which can reach 6 feet at their shoulders and top 1,000 pounds, love the habitat of Western Colorado so much that their numbers continue to grow. The North Park population is estimated at more than 500, with the Middle Park herd topping 300 and the Grand Mesa population hovering around 250.

If you were lucky enough to pull a license this year — the chance of getting one out of nearly 11,000 annual applicants is about 2 percent — don’t rush into trying to fill your tag. Experts recommend being more patient on your hunt than for any other big game.

Moose are relatively solitary and can be difficult to find. Stick to forested areas, particularly those near marshes and swamps. Any area thick with willows, their primary source of food, also is prime habitat. Moose also eat pine needles and deciduous tree leaves as well as aquatic plants and aspen trees. Your best chance to see one is early in the morning or late afternoon. Be aware that they also can be extremely aggressive, especially when startled, and are known to defend their home territory.

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Know the difference

Images courtesy of colorado parks and wildlife

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In 2011, more than a dozen moose were killed by hunters who thought they were shooting cow elk. Know the difference. Illegally shooting a moose carries a fine starting at $1,350.

“If you’re not 100 percent certain about the target, do not pull that trigger,” says Parks and Wildlife Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde. “It’s a serious concern that some hunters are either unable to properly identify their target, or are simply too impatient to take a responsible shot.”

Wildlife managers say that accidents usually involve a combination of poor judgment, low-light conditions, a long-distance view of the animal and not using a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.

“A serious hunter understands the importance of good optics,” says Dean Riggs, assistant regional manager in the Northwest Region. “In many incidents, binoculars or a spotting scope could have helped the hunter identify their target.”

Unlike their moose cousins farther north, the Shiras

Muzzleloading: Sept. 14-22 Rifle: Oct. 1-14 All moose licenses are by draw.

moose found in Colorado can be found in a wide range of habitats. While the animals favor streamside and pondside willows, you also might run into moose in lodgepole pine, oak brush, aspen, spruce, fir and even sagebrush flats, the same habitat preferred by elk.

But they’re vastly different in size, color, antler shape and habits. A mature bull moose weighs 1,200 pounds — twice that of the average bull elk. Moose are dark brown and appear almost black. Elk are light brown or golden, with a pale yellow rump.

Moose also have large, bulbous noses and a “bell,” or large flap of skin, hanging under their throat (an elk’s snout is narrower with no “bell”). Bull moose also have broad, flat antlers, unlike the pointed antlers of an elk (warning: the antlers on some young bull moose haven’t flattened out yet). Other telltale features include white/ gray inner legs and an overhanging snout.

Moose also act differently than elk. Typically, moose will not flee like elk at the sight of a hunter. Your best bet: always identify your target before shooting.

— Dave Buchanan

Bear licenses on the rise

By Dave Buchanan

I

t’s not a good time to be a black bear in Western Colorado.

After years of seeing bear populations grow and hearing a chorus of complaints from hunters, livestock growers and farmers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is set to reverse that growth. This spring, it approved a statewide increase in black bear licenses — with the largest increase occurring in the eight units of the Grand Mesa bear management area.

From 480 licenses in 2012 to 1,000 licenses in 2013, the inflation continues a trend in which the number of Grand Mesa bear licenses has tripled during the past three years.

“Just in the Northwest region, our licenses have gone from 4,737 in 2008 to 11,705 in 2013,” says Ron Velarde, co-manager of Parks and Wildlife Northwest Region. That’s more than were offered in the entire state in 2003, when 11,254 licenses were available.

This fall, 21,167 licenses are available statewide, 20 percent more than last year. The high number is because of a higher estimate of the bear population after several years of research, as well as the general failure of hunters to harvest bears.

Last year, hunters harvested 1,172 bears and another 630 were killed in non-hunter deaths, including roadkills, livestock growers protecting their flocks and other causes.

State carnivore manager Jerry Apker currently puts the state’s bear population at around 16,000 to 18,000 animals.

“We’ve been very conservative in our bear management and consequently the bear population has grown,” Apker says. “This year we’ve doubled the number of licenses, which vastly exceed the demand, but when you use license numbers (to control populations), it takes hunters a while to respond.”

While elk hunters plug along at around a 21 to 24 percent success rate each year, for bear hunters it’s 9 to 11 percent — even with no shortage of quarry.

“As part of changing our bear management plan we wanted to suppress the bear population on Grand Mesa to the point where the adult sow harvest was driving the population,” says JT Romatzke, Parks and Wildlife Area 7 manager. He adds that adult sows are the hardest to kill because they don’t move around as much.

By monitoring the take of adult sows, biologists can follow population trends. When fewer sows are taken, the population is larger; when more sows are harvested, the reproductive side of the population is affected. Currently about 40 percent of the annual harvest is adult sows.

“When the harvest of sows grows, we know we’re starting to move the population down,” Romatzke says. “If we can get sows to 50 percent of the harvest, we’ll probably start to pull back on license numbers.”

While game damage issues and concerns about human conflicts drove the license decisions, bear conflicts are less in Area 7 than in other bear-rich areas such as the Roaring Fork Valley.

“Last year was a good food year for bears and we only had a couple of places where there were conflicts,” says Romatzke, citing Battlement Mesa and Rifle as hot spots for bear conflicts. “Our challenge comes not so much from the human element as what Mother Nature gives us.”

There also are bears setting up house in the cornfields around Mack and Loma. “They probably came down here came in 1997 or 2002 when we had (natural) food shortages and discovered a good food source,” Romatzke adds. “They started denning and having cubs and now their cubs are learning that habit. This isn’t an appropriate place for them and we don’t want them here.”

2013 | colorado Hunter

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Hunting when it’s dry

By Eugene Buchanan With June coming in like a lamb and leaving like a thirstier lamb (Routt County saw only 0.01 inches of precipitation the entire month), hunting conditions could well be like they were last year: dry.

This means everything from low flows in area rivers for fishing and potential fire restrictions when camping to affecting big game movement and behavior.

“If it stays hot and dry, elk and deer will hold up longer in the shade and not want to come out until it cools off,” says Dave Keller, a guide for Silver Creek Outfitters out of Steamboat Springs. “They might not be moving much during the day.”

He adds that game also might try to get to water more, especially during bow season. Sub-par moisture also might affect the growth of feed. While spring rains kicked high-altitude feed into high gear in April and May, herds occupying lower lands might move more than usual. “But there should still be good shade around, so the grass should be fine,” he adds.

If the dryness continues, he adds, hunters also might have to beware of the noises they make when tracking. “It’s noisier with dry growth underfoot,” he says. Another

potential factor is scent control. Heat means sweat, whose scent is harder to hide.

Hot, dry weather also changes where and when elk and deer herds feed and sleep.

That means paying attention to the top forage locations — which might not be someplace you’re familiar with, forcing you to adapt just like the wildlife.

“Dry conditions can make it challenging when things are different from what hunters are used to,” says state big-game biologist Any Holland, of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, adding that many hunters have grown accustomed to hunting in wetter seasons. Changing tactics, strategy and even hunting areas can be helpful — especially if water sources are scarce.

“People hunting in drier areas will have to find waterholes,” maintains Grand Junction taxidermist and hunter Darryl Powell. “If it stays dry, animals will be moving longer distances to find water.”

Hunters are advised to look for a water source, whether it’s a spring, river or pond — someplace where forage can grow and animals can survive. Parks and Wildlife biologist Brad Banulis encourages hunters to scope out year-round sources, especially perennial streams. Where you find water, he says, you’ll find a food source.

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son rains customary, if the dry spell continues, says Mike Porras, public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Northwest Region, it could negatively affect both forage and hunters’ chances of finding elk. “If it continues into fall, it may present challenges to hunters regarding elk distribution,” he says, adding that if fires come into play they could even close some units, as occurred in 2002.

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Topwhen10huntingthings to know on BLM lands in Colorado

By Dave Boyd, public affairs, BLM

M

any people hunting in Colorado this season will take advantage of some of the 8.3 million acres of Bureau of Land Management-administered land in Colorado. The Northwest Colorado BLM District manages 5 million acres that include some of the best hunting opportunities in the state. While the BLM manages the land and wildlife habitat, Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the wildlife and regulates hunting on BLM lands.

Based on the questions it receives at its field offices and what rangers see in the field, following are the top 10 things you should know when hunting on BLM lands.

10

Check with your local BLM office before hitting the hunting camp. Things like fire restrictions, road closures and rule changes can vary each year. The best way to avoid disappointment or a citation is to check in with the local

BLM office. Each office manages hundreds of thousands of acres, so be specific about where you are planning to go. Find the local office you need at www.blm.gov/co.

9

BLM land is open to hunting, but you have to have legal access to hunt it.

Legal access to most BLM land isn’t a problem. However, some public lands are completely surrounded by private land. If there is not legal access through that private land, you need permission to cross the private land. You are not guaranteed access, even though you are trying to reach public lands. It is your responsibility to know where you are, so use maps and GPS units. It is illegal to post BLM land as private land, but every year a few people try. If you suspect someone has posted public land as private, contact the local BLM office to clarify.

8

Photo by John DePalma

It is illegal to cross public land at corners. Some areas in the West are “checkerboarded” with public and private lands, or otherwise have sections of public land that are difficult to reach. When the only place tracts of public land touch is at a corner, it may seem like a logical thing to step over the corner from one piece of public land to another. Every year, hunters with armed with GPS units and maps give it a try. Unfortunately, it is illegal to cross at boundary corners.

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Where are all the elk? This is one of the main questions asked of rangers every hunting season. Most elk migrate seasonally based on factors like weather and hunting pressure.

Scouting different elevations just before the season begins can make a huge difference. If elk are around, you will typically see more when you are out of your truck or off your ATV. The farther you are from main roads, the better.

Keep motorized vehicles on existing or designated roads. This includes retrieving downed game. Rules for motorized travel vary by office, and many offices are either updating or have recently updated their travel management plans. Contact the local office where you are planning to hunt to find out what is permitted.

R0

R BaR none Ranch

Photo by John DePalma

Be familiar with Colorado wildlife laws and off-highway vehicle laws — they apply on BLM land. For instance, all offhighway vehicles operated in Colorado — including BLM roads — need to be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Nonresidents bringing in OHVs must purchase a Colorado Nonresident OHV permit. The hunting regulation booklets published by Colorado Parks and Wildlife every year, along with their website, are great resources.

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South Routt Welcomes Hayden

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South Routt Facts ★ The population of the Oak Creek area in the early to mid-1900s was larger than it is today, with about 2,000 to 3,000 people in South Routt. ★ Since at least 1913, Oak Creek has attracted throngs of people, residents and vis tors, for the annual Labor Day festivities along the streets of the town. What began as a literal celebration of the holiday brought organizers from each of the local mine unions to speak in the town center. ★ Since the 1920s there have been seven different newspapers in South Routt. ★ The Flat Tops Wilderness is the second largest wilderness area in Colorado.

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Know the camping rules for BLM. Camping on most BLM Colorado lands is limited to no longer than 14 days in any 30-day period unless otherwise authorized. After the 14 days have been reached, you must move at least 30 air miles from your last campsite. This rule is in place to ensure fair use of campsites as well as to discourage people from residing full-time on public land. There are some exceptions, so check with your local office. Also, if you are bringing in hay to your camp for stock animals, it must be certified weed free.

BLM land is multiple-use. BLM lands by law are managed for many different uses. This includes not only a wide variety of recreational uses like hunting, but also many other important economic uses such as energy development and livestock grazing. The BLM strives to find a balance among all these uses. Please respect other users.

Leave your camp cleaner than you found it. The end-of-season camp exodus is often hurried and hectic. But please take time to remove all trash and debris – including those carpet scraps. It is illegal to leave behind personal property or trash. A northern Colorado OHV group recently donated a Saturday for a public lands clean-up and removed nearly 760 pounds of trash left behind from several hunting camps along a mile-stretch of road. You can imagine the terrible impression of hunters this must leave to the general public who also visit these areas.

Report illegal activity. Rangers often hear about an illegal activity someone saw well after the fact. The illegal poaching of wildlife is a top priority with both Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the BLM. To report poachers, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife toll-free within Colorado at 1-877-COLO-OGT. Depending on the activity you witness, call the local sheriff’s office or the local BLM office.

Big Game Licence and Harvest update B

ig-game hunters will find slight changes in this year’s availability of deer licenses (more) and elk licenses (fewer).

Total statewide deer license numbers went up by 4 percent to 82,600, all available only by computer draw.

State big-game manager Andy Holland says that demand for deer licenses has remained steady throughout the past decade with an estimated 160,000 applicants every year.

This year’s total license numbers are up by 2,800 over 2012, but because of their distribution, the harvest is expected to drop 1,000 animals to 32,000 in 2013. So even though more licenses are available, hunter success doesn’t go up in direct correlation.

The majority of the license increase comes in areas where deer herds are rebounding from winter 2007-08 and/or have reached or are above desired buck:doe ratios and population objectives.

Those better-performing herds include the Gunnison Basin, where during the 2007-08 winter an estimated 9,000 deer were being fed emergency rations; and in the Middle Park, State Bridge and Sweetwater (western Eagle County) areas.

“The herds in Gunnison had a massive mortality event in the winter of 2007-2008 and the recruitment was minimal the next year as well,” Holland says. “The herd currently is recovering in response to productive deer habitat.”

Holland also notes that biologists have seen good fawn-to-doe ratios in recent years along with better fawn survival.

Photo by Dave Dietrich

By Dave Buchanan

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 47

“In the winter of 2011-2012, the Gunnison over-winter fawn survival was one of the highest observed at 86 percent,” Holland says.

Estimates put the post-hunt 2012 deer population around 408,000 deer, well below the 418,000 estimated post-hunt 2011.

“Our predicted post-hunt population for 2013 is 414,000 as we continue to make progress toward the statewide population objective,” Holland adds.

The statewide population objective is in the 525,000 to 575,000 range for the state’s 55 deer herds.

While Holland says herds in far Western Colorado still haven’t returned to historic levels, “herds in the central and northern mountains are performing well.”

Limited elk license numbers, which make up about 66 percent of total elk license sales, dropped less than 1 percent to 138,300, a reflection of the state’s success in bringing most of the herd to within desired population levels.

Photo by Dave Dietrich

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Even accounting for the availability of unlimited over-the-counter bull licenses, the harvest of antlerless elk almost equals the entire bull harvest.

Do it yourself, non-guiDeD hunts The license numbers signal a fine-tuning of hunting opportunities, including a lessening of the need for antlerless (cow) harvest as herds reach desired levels, adjusting for the success of the late-season youth elk hunt, and trying to balance license numbers with demand.

Holland notes that, even accounting for the availability of unlimited over-thecounter bull licenses, the harvest of antlerless elk almost equals the entire bull harvest.

“This illustrates the significant amount of hunting opportunity” these licenses offer, he says.

Although 41 percent of the elk herds are above desired population numbers, some hunters and outfitters are complaining that certain elk herds are too low and hunting pressure should be reduced to allow them to grow.

Statewide elk numbers peaked at about 300,000 in 2001 but since have declined to the 266,000 estimated post-hunt elk in 2012. “We’re still harvesting cows at a high rate, but it takes a lot of cow harvest to maintain herd size,” Holland says.

Pronghorn license numbers were slashed by 21 percent, mostly in the southwest in response to a declining harvest even with more licenses available. Pronghorn harvest peaked at 12,300 in 2010, but subsequent years saw harvest declines, including 11,700 in 2011 and 9,900 in 2012. This year’s predicted harvest is 9,400 with a posthunt population statewide of 65,000 pronghorn.

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My Gear Closet

By Bill Van Ness

A

s a passionate big game hunter I’m always on the lookout for something that will create a more enjoyable, possibly successful hunt. Over the years through trial and error, I’ve acquired a feel for what will work, what won’t and what new products may be worth trying.

Being prepared in the backcountry starts with the proper clothing. Flash storms can roll in quickly, turning an 85 degree, sunny afternoon into 45 and raining or even snowing. Sitka Gear of Montana has taken all the advancements of high-end outdoor layering systems and plugged them into a great hunting lineup: comfortable, wicking base layers, warm midlayers and jackets for cool mornings, and waterproof/breathable rain gear for the heaviest downpours. Sitka’s systematic approach to gear has changed the way we hunt in the mountain west.

Another huge boon to hunters in the high country is a quality set of optics. Being able to find game from distant ridges is a massive advantage. For years the best optics manufacturers were the European glass makers like Swarovski and Leica, but

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American-made Vortex rivals them with a super, high-quality optic and the best warranty in the industry. All this at price points that wont break the bank.

The latest archery equipment from such players as Mathews, PSE, Bear, Bowtech and G-5 all fit the bill for a successful bow hunt. My advice: visit a local pro shop, shoot the bow that interests you, and compare it to like bows from other manufacturers.

For black powder, I’m partial to Thompson Center Arms. They make a quality, reliable, accurate black powder rifle that will make a difference in your hunt. Come rifle season, my go to is a Browning X-bolt 7mm, which offers plenty of power and downrange ability for elk, deer and bear.

A good quality day pack also is important. I recently switched to the Sitka Flash 32; after trying it on, it felt like it was made for me. In it I can haul the necessities for a single day to an overnight in its 3,200-cubic-inch capacity. It’s hydration bladder compatible, has a ventilated suspension system, multiple access points to the main compartment and a spotting scope sleeve. Micro adjustability makes it easy to fit in a moment’s notice and it can handle an elk quarter for that first load out.

Photo by Bill Van Ness

Having all the necessities to get to work after you’ve harvested your elk is paramount. Game bags, knives, twine to hang quarters or hold a leg if you’re alone, headlamp, scent free wipes, small first aid kit, firestarter, water filter and food are a start. A pack that fits and is functional like the Flash 32 has become my most important piece of equipment because it’s going to carry all these necessary items to keep you moving comfortably and safe.

For going overnight, Big Agnes makes light, high quality tents, sleeping bags and pads, all from their base in Northwest Colorado. There are dozens of options to choose from, all of which will contribute to a more comfortable night’s sleep in the backcountry for a more enjoyable day in the field.

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A letter from Colorado parks and wildlife

By Bill de Vergie, CPW Area Wildlife Manager, Meeker

T

he 2013 hunting seasons should provide good opportunities for sportsmen across Colorado. Depending upon always changing weather conditions, these seasons should be a fun challenge for all hunters.

The elk population in Northwest Colorado has been stable for the past several years and license allocations have not changed noticeably. With over-the-counter bull licenses available during the second and third rifle seasons, there is always an opportunity for a sportsman to hunt elk in Colorado.

Overall, elk numbers look good, as this past winter did not significantly affect their population. The numbers of bull elk have been slightly higher the past few years so there are reasonably good opportunities for a hunter to see a bull.

Deer populations in Northwest Colorado have been lower than desired for several years because of past winter conditions, loss of habitat, predation, development and other issues. With this decrease, licenses allocated also have decreased; however, with some extra effort in scouting and a little good luck, there still are plenty of nice bucks and hunters who draw a deer license for most GMUs should have good opportunities.

Antelope herds are also doing well and hunters who have drawn a license should find plenty of opportunities and be successful. Northwest Colorado has some of the highest antelope numbers in the state.

Bear seasons also should be good. Our bear populations have been growing and there are more license

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opportunities now than ever before. Just keep in mind that hunting bears takes plenty of patience and some luck.

Hunting success depends upon many variables, including putting some time into researching an area, using current maps, computers or other methods.

Early, on-the-ground scouting trips can be beneficial, even though the animals may not be in that particular area at the time. Becoming familiar with the road, private land boundaries, terrain and habitat type before the hunt also can help immensely.

Understanding the general movement or migration patterns of the animals can increase the odds of success. Weather always plays a role in tracking, locating and moving animals from higher elevation ranges into lower winter ranges. So keep an eye on the forecast.

There also is a significant amount of public land in Northwest Colorado, allowing sportsmen plenty of hunting opportunities. With a good set of maps such as those at www.bit.ly/cohuntingatlas, a GPS unit or even Google Earth, sportsmen can find a variety of hunting areas that will fit their needs. Remember that it’s the sportsman’s responsibility to know in which land — private or public — that they are hunting.

Sportsmen should always be safe and law abiding. During the rifle seasons, wearing a daylight fluorescent orange garment is critical. In Colorado, you are required to wear 500 square inches of visible fluorescent orange garments and an orange head covering that is visible in 360 degrees. Placing a camouflage backpack over an orange vest or coat can minimize the visible orange and thus reduces your visibility. Visibility equals safety in the woods. In addition, being 100 percent sure of your target before you shoot is critical and can help you avoid serious accidents.

In addition, if you see a wildlife violation occur, call your nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Operation Game Thief — a tip line for wildlife violations at 1-877-265-6648.

Always know the laws associated with hunting, found at www.bit.ly/cpwregs.

Knowing your hunter education requirements, tagging procedures for a harvested animal and the proper methods of take are very important. More information can be found at cpw.state.co.us or www.bit.ly/cpwbrochures, with contact information for all Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices at www.bit.ly/CPWoffices. A little basic homework can prevent big problems in the field.

Finally, remember to have fun during your hunt. Enjoying the outdoors during a hunt can be a great experience for an individual or a group and spending time with friends and family can be irreplaceable. Northwest Colorado provides some of the most spectacular views and scenery anywhere in the country and we wish you luck and hope you have a great hunt this year.

post-hunt activities Already fill your tag? There are plenty of other things to do in Northwest Colorado

I

f you fill your tag early, or the weather isn’t cooperating for your hunt, there’s no shortage of activities you can do in Northwest Colorado. Following is a sampler of how to stay busy when you’re not out in the bush.

HOT SPRINGS It’s almost as if the region’s multiple hot springs were custom-made for hunters, each ready to soothe tired legs and aching backs. If you’re in Steamboat Springs,

Old Town Hot Springs, near the corner of Third Street and Lincoln Avenue, provides the most convenient soaking option and a little excitement with its recently remodeled pools and pair of 230-foot slides (www.oldtownhotsprings.org).

If you have time, make the 7-mile trip to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs north of town on Routt County Road 36. Strawberry Park features a series of natural stone pools tucked into the hillside along Hot Springs Creek (www.strawberryhotsprings.com). You can also take a walking tour of seven hot springs scattered

throughout downtown.

Farther south, the Meeker Recreation Center features a family aquatics area with a four-lane lap pool, diving well, therapeutic whirlpool, water slide, hot tub and lazy river, with extended fall hours to stay open after dark.

There’s also the sprawling complex of 22 pools and private baths at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa right along the Colorado River (www.hotsulphursprings.com).

Photo by John F. Russell

By Eugene Buchanan

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 57

Firearm connoisseurs will want to take a look at the Museum of Northwest Colorado (www.museumnwco.org). Housed in the historic former Colorado State Armory building, the museum in the heart of downtown Craig showcases the Cowboy and Gunfighter Museum as well as a new Craig centennial exhibit and a collection of nearly 1,000 working cowboy artifacts and railroad memorabilia.

Meeker visitors can revel in the past with a trip to the historic downtown Meeker Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once stayed, as well as a trip to the White River Museum.

“It’s free, there’s a lot of homestead goodies and artifacts, the whole story of the Meeker Massacre, and the curators are very knowledgeable and can The Gary Cooper Suite at The Meeker Hotel is one of cover a lot of genealogy,” says Suzan several rooms themed after famous guests who have Pelloni, executive director of Meeker stayed at the establishment.

Chamber of Commerce.

Other notable museums include downtown Steamboat’s Tread of Pioneers Museum (www.treadofpioneers.org) — complete with exhibits exploring Steamboat’s Olympic heritage, ranching roots and outlaw tales from its Wild West past — as well as the quirky and unique collections at Craig’s Wyman Living History Museum (www.wymanmuseum.com).

If you have the time, you also can drive west to Maybell and then turn east on Colorado Highway 318 for 70 miles to the John Jarvie Ranch (435-781-4400) in Brown’s Park along the Green River, where outlaws like Butch Cassidy rode. There you’ll find a one-room stone building built by outlaw Jack Bennett; a museum with displays and video history; a two-room dugout where Jarvie and his wife Nellie first lived; a blacksmith shop and corral, constructed from hand-hewn railroad ties which drifted down from Green River, Wyo.; and a replica of the general store built in 1881 and furnished with many artifacts from the Jarvie period, including the original safe which was robbed by the men that murdered John Jarvie.

Photo by Andy Bockelman

Photo by Michelle Balleck

MUSEUMS

A pair of chaps made by “Bad Bob” Meldrum sits on display at the Museum of Northwest Colorado. In the background is a photograph taken of him while he was working as a guard for Telluride mine.

MOVIES AND BOWLING

—Load your cooler — KLondiKe Liquors

Simple entertainment is never far. Catch a flick in Steamboat at one of the six auditoriums with stadium seating at the Metropolitan Wildhorse Cinemas. Craig also has a pair of screens at the recently renovated West Theater at 29 E. Victory Way. If you want to head for the lanes, Thunder Rolls Bowling Center in Craig offers the largest facility in the region. There are another 12 lanes at Steamboat’s Snow Bowl on the west end of town and even six lanes in Walden at Paradise Lanes. Beyond that, the Rifle Fireside Lanes lie just north of Rifle off Colorado Highway 13.

OFF-ROAD RIDING Endless open space means plenty of options for dirt bike and OHV users. Sand Wash

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Basin, about 50 miles west of Craig, offers a Bureau of Land Management-managed area where wild horses still roam. According to the BLM’s Little Snake Field Office in Craig, 90 percent of the Sand Wash Basin’s 165,000 acres is open for off-road travel.

The Craig office (970-826-5000) has visitor’s maps available marking some of the BLM’s inventoried routes in the basin.

Jackson County also has plenty of open trails ranging from the vast timber rides in the State Forest State Park, to the 60-plus miles of dirt bike-only singletrack on the Snyder and Willow Creek Trails near Rand and the state’s only OHV sand and open dune riding at the North Sand Hills Special Recreation Management Area. Other public options include the Wolford Mountain area north of Kremmling or the singletrack trails just south of Routt County, between McCoy and Burns as well as the technical trails at the Bocco Mountain SRMA near Wolcott.

SIGHTS If you’re heading to or from the 235,406-acre Flat Tops Wilderness Area for your hunt, consider the trip on the 82-mile Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway from Yampa to Meeker. “It’s great just to go check out Trappers Lake, but in the fall it’s especially worth it to see the leaves changing,” says Pelloni.

Another scenic drive is the 101-mile Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic and Historic Byway from Walden to Fort Collins. Stop by the State Forest State Park along the way to find out why Walden has earned the title of “moose-viewing capital of Colorado.”

Closer to town, consider the short but spectacular hike to Fish Creek Falls just east of Steamboat or the 3-mile loop trail up Cedar Mountain, just northwest of Craig, providing great views of the Flat Tops and Elkhead Mountains. If you’re in between the two towns, consider the Carpenter Ranch, where the 1.5-mile interpretive trail loop in the Yampa River Preserve (free and open dawn to dusk) gives you a chance to spot some of the Nature Conservancy preserve’s 150 bird species.

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66

Hints on cooking game

By Michelle Perry

Recipes

D

on’t overlook basic spices when it comes to cooking game — they’re the foundations of a great-tasting meal.

“Rosemary, garlic and onions, and salt and pepper do wonders,” Steamboat Meat and Seafood Co. owner Bill Hamil says.

Shoulder cuts of elk, deer and antelope are ideal for crock pot cooking and stewing, he adds, and need to be cooked longer. The leg, hind quarters and loin should be cooked similarly to beef. When grilling lean meats, use salt, pepper and garlic. Rub the meat with olive oil, Hamil said, and make sure the grill is well-oiled before starting.

And don’t overcook.

“Cook all the prime cuts medium rare,” he says.

Local chef Pat Roberts agrees, adding that a good marinade also helps tenderize and flavor game. He marinades his game meats with a secret recipe that he says has “a citrus flare to it.”

You also can marinade meat in soda pop or garlic. Even a marinade in milk or salt water can eliminate “gamey flavor.” “Customize it to your tastes,” Roberts says. “Play with it and have fun.”

When it comes to burger, many hunters get a small percentage of fat ground into it during processing, and it’s great straight from the grill to the bun, or in everything from spaghetti sauce to chili. Local Walt Vanatta swears by a standard elk chili recipe he often makes for Craig Chamber of Commerce events. It employs the same spices as standard beef chili, only with elk burger instead.

And therein lies the beauty of cooking big game. “You can do anything with wild game that you can do with beef,” Roberts says. “Just adjust the cooking time so you don’t overcook it.”

Elk Stroganoff 2 lbs. elk steak, cubed vegetable cooking spray 1/4 cup water 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, pressed 1 lb. Fresh mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed 2 10 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup (or white sauce) 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper to taste 2 cups sour cream or plain yogurt 1 lb. prepared pasta or rice Spray a large skillet with vegetable spray. Add 1/4 cup water. Over medium heat, sauté onion until translucent. Add meat and garlic. Cook until meat is browned, about five minutes. Add mushroom caps, cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile prepare pasta and drain.

Just before serving, add sour cream to stroganoff mixture. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil. Serve immediately by spooning over pasta or rice.

Brown’s Park Jerky 2 lbs. lean meat cut in 1/3” strips 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1 1/2 tsp. season salt 1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke 1 tsp. vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper 6 Tbsp. Molasses (optional, for sweetness) Photo By John DePalma

Marinate above ingredients for two days in refrigerator. Arrange meat on rack in the oven in single layers. It will drip, so put aluminum foil on rack directly below the meat. Bake on warm (150 degrees) for about 12 hours or until chewy. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

— Courtesy Bill Hamil, Steamboat Meat and Seafood Co. 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 67

Fish On! Angling options abound in Western Colorado

By Tom Ross and Eugene Buchanan

R

ifle or rod, it doesn’t matter in western Colorado — world-class options abound for both pastimes.

Whether you’ve filled your tag or simply want a break from hitting the trail, Western Colorado offers hot spots for trout as well as trophy bulls.

From the boundless lakes atop Grand Mesa and the Colorado and Gunnison rivers near Grand Junction, to the White River and lakes of the Flat Tops near Meeker, to the Yampa and Elk rivers near Craig and Steamboat Springs, to the upper Colorado and William’s Fork outside Kremmling, the region has enough world-class angling options to keep you casting for years. And wetting a line can be the perfect tonic to complement time chasing deer and elk.

“It’s the perfect companion activity to hunting,” maintains Brett Lee, a veteran hunter, fly-fisherman and co-owner of Straightline Sporting Goods in Steamboat Springs. “The whole region here offers some great options, from high alpine lakes to cool, clear rivers. The Yampa has great public fishing access, the White by Meeker fishes well, and the high mountain lakes where people hunt are fantastic.”

The heart of hunting season also is when fishing in area lakes and rivers is best, with aquatic and insect life teeming. And the trout sense the onset of Old Man Winter, meaning your flies and lures don’t go unnoticed.

“Fall is a great time to fish here,” Lee says. “Fish know winter’s coming and start feeding.”

Following is a primer on where to cast your rod.

Rules and Regulations A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Nonresident fees: Annual, $56; five-day, $21; one-day, $9. Colorado residents can get an annual license for $26 ($1 for seniors 64 and older). License holders also must purchase a Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp for $10.

2013 Colorado fishing regulations for trout: Daily bag limit: Four fish in aggregate. Possession limit: eight fish in aggregate.

The Steamboat stretch of the Yampa is flies and lures/catch-and-release only.

Info: www.wildlife.state.co.us, 800-244-5613

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Rivers

Get a Guide As with hunting, hiring a trusted, local guide is well worth the price of admission. Not only can they provide access to trophy-filled private waters, but they’ll also help you with your technique and decide what’s best to use.

Expect to pay several hundred dollars for the privilege, depending on where you go. Also, don’t hesitate to ask local fly shop experts for advice.

A sampling of guided options include: Steamboat Springs: Straightline Sports (970-879-7568) Bucking Rainbow Outfitters (970-879-8747) Steamboat Flyfisher (970-879-6552) Walden: North Park Anglers, (970-723-4215) Rifle: High Flies Angler (970-274-2669) Grand Junction: Western Anglers (970-244-8658)

Coursing its way from the Flat Tops Wilderness Area west to its confluence with the Green River, the Yampa River offers more than 100 miles of prime fishing, especially during the cooler hunting months of autumn when trouts’ metabolisms come alive.

Prime public areas include the Stagecoach tailwaters just below Stagecoach Lake, the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area three miles south of Steamboat Springs on County Road 14 (including a pond teeming with northern pike), and the six-mile town stretch, which carries as many as 2,000 trout per mile. For flies, try elk hair caddis, bright green caddis emergers or weighted streamers.

The Elk River offers public access upstream of Hinman Park Bridge along Seedhouse Road, or at the Christina Wildlife Area along its lower portion on Routt County Road 129 northwest of town.

In Jackson County, try the blue ribbon trout waters of the North Platt River, or the countless meandering streams near the county seat and hunting hotbed of Walden. Farther south in Grand County near Kremmling, the upper Colorado lures anglers the world over, as does the hidden treasure William’s Fork.

Those hunting near Craig can fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike in Elkhead Reservoir and the Yampa (try white/chartreuse streamers and lures for “smallies”), and also troll these spots for trout. Another

world-class, Moffat County option is to head west to the Green River in Browns Park, offering blue-ribbon trout fishing on three great sections of water (A, B and C). The area is known for its large brown trout and clear, cold water released from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The White River, which flows through Meeker and Rangely, drains the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and teems with trout in the fall. Head upstream from Meeker on Moffat County Road 8 toward Buford, where you can branch up the south or north fork, or try the Meeker town stretch, the section between Meeker and Rangley, or the the Rangely reach.

Near Grand Junction, river fishing doesn’t get any better than the blue-ribbon water of the Gunnison River Gorge below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which attracts anglers every season of the year.

While you can wade fish in the stretch near the take-out at Gunnison Forks at the confluence of the river’s north fork, for the best action book a float trip through the gorge.

Lakes and Reservoirs For big lake fishing, hit any number of reservoirs near Craig and Steamboat (Stagecoach Reservoir, Steamboat Lake and Elkhead Reservoir). Recent expansions have increased the sizes of Stagecoach and Elkhead. “Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been stocking them with bigger fish than normal to give them a chance to survive the northern pike,” says Straightline’s Lee. 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 69

Photo By John F Russell

October is when the fish charge out of the depths to feed before winter sets in. Cooler temperatures also bring rainbows back into shallower water. Go early and be prepared to get your fly down 10 to 11 feet. Boat rentals are available at the marinas of Stagecoach and Steamboat Lake. For fly patterns, try woolly buggers in olive, black and brown to imitate minnows. As water temperatures drop, slow your reeling motion. “Autumn’s cold water dictates a slower retrieve,” said Lee, adding that crayfish patterns are also a good bet.

There also are countless smaller lakes to dip a line.

On the other side of the Park Range from Steamboat, in Jackson County, are the Delaney Buttes lakes, all of which offer free camping, as well as Big Creek Lake and Lake John. In the Flat Tops Wilderness Area are Trapper’s Lake, where you can rent canoes, rowboats and rustic accommodations, as well as Chapman, Sheriff and Stillwater reservoirs, and the smaller fish hideouts of Rainbow and Mosquito lakes.

North of Steamboat are Hahn’s Peak and Pearl lakes,

and farther off the beaten track are the alpine lakes of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, including Gilpin, Three Mile and Mica.

Atop Grand Mesa, a 10,000-foot-high plateau near Grand Junction, are more than 200 stocked lakes teeming with rainbows, brooks and cutthroat. Favorites include the Gold Medal waters of Mesa Lakes, as well as Cottonwood Lakes and Vega Reservoir. There also are several fishing lodges on Grand Mesa that stay open well into fall.

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71

Making the most of Meeker

By Andy Bockelman

W

hether you need the personal attention that only a small town can provide or connections reaching halfway around the world, the business scene of Meeker is raring to help out hunters.

Consider Stan Wyatt, owner of Wyatt’s Sports Center, who is entering his 19th year supplying hunters with camouflage, knives, ammo and other gear. “Most of our business is nonresidents,” Wyatt says. “We get a lot of repeats. We see so many people year after year that it’s hard to remember them all.”

Wyatt estimates he has had a customer from every state in the country and beyond. “We’ve had them from Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, and even England,” he says.

“It’s beautiful country around here, which is an added bonus. People always say what a great little town it is and how friendly the people are. It has a great reputation.”

Such repeat business is also important in the hospitality sector, with accommodations ranging from the historic Meeker Hotel to the more contemporary Blue Spruce Inn. “It’s usually the same groups coming back and it’s always nice to see them,” Blue Spruce Manager Beckey Dowker says. “It’s like family coming back every year.”

As a hunter, Dowker says she was a little worried that changing gun laws might result in fewer sportsmen visiting. But numbers are still up. Another concern is bringing back people who aren’t used to a rural zone.

While some patrons are just looking for a place to sleep, those seeking a bustling social scene are a little underwhelmed by the variety of activities.

“Some people are like, ‘Well, what do you do here for fun?’ but most people like that it’s just a little mountain town,” Dowker says.

It speaks to the charm of Meeker that there are resi-

dents who have seen many wonders of the world yet wouldn’t live anywhere else. Bill Wille, owner of Antler Taxidermy, first came to town decades ago for the hunting and has operated his service for the past 34 years with his wife, Donna. His interest in the art dates back to the age of 12, when he wanted to stuff his first kill, an albino chipmunk. He has since moved on to bigger game, his largest being a full-grown elephant.

Wille’s garage/workshop is a veritable menagerie, with more than 200 mounts of large cats, bears, rodents, fowl and many other creatures. One of his most difficult prizes is an ibex he pursued in the mountains of Turkey. For 25 years, he’s led safari excursions in Africa, but Meeker always remains close to his heart. “The hunting is why I came out here, and that’s what I still love about it,” he says.

And that, as well as the friendly reception they get when they arrive, is what visitors also love about the Meeker area.

Operation Game Thief

Operation Game Thief is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife sponsored wildlife crime stoppers program which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers.

You can call us toll-free at 1-877-265-6648 or 1-877-COLO OGT. Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT, or contact us via e-mail at game.thief@state.co.us game.thief@state.co.us. Callers do not have to reveal their names or testify in court.

A REWARD OF $500 is offered for information on cases involving big game or endangered species: a $100 REWARD is offered for information on other wildlife violations. A citizens committee administers the reward fund, which is maintained by private contributions. The Board may approve REWARDS OF UP TO $1,000 for flagrant cases.

Rewards are paid for information which leads to an arrest or a citation being issued.

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| 73

Saving your meat E

arly season big-game hunters, whether toting a bow, blackpowder rifle or rifle, are bound to run into some warm weather.

Despite the physical comfort of not battling snow or cold, this can bring some unique challenges, from staying hydrated, protecting yourself from sun and being careful with fire. But it’s equally important to take of the animal you harvest.

“The biggest thing,” says Grand Junction taxidermist Darren Powell, “is to get the animal cooled off as soon as possible.”

Powell says all too often he sees early season animals whose hide and meat are spoiled when a hunter takes too long to get the heavy hide off.

“People don’t understand how much heat hides can hold, and even a few hours in warm weather means all

the difference,” Powell says. “It might look OK, but it doesn’t take much for the meat to spoil and hide to be ruined.”

Here are a few of his tips: ■ Get the hide off and hang the animal in the shade. Be careful when skinning in case you want to save the head and shoulders for a trophy.

■ If you can, debone it and separate the large muscle sections.

■ Don’t haul it around on your ATV or in the back of your pickup.

Early season archery and muzzleloader hunters may suffer more game spoilage because of the warm temperatures, but Old World Meat owner Matt Anderegg, of Grand Junction, cautions all hunters to be aware of

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protecting their investment.

With no snow or freezing temperatures to help cool meat rapidly, Anderegg says hunters should put the meat where the heat will dissipate rapidly.

“Get it skinned and hang it in the shade or spread it out so the heat disperses,” he says. “Even if it’s in bags, if you stack the meat, the heat won’t disperse.”

“Plus, the hind quarters are usually the first thing to go,” Anderegg says. “Because they are so massive with so much meat and bones, it’s hard to get them completely chilled down.”

As always, the key to making sure your game animal is getting it skinned quickly. As temperatures continue to cool into the autumn, it’s easier to make sure the hard work you invested in the hunt will be rewarded all year long with steaks, roasts and hamburger.

A case study in spoilage Mike Taylor, a bowhunter from Pennsylvania, killed a 5-point bull elk on Grand Mesa last year and walked away with a nice shoulder mount trophy, courtesy of Grand Junction taxidermist Darren Powell. But he didn’t get as much meat as he would have liked.

Taylor lost his elk in the dark after arrowing it the night before and didn’t find until early the next morning. Even though he was hunting at nearly 10,000 feet on Grand Mesa, it wasn’t cold enough to ensure the meat wouldn’t spoil.

After cleaning the elk, Taylor piled elk parts in the truck for the drive to Grand Junction but the night out, lying unskinned against the still-warm ground, and two hours or so in the truck and sun, was enough to ruin part of the meat.

Taylor had the elk meat in game bags, ready for the processor, and at first glance the meat seemed well taken care of, clean and well-cooled. But 30 minutes later, while leaving the front and hindquarters and back straps with Rick Nehm at Old World Meat & Marketplace, Nehm says some of the meat had already spoiled.

“I could smell it,” he says, adding that the entire hindquarter was spoiled. “It was a faint sour smell.”

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Surviving the Hunt

By Joel Reichenberger

W

ith most animals located off the beaten track, inherent risks come with hunting. You’re often far from help, in unfamiliar terrain, and alone. Knowing basic survival techniques and packing appropriately is essential.

Routt County Search and Rescue team member Darrel Levingston has spent many a cold night locating lost hunters and has seen all the mistakes, from not monitoring the weather to getting lost.

His advice: Utilize modern technology. Cellphones and GPS’s help your orientation and rescuers. But he cautions not to rely on them. “Technology has changed search and rescue, but electronics have limitations,” he says. “Always also take a map and compass.”

Ten essentials ■ Topo map, magnetic compass and other navigational aids such as cell phones, GPS’s or Personal Locator Beacons. “Keep your batteries in a pocket next to your body and keep the cellphone off until you need it,” Levingston says.

■ Waterproof matches in a waterproof container, candle/fire starter. Levingston brings a film can with Vaseline-saturated cotton balls, and weatherproofs his matches by dipping the tips in molten wax or hand sanitizer gel.

■ First-aid kit

These aren’t the only things you should pack. “Also bring a basic survival kit — even if it’s just a first-aid kit, matches, water and flashlight,” says Brett Mason of Routt County’s Longshot Ranch. A survival kit should also include emergency poncho and blanket, whistle, extra knife, fire-starter and signal mirror.

Staying hydrated is also paramount. Mason brings up to four water bottles per hunt. “You can go a night or two without food,” he says. “But not without water.”

Then comes the weather. While a cold snap can bring animals down from the high country, it can also wreak havoc on your hunt. Scott Brennise of Craig’s Superior Guide Service recommends bringing layers of dry clothing. “The weather can go from 60 to zero quickly,” he says. “I tell people to bring Gore-Tex tops and bottoms, a good jacket and two sets of boots.”

■ Extra clothing, including gloves, hat, jacket and raingear.

■ Space blanket or heavy-duty trash bags.

■ Whistle. “On some rescues the missing person said he could hear us yelling,” Levingston says, advising a pea-less whistle that won’t freeze up. “A whistle can alert rescuers.”

■ Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb). Hint: flip over a battery to avoid draining it by accident.

■ Extra food and water ■ Pocketknife ■Sunglasses

And be ready for anything, added Levingston. “You need to have clothing and equipment for all four seasons, regardless of what the day might look like,” he says.

This holds especially true in late fall. Kevin Rider, owner of Rifle’s Timberline Sporting Goods, advises bringing rain gear in the earlier hunting months, and winter layers in the later seasons.

Also alert others of your whereabouts, telling someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

“Western Colorado is a big place to look for someone,” Levingston says. “Communicating your whereabouts can cut down search time.”

Adds Mason: “We’ve had people get lost on a halfday hunt. You never know when you might get hurt or get lost. Play it safe and always bring the basic essentials.”

Hints for those from lower elevations

Photo By Dave Dietrich

Steamboat Springs physician Dr. Dan Smilkstein offers the following advice for flatlanders heading to the high country: ■ Be aware of your elevation. Some people develop altitude sickness as low 4,000 feet, while 8,000 feet affects most others.

■ Watch for disrupted and irregular sleep; loss of appetite; mild nausea; low energy; drowsiness; and mild headaches. If you experience any of these, don’t go any higher; within 24 to 48 hours your body should adjust. If the symptoms get worse, descend.

■ Drink plenty of fluids and eat a carbohydrate-rich diet. Avoid alcohol. Keep a steady flow of calories and energy.

■ Don’t sleep 1,000 feet higher than you did the night before. Spend two to three days in the valley before heading up to high camp.

■ Don’t push yourself the first 24 hours. A high level of exertion while acclimating can aggravate health problems.

■ Tylenol and Ibuprofen (and hydration) are fine to treat headaches. Be careful with sleep medications (Smilkstein recommends Diamox for sleep quality and ventilation). Before heading to altitude, speak with your doctor about potential medications and any underlying pulmonary and cardiac conditions.

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 77

Hunting Safety 101 Full Line Dealership

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he good news: hunting accidents are on the decline. The bad: there still are too many.

“Hunting is safe and getting safer,” says Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunter education coordinator Mark Cousins. “But one moment of carelessness can mean a lifetime of consequences.”

The state sells more than 560,000 hunting licenses every year, resulting in several million hunter recreation days. Since the passage of two laws in 1970 — one requiring hunter education training and another requiring wearing at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing — hunting accidents have dropped. But even one accident is one too many.

Almost all hunting accidents can be avoided by exercising care, Cousins adds.

Safety measures include familiarizing yourself with your gun or bow at a range beforehand; exercising caution when loading and unloading, well away from your vehicle (it’s illegal to place a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, and to hunt from one); and unloading when you’re crossing streams and fences and hiking in rough terrain.

“The gun’s safety isn’t always enough to prevent it from firing,” he says.

After the hunt, unload your gun well before getting to the vehicle or camp, and triple-check it before placing it in a case or vehicle. “At the end of a long day, it’s more important than ever to be extra careful with firearms,” Cousins says.

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■ Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

■ Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

■ Be sure of your target — what is in front of it and what is beyond it.

■ If you’re in doubt about the target, don’t shoot.

■ Keep the safety on and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

■ Never place your hand over the muzzle of a gun.

■ Load and unload your gun at least 100 yards from your vehicle.

■ Don’t hurry while loading or unloading.

■ Talk about safety issues with youngsters and less inexperienced hunters.

■ Stop to rest when you are out of breath.

■ Wear daylight fluorescent clothing when and where required.

79

At the top of their game Western Colorado taxidermists some of the best in the business

By Nate Waggenspack

W

hile the hunting in Western Colorado is world class, so are the taxidermists preserving its trophy game.

Craig’s Bullseye Taxidermy owner Mark Zimmerman has won Best in Category awards in New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado, with more mule deer wins than anyone else. Leland Reinier and Steve Rolan, of Big Cat Taxidermy, have won Best in Category or Best in Show in Utah, Colorado, Virginia and Florida since 2010. Moun-

tain Man Taxidermy owner Scott Moore had a first-place and multiple seconds in the professional division at the Colorado competition in 2012.

These awards come with prestige. “When you win a Best of Category, it really says you’ve done something,” Zimmerman says.

The success is proving the region to be a taxidermy hotspot. “There are probably more winning taxidermists in this immediate area than anywhere else in the state,” says Rolan, attributing his success to having local

“There are probably more winning taxidermists in this immediate area than anywhere else in the state.”

— Steve Rolan, Big Cat Taxidermy, Craig

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Western taxidermists fare well at state champs Western Colorado taxidermists got a prime opportunity to show off their game when the Colorado State Taxidermy Championships came to Craig this spring.

Mountain lions, black bears, elk, deer, ducks and sheep were only a few of the animals on display at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion, with the event drawing competitors from around the West to compete against Colorado taxidermists.

Featuring 150 different animals, the event even saw such exotic animals as zebra and cape buffalo.

“It was the biggest show Colorado has ever had,” says event chair Gayle Zimmerman.

Adds Bullseye Taxidermy’s Mark Zimmerman, who had several pieces on display: “It’s a great competition. Some of my best friends I’ve met through taxidermy competitions.”

— Noelle Leavitt Riley

Photo by Nate Waggenspack

competition. “We push each other, and bounce ideas off each other all the time.”

Dean Malizia, owner of Gunsmoke Taxidermy, churns out a couple hundred mounts per year and also teaches taxidermy courses. He, too, sings praise for local animal stuffers. “Good hunting brings out good taxidermists,” he says. “I don’t know of any other place in the United States that offers taxidermy at this level.”

One reason is that local taxidermists exchange tips on the craft. “We pick each other’s brains,” Rolan says. “It’s an open door.”

Entering competitions is important, says Moore, because it lets you learn from other taxidermists across the country. “The information judges can give you is invaluable,” he says. “The smallest tips can make a big difference.”

That holds true even when they come from locals. “There are a lot of good taxidermists around here, and the competition is stiff,” Zimmerman says. “It makes all of us step up our work.”

And that leads to better mounts for everyone. “There’s no place as dense with talent as we are,” Reineir says.

Regional taxidermists

Taxidermy alive and well in western Colorado

■ Big Cat Taxidermy, Craig, 970-824-9624,

Want your animal stuffed? Western Colorado has a wealth of passionate and skilled taxidermists to preserve your trophy for years to come.

Ryan Huitt started Wildlife Expressions in Rangely after studying the profession. “We didn’t have a fulltime taxidermist, so I figured, ‘What is there to lose?’” he says.

Business has taken off, which he attributes to finishing well in competitions (he took third place in the large mammal and fish categories at 2011’s World Championships in Missouri).

“You try to learn from the best in the business,” says Huitt, who grew up hunting and has worked on animals from across the globe ‚ including stingrays and elephants. “Bears, cats and game-heads are your bread and butter, but fish are also fun to work on.”

In business since 1976, Bill Wille, of Meeker’s Antler Taxidermy, feels the same. “I consider myself blessed,” says Wille, who guides hunts in Africa every year. “I’ve mounted some of the rarest animals in the world. I like

www.bigcattaxidermy.com ■ Bullseye Taxidermy, Craig, 970-826-2997, www.bullseyetaxidermy.com ■ Gunsmoke Taxidermy, Craig, 970-826-4293, www.gunsmoketaxidermy.com ■ Mountain Man, Craig, 970-824-4910, www.mtnmantaxidermy.com ■ Wildlife Expression, Rangely, 970-629-3128 ■ Antler Taxidermy, Meeker, 970-878-3365, www.professionalsofafrica.com ■ Brumfield Taxidermy, Grand Junction, 970-434-9229 ■ All Seasons Taxidermy, Steamboat Springs, 970-870-8520 ■ B&L Quality Taxidermy, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1316 ■ American West Taxidermy, Kremmling, 970-724-9321

“My shop looks like Noah’s Ark right now.”

— Bill Wille, Antler Taxidermy, Meeker break up my work with elk with an African antelope or something. My shop looks like Noah’s Ark right now.”

Wille says there are a lot of dedicated, talented taxidermists in the area, and believes it’s a passion for the craft that sets great taxidermists apart. “I love wildlife, and that’s why we’ve been doing it here for 37 years,” he says.

Huitt also loves his job and couldn’t imagine doing it anyplace else. “Most people around here dream of that week or month when they get to go hunting,” he says.

“As a taxidermist, we get to live and breathe hunting 12 months a year.”

— Nate Waggenspack 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 81

Outfitter profile

Vanatta outfitters

By Joel Reichenberger/Eugene Buchanan

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WyCon Safari, Inc. Unguided Colorado private ranch hunts Hunting private land bordering 20,000 land-locked BLM acres for elk Area 11 – Nov. 7-10 over the counter elk licenses 3rd rifle season now open

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Courtesy of Vanatta Outfittersa

L

onny Vanattta, 56, grew up hunting the mountains of Routt County, but even as friends began trying to tap into his local hunting knowledge, he was hesitant to become a full-time guide, afraid the hobbies he’d grown to love, hunting and fishing with his father, would become work. Luckily, it didn’t turn out that way.

“I still pretty much do all the hunting for my clients,” says Vanatta, whose Vanatta Outfitters, founded in 1986, has become one of Routt County’s top hunting operations. “I just don’t get to pull the trigger or pull back the drawstring.”

Growing up hunting with his father in Routt County, Vanatta shot his first elk at age 14. Even as skiing competed for his time — he was an accomplished Alpine racer on the U.S. Ski Team and later the U.S. Pro tour — hunting has always been his true passion. He’s taken more than 100 animals with a bow, including 17 that have qualified for Pope & Young record books. In 1989 he took a world record Stone Sheep. This spring he traveled to Baja, Mexico, and sunk an arrow into a desert bighorn sheep, his fourth ram, making him the 53rd person to complete a "grand slam" (taking a Dall and stone bighorn sheep in Canada, Rocky Mountain bighorn in Colorado, and the desert bighorn in Mexico.)

Lonny Vanatta with a trophy bull taken near his home in Steamboat Springs.

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“I’m passionate about hunting,” says Vanatta, who was named the best hunting guide in Steamboat in a recent survey. “No one gets into the outfitting business for the money. You do it for the lifestyle and love of the

job. I really enjoy what I do.”

This passion is shared by his fleet of top-notch guides, including his brother, Dirk; stepfather Larry Brown; Meeker local Rod Owens; former gold course

Courtesy of Vanatta Outfittersa Vanatta with his recent desert bighorn from Baja, completing his grand slam.

engineer Don Bristol; Steamboat local Brad Cusenbary; former world champion steer wrestler Chad Bedell and Texas deer expert Andrew Jacobi.

The crew guides clients on Wolf Mountain Ranch, a 25,000-acre working ranch north of Hayden offering some of northwest Colorado’s most pristine hunting acreage. In 2009, the ranch teamed up with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to join the Ranching for Wildlife program, with Vanatta Outfitters implementing the program. Of the ranch’s acreage, 16,000 acres is available for hunting. The program allows the land owners and outfitters to receive a guaranteed number of tags based upon the quantities of game on the ranch. With these tags comes a 90-day hunting season window.

Vanatta, whose operation guides 60 hunters a year, most of them repeats, is busiest in the fall when guiding, but spends the rest of the year working full time as well, booking hunts, preparing camp, maintaining equipment and, hopefully, hunting a bit himself. He recently built new bunk houses and a bath house to go with a common cabin hosting the kitchen, dining and lounging area.

But even with all this work, he still gets to do what he loves most: prowling the countryside, tracking elk.

“It’s a great ranch and we have super good guides who come back year after year,” he says. “I get to see a lot of animals taken by others, and there’s a lot of satisfaction in that. It’s great to get up early, watch the sun come up, and see the wildlife. It’s a pretty special job.”

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Outfitter profile

Craig’s Chris Jurney outfitting named COA’s outfitter of the year

By Joe Moylan

S

a lot of different game, but I think lions are one of the most unique and outstanding trophies we have,” he says. “It’s kind of specialized hunt, which makes each lion a trophy. When it’s over you’re already looking forward to the next hunt.”

But Jurney is more than just a hunting guide. He’s a wildlife manager at his core, an ideal that aligns itself perfectly with the COA. “The outfitting industry, as far as COA is concerned, has pioneered a different level of participation across all wildlife interests, including legislative and lobbying efforts, to ensure we still have places to go and have abundant wildlife populations,” Jurney says. “The bottom line is it’s always about the wildlife and making sure as managers we have high success rates and enough wildlife to do that.”

Photo by Chris Jurney

ome say it takes a lifetime to perfect a craft.

And although Chris Jurney, owner of Craig’s Chris Jurney Outfitting, has no intention of slowing down, the Colorado Outfitters Association cited a lifetime of achievements when the organization recently named Jurney its 2012 Outfitter of the Year.

The annual award is bestowed upon a COA member who demonstrates a commitment to the outfitting industry, wildlife and wildlife management, and the ideals of the organization. “He’s instrumental in bringing a lot of our programs before Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” says COA president Tom Mikesell. “He’s very involved in wildlife and habitat issues, and goes out of his way for the association and outfitters.”

Jurney, 48, credits his father and grandfather for instilling a love for the outdoors and for wildlife at an early age from his childhood home in Golden. At age 11 Jurney’s family moved to Craig. He attended Moffat County High School, and first jumped into the wildlife and wildlife management business as a trapper after graduation before embarking on a 25-year career as a hunting guide.

Twelve years ago, Jurney went into business for himself and currently offers elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and a variety varmint hunts in some of Moffat County’s most sought after game management units.

Although Moffat County is famous for its monster bull elk and mule deer, Jurney says few things excite him more than participating in or guiding a successful mountain lion hunt. “We’re fortunate to be able to hunt

Chris Jurney, left, of Craig, and Rick Callison, of Denver, pose with a bull elk harvested in Game Management Unit 201. Jurney was named the Colorado Outfitters Association’s 2012 Outfitter of the Year.

2013 | colorado Hunter

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Reach Your Limit Yampa River Ranchette with unbelievable water rights from the river, ditches and wells with all types of allowed uses including industrial. 159.8 acre river property has easy access and multiple income producing opportunities.

Irrigated hay meadows, a bunkhouse that can house up to 40 hunters close to thousands of acres of state and BLM lands, grazing, a comfortable residence, additional homesite with electricity and artesian well and 15 sewer taps to the town of Maybell. Best of all, it is private, beautiful and lush. MLS #134788 $365,000

Located 20 scenic miles from Steamboat, almost completely on paved roads, this secluded 680 acres has panoramic views of the snow-packed peaks of the Continental Divide to the Flattops. A big bull favorite because of the abundant grass, springs, ponds, cover and seclusion this pine, aspen, and oak-wooded big game haven is also home to resident bear, deer, lion and more. Ranch with hunter’s cabin has been booked solid by content hunters for years, providing a nice supplemental income without over-hunting. Adjoins larger parcels, including Cross Mountain Ranch. MLS #135570 $1,300,000

Northwest Colorado Big Game Hunting and Cattle Ranch offering! 1400 deeded acres along with 1400 acres of BLM lease with ample ponds, springs and cover in prime game habitat. Established hunting camp with mobile home, electricity, water and corrals for a ready-made recreation or hunting operation. Adjacent to additional BLM parcels also open for public hunting.

MLS #135452 $980,000

Buffalo K Ranch offering is turn-key with multiple residences, 5 ponds and approximately 1 mile of Wolf Creek meandering through. Multiple pastures with good fences and water make a terrific working ranch or hunting opportunity. MLS #135031 $2,000,000

This is a one-of-a-kind, private, hunting and fishing retreat with abundant deer and elk opportunities. Numerous trophy animals have been harvested from the property for years, with resident herds existing. Further, enjoy one mile of secluded Yampa River frontage, 113 deeded acres with cottonwood forest, and approximately 40 acres of hay or wheat meadow. Property offers hunting access to thousands of acres of surrounding public lands. This special property is located just thirty miles West of Steamboat Springs, twenty miles East of Craig and very near the Yampa Valley Regional Airport.

MLS #136092 $1,130,000

Exceptional Equestrian Estate. Sitting on the floor of the coveted White River Valley near Meeker, CO is a gorgeous horse-ready farm. This beautiful, nearly new 2,800 square foot ranch style home sits on 42 acres with tremendous documented water rights. The home is surrounded with equestrian facilities including a Morton four-car garage with 20’x25’ heated room, 72’x154’ indoor riding arena with stalls, grooming areas and tack room, hay storage sheds, numerous horse loafing sheds and a new Morton shop. Tremendous hay production and valuable water rights fed by the #1 Priority Powell Park Ditch out of the White River (1.267 cfs)! MLS #137045 $1,250,000

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Photo By Cedar Beauregard

Reader Photos

Kelly Beauregard poses with a black bear taken in orthwest Colorado.

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Reader Photos

Photo by Jake Voorhees

Photo by Chris Jurney Dean Stroope poses with an elk he took in Moffat County.

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Reader Photos

Photo by Rebecca owens Rebecca Owens and daughter Rachel Rolando shot their first black bear at the opening of black bear season last year. Owens shot the bear with her 30-06 Weatherby that her father gave her on her 16th birthday. The bear measured at more than 6.5 feet long.

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Marci Hill posing with a mountain lion taken outside Craig.

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Photo By JD Hays

Photo by Steve Grimms Steve Grimms poses with a bull elk he brought down in North Routt County.

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Photo By Bill Van Ness

Sheep Hunting with lady luck

Hunting Tales

By Bill Van Ness

I

drew unit S12 back in April and the obsession began.

Already knowing it’s a decent unit with two groups of sheep, I did some more research and it confirmed it — there’s a high country group, all above 12,500 feet, and another river group in the lower elevations by the Arkansas just north of Buena Vista.

I made five weekend trips to scout covering a bunch of country. I saw sheep on some trips and on others I didn’t.

The Friday before the season started I went down with a plan to hunt the south end of the unit in the high country to glass. I found what looked like four rams on the south face of Buffalo Peak at about 5:30 that night, then backpacked into a saddle just west.

I hunted all the next day and couldn’t find them. So I packed up, hiked the three miles out to the truck, drove to Weston Pass, parked at treeline, made dinner and slept in my truck. I got up early and drove to the top of the pass, then hiked 2,000 vertical up to the top of

Weston Peak. Hunting north for about two miles, I had just decided to turn around and re-glass the four giant bowls I just hunted. As I got back to the first one I could see six rams bedded in the bottom. Game on!

I made a quick plan to scamper down below them and stalk. Halfway down the east face of Ptarmigan Peak I got to a point where I could see them again, but they were all on full alert as another bowhunter tried to move in on them. Assessment time. I ran back up to the top with hopes they'd run out the top of the canyon. Sure enough, I crawled to the rim and there they were, hightailing it right toward me.

I backed up, nocked an arrow and tried to guess where they were going to crest. That’s when the sheep fever hit. Standing at the top of a steep couloir I could hear the rams coming up and kicking down rocks. But then I made the mistake of guessing they were close and easing over at full draw so I could try to pick a ram from the group.

They were at least 60 yards from the top, which was too far, and after about four seconds, they busted back

down out of sight. Bummed about blowing my chance I sat and glassed again. With storm clouds building I thought it would be best to get off the ridge so I headed to the low country to hunt river rams for the afternoon.

Dejected, I drove to the saddle above the pumphouse, parked and started walking down an old dirt road built to access water storage tanks. I knew the rams liked to cross this road and water at some springs and the river.

A few hundred yards down I heard rocks rolling above me and there, coming off the hill, were eight more rams with a shooter in front.

Sneaking farther ahead to where they wanted to cross, I nocked an arrow, ranged some rocks and trees and waited. The lead ram popped out on a cliff 47 yards above me and saw me right away, so I slowly raised my bow, held for 25 and shot.

I hit him and then he took off parallel to the road still leading the other rams. I gave chase and launched another arrow when he stopped at about 90 yards.

(Needless to say, I missed with that one).

He bolted again and after another 150 yards, he 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 95

Photo by Bill Van Ness

Hunting Tales

slowed, then stopped, then hunched up and laid down.

I took that as a good sign. The other rams were nervous and wanted to keep moving, so he got up and led them into some trees and didn’t come out.

The others did and all but two young rams and the ram I shot left the area. I could see a horn in the trees but had a hard time telling if he was alive so I decided to watch until dark and leave him overnight. I ran up, got my truck, drove down below the ram and tried to sleep.

Which didn’t happen.

I looked at my watch every 15 minutes until 6 a.m. when I started up and found him right where I left him. He had been dead a while and after field dressing I saw I had hit the liver, which probably did the job before dark. A 300-yard drag down a steep slope brought him right in the truck.

I got damn lucky but I'm okay with it because there have been plenty of times when Lady Luck hasn’t smiled upon me.

Bill Van Ness with his hard-earned ram.

It doesn’t take a crackshot to shoot an insulator or powerline!

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THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS ACT. It’s expensive, because we all pay the cost to repair the equipment. Shot insulators, conductors and poles lead to outages. And, we pay again with inconvenience. An outage can even interrupt the critical life support system of a human being.

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Luck of the Draw

By Nate Waggenspack

A

Moffat County High School student got a once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunity and made the most of it.

Molly Nations, 17, drew a bull moose tag in just her fifth year putting in for the tag. The one-in-14,000 chance fell in her favor as she landed the most difficult tag to procure in Colorado.

“For most people it takes about 20 to 25 years,” Nations says. “I got really lucky.

Everyone I talked to said they’ve put in more years than I’ve been alive.”

Her family members couldn’t believe the news when they found out. “I was amazed and excited for her,” says mother Debbie Nations. “I was wishing I had drawn one, too.”

Nations went with her family and several friends to Grand Lake to scout out locations in GMU 18 the weekend before the rifle season began Oct. 1. The scouting didn’t yield many results, and when the season started, moose were even scarcer.

This made Nations nervous as she was operating on a time crunch because of school. “It was the week of homecoming and I had to be back that Friday to race a boat I had built for a big grade,” she says. “I really wanted to shoot a moose, but I had to get back, too. But once we saw two moose on our second day it brought my hopes up a bit.”

Despite rare moose sightings for four days, Molly and father, Brent, set out Wednesday morning and came across three bulls in a clearing. Putting four days of no success behind her, Nations took her shot.

“We saw three bulls in a clearing and I shot the biggest one,” she says. “Within five minutes of seeing them, I had one.”

Molly says she teared up when she knew she had one, the excitement beyond anything else she had experienced hunting. But there was still plenty of work to do.

The Nations initially had set out with a group of seven or eight people, including family friends Bill Baker and Mark Doehling, who had been moose hunting the year before. But after Tuesday, the majority of the clan had left, leaving just Molly and Brent to deal with the kill. “The day they left is the day she got one,” Brent says.

The result was a comical scene of dragging the half-ton moose up a hill behind a four-wheeler. The moose was so heavy, Molly says, that it tipped the four-wheeler backward while going up the hill, so its front had to be winched to a series of trees to stay on the ground. But she says every painstaking inch was worth it.

“I got to go to Canada for a bear hunt and my moose hunt was 10 times better than that,” she says. “It was a lot more exciting. Having to wait and not seeing anything and be patient was well worth it.”

“Everyone I talked to said they’ve put in more years than I’ve been alive.”

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Hunting Tales

Photo by Brent Nations Molly Nations poses with the bull moose she brought down after receiving a tag in the draw.

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Game Management Units Meeker 201

5 161

4

441

301

14

16 12

1

36

1

43

37

Middle Park Roaring Fork

47 471

41

Grand Junction

Eagle River Valley

43 R

45 w

444

421

40

35 44

42

Grand Mesa

37

30

Bookcliffs/ Piceance

28

34

32 31

1

25 33

27

18

26

243

23

22

15

18

12 231

21

North Park

13

211

11

Upper Yampa

171

17

13 10

Lower Yampa

6

13

3

214

2

1

28 Green River

Steamboat 4033 17 Springs

White River

Bo Glenwood Springs

GREEN RIVER GMU: 1, 2, 10, 201 CWD has been detected in GMU 10 Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Meeker 970-878-6090 Dinosaur National Monument is closed to all hunting In this area, 9,700-foot Diamond Mountain is the highest point, dropping to 5,100 feet in elevation at the White River.

Sage and sage-grassland dominate, with the typical vegetation groups as the elevation increases. Weather is generally mild through the later seasons, though the higher elevations can have significant snow accumulation. Public land accounts for more than 85 percent of GMU 201. GMU 2 is a checkerboard of public and private land, and GMU 10 is mostly BLM land with a lot of scattered private land. Consult a map and be aware of where you are. GMU 1 has poor access into the rough, rocky terrain and into the wilderness area. You must draw a license to hunt the Green River units, and it takes

P

many years of preference points. Hence, the hunting pressure is light. An agreement with a private landowner and the State Land Board opens several thousand acres in GMU 201 for public hunting.

DEER — Deer are scattered throughout GMUs 2, 10 and 201. If there is winter range migration, it is usually during third season. Deer in GMU 1 tend to stay at the south and north ends of Brown’s Park Refuge. The average good buck in GMUs 2 and 201 measures 24 inches to 26 inches. There are trophy bucks in GMU 10; however, they tend to have tall versus wide antlers. Hunt the bush-covered areas, high elevations early in the season, lower elevations later.

ELK — 300+ size bulls are common. The elk tend to stay put over the seasons. Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion of GMU 1.

We recommend Blue Mountain and Moosehead Mountain in GMU 10, but be prepared for rough terrain. When hunting GMUs 2 or 201 — hold out for a good bull — the average size is around 305. In GMU 2, try the southwest corner. In GMU 1, try Hoy Draw and Chokecherry Draw.

Glade Park

LOWER YAMPA GMU: 3, 11, 211, 301 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Meeker 970-878-6090 The Lower Yampa units are south of Wyoming, bordered by the White River and the Little Snake River. The lower elevations of 6,000 feet consist of sage and sage steepe. Pinyon and juniper cover the upper elevations up to 8,500 feet. Expect zero to light snow cover in first and second seasons. The later seasons may bring moderate snow and a potential for near zero temperatures. If the weather is mild, deer and elk will not be present in high numbers until the later seasons.

Overall access is easy, and 4WD is not necessary in most areas.

Hunting pressure is heavy. Outside of GMU 301, 70 percent of the Lower Yampa is public land.

DEER — The buck-doe ratio is increasing. The mid-range elevations with mountain shrub and pinyon-juniper breaks 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 99

generally hold the most deer, especially during the regular rifle seasons. In GMUs 11 and 211, deer generally are found in the Danforth Hills during second rifle season, moving to lower elevations in Axial Basin (GMU 211), Bitterbrush SWA and adjacent BLM land (GMU 11), and Crooked Wash (GMU 11) by third and fourth rifle seasons. Several thousand acres are open for public hunting in Axial Basin through a coordinated resource management plan (call Meeker Division of Parks and Wildlife office for more information).

ELK — The large elk herd occupies all available habitat.

The later seasons are usually better, especially on public land, because of snow and hunting pressure pushing the elk out of the adjacent units. The success rate is very good on late cow elk hunts. Axial Basin CRM is a hot spot for hunting, but crowding is significant. The best bull hunting will be on private land. Youth hunting participation during the late seasons in these GMUs is now limited. See big game brochure for details.

UPPER YAMPA GMU: 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 131, 214, 231, 441 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Meeker (GMUs 4 and 5) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (others) 970-870-2197 From a low of 6,300 feet, the elevation soars to 12,000 feet along the Continental Divide. The Routt National Forest dominates the eastern 2/3 of the Upper Yampa units with conifer-

ous forests and aspen. Most of the land outside of the national forest is private land. Mountain shrub and rolling sage cover the low country. Expect light to moderate snow in the first season, gradually increasing through the fourth season. 4WD is usually necessary on the secondary roads. Hunting pressure is heavy. Hunters will have better success and enjoy more solitude by walking into remote areas. Hunting pressure may create refuge situations on the private lands in GMUs 13, 131, 214 and 441. Mount Zirkel (GMU 14) and Sarvis Creek (GMU 15) wilderness areas access is restricted to non-vehicle methods.

Public hunting in GMUs 13 and 131 is limited to a few small parcels of BLM land and some State Trust Land parcels.

DEER — The deer herd has declined in the Upper Yampa units over the past four years due to severe winters. Most of the deer will be found in the western section of these units.

Movement also is to the west. Hot spots are located north of Hayden. Some good trophy bucks are seen in the southern portion. In GMUs 4 and 5, the buck hunting has shown steady improvement. This area is not managed for trophy bucks, but it does have a good number of adult males in the population.

Hunt the aspen and brush areas. Doe licenses in these units are no longer “list B” licenses except for GMU 15.

ELK — Elk are plentiful throughout the Upper Yampa area. Licenses are also readily available, but hunters should not rely on leftover license availability as these herds approach population objective. The DOW has been working to minimize crop damage and significantly reduce the number of elk in these units. There are good numbers of bull elk; however, do not expect to see many large adult males. Large elk numbers occur in the Routt National Forest. The basic movement is from the higher to lower elevation in response

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to hunting pressure and weather. Hunt the timber and hunt the Routt National Forest early. In GMUs 4 and 5, private land access is only available on a fee hunting basis.

NORTH PARK GMU: 6, 16, 17, 161, 171 CWD has been detected in these units Moose in area, so be sure of your target Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Steamboat Springs 970-870-2197 North Park borders Wyoming and lies between the Continental Divide and the Medicine Bow Mountains. The valley floor at 7,880 feet supports agricultural lands and sagebrush.

Extensive willow stands line the streams — a favorite moose habitat, so be sure of your target. The forest surrounding the basin varies from aspen/lodgepole to spruce/fir. The area is generally windy and colder than many places in western Colorado. Prepare for snow during your hunt. 4WD is helpful, as are chains. More than 2/3 of North Park is public land. Mount Zirkel (west) and Never Summer (southeast) are the wilderness areas. Access to all State Trust Lands and the wilderness areas is nonmotorized. Big game can move onto private lands with no public access.

DEER — If you are a patient hunter, you could have success hunting trophy bucks. North Park has an early 9-day, deer-only season that begins the last week of September.

This season provides additional hunter opportunities as many of the deer in North Park migrate early. Few deer are found in

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North Park during January classification flights. Small sample sizes lead to higher observed buck-to-doe ratios than can be expected during the hunting seasons. Use three-year average success rates for choosing a hunt.

ELK — Elk are distributed evenly throughout these units.

During the day, the bulls will be in dark timber — grass in the early morning and evening. The herd tends to stay in the coniferous timbered areas until late in the season, moving to lower elevations with snow and hunting pressure. Computer models likely overestimate the total North Park elk population because of biased January observed bull-to-cow ratios resulting from multiple bias factors, including state line issues, refuge areas and low public land hunter success rates.

BOOKCLIFFS/PICEANCE GMU: 21, 22, 30, 31, 32 CWD has been detected in these areas Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Meeker (GMU 21, 22) 970-878-6090 Grand Junction (GMU 30, 31, 32) 970-255-6100 Intense energy development is occurring in these units.

Pinyon-juniper woodlands with pockets of sagebrush cover most of this area. The terrain varies from rolling sagebrush to steep-sided canyon country. Seventy-five percent of this area is BLM land. There are remote hunting areas accessible by foot, horseback or ATV. Get maps and study BLM access points. Some areas are steep and rugged, especially in the southern portion. Weather is generally mild. Rains bring

muddy roads. At high elevations, snow makes roads impassible without chains.

Note: Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reached a 10-year $1/year hunting access agreement with Shell to keep 19,000 private acres of land in the Piceance/Roan area (GMUs 22 and 32) open. EnCana has agreed to keep 17,000 acres the company owns open for the 2012 hunting seasons. CPW appreciates these companies’ willingness to support the heritage of hunting in western Colorado. Negotiations with other companies for other “Girls Claims” properties have been unsuccessful. It’s important to note that these access agreements are NOT new lands. They are heavily hunted former public lands where generations of hunters will be displaced as these lands are closed to hunting. If new hunters begin using the lands where access agreements are in place, there is the potential for overcrowding, which may make future agreements more difficult. Please respect Shell and EnCana land so that it will be available in the future.

DEER — The hunting ranges from fair to good in the Bookcliffs and Piceance units. Deer are well-distributed in the northern portion from mid-October. Concentrate on higher elevations in early seasons. If the weather is dry, you’ll need to do a lot of walking and looking. Good snows will move the herds to the south. Hunt high early, low later. Cathedral Rim has some big bucks, but tough terrain. Little Hills and Dry Fork of Piceance is better late. GMUs 21 and 30 are managed as quality deer units, and licenses are separate from licenses that are valid in GMUs 22, 31 and 32.

ELK — Good cow hunting opportunities. The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen.

Check out the Texas Mountain area and Ratt Hole Ridge. Hunting pressure will push some bulls into the large expanses of pinyon-juniper. If snow and hunting pressure are sufficient, some elk will move into the Little Hills and Dry Fork area of Piceance later in the seasons. Most of the GMU 32 elk move into GMU 22 to winter. Elk normally concentrate on the north side of Douglas Pass during the archery, muzzleloader, and early rifle seasons. Movement of large numbers of elk into GMU-030 generally does not occur until early November.

WHITE RIVER GMU: 12, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 CWD has been detected in these units Local Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs (GMU 25, 26, 34) 970-947-2920 Meeker (GMU 12, 23, 24) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (GMU 26) 970-870-2197 Grand Junction (GMU 33) 970-255-6100 White River offers variety and extremes. Several peaks in the Flat Top Wilderness Area 12,200 feet in elevation. Elevation drops to 5,300 feet near Rifle. The lower elevation vegetation starts out with sage, progressing to oakbrush/mountain brush, aspen, evergreens and alpine tundra. Expect mild weather with light snow in the first season, with roads becoming impassable in the upper half of the area by the third season. The high country in GMU 24 is prone to heavy snowstorms in late seasons. Heavy snowstorms can strand hunters on Flattops after first season. While there is a great deal of

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public land, hunting pressure is heavy especially in northern half of GMUs 23 and 24. 4WD is necessary on all but the few main paved roads. Half of the area is roadless — which makes for very good hunting if you can walk or pack in. You may encounter heavy ATV traffic in GMUs 12, 23 and 33. Hunters in GMU 25 and 26 can gain access using Forest Service Road 610 (Stump Park Road) or USFS Road 613 (Crescent Lake Road).

DEER — The deer are scattered and will move in response to hunting pressure and weather. On National Forest lands in GMUs 12, 23 and 24, deer hunting is generally better in early seasons. Good public land deer hunting typically can be found in GMU 12 on the Jensen and Indian Run State Wildlife Areas.

Jensen SWA is north of Meeker, and Indian Run SWA is east of Hamilton. GMU 23 deer hunters can try Hay Flats and Miller Creek southwest of Meeker and the Jensen and Oak Creek State Wildlife Areas north and east of Meeker. Deer densities are lower across GMU 24, but hunters can find deer on the south-facing slopes above the White River. UNIT 33 ARCHERY & MUZZLELOADER LICENSES NO LONGER VALID IN 23 & 24— If you purchase an archery or muzzleloader license for unit 33, you can no longer also hunt in unit 23 and 24, and vice versa.

There are now separate tags for these units.

ELK — Moose have been introduced to this area. Elk hunters should be sure of their target to avoid accidental kill of moose. Generally all of GMUs 12, 23 and 24 are considered very good elk hunting. The elk are generally up at higher elevations in the eastern portions of GMUs 12 and 24 during the early seasons, and then move west to lower elevations (and private lands) as hunting pressure and snow depth increase.

Try the abundant public lands in eastern GMU 12 and 24 early on. The chance for a trophy bull is low because of unlimited bull elk licenses. Because of access roads, hunting pressure is high on Sleepy Cat, Lost Park and Sand Peak. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area offers good hunting, but travel is limited to walking or horseback, and the potential for heavy snowfall means hunters must be prepared. Successful hunters avoid the main roads and hunt the dark timber and deeper canyons.

Jensen State Wildlife Area is good during most seasons. Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area is good during third and fourth rifle seasons. Both properties are limited to foot or horseback travel.

EAGLE RIVER VALLEY GMU: 35, 36, 44, 45, 361 CWD has been detected in GMU 36 Local Division of Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920 The Eagle River Valley units are bordered by the Colorado River, the Gore Range, the Red Table Mountains and the Continental Divide. Elevation climbs from 6,000 feet with sagebrush and pinyon to more than 14,000 feet with alpine vegetation starting at 10,500 feet. Weather can vary tremendously with high-country snow exceeding several feet. Motorized travel restricted to designated routes. GMUs 35 and 44 have the most public access, however, the northern portion of GMU 44 between Edwards and Eagle is primarily private property with no hunting allowed. Check your map and contact the BLM/USFS office regarding off-road travel.

DEER — Deer hunting in these units continues to improve. The herd will be scattered from 6,500 feet to timberline and will move down to the lower elevation pinyonjuniper areas as heavy snow arrives. More than 18 inches of 102 |

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snow will move the deer. Try hunting the aspen, open parks and shrublands. GMUs 35 and 36 have the most deer. After the first heavy snow, most GMU 45 deer will move into GMU 36.

GMU 44 is managed for trophy deer with limited number of licenses, but it is a good place to take a big buck.

ELK — Elk are scattered from about 7,000 feet to above timberline. As hunting pressure increases, they seek the deeper canyons and dark timber areas away from roads. Concentrating on the large stands of dark timber and the larger wilderness areas will increase your chance of finding a big bull on public lands. Large blocks of private land in GMUs 35 and 36 provide refuge areas and can make hunting difficult.

MIDDLE PARK GMU: 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 371 CWD has been detected in these units Local Division of Parks and Wildlife office Hot Sulphur Springs 970-725-6200 The Continental Divide and the Gore Range Divide encircle Middle Park. Most of this terrain is steep to very steep. The weather can change rapidly with higher elevations receiving more precipitation. Areas can become snowbound. 4WD is recommended, along with chains. Sagebrush/shrubs are common on southern exposures at lower elevations. The valley bottoms are mostly private lands. The remaining 2/3 of this area is public land. GMU 27 has less public land than the other GMUs. Check USFS maps for ATV closures/restrictions. Hunters around Wolford Mountain (GMU 181 and 27) should be aware that a travel management plan is in place — check with the BLM Kremmling office for information.

Horses/pack animals are recommended for remote tracts and for wilderness areas. The better hunting will be at least 1/2 mile away from roads. There are pockets where hunters overconcentrate. Due to the proximity to Denver, there are many weekend hunters and recreationalists (bikers, hikers, ATVers).

Pine beetles have affected more than 90 percent of the lodgepole pine stands in Grand and Summit counties. As a result, fire danger is increased, big game distribution is changing in some areas and logging operations are likely in some spots.

Hunters might focus on some of the dead lodgepole areas as increased sunlight to the forest floor creates more forage, and these areas tend to hold deer and elk for longer periods of time. Be aware of possible falling trees when hiking, or setting up camp in pine beetle kill sections! Set up camps etc, in cleared areas away from dead trees. These dead trees can fall on their own without wind, or warning!

The past decade’s mountain pine beetle killed an estimated 80 percent of mature lodgepole pine trees in Grand County, creating numerous hazards along public roadways as these trees begin to fall. Road closures for tree removal will likely occur this season and next in this area. To avoid disappointment, call the Sulphur Ranger District’s Visitor’s Information Hotline at 970-887-4100 BEFORE planning your hunting trip.

DEER — All GMUs have good numbers of deer. The buckto-doe ratios continue to increase as a result of limited buck hunting and mild winters. All units are managed for quality bucks. There are good numbers of mature bucks, but they rarely reach trophy status found in lower elevation mountain shrub and mild winter areas. Concentrate on transition zones that have aspen, shrub and coniferous cover in close proximity. Deer tend to move west and down in elevation over the seasons; snow will move them faster and farther. They typi-

cally migrate out of GMU 371 with average snowfall. A limited number of fourth season deer licenses are available.

ELK — Elk are well distributed in all units. Bull-to-cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity.

With hunting pressure and snow, elk head for the inaccessible timber and private property. GMU 27 has a lot of private land.

Hunt the rough terrain and heavy cover away from roads and trails to increase your success.

GLADE PARK GMU: 40 No hunting allowed in Colorado National Monument Local Division of Parks and Wildlife office Grand Junction 970-255-6100 This 750-square-mile unit consists of a relatively flat summit leading to sloping mesas bisected by deep, rugged canyons. The highest elevation range is about 9,800 feet. Roads provide access to the mesas, but many of the canyons are remote and accessible only by foot or horseback. Weather starts out mild but mud/snow accumulation is likely in later seasons. Early season hunters should favor higher elevations of the USFS land, while later season hunters will do better on the lower BLM lands. Hunters can find many water holes within the dark timber stands on north-facing slopes. Elk and deer frequent these areas during warm temperatures and heavy hunting pressure. GMU 40 has a lot of private land, and public access to BLM is often difficult to reach by vehicle.

DEER — There are some good bucks in GMU 40, but they are difficult to locate. The upper end of the Little Dolores drainage is a great place to find quality mule deer bucks; however, there is considerable private land. Late-season hunters may have success north of Seiber Canyon to the Colorado River, but it is foot or horseback only in that area. Areas along the Utah border and north of Gateway can be good during the rifle seasons; however, hunters need to be aware of public land boundaries and the state line.

ELK — Bulls will be bugling from mid-September through first rifle opening weekend. Elk are widely distributed. Most stay high until hunting pressure pushes them to lower elevations and less accessible drainages. Do not hunt areas that have previously received heavy hunting pressure — the elk will not be there. Successful hunters do a lot of walking and looking. You cannot hunt elk in GMU 40 with an unlimited bull elk license. GMU 40 is a limited unit. You must apply in the draw.

GRAND MESA GMU: 41, 42, 421 CWD has been detected in GMUs 42 and 421 Local Division of Parks and Wildlife office Grand Junction 970-255-6100 Grand Mesa terrain ranges from high elevation (11,000 feet) spruce/fir forests to low elevation (4,800 feet) pinyonjuniper woodlands. Weather can be rainy or snowy, then warm up and dry out the following day. Roads can become very muddy and 4WD is recommended. There is not a lot of road access in GMU 42. Hunters should be prepared to spend

time on foot or horseback. Much of the area is public land.

Overall, the hunting pressure is heavy. Intensive natural gas development activity is occurring in GMUs 42 and 421. This work includes a major drilling project and a pipeline project.

Contact the USFS Grand Valley Ranger District, 970-242-8211, for more details on energy development in this area.

DEER — The deer population has declined in recent years, and buck: doe ratios are below the objective range. For these reasons, buck and does licenses have been reduced in all seasons. In addition, the fourth, buck-only season has been eliminated in 2012. However deer are still abundant and at the lower end of the population objective range. Deer are found on forest lands and higher elevation private lands during Oct. The resident deer stay in lower agricultural areas year round. The migrating deer herd begins to move off the forest in mid-Nov to lower elevations, often to BLM lands. The best deer hunting is at mid elevations (8,500-9,500’), with more buck opportunities in the later seasons. The Battlements can be good in late seasons, but the terrain is rugged. The open country offers good opportunities for those who get out on foot or horseback.

ELK — The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8,500 feet to 10,000 feet) in thick timber and oakbrush. There is no migration during the season, movement to the more remote areas is in response to hunting pressure. They will seek classic cover — the heavily wooded, north-facing slopes near water. You will need to get away from the roads. There are

lots of legal bulls as the area is managed for quantity of bulls rather than trophy status. Hence, trophy bulls are present but relatively rare.

ROARING FORK GMU: 43, 47, 444, 471 Local Division of Parks and Wildlife office Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920 This area encompasses the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Crystal River drainages. The lower elevations (6,500 feet) are primarily developed or agricultural. Timberline is around 11,500 feet, and there are 14,000-foot peaks in the wilderness areas. Be prepared for daytime highs of 75 degrees dropping to 20 degrees at night. Snow can exceed several feet in the higher elevations, and moisture can make roads dangerous or impassible. 4WD is a necessity. About 40 percent of the area is wilderness (Hunter-Fryingpan, Maroon Bells, Raggeds, Collegiate Peaks), and vehicles are not allowed. These rugged areas offer increased hunting success, but require horseback/pack-in camps. Hunting pressure is moderate. There are large blocks of private lands in GMU 43 east of Colorado Highway 133 and in the western portion of GMU 444.

DEER — Deer populations were on the upswing for several years but did decline during the winter of 2007-08.

Fawn-to-doe ratios are low while buck-to-doe ratios are decent. This herd is concentrated in aspen and oakbrush

habitats before the snow flies. Hunting pressure does not generally cause herd movement, but deer will move to lower elevation woodlands as snow accumulates. Archery and muzzleloader hunters should head to timberline — Capitol Creek, Haystack Mountain, East Snowmass Creek and Thompson Creek. Later-season hunters could try “The Crown,” Holgate Mesa, Williams Hill and Light Hill, but expect to see other hunters in these areas. Some good bucks can be found if hunters focus in areas away from roads.

ELK — Early seasons find elk anywhere from 7,500 feet to above timberline. With increased hunting pressure and snow, herds tend to move to remote areas or private land — away from roads and hunters. The wilderness areas are a good bet for success, but hunters must hike or horseback in as motorized travel is prohibited. Try Snowmass Creek, Conundrum Creek, Capitol Creek, Avalanche Creek, Difficult Creek, McFarland Creek, Maroon Creek, Thompson Creek, Basalt Mountain, Four-mile, the Marble area and the upper Frying Pan drainages. Kobey Park and Sloans Peak are good, but deep snow and bad roads should be expected, especially later in the seasons. Some great opportunities for private land cow hunting exist in GMU 43, if you can get permission.

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Bull Elk Licenses & Point Restrictions Meeker

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201 3

441

301

14

6

16

13 1

211 12

231

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25

36

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421

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35 44

42

444 43

45

37

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Rifle hunters may hunt in these areas with an over-thecounter license; however, archery over-the-counter license holders may only hunt on private land in these units.

■ Unlimited units 28

34

32 31

18

37

33

27

26

24

23

22

15

181

11

You may not hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license.

■ Archery restriction

171

17

13 10

Steamboat Springs

161

4 214

2

1

30

■ Limited units — Draw only

5

Hunters with an unlimited bull elk license (archery or rifle) may hunt in these units. Hunters still must have permission to hunt private land.

■ Antler Point Restrictions Deer All buck (antlered deer harvested in northwest Colorado mush have at least one 5” spike.

Elk A legal bull has either: 4 points on one side or a brow time at least 5” long. Legal bulls in units 1, 2, 10, 40, 201 must have at least a 5” spike on one side. Legal bulls in other units must have at least one brow time that is at least 5”.

Hunting Business Directory GUIDES & OUTFITTERS Adams Lodge Outfitters Primarily elk and deer (archery, muzzleloader and rifle) guided, lodge-based and unguided drop-camp hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, wilderness camp at Marvine Lakes available (GMU 24).

200 Rio Blanco Road 43, Meeker, 970-8784312, www.adamslodge.com

guided elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and drop camps into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 12) and other public private lands (GMUs 4, 441 and 214). Also offers wilderness pack trips.

19262 Glacier Road, Clearbrook, Minn.

218-368-3679, www.huntbeavercreek.com

Beaver Springs Self-guided, trespass-fee deer and elk Bearcat Outfitters Fully guided or drop camp elk rifle and archery hunts 20 miles south of Craig on 80 acres of private land bordering the White River hunts on public and private lands (GMU 12).

P.O. Box 110, Craig (28 miles south of Craig), National Forest (GMU 12) with private campground and fishing lake.

970-824-7958, www.coloradoelkhunts.net 7542 S. Carr Ct., Littleton, 303-973-8900, beaversprings@yahoo.com, beaversprings.

Beaver Creek Outfitters tripod.com Craig-based outfitter with full-service

Over 24,000 Prime Private Acres Many with adjoining BLM permits in Units 22, 32, 33 & 42 Several Camps To Choose From

Behrman Outfitting P.O. Box 172, Maybell, 970-272-3284 Big Gulch Ranching for Wildlife Full-service and trespass-fee hunts (archery or rifle) during 90-day season for elk, deer and antelope on 90,000 acres of private ranch lands.

P.O. Box 1342, Craig, 970-824-6933, www.bgwildlife.com Big Rack Outfitters & Horseback Adventures Fair chase guided hunts including deer, elk, antelope, bear and predators on over 30,000 acres with minimal hunting pressure (GMUs 3, 4, 301, 211 and 65).

Summer horseback day trips, two- to

Craig Region three-night adventure packages, wagon rides and cattle drives on a working guest ranch.

42755 Routt County Road 86 (35 miles west of Steamboat), 970-826-4468, www.bigrack.com Buford Guide Service Fully guided, lodge-based elk and deer hunts on national forest and private lands for (GMUs 23 and 24).

20474 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker (20 miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4745, bufordco@gmail.com, www.bufordstoreandlodge.com

Fully Guided Hunts I Semi Guided Drop Camps I Lodges I Ranches Trent Snyder Colorado Outfitters #1623 Member of: Colorado Outfitters Association, Mule Deer Foundation, NRA and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Fully Bonded and Insured

www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com I 970.249.4242 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Craig Region Chris Jurney Outfitting Trespass-fee, semi-guided and fully guided elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and prairie dog hunts on private ranches around Craig.

574 Legion St., Craig, 970-824-5505, www.cjoutfitters.com Code of the West Outfitters High country fishing and big game hunting trips as well as summer pack trips and cabin stays.

2655 County Road 12, Meeker, 970-878-0233 or 970-688-0249, www.codeofthewestoutfitters.com Colorado Hunter Services Trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and cabin rental on private land at lower elevation or public land minutes from cabin accommodations (GMUs 4, 12 and 301).

25 Canvasback Rd., Gilbert, S.C., 866-210-2445, www.coloradohunterservices.com Colorado’s Mountain West Outfitting Co. Trespass-fee elk and deer hunts on 8,000 acres of private lands.

Cross Mountain Adventures Fully guided elk, deer and antelope hunts on 60,000 private deeded acres on two ranches.

Prairie dog and predator hunting, horseback and fishing day trips also available.

1280 Industrial Ave., Craig, 970-824-2803, www.crossmountainranch.com

P.O. Box 1380, Craig, 970-824-7257, www.primehunts.com

Colorado Outfitters Services Trespass-fee and semi-guided hunts for elk, deer and antelope (archery, muzzleloading and rifle) on private lands near Cedar Mountain and around Craig (GMUs 3 and 301) with some lodging.

David R. Seely Outfitting 501 Cedar Mountain Ave., Craig, 303-726-5975 Fully guided five-day rifle hunts for elk on private property bordering national forest Colorado Private Ranches lands (GMUs 12 and 13).

Elk and deer non-guided hunts on 15 1826 Colo. Hwy 394, Craig, 970-824-4288 private ranches, archery through rifle seasons (GMUs 15, 42, 52, 53, 65 and 741).

Dunckley Peak Outfitters and Pack P.O. Box 1244, Winnsboro, La., 71295, Service 318-435-5029 or 318-435-5592, Full-service archery, muzzle-loader and www.coloradoprivateranches.com rifle bull elk hunts, including drop camps in the Flat Tops (GMU 231). Horseback riding Coulter Lake Guest Ranch and fishing trips also available.

80 County Road 273, Rifle, 970-625-1473, P.O. Box 935, Craig (30 miles south of Hayden), rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com.

970-824-8257, www.billscabin.com

Ed Chamberlain Horse Rentals 53 County Road 223, Rifle, 970-625-2131, rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com Elkhorn Outfitters Access to over 120,000 private-leased acres to hunt a 90-day bull season as a DOW Ranching for Wildlife partner. Archery, rifle and muzzleloading guided hunts offered for mule deer, elk and antelope. Horseback riding, cattle drives, sporting clays, wildlife viewing and photography rodes also available.

37399 N. Colo. Hwy 13, Craig, 970-824-7392, www.elkhornoutfitters.com Feisty Fins Outfitters Whitewater rafts and accessories rentals from small fly shop facilities.

1427 Airport Road, Rifle, 970-319-5679, www.feistyfinsoutfitters.com

Frosty Acres Ranch Mostly trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope Craig Wild Bunch Guides and Eagle’s Nest Outfitting hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) Outfitters Deluxe drop camps and semi-guided hunts on 15,000 private acres of GMUs 4 and 301, Trespass-fee with tent and guided elk and in the Flat Tops Wilderness area (GMU 24) with private lodging. deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) during archery, muzzle-loading and all four 41380 N. Colo. Hwy 13, Craig, 970-824-8935 to 3,800 acres of private land north of Craig elk and deer rifle seasons.

(GMU 4) adjacent to the Routt National Forest. P.O. Box 1168, Craig (20 miles east of H & H Processing and Outfitting 855 Moffat County Road 78, Craig, 970-824-9334, Meeker), 970-826-4383, “Guided gourmet hunts,” for deer, elk, antelope and mountain lion (archery, www.elk-craigwildbunch.com www.eaglesnestoutfitting.com

Hunting for Great Service?

Specializing in Unguided “Do it Yourself” Hunts & Extreme Guided Hunts

You can depend on Cook Chevrolet for all your vehicle needs.

Come hunt with us for the Elk Hunt of a life time. Our Private Ranch Hunts in Southeast Colorado are producing some of the largest trophy bulls in the state. Our guided hunts on the Uncompahgre Range have many Trophy Bulls and Trophy Mule Deer Bucks.

Factory Trained Techs Full Service, Parts, & Body Shop

Unguided Do-It-Yourself Private Ranch Hunts Tom Kimble • Colorado License #2748 • (304) 358-3252 www.coloradotwinpeaks.com • info@coloradotwinpeaks.com

Let us help you find that one-of-a-kind trophy property

24 Hour Towing During Business Hours: 970-824-2100 After Hours: 970-824-8418 or 970-326-8876

Over 50 years experience serving Craig & Moffat County

Chevrolet & Subaru

970-824-7086

840 W. VICTORY WAY CRAIG, CO 81625 www.brasskey-realty.com

970-824-2100

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1776 W. VICTORY WAY CRAIG

970-879-3900 MEMBER ROCKY MOUNTAINS

W. U.S. HWY 40 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Lost Solar Outfitters Drop camps and full-service guided hunts, archery through big game rifle seasons (GMU 24) into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

25 Valley View Drive, Craig, 970-824-3657 or 970-620-1511, High Country Cabin Bed and Breakfast www.meekercolorado.com/lostsolar 15805 County Road 245, New Castle, Louisiana Purchase Ranch Outfitters 970-625-3663, Elk, mule deer and bear fully and semirifleareachamber.chambermaster.com. guided hunts on over 20,000 acres of public and private lands 43 miles southwest of Homestead Hunts Craig (GMUs 11, 211).

Offers semi-guided and trespass-fee P.O. Box 206, Meeker, 970-272-3006, elk, deer and antelope hunts on private www.louisianapurchaseranch.com property (GMU 301).

2050 Chapman Lane, Craig, 970-824-8549, Luark Ranch & Outfitters www.homesteadhunts.net Rents cabins and horses, drop-camps and packing services to 2,400 acres of private J.C. Trujillo Guide & Outfitter and adjacent, non-motorized public BLM Fully guided horseback elk and some deer hunts on public land in Bunker Basin (GMU 12). land (GMU 26) during archery, muzzleloading and rifle big-game seasons. Also 54768 Rio Blanco County Road 8 (28 miles offers trail rides and wild game meat south of Hayden), 970-276-3300 or 928processing.

533-6624 2834 Luark Road, Burns, 970-653-4324, luarkranch.com JML Outfitters Year-round outfitting business offers elk, M&M Outfitters deer, bear pack-in, drop camp hunts on Fully guided, lodge-based elk and deer public forest service lands camps during hunts on private lands near Hamilton on archery, muzzle-loading and rifle seasons (GMU 24). Pack trips, fishing and trail rides public and private lands (GMUs 12 and 13).

P.O. Box 1020, Craig, 970-824-5812, also available.

300 Rio Blanco County Road 75, Meeker (30 mmoutfitters@wreawildblue.org miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4749, Majestic Trophy Outfitters www.jmloutfitters.com Fully guided and semi-guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for deer, elk, James Creek Outfitters antelope and predators on 2,500 private Elk and deer fully guided hunts (archery, acres of scrub oak and mixed terrain 20 muzzle-loading and rifle seasons) on public BLM and private land at the historic miles south of Craig (GMU 12, antelope in 3 and 301). Also offers interpretive ATV tours Durham Ranch (GMUs 12 and 211). and survival classes for all ages.

396 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 970-824-6939, 3815 Exmoor Road., Craig 970-620-0098, www.jamescreekoutfitters.com http://majestictrophy.net Jeffcoat Ranch & Outfitters Trespass-fee elk and deer hunts on private Nine Mile Guest Ranch Bull and cow elk, mule deer and lands. combination hunts, archery, muzzle-loader P.O. Box 97, Hamilton, 970-824-3757 or or rifle available on private lands. jeffcoat20@wreawildblue.org 50735 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 970-878-4656, www.ninemileguestranch.com Kawcak Farms Elk, deer and antelope trespass-fee hunts Oak Ridge Outfitters in GMU 4.

Guided and non-guided elk and deer 3699 Moffat County Road 13, Craig, hunting (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) 970-824-7161 on private lands (GMU 23).

P.O. Box 631, Meeker, 970-878-5822, Lone Tom Outfitting www.meekercolorado.com/oakridge Elk, deer, mountain lion and antelope lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzle-loader Pinnacle Peak Adventures and rifle) and drop camps on public and Offers guided elk, deer and antelope hunts private lands. Also offers fishing and pack on 6,000 acres of private lands (GMU 4). trips and horse rentals.

2951 Moffat County Road 18N, Craig, 12888 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-824-9269, www.huntpinnacle.com 970-878-5122, www.lonetom.com muzzle-loading and rifle) on private land in GMUs 22 and 23.

68656 Colo. Hwy 64, Meeker (7 miles west of Meeker), 970-878-5126 or 970-878-5151, www.handhoutfitting.com

R&R Ranch of Colorado Maybell lodge-based elk, mule deer and antelope guided and semi-guided rifle hunts on private 27,000-acre ranch (GMUs sheepcreekhunts@yahoo.com 11 and 211). www.sheepcreekhunts.com 10202 SW 138 St., Archer, Fla., 352-538-7094, www.rrranchco.com Shelton Ranch Lodge-based, full service elk and deer Raftopoulos Ranches hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle on 5,000 private acres (GMUs 11 and 211) hunts offered in the premier GMUs 2 and 15 miles south of Maybell with access to 201 for trophy bull elk, mule deer and public land. antelope based out of historic lodge at 10955 Moffat County Road 57, Meeker, base of Diamond Peak.

970-272-3553 or 970-620-3993, 2991 Pine Ridge Dr. Craig, 970-326-8620, www.sheltonranch.com www.trophy-elk-hunting.com Snowmass Creek Outfitters Guided horseback riding, hunting and Rifle Performance Motorsports fishing (GMU 43) near White River National 1014 Access Rd., Rifle, 970-625-2041, Forest and Maroon Bells. Mountain climbing www.rifleperformance.com and nature photo classes also available.

3610 Capitol Creek Rd., Snowmass, Rim Rock Outfitters 970-704-0707, Guided elk, deer, mountain lion, bobcat, www.snowmasscreekoutfitters.com antelope and prairie dog hunts and drop camps in GMUs 10, 11, 12, 21, 22 and 30.

Skiles Guest & Hunting Ranch P.O. Box 223, Rangely, 970-675-2619, Elk and deer trespass-fee hunts offered www.coloradorimrockoutfitters.com on 800 private acres and adjacent public lands in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area from Rocky Mountain Ranches the base of Dome Peak. Horse rental and Specializing in trespass-fee, non-guided packing services available. big game hunts and drop camps for deer, P.O. Box 12, Burns, 970-653-4329 elk and antelope on private ranch lands.

6855 W. 33rd Ave., Wheat Ridge, 970-439-1894, Sombrero Ranches www.rockymountainhunting.com Rents horses for all seasons, including tack and delivery/pick-up within a Sable Mountain Outfitters 50-mile radius of one of the Sombero Elk, deer and bear hunts (wilderness drop camps. Guided deer and elk hunts from camps and guided) on public lands in the the Williams Fork Hunt Camp for archery Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMUs 23, 24 through rifle seasons in addition to four and 33). Also offers horseback, pack and drop camps in the Routt National Forest fishing trips.

(GMU 12).

5100 Rio Blanco County Road 4, Meeker, Craig Ranch — 781 Moffat County Road 15, 970-878-4765, wwwsablemountainoutfitters.com Craig, 970-824-3468; Steamboat Stables — 835 Howelson Parkway, Steamboat (base of Seely Hunting Services Howelson Hill, behind the rodeo grounds), Fully guided elk and deer rifle hunts on 970-879-2306; Meeker White River Horse limited-access private property along the Camp — 12900 Rio Blanco County Road 8, South Fork of the Williams Fork River, in Meeker, 970-878-4382 or 303-442-0258, business since 1969 (GMU 12). www.sombrero.com P.O. Box 1040, Craig, 970-824-5539 or 970-824-9474, cseely@dishmail.net, Sunset Ranch http //seelyhunting.com Offers big game hunting trips and drop camps to the Swamp Park region, Mad Seven Lakes Lodge Creek Lakes and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Member of the Colorado Outfitters Assoc.

Area in the Routt National Forest. Multi11808 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, day fishing and sightseeing wilderness 970-878-3249 pack trips also available.

29420 Elk Horn Lane (three miles north of Sheep Creek Ranch Outfitters Steamboat) 970-879-0954, Guided elk, deer and bear hunts (archery, www.sunsetranchinc.com muzzle-loading and rifle) on 11,000 acres Superior Guide Service of public and private lands in GMU 22.

Offers elk and deer archery, muzzleP.O. Box 2463, Meeker, 970-878-4757,

Craig Region

2013 | colorado Hunter

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Craig Region loading and rifle hunts on over 13,000 acres of private ranch land (GMU 12 and 211) from two lodges as well as multi-day pack trips and horse rentals.

5801 Colo. Hwy 394, Craig, 970-824-4767, www.wehuntcolorado.com T&D Outfitters Fully guided deer and elk rifle hunts on over 1,650 private acres in the Isles Mountain area outside of Craig (GMU 211).

P.O. Box 443, Pine, 303-618-2329 or 720-217-9500, www.tanddoutfitters.com The Tradesmen 128 E. Third St., Rifle, 970-625-GUNS, http://www.625guns.com Three Forks Ranch All-inclusive deer, elk and antelope hunts on 50,000 private acres surrounded on three sides by national forest offered by Ranching for Wildlife program partner (GMU 5).

P.O. Box 69, Savery, Wyo., 970-583-7396, www.threeforksranch.com Timberline Sporting Goods 124 W. Second St., Rifle, 970-625-HUNT,

www.timberlinesports.com Topgun Outfitters Archery, muzzle-loading and rifle elk and bear hunts on private lands (GMU 211).

108 Reigel School Road, Rimesburg, Pa., 814-229-4514, topgunoutfitters@ windstream.net, www.topgunoutfitters.com Triple Track Hunting Elk, deer, antelope and predator hunts, private land trophy and management hunts, guided and unguided drop camp hunts as well as trespass-fee hunts on private lands.

P.O. Box 91, Hamilton (20 miles north of Meeker), 970-756-5000, www.tripletrackllc.com Triple-O Outfitters Archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for elk, deer and antelope (guided in elevated stands or unguided) on private land (GMU 12). Also offers nature photography and cabin rentals.

448 Moffat County Road 41, Hamilton, 970-824-6758, www.coloradooutdoors.com Trophy Mountain Elk Ranch Private game hunting preserve with over 3,000 acres for guided trophy bull elk hunting.

Bison, turkey and deer hunts also available.

4000 Jackson County Road 4, Cowdrey (22

Front & Rear Bumpers Livestock Racks Headache Racks Tailgates Aluminum Bumpers Flatbed Installation Receiver Hitch Installation Winch Installation Custom Welding Spray In Bed Liner 350 Russell Street Craig, CO 81625 970-824-2423 jacksbumpers.com 108 |

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miles north of Walden), 723-4000, www.trophymtn.com Vanatta Outfitters Ranching for Wildlife program partner features September through December hunt dates for elk and deer along with August through November hunt dates for antelope including 17,000 prime acres of public and private land at 4 Mile Ranch.

P.O. Box 77170, Steamboat, 970-879-6164, www.vanattaoutfitters.com

SHOOTING RANGES ■ Bears Ears Sportsman Club’s Cedar Mountain Range 300-yard outdoor rifle and 50-yard outdoor pistol range for members, but open to the public the first Sunday and Monday of each month. Also open during daylight hours, Thursday and Friday prior to each big game season for rifle sight-in.

P.O. Box 622, Craig (4.5 miles northwest of Craig on Moffat County Road 7), 970-824-8376, www.bearsears.com ■ Meeker Sportman’s Club, Inc. Hunter sight-in Thursdays and Fridays

W3 Outfitters (dba: Chuck Davies Guide Service) 500 12 Mile Gulch Road, Elk Springs, 970-272-3002, rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com Welder Outfitting Services Family-owned outfitter offering fullservice guided elk and deer hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area as well as drop and setup camps. Pack and fishing trips also available. prior to each big game season (Tuesday for fourth rifle season). Sight-in is $5 per gun, or member shoot for $10. New memberships cost $20 per person and include full use of archery, trap, rifle and pistol ranges.

P.O. Box 1325, Meeker (4.5 miles southwest of Meeker on Colo. Hwy 13), 970-878-4636, www.meekercolorado.com ■ White River Bowmen Bow-hunting club with indoor and outdoor targets and a clubhouse.

Memberships cost $35 per year.

970-675-8559

Hampton Inn & Suites Craig Welcome Hunters!

We Love Having You Here Full hot breakfast included with guest room from 5am-10am during hunting season.

377 Cedar Court 970-826-9900 www.CraigSuites.HamptonInn.com

P.O. Box 823, Meeker, 970-878-4559, www.flattops.com Wilderness Tracks Fully guided hunts and drop camps for elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and small game on public and private lands in GMU 4.

1192 N. Johnson Road, Craig, 970-326-7575 Wild Skies Four Season Cabin Rentals Cabin accommodations for up to 32 hunters where the largest elk herd is located at 38,000+ elk, lots of mule deer and bear. Accommodations are a deluxe, secluded mountain cabin in GMU 12 (Flat Tops) surrounded on three sides by the Routt National Forest with 1/2 mile of river frontage; or in Craig with four individual cabins with kitchenettes and a 4800 SF duplex with full kitchen and washer/dryer. (GMUs 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 211, 231, 301).

970-926-0216, www.wildskies.com

Bridgestone • Firestone • Yokohama • Continental • General • Cooper

Williams Peak Ranch Guided deluxe lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) for elk, deer and antelope on 7,500 acres of private land.

1330 Grand County Road 315, Parshall, 970-725-3282, www.williamspeakranch.com

Yampa Valley Outfitters Fully guided elk, deer and antelope rifle hunts on 1,040 acres of private land and 3,000 permitted acres on public BLM land (GMU 3) with seven handicap-accessible two-storied shooting houses.

P.O. Box 910, Craig (nine miles north of Maybell), 970-824-2102, 706-595-1044 or 706-990-9030

GEAR GOODS & SUPPLIES MJK Sales & Feed Ammunition, binoculars and scopes, camping equipment and cookware with some camouflage apparel, boots and clothing as well as certified hay.

290 Ranney St., Craig, 970-824-6581

of Carhartt and Murdoch’s hunting clothes.

Pack saddles and bridles, blaze-orange halters, blankets, tire chains and shovels.

2355 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-4100, www.murdochs.com

craig Region

Northwest Pawn Shop One of the largest selections of firearms in Northwest Colorado with a huge selection of ammunition, archery equipment, knives, cleaning and reloading supplies and camouflage apparel.

801 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2962 Rocky Mountain Bowstrings Full line of high-end archery equipment, camouflage and traditional bows with a selection of clothing and some camping supplies, optics and cutlery. The fullservice shop features a 20-yard, eight-lane indoor archery range on site.

696 Main St., Meeker, 970-878-4300, www.rockymountainbowstrings.com

Axis Leather Works Pick up a tanned, hair-on or rawhide while in Craig. Pick from 6 colors or take home a hair-on hide that is ready for display. UPS shipping available.

802 E. Second Place, Craig, 970-824-3256, www.axisleather.qpg.com Big Cat Taxidermy 51 Country Lane, Craig, 970-824-9624, www.bigcattaxidermy.com

Maybell Store “Conveniently located in the middle of nowhere,” this general store has basic game bags, calls, camping, hunting and fishing equipment, supplies and licenses with some ammunition, gasoline, propane, blocked and Wyatt’s Sports Center Licenses, ammunition, scopes and binoculars, crushed ice, meats, produce and dairy. slings, knives, hatchets, clothing, maps, 60311 U.S. Hwy 40, Maybell, 970-272-3262 camping equipment, stoves and boots.

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply 223 Eighth St., Meeker, 970-878-4428 Ammunition, fishing and hunting licenses, MEAT PROCESSING cookware, coolers, deer carts, sleds, & TAXIDERMY camping gear, knives, saws and a full line

Brothers Custom Processing 383 E. First St., Craig, 970-824-3855 Bullseye Taxidermy 1445 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-826-2997, www.bullseyetaxidermy.com Crazy 3 Tannery 1480 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6063, www.crazythreetannery.com

Craig’s only non-profit thrift store

nity u m m Co ter n e C t Budge 555 Yampa Ave Craig, Co 81625 (970) 824-7898 Mon-Sat 10-5

Stop in today and visit with the tire professionals at

Antler Taxidermy 369 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3365, www.professionalsofafrica.com

Voted best thrift store in Moffat County

BEAR CREEK

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Kelly Hepworth, D.V.M. Gary Visintainer, D.V.M. Delia Macdonald, D.V.M.

Bear Creek Labradors 2430 E. Victory Way Craig, Colo. www.bclabradors.com (970) 824-5964 (970) 824-7567 fax all major Credit Cards accepted 2013 | colorado Hunter

| 109

Craig Region Custom Quality Meats 1430 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4668 Gross Locker Plant Wild game processing since 1955.

140 S. 8th Street, Silt, 970-876-2334, rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com Gunsmoke School of Taxidermy At our school, learn how to mount biggame animals in Craig, Colorado 37339 N. Hwy 13, Craig, 970-826-4293, www.gunsmoketaxidermy.com Laura’s Corner 637 E. Main St., Rangely, 970-629-5607 or 970-675-2800 Mountain Man Taxidermy 1176 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4910, www.mtnmantaxidermy.com Mountain Meat Packing 291 Lincoln St., Craig, 970-824-4878

216 W. 2nd Street, Rifle, 970-625-4134, rifleareachamber.chambermaster.com

Rangely True Value Hardware 105 W. Main St., Rangely, 970-675-2454

Purkey Packing Plant 73215 Colo. Hwy 64, Meeker, 970-878-5501

Safeway Food & Drug 1295 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-9496

Wildlife Expressions Full Service Taxidermist Full-service taxidermy. Quality is our standard.

140 Morrison, Rangely, 970-629-3128

Samuelson True Value Hardware & Lumber 43900 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 970-878-3528. www.truevalue.com/samuelson

LICENSING AGENTS

Samuelson True Value Hardware 456 Breeze St., Craig, 970-824-6683. www.truevalue.com/samuelson

City Market 505 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6515

Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Valley Ace Hardware 401 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4608 Northwest Region Service Center 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, WalMart Supercenter 970-255-6100 2000 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-0340 Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Walden Conoco Meeker office/service center 609 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4246 P.O. Box 1181, Meeker, 970-878-6090 Kmart 1198 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2966

Loaf ‘N Jug Store Out West Meat and Processing 101 W. Brontosaurus Blvd., Dinosaur, Wild game processing and retail butcher shop. 970-374-2461

Bears Ears Sportsman Club’s Cedar Mountain Range 300-yard outdoor rifle and 50-yard outdoor pistol range for members, but open to the public the first Sunday and Monday of each

month. Also open during daylight hours, Thursday and Friday prior to each big game season for rifle sight-in.

P.O. Box 622, Craig (4.5 miles northwest of Craig on Moffat County Road 7), 970-824-8376, www.bearsears.com Glenwood Springs Gun Club Public welcome to shoot when range is open. Sporting clays, trap, black powder, rifle and pistol ranges up to 200 yards.

Hunter education courses also available.

P.O. Box 2362, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-5556 Meeker Sportman’s Club, Inc. Hunter sight-in Thursdays and Fridays prior to each big game season . Sight-in is $5 per gun, or member shoot for $10.

New memberships cost $20 plus dues per person and includes full use of archery, trap, rifle and pistol ranges.

36684 Colo. Hwy 13, P.O. Box 1325, Meeker (4.5 miles southwest of Meeker on Colo. Hwy 13), 970-878-3456, www.meekersportsmansclub.com White River Bowmen Bow-hunting club with indoor and outdoor targets and a clubhouse. Memberships cost $35 per year.

970-675-8559

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Outfitters

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Bargain Barn 506 Yampa Ave. • Downtown Craig, CO • 970-824-4246

Sand Springs Archery 970-824-0139 970-756-9315 cell 80 East 4th St. Craig, CO 81625 Allen Jenkins, owner sandspringsarchery@yahoo.com 110 |

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GUIDES & OUTFITTERS 2V OUTFITTERS, LTD Sam Branham P.O. Box 23005, Glade Park Phone: 970-245-0313, www.2voutfitters.com BAR DIAMOND RANCH, LLC Dellis Ferrier P.O. Box 688, Hotchkiss Phone: 970-527-3010 Fax: 970-527-3416 www.bardiomandranch.com BIGGERSTAFF GUIDES & OUTFITTERS, LLC Steve & Randi Biggerstaff P.O. Box 23187, Glade Park Phone: 970-210-1032 Cell: 970-250-2171 biggerstaffguides@yahoo.com www.biggerstaffhound.com BRAY RANCHES Robert Bray P.O. Box 65, Redvale Phone: 970-327-4779 Fax: 970-327-4776 Cell: 970-729-1954, brayhunt@frontier.net, www.brayranches.com BRYCE OUTFITTING Jim Bryce 20439 E Rd., Delta Phone: 970-874-4134 Cell: 970-270-3586 brycehunts@yahoo.com www.jimbryceoutfitting.com BUCK’S LIVERY, INC Benjamin Breed 61 CR 248, Durango Phone: 970-385-2110 Cell: 970-749-0858 info@buckslivery.com www.buckslivery.com CAMP DAVID OUTFITTING, LLC Ray & Jerad David 17201 6200 Rd., Montrose Phone: 970-252-1582 Fax: 970-252-1582 Cell: 970-765-5500, rdavid@skybeam.com www.campdavidoutfitting.com CARR CREEK CATTLE COMPANY, LLC David S. McDonald PO Box 2991, Grand Junction Phone: 970-261-5009 Fax: 970-255-9911 dave@carrcreekcattleco.com www.carrcreekcacattleco.com

Cell: 970-275-2456 colander@wic.net, www.coloradotrophies.com COMMANDER AND COMPANY, LTD Terry L. Commander Bosie 27200 County Rd. 12, Somerset Phone: 970-929-6202 Fax: 970-929-6202 coloradoadventures@wildblue.net www.commanderandcompany.com www.wildernesshunts.com COULTER LAKE GUEST RANCH & OUTFITTERS Jack Allard 80 County Rd 273, Rifle Phone: 970-625-1473 ranch@coulterlake.com www.coulterlake.com D & G HORSES AND OUTFITTING/ OLD TIME OUTFITTING Dale Coombs 1631 CR 293, Rifle Phone: 970-625-0234 dghorseoutfittin@aol.com www.dghorsesoutfitting.com DARK TIMBER OUTFITTING Richard Webb 236 S. 3rd St. #224, Montrose Phone: 970-275-5047 Cell: 970-275-5047 darktimberlodge@hotmail.com www.darktimberlodge.com FAWN GULCH OUTFITTERS Troy Ross PO Box 727, Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-264-5266 Fax: 970-264-2123 Cell: 970-946-5265 fawngulchoutfitters@yahoo.com www.fawngulchoutfitters.com FISH CREEK OUTFITTERS, LLC Brian & Melonie Peoples 1231 Lodge Pole Dr., Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-264-0982 info@fishcreekoutfitters.com www.fishcreekoutfitters.com HIGH SIERRA EXPEDITIONS, LLC Brad Gray 60392 HWY 90, Montrose Phone: 970-249-6334 Fax: 970-249-6334 Cell: 970-275-3383 info@highsierraexpeditions.com www.highsierraexpeditions.com

CIRCLE K RANCH Al Cannon 27758 Hwy 145, Dolores Phone: 970-562-3808 outfitteral@wmconnect.com , www.ckranch.com HIGHLANDS UNLIMITED, INC Jennifer & Geoff Burbey 3931 CR 122, Hesperus COLORADO TROPHIES Phone: 970-247-8443 Tom Colander highlands@highlandsunlimited.com P. O. Box 249, Redvale Phone: 970-327-4678 Fax: 970-327-4677 www.highlandsunlimited.com

Grand Junction Region HILLS GUIDE SERVICE Clifford & Janice Hill 56860 OE Rd., Collbra Phone: 970-487-3731, hillsguide@yahoo.com www.sportsmansdream.com/hill www.coloradocabinshorsetrails.com HODIAK OUTFITTERS Hodiak (Hody) Ewing P.O. Box 1638, Arboles Phone: 970-799-3641 Cell: 970-799-3641 hodyewing@hotmail.com HUBBARD CREEK OUTFITTERS & PACK STATION, LLC Larry Allen P.O. Box 25, Hotchkiss Phone: 970-872-3818 Cell: 970-901-1839 lallen4286@aol.com, www.hubbardcreek.com J & RAY COLORADO HIGH COUNTRY, INC Ronald & Larry Franks 8360 6400 Rd., Montrose Phone: 970-323-0115 Fax: 970-323-8890 prfranks55@yahoo.com www.sportsmansdream.com/jray JACK CASSIDY, COLORADO BIG GAME HUNTS, LLC Jack Cassidy 1436 N Rd, Loma Phone: 970-858-6586 Fax: 970-858-6587 Cell: 970-270-2112 packrat@gvii.net, www.cassidyoutfitters.com KEYS GUIDE & OUTFITTING, LLC Joe Keys PO Box 1080, Clifton Phone: 970-216-7899 Cell: 970-216-7899 info@keysoutfitting.com www.keysoutfitting.com KNIGHT CANYON OUTFITTERS, INC. Bill, Wade & Nathan Wilson PO Box 304, Norwood Phone: 970-327-4614 Fax: 970-327-4614 Cell: 970-729-1806, w4wilson@centurylink.net www.knightcanyonoutfitters.com LAMICQ GUIDES & OUTFITTERS, INC. John Lamicq 2396 Ridgeway Court, Grand Junction Phone: 970-270-3557 www.coloradohuntingoutfitter.com LAZY F BAR OUTFITTERS, INC Steve Guerrieri PO Box 7089, Gunnison Phone: 970-641-3313 Fax: 970-641-2151 Cell: 970-596-2567, lazyfbar@crestedbutte.net www.lazyfbarranch.com

LITTLE CONE OUTFITTER Roy Hutt PO Box 296/ 46 CR 43 ZN, Norwood Phone: 970-327-4620 royandsallyh@yahoo.com LOBO OUTFITTERS, LLC Mike & Dick Ray 4821 A HWY 84, Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-264-5546 Cell: 970-749-4148 dickray@centurytel.net , www.lobooutfitters.com OUTWEST GUIDES John Calderon 5121 CR 3, Marble Phone: 970-963-5525 outwestguides@live.com www.outwestguides.com OVER THE HILL OUTFITTERS, INC Terry Palmer & Randy Palmer 4140 CR 234, Durango Phone: 970-247-1694 Cell: 970-759-1694, 970-749-7619, otho@frontier.net www.overthehilloutfitters.com PEAK TO CREEK OUTFITTERS, INC Gene Carlson P.O. Box 1986, Bayfield Phone: 970-884-0199 Fax: 970-884-0199 Cell: 970-759-8869 gene@peaktocreekoutfitters.com www.peaktocreekoutfitters.com PINYON OUTFITTERS, LLC Dennis Pottorff P.O. Box 123, Cortez Phone: 970-562-4460 Cell: 970-739-0892 dcpottorff@fone.net www.pinyonoutfittersllc.com ROOSTERS GUIDE & OUTFITTING ADVENTURES Rod Cogburn 2174 45 1/2 Rd, Debeque Phone: 970-283-8919 Fax: 970-283-1028 Cell: 970-618-7203 raycogburn@roostersguideandoutfitting adventures.com, www. roostersguideandoutfittingadventures.com SAWBUCK OUTFITTERS Joe Cisler 44596 Needle Rock RD, Crawford Phone: 970-921-3557 tai.joe@juno.com www.coloradohunts.com SILVER DOLLAR OUTFITTERS Trish Tully P.O. Box 5481, Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-264-9576 Cell: 970-946-2976 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Grand Junction Region attully@centurylink.net www silverdollaroutfitters.com SILVER SPUR OUTFITTERS, LLC Trent Snyder 67290 E. La Salle Rd., Montrose Phone: 970-249-4242 Fax: 970-249-4242 Cell: 970-379-4297 coloradobigracks@aol.com www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com SUNDOWN OUTFITTERS / RIO GRANDE OUTFITTERS Ash Tully P.O. Box 5481, Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-264-9576, attully@centurytel.net www sundownoutfitting.com www.riograndeoutfitters.net TENDERFOOT OUTFITTERS Fred Stinson, Kendall Butts PO Box 246, Gunnison Phone: 800-641-0504 Fax: 970-641-0504 tenderfoot@tenderfoot-outfitters.com www.tenderfoot-outfitters.com THE GUNNISON COUNTRY GUIDE SERVICE

John C. Nelson P.O. Box 1443, Gunnison Phone: 970-641-2830 Cell: 970-209-7104 packtrip@gunnison.com www.coloradoguideandoutfitter.com THIRD GENERATION OUTFITTERS Forest Bramwell P.O. Box 1216, 275 CR 139, Pagosa Springs Phone: 970-219-7523 forestbramwell@aol.com www.thirdgenerationoutfitters.com WAUNTIA HOT SPRINGS RANCH Ryan Pringle 8007 County Rd. 887, Gunnison Phone: 970-641-1266 info@waunita.com www.waunita.com

GEAR, GOODS & SUPPLIES Action Shop Services, The We are a family owned and operated business, since April 1, 1987. We now have a full-time power equipment repair facility.

2412 Access Road, Rifle, 970-625-0943, www.actionshopservices.com

All Metals Welding & Fabrication Known across the United States for specialized fabrication, welding, waterjet cutting and repair.

1707 I-70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, 970-243-6310, www.allmetalswelding.com All-Terrain Motorsports Established in 1993 by James and Jacki Wells. We carry the full line Kawasaki, (BRP) CanAm, and Yamaha (except motorcycles). This includes ATVs, Side x Sides, generators and related accessories for all your outdoor and hunting needs.

3080 I-70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, 970-434-4874, Toll Free: 888-622-6125, www.all-terrainmoto.com Area Best Pawn Buy, sell, consign, trade and pawn guns. Reloading supplies available.

2014 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, 970-240-6062 Aspen Valley Harley-Davidson & Mountain Powersports Showroom with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Polaris Snowmobiles, ATV’s and UTV’s. Service department, parts department, as well as full line clothing and accessories. Harley-Davidson

Quality Custom Fab LLC A Full Service Welding and Fabrication Shop

“If you can dream it, we can design it and build it!”

From the Home to the Oilfield

2730 Hwy 50 • Grand Junction 970-245-7789 112 |

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CAD DESIGN 3-D PART RENDERING CNC PLASMA TABLE SKIDS • STANDS STAIRS STORAGE UNITS SKID MOUNT HOUSING UNITS CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS: SOLID OR LIQUID SKID OR TRAILER MOUNTED EQUIPMENT UNITIZED PUMPS • DIVERSION SYSTEMS CUTTINGS BIN RENTAL • SECONDARY CONTAINMENT KITS

motorcycle rentals.

2302 Devereux Rd, Glenwood Springs, 970-928-7493 www.aspenhd.com info@aspenhd.com, www.mtnps.com Big J Jewelry & Loan We are both a retail store and a lending institution. Big J features new and previously owned merchandise, as well as being an alternative lending source for short-term cash loans.

136 S 7th St, Grand Junction, 970-243-9332 – 900 E Main St, Montrose, bigj.com Centennial RV Grand Junction Colorado’s premier RV dealership carrying Cougar, Coleman, Montana, Open Range, Ascend, Passport, Rubicon, Voltage and Fuzion.

2429 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction, 970-245-8886, www.centennialrv.com Colorado Cylinder Stoves - Lundsford Cylinder and collapsible pack stoves, canvas wall tents and campfire rings.

2481 Commerce Blvd, Grand Junction, 970-243-4595 www.coloradocylinderstoves.com Dennis Gillilan Hunt, LLC We facilitate the sale of landowner permits

in Colorado and also $$$$ Cash for guns, antlers, and traps!!! $$$$ cohunts@aol.com or beartrap35@aol.com www.landowner-tags-voucher.com 970-464-9232 or 970-234-0797 Duffy’s Small Power Repair & Sales & Rentals We want to be your local service center for outdoor power equipment.

2473 Commerce Blvd Ste 1, Grand Junction, 970-424-0243, www.iwantduffys.com D W Metal Works Made To Your Specifications, DW Metal Works, Inc. can handle all of your welding and fabrication needs with certified welders in our shop.

725 Scarlet Drive, Grand Junction, 970-245-2000, www.dwmetalworksinc.com Firestone Complete Auto Care including tires, auto repair and vehicle maintenance for cars, trucks and SUVs. 607 24 Rd Grand Junction, 970-243-402 Fishers Liquor Barn Fisher’s Liquor Barn has quite simply the best selection of Beer, Wine, and Spirits on the Western Slope.

2438 F Road, Grand Junction, 970-242-0999 www.fisherliquorbarn.com Grease Monkey Complete automotive maintenance services, including oil changes, performed by professional technicians.

2857 North Ave, Grand Junction, 970-241-1895 Humphrey RV & Trailer Your work and play experts with RVs to meet your family’s needs. Named #1 KZ dealer in North America for 2011 &2012.

800 Hwy 50 South, Grand Junction, 970-256-7338, www.humphreyrv.com Liquor Store, The Large selection of fine wine, beer and liquor.

Montrose, CO, next to Wal-Mart 970-252-8889 Mattas Marine & RV Full service RV and boat store, featuring America’s favorite Lance campers and travel trailers. Boats by Chaparral, Centurion, Alumacraft and Ranger.

2308 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction, 970-241-8517, www.mattasmarine.com Pro Powder Coating Professional firearm & high temp coatings, powder coating and soda and sand

blasting.

549 Bogart Lane, Grand Junction, 970-241-3422 www.propowdercoating.biz Red Rock Archery Full service provider since 1983.

Bowhunter, target shooter or 3D enthusiast, we have the resources to meet every shooters needs.

3193 Hall Ave, Grand Junction, 970-241-2697 Rifle Truck & Trailer Over 150 trailers in stock, good selection of ATV’s and snowmobiles. We appreciate your business! Open Monday - Saturday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm 1725 Airport Road, Rifle, 970-625-8884, www.rttrailer.com

Grand Junction Region Western Implement Western Implement, in Grand Junction and Montrose, provides goods and services that keep our customer’s coming back again and again.

2919 North Avenue, Grand Junction, 970-242-7960, www.westernimplement.com

MEAT PROCESSING, TAXIDERMY & FUR DEALERS Bookcliff Fur Company We have been dealers in raw & tanned furs in Colorado since 1975. We now carry a complete line of cage traps, lures, & other trap line supplies.

1971 Frontage Rd, Fruita, 970-683-1402

Rocky Toppers & Rhino Linings of Grand Junction Truck toppers & Linings, grill guards, bed slides, steps, fender flares, tool boxes and other after market products.

529 Pitkin Ave, Grand Junction, 970-254-9339

Buck Stops Here Taxidermy Buck Stops Here Taxidermy locally owned and operated. We cater to Hunters that expect Quality Mounts in a reasonable time.

719 S. 14 Road, Glade Park, 970-201-3903 greenacres40@q.com

Safari Ltd We are an independent solar powered Toyota Service Center located in Grand Junction, Colorado. Long story short — SERVICE, REPAIR & PARTS for all TOYOTA, LEXUS AND SCION vehicles.

1005 Pitkin Ave, Grand Junction, 970-245-5898, www.safari-ltd.com

D & M Meats Quality domestic and wild game processing, serving the valley for the last ten years. Owned and operated by Dan & Michelle Gillilan.

2889 Florida St, Grand Junction, 970-241-1073, meatcutter75@hotmail.com

Scotty’s Scotty’s muffler is Your Complete Car Care Center.

357 Pitkin Avenue, Grand Junction, 970-243-9209 Springworks We can outfit your Truck, RV, Boat, Horse and Utility Trailers for the great outdoors.

555 West Gunnison Grand Junction 970-242-4404 www.thespringworksgj.com Thrive Life- Pamela Hanson Freeze dried foods, full line of camping and emergency gear, food rotation systems and tools.

Pam Hanson, Independent Distributor 435-459-9789, www.thrivelife.com, PamelaHanson.com Tire Distribution Center Full service tire work with the right mix of new tire and retread knowledge to ensure the ongoing success of our customers.

410 North Ave, Grand Junction, Phone: 970-242-3021, Fax: 970-245-8089 Store Manager: Tim Shive, 374@tdstires.com

Eagle Springs Meat USDA meat and processing plant at Eagle Springs. We provide the freshest beef, pork, lamb, goat, fish, and poultry that you can buy.

1733 Railroad Ave, Rifle, 970-625-5249 High Desert Taxidermy We use the best of the commercial tanneries and supply companies because quality is always the #1 most important aspect. We offer competitive prices and reasonable turnaround times.

1923 L Road Fruita, Phone: 970-858-3389 Cell: 970-216-1460 www.highdeserttaxidermy.com Hotchkiss Meats Custom, domestic and wild game processing plant. Try one of our 30+ award winning specialty sausage or smoke products!

219 High St, Hotchkiss, 970-872-3030 Kinikin Processing Jerky, brats and summer sausage made in house. State inspected and cleanest meat processing plant in the area.

72015 Kinikin Road, Montrose 970-240-4329, www.colorado-elk.com Orchard Mesa Market Locally owned family market, provides meat processing, gasoline, propane, lottery sales, frozen food lockers, and wild game processing.

176 29 Rd Grand Junction, 970-243-6601 Rocky Mountain Tanners Rocky Mountain Tanners has been in business for over 20 years, showcasing all types of hide tanning services and custom leather products.

4965 S. Broadway, Englewood, 303-293-2882 www.rockymountaintanners.com

OTHER SUPPORTING BUSINESSES Alidas Fruits Bringing you the best Colorado Jams, Jellies, Syrups, Palisade Peaches and Chocolate Dipped Fruits!

419 Main Street, Grand Junction, 970-241-2091; 3402 C ½ road (E. Orchard Mesa) Palisade, 970-434-8769 www.alidasfruits.com Arrowhead Ranch Real Estate Your premier online resource for Mountain Homes and Mountain Lots in Gunnison County, Colorado. We are committed to meeting all your Arrowhead Ranch real estate needs.

21501 Alpine Plateau Rd. Cimarron, 970-862-8402 or 800-643-9905 Colorado Customs Professional sales & instillation. Top brands for truck accessories and after market products.

587 25 Road, Grand Junction, 970-257-0522 Colorado Division of Wildlife Our Mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

711 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, 970-255-6100 Columbine Ford Our goal is to make your car buying experience the best possible. We offer a wide variety of new and used cars, Ford incentives, 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Grand Junction Region service specials, and Ford parts savings.

2728 Railroad Ave, Rifle 970-625-1680, www.columbineford.com

562 South Westgate Drive, Grand Junction, 970-243-1461, www.hainingplumbing.com

Fuoco Motor Company Honda, Nissan, GMC, Cadillac and preowned quality vehicles for nearly 80 years. Friendly and professional full service motor company.

741 N. 1st St, Grand Junction, 970-242-1571, 800-323-6483, www.fuocomotors.com

Lewis Merchantile Located in the center of SW Colorado hunting. Carries hunting licenses, ammunition, blaze orange attire, camping supplies, hunting accessories, calls, scents and so much more!

311 Bayfield Center Dr, Bayfield, 970-884-9502

Grand Valley Power Providing affordable, reliable electricity in Mesa County and the valley since 1937.

845 22 Road, Grand Junction, 970-242-0040 Grimsley’s Upholstery Upholstery for your auto, boat, RV or furniture.

804 Pitkin Ave, Grand Junction, 970-245-3316 Haining Plumbing & Heating provides expert service to the entire western slope of Colorado.

Mt. Peaks Urgent Care We specialize in the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries for patients of all ages. You never need an appointment and we accept most insurance plans.

836 S Townsend Ave, Montrose, 970-249-2118; 456 Kokopelli Suite B Fruita, 970-639-9505 Primary Care Partners- Docs on Call An after-hours facility, established to provide patient care after normal office hours. Providing a cost-effective alternative to a hospital emergency room for non life-

LICENSING AGENTS

threatening illnesses and injuries.

3150 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, 970-255-1576 www.pcpgj.com Quality Custom Fab, LLC A full service welding and fabrication shop.

Provides our customers with the very best in quality craftsmanship & smart design.

2730 Hwy 50, Grand Junction, 970-245-7789 St. Mary’s Hospital The Regional Medical Center. We provide emergency & trauma services, CareFlight medical transport services, stroke care, heart and vascular services. We’re here if the unthinkable happens. We’re here for life.

2635 N 7th St, Grand Junction, 970-298-2273 www.stmarygj.org Western Slope Auto Western Slope Auto is a new and used car dealer serving Grand Junction, Colorado.

Our goal is to provide you with the best car buying experience possible!

2264 Hwy 6 & 50 Grand Junction, 888-974-1154, www.westernslopeauto.com Withers Seidman Rice & Mueller PC 101 S Third St, Ste 265, Grand Junction, 970-245-9075, www.wsrmpc.com

1st Stop 821 W Tomichi Ave, Gunnison, 970-641-6700 Action Shop Services, The 2412 Access Road, Rifle, 970-625-0943 Alpine Angling & Adventure Travel 981 Cowen Dr. #A, Carbondale, 970-963-9245 Area Best Pawn & Loan 2014 Townsend Ave, Montrose, 970-204-6062 Army & Factory Surplus 2828 Glen Ave, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-7796 Basalt Center Fuel 122 Midland Ave, Basalt, 970-927-3599 Battlement Grocery 0071 Sipprelle Dr, Battlement Mesa, C, 970-925-5295

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www.columbineford.com 2728 Railroad Avenue

555 West Gunnison • Grand Junction www.thespringworksgj.com

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Battlement Mesa Hardware 71-4 Sipperelle Dr, Battlement Mesa, 970-285-6678 Berfield Stage Stop 519 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-5782 Big 5 Sporting Goods 400 S. Camino Del Rio Suite. A, Durango, 970-247-1588 Big R Of Alamosa 148 Craft, Alamosa, 719-587-0435 Big R Of Cortez 1319 East Main, Cortez, 970-564-1892 Blair’s Truckstop 2127 East Main St, Montrose, 970-249-4686 Cabela’s 2424 Highway 6 & 50, Grand Junction, 970-683-5000 Canon City Sports Outlet 1012-A Main St, Canon City, 719-275-9160 Cedaredge Foodtown 210 SE Independence Ave, Cedaredge, 970-856-3151 Circle K Ranch 26916 Hwy 145, Dolores, 970-562-3808 City Market 131 Market St, Alamosa, 719-589-2492; 1703 Fremont, Canon City, 719-275-1595; 1051 Hwy 133, Carbondale, 970-963-3255; 508 E Main St, Cortez, 970-565-6504; 122 Gunnison River Dr, Delta, 970-874-9718; 6 Town Plaza Shopping Center, Durango, 970-247-4475; 3130 Main Ave, Durango, 970-259-0240; 0103 Market St, Eagle, 970-328-1302; 135 S Plum, Fruita, 970-858-9506; 1410 S Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-8207; 200 Rood Ave, Grand Junction, 970-241-2278; 2830 N Ave, Grand Junction, 970-244-8100 ; 569 32 Rd, Grand Junction, 970-434-9603; 2270 Hwy 50 South, Grand Junction, 970-245-1411; 880 N Main, Gunnison, 970-641-3816; 215 6th St, Hotchkiss, 970-872-2600; 128 Townsend, Montrose, 970-249-3405; 16400 S Townsend, Montrose, 970-240-3236; 850 Castle Valley Blvd, New Castle, 970-984-9715; 165 Country Center Dr, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-6000; 1320 Railroad Ave, Rifle, 970-625-3080 Collbran Creamery 2117 Rodeo Rd, Collbran, 970-487-3511

Collbran Supply 203 Main, Collbran, 970-487-3341 Colorado Rocky Mtn Outfitters 20090 Barron Lake Dr, Cedaredge, 970-856-4497 Colorado Trails Ranch 12161 Co. Rd. 240, Durango, 970-247-5055 Cox Conoco 135 Railroad Ave, Mancos, 970-533-7728 Dan’s Flyshop 100 N Main, Gunnison, 970-209-6889 Dan’s Fly Shop Hwy 149, Lake City, 970-944-2281 Delta Hardware 263 Main St, Delta, 970-874-9515 Dennis Gillilan Hunt, LLC 407 35 Road, Palisade, 970-464-9235 cohunts@aol.com www.landownertag-tags-voucher.com

Grand Junction Region Five Branches Camper Park 4677 Co. Rd, 501-A Bayfield, 970-884-2582

Kmart 2809 North Ave, Grand Junction, 970-243-6250

Frost RV Park & Country Store 2113 Lakeshore Dr, Cedaredge, 970-856-3216

Ken Banks Shooters World 1220 E N St, Cortez, 970-565-8960

Fruita Consumers Coop Locations 1650 Hwy 6 & 50, Fruita, 970-858-3667 995 Main St, Nucla, 970-864-7323 205 W. 8th St, Palisade, 970-646-7277 Frying Pan Anglers 132 Basalt Center Cir, Basalt, 970-927-3441 Gardenswartz 863 Main Ave, Durango, 970-247-2660 Gene Taylor’s 201 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-1845

Kessler Canyon 0655 C.R. 209, Debeque, 970-283-1145 Leisure Time Sports 110-D Se. Frontier Ave, Cedaredge, 970-856-3000 Lewis Mercantile 311 Bayfield Center Dr, Bayfield, 970-884-9502 M & M Mercantile 240 Front St, Placerville, 970-728-3216

Glade Park Store 1644 Ds Rd, Glade Park, 970-242-5421

ME 2 Firearms, LLC 314 E 1st St, Parachute, 970-285-9170

Goodman’s Dept. Store 402 Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-5460

Montrose Travel Center 706 South 9th, Grand Junction, 970-242-9511

Goods For The Woods 307 S. Camino Del Rio, Durango, 970-247-5725

Montrose True Value 22 S. Townsend, Montrose, 970-249-4924

Grand Mesa Lodge 25861 Hwy 65, Cedaredge, 970-856-3250

Mr. T’s Hardware 6300 Co. Rd. 335, New Castle, 970-984-2977

Duranglers 923 Main Ave, Durango, 970-385-4081

Gunnison Lakeside Resort 28357 W. Hwy 50, Gunnison, 970-641-0477

Naturita Sales 31510 Hwy 141, Naturita, 970-865-2886

Eagle Mountain Mercantile 56 Talisman Dr. Unit 8c, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-9900

Gunnison River Fly Shop 300 N. Main St, Gunnison, 970-641-2930

Nearly Everything Store, The 301 Broadway, Eagle, 970-328-6875

Eagle River Anglers 25 Eby Creek Rd, Eagle, 970-328-2323

High Lonesome Lodge 0275 222 Rd, Debeque, 970-283-9420

Eagle Travel Stop 1040, I-70 Exit 47, Palisade, 970-522-0801

Ignacio Shur Valu 535 Goddard Ave, Ignacio, 970-563-4462

Newberry S Store 82119 Hwy 50, Cimarron, 970-249-5689

Elk Point Lodge 21730 Co. Rd. 501, Bayfield, 970-884-2482

Jerry’s Outdoor Sports 507 30 Rd, Grand Junction, 970-245-1502

Norwood True Value 1635 Grand Ave, Norwood, 970-327-4238

Fred’s Hardware 1733 A Railroad Ave, Rifle, 970-245-7541

JP Flyfishing Specialties 1100 Grand Ave, Canon City, 719-275-7637

Olathe Hardware 321 Main St, Olathe, 970-323-5708

Department of Parks & Wildlife Offices 151 E. 16th St, Durango, 970-247-0855 50633 Hwy 6 & 24, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-2920; 711 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, 970-255-6100; 300 W. New York Ave, Gunnison, 970-641-7060; 2300 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, 970-252-6000 Dove Creek Superette 445 W Hwy 666, Dove Creek, 970-677-2336

Needles Country Store 46825 N. Hwy 550, Durango, 970-247-1221

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Grand Junction Region Ol’ Grand Mesa Corner Market 10986 Hwy 65, Mesa, 970-268-5897

Telluride Outside/Telluride Angler 121 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, 970-728-3895

Outdoor World 1234 Greene St, Silverton, 970-387-5628

Safeway 112 S Spruce, Gunnison, 970-641-0787 1414 Main St, Canon City, 719-547-2108 1329 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, 970-249-8822; 2001 Grand St, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-2760; 1550 Highway 92, Delta, 310-874-9032; 1580 E. Main St, Cortez, 310-874-9032; 2148 Broadway, Grand Junction, 970-243-4204; 681 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, 970-254-0227

Outfitter, The 21 Pike Dr, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-1321

San Juan Angler, The 600 Main St Ste 202 & 203, Durango, 970-927-9927

Paonia Farm And Home Supply 206 Grand Ave, Paonia, 970-527-3301

Sapinero Village Store 16020 Us Hwy 50, Gunnison, 970-641-2340

Piedra Store 22391 W. Hwy 160, Chimney Rock, 970-731-5646

Shoreline Marina 26363 County Rd 3, Orchard, 970-645-2534

Pine River Lodge 14443 Co Rd 501, Bayfield, 970-884-2563

Ski And Bow Rack 354 E. Pagosa St, Pagosa Springs, 970-264-2370

Pleasant Valley 84100 E. Hwy 50, Cimarron, 970-249-8330

Skyline Food & Gas 27963 Hwy 184, Dolores, 970-882-2171

Priest Gulch Campground 27646 Hwy 145, Dolores, 970-562-3810

Slavens 237 W Main St, Cortez, 970-565-8571

Rigs Fly Shop & Guide Service 565 Sherman Hwy, Ste #2, Ridgway, 970-626-4460

Sports Authority 125 E. Meadows Dr, Glenwood Springs, Valley Ranch Supply 970-947-9563; 2424 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand 57454 Hwy 330, Collbran, Junction, 970-241-7977; 3451 So. Rio Grande, 970-487-3000 Unit A, Montrose, 970-249-2706 Wal-Mart Sportsman Inc. 1835 E. Main, Cortez, 970-565-6138 ; 238 S Gunnison Ave, Lake City, 16750 S. Townsend, Montrose, 970-249970-944-2526 7544; 3010 Blake Ave, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-5563; 220 Beaver Creek Pl, Avon, Sportsman’s Campground 970-949-6442 ; 2881 North Ave, Grand & Mtn Cabins Junction, 970-241-6061; 900 N. Main St. 2095 Taylor Lane, Pagosa Springs, Bldg. A, Gunnison, 970-641-1733; 1155 S. 970-731-2300 Camino Del Rio, Durango, 970-259-8755; 2545 Rimrock Ave, Grand Junction, Sportsman’s Warehouse 970-248-0031; 1000 Airport Road, Rifle, 2464 Us 6 & 50, Grand Junction, 970-625-5367; 37 Stafford Ln, Delta, 970-243-8100 970-874-1585

Ouray Apteka 611 Main St, Ouray, 970-325-4388

Rite Aid 400 N. 1st St, Grand Junction, 970-263-7415; 1834 N. 12th St, Grand Junction, 970-243-3125; 2992 F Road, Grand Junction, 970-241-3795; 1412 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-7401 Roaring Fork Anglers 2205 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-0180 Roaring Fork Valley Co-Op 0760 Hwy133, Carbondale, 970-963-2220

Rocky Mountain General Store & Lodge Sundance RV Camp 11674 Hwy 65, Mesa, 970-268-5057 17454 County Road 501, Bayfield, 970-884-0999 Taylor Creek Fly Shop 183 Basalt Center Cr, Basalt, Riverside Convenience Store 970-927-4374 1110 Railroad Ave, Dolores, 970-882-3434

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Telluride Sports 150 W Colorado, Telluride, 970-728-4477 Telluride Sports 565 Mountain Village, Telluride, , 970-728-0364 Telluride Whitewater 2474 J-50 Dr, Austin, 970-835-5050 Terry’s Ace Hardware 525 Navajo Trails Dr, Pagosa Springs, 970-731-4022 Tim’s 810 Main, Silt, 970-876-0757 Timberline Sporting Goods 101 East Third, Rifle, 970-625-4868 Toad’s Guide Shop 309 E. Main Montrose, 970-249-0408 Trader’s Rendevous 516 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, 970-641-5077 Vail Valley Anglers 97 Main St Unit E102, Edwards, 970-926-0900 Vallecito Resort 13030 Co Rd 501, Bayfield, 970-884-9458

Weekenders Sports 141 W. Bridge, Hotchkiss, 970-872-3444 Western Anglers 413 Main St, Grand Junction, 970-244-8658

STATE PARKS Colorado River-Corn Lake 361 32 Road, Clifton, 970-434-3388 Colorado River Fruita (Park) 595 Hwy 340, Fruita, 970-434-3388 Colorado River-Island Acres 36132 Road, Clifton, 970-434-3388 Crawford State Park 40468 Hwy 92, Crawford, 970-921-5721 Highline Lake State Park 1800 11.8 Road, Loma, 970-858-7208 Jackson Lake (Park) 26363 County Rd 3, Orchard, 970-645-2551 Lone Mesa State Park 1321 Railroad Ave, Dolores, 970-882-2213 Mancos State Park 1321 Railroad Ave, Dolores, 970-882-2213 Navajo Marina/Park 1526 County Rd 982, Arboles, 970-883-2628 or 970-883-2208 Ridgway State Park 28555 Hwy 550, Ridgway, 970-626-5822 Rifle Gap (Park) 5775 Hwy 325 Rifle, 970-625-1607 Sweitzer Lake (Park) 40468 Hwy 92 Crawford, 970-921-5721 Sylvan Lake State Park 10200 Brush Creek Rd, Eagle, 970-328-2021 Vega State Park 6624 64 6/10 Rd, Collbran, 970-487-3407

Car Wash The Car Wash 970-724-9488, 1103 Eagle Avenue Self Service Car Wash

Gear, Goods & Supplies Alpine Motor Sports

Outfitting: Guided Hunting & Fishing

Horse Boarding Whiteley Peak Ranch 630-632-9134, 14938 HWY. 40, www.whiteleypeakranch.com Horse Boarding

Kremmling Region Bob’s Western Motel 970-724-3266, www.bobswesternmotel.co We offer quiet, clean rooms for your comfort. We welcome all types of travelers. We have smoking and pet rooms. Discounted rates available @ yelp.com.

Red Mountain RV Park 970-724-9593, 2201 Central Avenue www.redmtnrvpark.com Camping, tenting, showers, dump station, propane & RV supplies, WIFI, RV & boat storage.

We offer ATV’s, Side x Side, and SnowLlama Rentals mobiles from Polaris and Arctic Cat for all Aspen Way Llama Rentals your hunting needs.

115 W. Central Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9655, 970-724-9629, www.aspenwayllamas.com Hotel Eastin Llama Rentals in Gore Range, North of HWY 970-724-3261, 105 S. 2nd St. www.alpinemotorsportsinc.com

Grocery Stores Kremmling Mercantile 970-724-8979, 101 Martin Way Grocery Store, deli, bakery, custom meat shop, produce, liquor, pharmacy, fuel station & car wash.

Guides/Outfitters Bear Mountain Ranch

134 for individuals, families, small groups, hunting & fishing parties.

Lodging Allington Inn & Suites 970-724-9800, 215 W Central Avenue www.allingtoninn.com Lodging w/ delux continental breakfast, the only indoor pool in town, hot tub, WIFI, fitness center, 24-hour guest services, 32” cable TV, mini-fridge, gourmet in-room coffee, and many other amenities.

Lodge-based, free-range rifle hunts on private 10,000-acre ranch for elk, deer, antelope, bison and bear (GMUs 17 and 181).

7401 U.S. Hwy 40, Kremmling, 970-724-9651, Aspen Way Bed & Breakfast 970-724-9629, www.aspenwayllamas.com www.bearmountainranch.net Bull Basin Guides & Outfitters 970-72-.0417, www.bullbasin.com

Lodging & breakfast, bedrooms (2) adjoin 600 sq. ft. sun room, great views & access to Routt National Forest.

Wolford Campground 970-724-1266, www.wolfordcampground.com Camping, tenting, boat rentals, boating, water skiing, fishing, boat slips.

www.hoteleastincolorado.com Kremmling’s fantastic historic railroad hotel featuring remodeled immaculate rooms, free wi-fi, coffee and a “homey” atmosphere. Also 1 bedroom fully furnished apts. on short term basis.

Restaurants Big Shooter Coffee 970-724-3735, 311 Park Ave. The Moose Cafe 970-724-9987, 115 W. Park Ave. Family Restaurant serving homestyle cooking. Open 6am-2pm Daily!

Latigo Ranch 970-724-9008, 201 CR 119, www.latigotrails.com Dude Ranch/Nordic Center. Package includes lodging, food and activities of the season.

Quarter Circle Saloon 970-724-9601, Bar & Restaurant Service

Muddy Creek Cabins 970-724-9559, 315 River Lane www.muddycreekcabins.com Great place to stay for your snowmobiling trip, hunting or fishing trip, family reunions, or just to get away.

Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill 970-724-9219, Bar & Restaurant Service Subway 970-724-9578, 310 Park Avenue www.subway.com

Elk River Guns WE OFFER...

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Call Dan 970-846-7642 or The Shop 970-879-7602 Email: elkrivercustommeats@yahoo.com 2464 Downhill Drive, #11 Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

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1320 Dream Island Plaza Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Steamboat Springs Region

Colorado’s High Lonesome Outfitter and Guides

Old fashioned, pack-in style adventure located in the backcountry of GMU 15. Guided for hunters on five- to six-day hunts from and semi-guided elk, deer and mountain GUIDES & OUTFITTERS archery season through late big game lion hunts among 52,000 acres of vast and 4+2T Ranch rifle seasons. unspoiled forested terrain in the Flat Tops.

Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle 22990 Routt County Road 54 (15 minutes hunts for deer and elk from Horse Mountain northwest of Steamboat), 970-870-9665, P.O. Box 312, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970-846-1449/638-4239, in the Flat Tops area or for antelope from a www.buckmountainoutfitters.net www.cohighlonesome.com desert ranch north of Craig (GMUs 12, 3).

P.O. Box 896, Hayden, 970-276-4283, Colorado Hunter Services Buffalo Creek Ranch www.huntco4plus2tranch.com Trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts Fully guided, luxury lodge-based rifle hunts for elk, deer and moose on 16,000 (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and Big Rack Outfitters & Horseback cabin rental on private land at lower elAdventures acres of private land. evation or public land minutes from cabin Fair chase guided hunts including deer, P.O. Box 2, Rand, 970-723-4045, accommodations (GMUs 4, 12 and 301). elk, antelope, bear and predators on www.buffalocreek.com 25 Canvasback Rd., S.C., 866-210-2445 or over 30,000 acres with minimal hunting 866-210-5445, pressure (GMUs 3, 4, 5, 13, 211, 301).

Bull Basin Guides and Outfitters www.coloradohunterservices.com Summer horseback day trips, two- to Elk, mule deer, black bear, antelope and three-night adventure packages, mountain lion during archery, muzzle Colorado Premier Outfitters wagon rides and cattle drives on a loading and rifle hunting seasons, The #1-rated outfitter for Colorado working guest ranch.

August through January on national for- elk hunting, trout fishing, horseback 42755 Routt County Road 86 (35 miles est and private lands. Also offers private hunting and wilderness excursions, west of Steamboat), 970-826-4468, fly-fishing program with two options on providing full-service camps or drop www.bigrack.com. the prestigious Troublesome Creek and camps for hunters looking to experience Black Mountain Pond. the rugged natural wilderness of the Buck Mountain Outfitters Fully guided deer, elk and antelope hunts P.O. Box 1566, Kremmling, 970-724-0417, Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area in northwest www.bullbasin.com, Colorado. on 8,000 private acres around the Deep Creek and Buck Mountain region. Cabins www.troublesomeflyfishing.com P.O. Box 770225, Steamboat Springs,

970-819-7845, www.coloradopremieroutfitters.com Colorado Private Ranches

Elk and deer non-guided hunts on 15 private ranches, archery through rifle seasons (GMUs 15, 42, 52, 53, 65 and 741).

P.O. Box 1244, Winnsboro, La, 71295, 318-435-5029 or 318-435-5592, www.coloradoprivateranches.com Dave Parri’s Outfitting and Guide Service

Full-service, base camp and drop camp elk and deer hunts and pack service offered for the archery, muzzle-loading and rifle big game seasons into the heart of Troublesome Basin (GMU 18). Guided fly-fishing trips also available.

P.O. Box 254, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-3531, www.traditionalelkhunt.com Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

Del’s has been in continuous operation in North Routt County since 1962, offering both full-service, five-day hunts as well as drop camps deep into the wilderness of the Routt National Forest. Elk, deer and bear hunts in GMUs 5, 14, 161 and 214.

55675 Routt County Road 62 (P.O. Box 893), Clark (18 miles north of Steamboat), 970-879-3495, www.steamboathorses.com

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Truck Toppers & Linings Grille Guards • Bed Slides • Steps Fender Flares • Tool Boxes Other After-Market Products Rocky Toppers 529 Pitkin Avenue Grand Junction, CO 970-254-9339 HOURS: Mon-Friday 8am - 5pm

Elk River Guest Ranch

south of intersection with U.S. Hwy 40), 970-879-0868, www.5springsranch.com

Customized unguided hunting packages to vast public lands in the Routt National Forest, archery through second elk and deer rifle season.

29840 Routt County Road 64, Clark (20 miles north of Steamboat), 800-750-6220, www.elkriverguestranch.com

Hester Hunting Company

Deer, elk, moose antelope, bear, sheep, goat and mountain lion hunts during archery, muzzle loading and rifle seasons.

All hunts lodge-based and fully guided, with some overnight spike camps.

1367 Eagle Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9746, www.hesterhuntingcompany.webs.com

Fish & Cross Ranch/Pack Country Outfitters

In Yampa at the base of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, this historic working cattle ranch offers full-service guided backcountry hunting trips and some limited drop-camp/ self-guided hunts, archery through rifle seasons on national forest and private lands. Horseback rides, guided fishing trips, guided wilderness/wildlife photo hikes and cattle drives also available.

24300 Routt County Road 11, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970-638-1064, www.packcountryoutfitters.com

Jeffcoat Ranch & Outfitters

Trespass-fee elk and deer hunts on private lands.

P.O. Box 97, Hamilton, 970-824-3757 or jeffcoat20@wreawildblue.org

Steamboat Springs Region Luark Ranch & Outfitters

Rents cabins and horses, drop-camps and packing services to 2,400 acres of private and adjacent, non-motorized public BLM land (GMU 26) during archery, muzzleloading and rifle big-game seasons. Also offers trail rides and wild game meat processing.

2834 Luark Road, Burns, 970-653-4324, www.luarkranch.com M&M Elk Ranch

Discount off Service

719 S. 14 Road Glade park, CO. 81523 greenacres40@q.com 970.201.3903

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Certified by Colorado Institute of Taxidermy

Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle elk and deer hunts and drop camps with exclusive outfitter rights to 90 square miles of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area (GMU 15), owned and operated by Olympic and World Cup mogul coach Timmy Meagher. www.northerncoloradooutfitters.com PT Outfitters

Offering bull and cow elk services for hunters. 50803 Aspen Meadow Court, Last Chance Ranch Steamboat Springs, 970-879-5200, Cabin-based, self-guided and drop-camp 303-901-1364, www.mmelkranch.co elk and deer hunts on private land, along with access to public lands of GMUs 131 Middle Creek Ranch/Middle Creek and 231 in the Routt National Forest.

Ranch Outfitters 17825 Routt County Road 29, Oak Creek, Provides housing, first-class cooking, 970-736-8564, www.colastchanceranch.com meals and guides for hunting guests.

Five Springs Ranch Guide and Outfitters Open for all big game and archery and Fully guided hunts for deer, elk, antelope Longshot Ranch rifle seasons on 8,000 private acres and bear, starting in August archery Trespass-fee hunts during big game of mountainous and open-meadow season and running through rifle seasons seasons on 45 acres of private land combined terrain. in December on 7,000 acres of leased bordering public BLM land.

28310 Routt County Road 31, Oak Creek (25 private land.

28925 Routt County Road 14, Steamboat miles south of Steamboat), 970-879-7353 29550 Colo. Hwy 131 Steamboat (10 miles Springs, 970-879-4026

15%

Northern Colorado Outfitters

Private land hunts for elk, antelope, deer and bear (GMUs 27, 18, 181).

129 Grand County Road 12, Kremmling, 866-724-3616 Red Feather Guides & Outfitters

Gould-based outfitter offers deluxe horseback-guided wilderness hunts, archery through second rifle season for deer, elk and moose. Fishing, horseback riding and camping trips available.

49794 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-4204 (summer and fall) or 970-524-5054 (winter and spring), www.redfeatherguides.com

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www.coloradocylinderstoves.com 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Steamboat Springs Region Reeder Creek Ranch

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Readers customize their VIP membership so they get only the news and information they want! Join them to be the first in Steamboat to know about special deals, prizes and exclusive online offers. The best part — it’s 100% local and 100% free!

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Offers some fully guided archery, muzzleloading and rifle hunts for elk and mule deer (GMU 28) from family-operated working ranch focusing on private flyfishing trips.

137 Grand County Road 39, Kremmling, 970-531-2008, www.reedercreek.com Rocky Mountain Ranches

Specializing in trespass-fee, non-guided big game hunts and drop camps for deer, elk and antelope on private ranch lands.

466 S. 16th Ave., Brighton, 970-846-1147, www.rockymountainhunting.com Saddleback Ranch

Deluxe accommodations at the Double Dollar Lodge for elk and mule deer guided hunts on 8,000-acres of private land on family-owned working cattle ranch, August through fall rifle seasons.

37350 Routt County Road 179 (15 miles west of Steamboat), 970-879-3711, www saddlebackranch.net Silver Creek Outfitters

Full and semi-guided hunts and drop-

camps offered primarily for elk, deer and mountain lion on rugged national forest service public lands.

33710 Lariat Trail (25 miles south of Steamboat), 970-846-5877, www silvercreek-outfitters.com Snowmass Creek Outfitters

Guided horseback riding, hunting and fishing (GMU 43) near White River National Forest and Maroon Bells. Mountain climbing and nature photo classes also available 3610 Capitol Creek Rd., Snowmass, 970-704-0707, www snowmasscreekoutfitters.com Skiles Guest & Hunting Ranch

Elk and deer trespass-fee hunts offered on 800 private acres and adjacent public lands in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area from the base of Dome Peak. Horse rental and packing services available.

P.O. Box 12, Burns, 970-653-4329, www skilesranch.com

deer and elk hunts from the Williams Fork Hunt Camp for archery through rifle seasons in addition to four drop camps in the Routt National Forest (GMU 12).

Craig Ranch — 781 Moffat County Road 15, Craig, 970-824-3468; Steamboat Stables — 835 Howelson Parkway, Steamboat (base of Howelson Hill, behind the rodeo grounds), 970-879-2306; Meeker White River Horse Camp — 12900 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-878-4382, 303-442-0258, 303-586-4577, www.sombrero.com Sunset Ranch

Offers big game hunting trips and drop camps to the Swamp Park region, Mad Creek Lakes and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest. Multiday fishing and sightseeing wilderness pack trips also available.

29420 Elk Horn Lane (three miles north of Steamboat) 970-879-0954 Three Forks Ranch

All-inclusive deer, elk and antelope hunts on 50,000 private acres surrounded on three sides by national forest offered by Ranching for Wildlife program partner (GMU 5).

Sombrero Ranches Rents horses for all seasons, including tack P.O. Box 69, Savery, Wyo., 970-583-7396, and delivery/pick-up within a 50-mile ra- www.threeforksranch.com dius of one of the Sombero camps. Guided

Your first stop before the Hunting Season!

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Trophy Mountain Elk Ranch

Private game hunting preserve with over 3,000 acres for guided trophy bull elk hunting. Bison, turkey and deer hunts also available.

4000 Jackson County Road 4, Cowdrey (22 miles north of Walden), 723-4000, www.trophymtn.com Vanatta Outfitters

Ranching for Wildlife program partner features September through December hunt dates for elk and deer along with August through November hunt dates for antelope including 17,000 prime acres of public and private land at 4 Mile Ranch.

P.O. Box 77170, Steamboat, 970-879-6164, www.vanattaoutfitters.com Wild Skies Four Season Cabin Rentals

Cabin accommodations for up to 32 hunters where the largest elk herd is located at 38,000+ elk, lots of mule deer and bear.

(GMUs 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 211, 231, 301).

970-926-0216, www.wildskies.com Williams Peak Ranch

Guided deluxe lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) for elk, deer and antelope on 7,500 acres of private land.

1330 Grand County Road 315, Parshall, 970-725-3242, www.williamspeakranch.com

GEAR GOODS & SUPPLIES

Steamboat Springs Region Brand Spankin Used

Your second-hand goods store for all Aspen Sporting Goods & Video Rentals your hunting needs in the flat tops area.

Hunting, fishing and camping equipment We’ve got what you forgot!

116 W. Main Street, Oak Creek, and some apparel, knives and maps.

970-736-8100 417 Byers Ave., Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-0098 Bucking Rainbow Outfitters

Backdoor Sports

Backpacking gear and offers rentals for tents, stoves and backpacks.

841 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6249, www.backdoorsports.com BAP!

Steamboat’s only Orvis-endorsed outfitter with full-service fly shop specializes in guided fishing trips and sells some maps, knives, outfitting packs and boots.

730 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-8747 or 888-810-8747, www.buckingrainbow.com

Outdoor retail shop and outlet store for BAP! (fleece apparel), Big Agnes (sleeping pads, bags and tents) and Honey Stinger (energy bars and gels) also sells other gear and clothing from manufacturers like Smith Optics and Smartwool.

735 Oak St., Steamboat, 970-879-7507, www.bwear.com

Elk River Guns

Bear River Valley Co-op

Fly shop with ammunition, archery and muzzle-loading equipment and camping equipment.

111 W. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9407

Offers hunting apparel and more.

193 E. Jefferson Ave., Hayden, 970-276-3313

Full-service shooting sports center with firearms, gun-smithing, ammunition, spotting scopes and binoculars, rangefinders and hunting accessories.

1320 Dream Island Plaza, Steamboat, 970-879-7565 Fishin’ Hole Sporting Goods

Flat Tops Ranch Supply

Farm supplies, animal feed, tack, tools, propane, sporting goods and gifts 21475 Highway 131, Phippsburg, 970-736-2450 Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse

Cabins, rooms, and more with direct access to print hunting grounds in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area (GMUs 14, 214 and 131). Also offers horseback riding, pack trips, fishing and ATV tours.

Fuel, lodging, convenience store, bar and restaurant all located on site.

60880 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-4404 or 800-342-1889, www.hahnspeakroadhouse.com High Country Sports

Basic hunting equipment including ammunition, camping and fishing supplies and Routt National Forest maps.

491 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4648 Kremmling Mercantile

Groceries, blaze-orange apparel and some camping supplies.

101 Martin Way, Kremmling, 970-724-8979

Western Colorado’s Preferred Dealer For Nearly 80 Years!

970-242-1571 • 1-800-323-6483

741 N. First St., Grand Junction, CO • WWW.FUOCOMOTORS.COM 2013 | colorado Hunter

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Steamboat Springs Region Montgomery’s General Merchandise

Groceries, ammunition, licenses, maps and sporting goods.

24 Main St., Yampa, 970-638-4531, www.montgomerysstore.com

Powderhorn Cabins

Lodging general store with ice and some fishing and hunting supplies.

35336 Jackson County Road 21, Walden, 970-723-4359 Ski Haus International

North Park Anglers

North Park’s only full-service fly shop sells maps of the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests with a selection of shirts, hats and jackets.

524 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4215, www.northparkanglers.com

Camping, hiking and backpacking gear and boots with sleeping bag, pack and tent rentals. Broad selection of maps and guidebooks including USGS quad maps.

1457 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-0385 or 800-932-3019, www.skihaussteamboat.com

North Park Super

Spiro’s Tradin’ Post

Grocery store with sporting goods section including a variety of camping equipment.

33482 Hwy 125, Walden, 970-723-8211

Liquor, movies and quality fishing, camping and hunting supplies including knives, arrows, ammunition and maps.

107 Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-2443

Steamboat Flyfisher

Quick-dry apparel, boots and socks and maps along with the shops comprehensive selection of fly-tying equipment and materials.

Fifth & Yampa streets, Steamboat, 970-879-6552, wwwsteamboatflyfisher.com Straightline Sports

The oldest fly-fishing guide service and shop in Steamboat also has boots, shoes, maps, knives and camping equipment.

Plus, come check out our new bow shop!

744 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat, 970-879-7568 or 800-354-5463, www.straightlinesports.com Timberline Builders Supply

Camping equipment and ammunition.

209 N. Main St., Walden, 970-723-4422 Toponas Country General Store

Game processing, cold storage, dry ice, some ammunition, blaze-orange vests and some camping and fishing equipment. Also sells ice, gasoline, diesel fuel, Sports Authority Steamboat Powersports Rifles, shotguns and ammunition, knives, propane and liquor, with ATM on site.

Rents ATVs on daily and weekly basis as well 10000 Colo. Hwy 131 Toponas, 970-638-4438 hunting gear and clothes as well as as Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Maps and camping equipment. riding information as well as helmet rentals 705 Martketplace Plaza S. Steamboat, Tri-River Ace and on-site delivery available.

970-871-4570, www.sportsauthority.com Ammunition, knives, camping supplies, 2989 Riverside Plaza, Steamboat, 970-879-5138, propane and a full line of Carhartt clothing including jackets and boots. www.steamboatpowersports.com

720 Tyler Ave., Kremmling (right on Colo.

Hwy 9), 970-724-9325, www.tri-river.com

MEAT PROCESSING & TAXIDERMY All Seasons Taxidermy

2354 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat, 970-870-8520 American West Taxidermy

45 Grand Country Road 12, Kremmling, 970-724-9321 B & L Quality Taxidermy

1744 Lincoln Ave., Taylor Building No. 2, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1316 Elk River Custom Wild Game Processing

Free pickup & delivery. We ship.

Call Joe 970-8198177 or Dan 970-846-7642. elkrivercustommeats@yahoo.com. 2474 Downhill Drive, No. 11, Steamboat Springs Kremmling Wild Game Processing

5240 Grand County Road 22, Kremmling, 970-724-3759, www.kremmlingwildgame.com Steamboat Meat & Seafood

1030 Yampa St., Steamboat, 970-879-3504, www.steamboatseafood.com

Elkhead Mountain Lodge, LLC Unguided Hunting Cabin Rental Craig, Colorado

(Routt National Forest)

Elkhead Mountain Lodge is available for Unguided Rifle and Archery HUNTING, FISHING and SUMMER VACATIONS. Directly bordering the Routt National Forest, Elkhead Mountain Lodge has direct access to over one million acres of prime big game habitat providing the hunter an outstanding opportunity to hunt elk, black bear and mule deer.

814-758-9278 or 814-229-5238 See Website for Rates

www.elkheadmountainlodge.com info@elkheadmountainlodge.com

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visit www.cohunter.com for more

Steamboat Springs Region OTHER LICENSING AGENTS

970-723-3226

City Market

North Park/Gould/Walden KOA

YOU

need to work

Safeway Food & Drug

54175 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-3849 925 Weiss Dr., Steamboat, 970-870-2197

35775 E. U.S. Hwy 40, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-2489

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56750 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723 8366

346 Grand County Road 362, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-6200

Stagecoach Lake State Park (marina)

Corkies Mini Mart

Steamboat Lake State Park

Don’t miss our 32nd Annual SAWDUST DAYS ALL September!

All Chainsaws will be ON SALE

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Specials on Chainsaw Chain & much, much more!

1805 Central Park Dr., Steamboat, 970-879-8115 Walden Conoco

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2521 Jackson County Road 7A, Walden,

WalMart

longer.

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111 N. Sixth St., Hayden, 970-276-3922

61105 RCR 129, Clark, 970-879-7019

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Hayden Mercantile

25500 RCR 14, Oak Creek, 970-736-8342 � ��

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597 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4733

so you can play

Shop & Hop Food Stop

State Forest State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Hot Sulphur Springs)

faster, 988769

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Steamboat)

37500 E. U.S. Hwy 40, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-3766

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Clark Store

Lake John Resort

Hardware

53337 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-4310, www.koa.com/where/co/06117

609 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4246

2013 | colorado Hunter

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505 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6515.

1825 Central Park Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-3290

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Steamboat Springs Region Yampa River State Park

6185 W. U.S. Hwy 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061

Shooting Ranges Byers Canyon Rifle Range

Unsupervised, public Colorado Division of Wildlife-managed range open during daylight hours (closed during winter months). Five centerfire 100-, 200- and 300-yard rifle ranges, one 25-yard (.22 cal) rifle range, shotgun (hand traps only — not provided) and pistol range as well as straw bales for archery. Portable toilet and trash dumpster on site. A Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is required

VISITOR INFORMATION Colorado Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office — 455 Emerson Street, Craig, 970-826-5000; Kremmling Field Office — 2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3000; Glenwood Springs Field Office — 50629 Colo. Hwys 6 and 24, Glenwood Springs, 970-9472800; White River Field Office, 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3800; Grand Junction — 2815 H Road, 970-244-3000, www.co.blm.gov, Lakewood Stat Office — 303-239-3600.

Colorado Dept. of Transportation 877-315-ROAD, www.cotrip.org Colorado Division of Wildlife Grand Junction Regional and Area Office — 711 Independent Ave., 970-255-6100 Steamboat Springs — 925 Weiss Dr., 970-870-2197; Hot Sulphur Springs — 346 Grand County Road 362 (west of Byers Canyon), 970-725-6200; Meeker — 73485 Hwy 64, 970-878-6090; Glenwood Springs — 50633 Colo. Hwy 6 and 24, 970-947-2920; Durango — 151 E. 16th St., Durango, CO 81301, 970-247-0855; Gunnison — 300 New York Ave. Gunnison, CO 81230, (970) 641-7060; Montrose — 2300 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401, (970) 252-6000 Colorado Outfitters Association P.O. Box 849, Craig, 970-824-2468, www.coloradooutfitters.org Colorado State Parks Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake State Parks — 61105 RCR 129, Clark, 970-8793922 or 970-879-7019; Stagecoach Stage Park — 25500 RCR 14, 970-736-8342 or 970-736-2436; Oak Creek, 970-736-2436 or 970-736-8342; State Forest State Park — 124 |

Routt County Rifle Club

Facilities include clubhouse and trap, skeet, sporting clays, heated indoor .22, outdoor pistol, 25-, 50-, 75-, 100- and to use this range.

P.O. Box 216, Hot Sulphur Springs (12 miles 200-yard rifle ranges. Public sight-in days prior to the first three big game rifle east of Kremmling on the north side of seasons (check online club calendar).

U.S. Hwy 40), 970-725-6200 (CDOW Hot Annual membership dues cost $75 with Sulphur Springs office) one-time, new-member applications fee of $25.

Hayden Shooting Range P.O. Box 773116, Steamboat (two miles west Colorado Division of Wildlife managed of town on U.S. Hwy 40), 970-870-0298, 100-, 200- and 300-yard rifle and pistol range, open to the public, from dawn until www.routtcountyrifleclub.com. dusk year-round. A Colorado Wildlife HabiThree Quarter Circles Sporting Clays tat Stamp is required to use this range. and Driving Range Two miles south of Hayden on Routt County Road 37, 970-870-2197 (CDOW Public twelve-station, two-tower sportSteamboat Springs office) ing clays course by appointment.

26185 U.S. Hwy 40 (six miles west of 56750 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-7238366; Yampa River State Park — 6185 W. U.S. Hwy 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061, www. parks state.co.us. Info — 970-434-6862; reservations — 800-678-2267.

Craig Sportsman Information Center (Moffat County Visitor’s Center/Craig Chamber of Commerce) 360 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-5689; 800-864-4405, www.craig-chamber.com

NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office 792 Eagle Drive, Grand Junction, 970-243-7007, www.nws.noaa.gov

Dinosaur National Monument 4545 U.S. Hwy 40, Dinosaur, 970-374-3000, Canyon Area Visitor Center, www.nps.gov/dino/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 25486, Lakewood, 303-236-4216, www.fws.gov

Hayden Chamber of Commerce 252 West Jefferson, Hayden, 970-819-5918, www.yampavalley.info/ haydenchamber.asp

U.S. Forest Service Hahn’s Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District — 925 Weiss Dr., Steamboat Springs, 970879-1870; Parks Ranger District —2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3000 or 100 Main St., Walden, 970-723-8204; Rio Blanco Ranger District — 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4039; Rifle Ranger District — 0094 Garfield County Road 244, Rifle, 970-625-2371; Sulphur Ranger District — 9 Ten Mile Dr., Granby, 970-8774100; White River National Forest — 900 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-9452521; Yampa Ranger District — 300 Roselawn Ave., Yampa, 970-638-4516 U.S. Forest Service Maps 303-275-5350, www.nationalforeststore.com U.S. Geological Survey (topographical maps) Central Region Offices, Denver Federal Center, W. Sixth Ave., and Kipling St., DFC Building 810, Lakewood, 303-202-4700 or 888-275-8747, www.topomaps.usgs.gov.

Craig Area Craig Daily Press newspaper 466 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-7031, www.craigdailypress.com, explorecraig.com

visit www.cohunter.com for more

Steamboat), 970-879-5649 or 970-846-5647, www.3qc.com Vail Rod & Gun Club

Open to the public for sporting clays (five stand and 10-station course available) during the summer.

001 Sporting Clay Way, Wolcott (just south of I-70), 970-926-3472, www.lazyjranch.net Walden Public Shooting Area

Public Bureau of Land Management range, open year-round, has three benches with range distances of 50, 100, 200 and 300 yards. No trash service.

Four miles east of Walden on Jackson County Road 12E, 970-723-4625 Montrose Association of Tourism 1519 East Main Street, Montrose, 970-249-5000, 800-923-5515 Montrose Chamber of Commerce 1519 E Main Street # A, Montrose, Palisade Chamber of Commerce 319 Main Street, P.O. Box 729, Palisade, 970-464-7458 Fax: 970-464-4757, info@palisadecoc.com Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce 200 Lions Park Circle, Rifle, 970-625-2085 or 800-842-2085, www.riflechamber.com

Meeker Chamber of Commerce 710 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-5510, www.meekerchamber.com, www.huntmeeker.com

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation PO Box 2984, Grand Junction, 970-200-3003, www.rmef.org/State/ Colorado/Chapter/Grand+Junction

Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce 209 East Main St., Rangely, 970-675-5290, www.rangelychamber.com

Steamboat Area

Grand Junction Area Colorado Welcome Center at Fruita 340 Hwy 340, Fruita, 970-858-9335 Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 301 Main Street, Delta, 970-874-8616 Fax: 970-874-8618 chamber@deltacolorado.org Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce 432 East Aspen Avenue, Fruita, 970-858-3894, Fax: 970-858-3121 info@fruitachamber.org Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce 360 Grand Ave, Grand Junction, 970-242-3214, www.gjchamber.org/index.asp Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Center 740 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, 970-244-1480

Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center P.O. Box 471 (203 Park Avenue), Kremmling, 887-573.6654, 970-724.3472; info@kremmlingchamber. com; www.kremmlingchamber.com North Park Chamber of Commerce 416 Fourth St., Walden, 970-723-4600, www.northparkchamber.com Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper 1901 Curve Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-150, www.steamboatpilot.com, exploresteamboat.com Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association 125 Anglers Dr., wwwsteamboat-chamber.com

Wyoming Carbon County, Wyoming P.O. Box 1017 Rawlins, 1-800-228-3547,www.wyomingcarboncounty.com

Photo by Joel Reichenberger

Parting Shot

Next up: a five-point turn.

2013 | colorado Hunter

| 125

northwest colorAdo’s preMier MeAt processer & retAiler

383 East 1st Street Craig, CO 81625

101 Market Street Meeker, CO 81641

970-824-3855

970-878-5085

Full line oF AwArd winning retAil MeAt For your cAMp

hAM - bAcon - sAusAge - beeF - pork - lAMb - poultry Unparalled experience in Game processinG Breakfast Sausage Italian Sausage Jerky Snack Sticks Franks

Polish Brats Summer Sausage Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage and MOrE!

regular Skinning is included in price, Trophy Services available In a Hurry to Head Home? 24 hour turn around service Full shipping, pack for airlines, regular shipping boxes, cooler boxes, and dry ice FOr ThE “dO-IT YOurSElFEr” >>> KnIvES, PaPEr, SEaSOnIngS and FaT

w h E n Y O u T h I n K M E aT. . . T h I n K B r O T h E r ’ S CraIg and MEEKEr 126

Bow Purchase includes set-up & maintenance

Business Hours Tuesday - Friday • 12 am - 9 pm Saturday • 10 am - 6 pm August Only Open Sunday • 12 pm - 6 pm

970-241-2697

Serving Colorado Bowmen Since 1983

3193 Hall Ave. Grand Junction, CO

127