Archive for the ‘Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors’ Category

BIGHORN SHEEP BACK IN SOUTH PLATTE RIVER CANYON BELOW LAKE GEORGE AFTER 100 YEARS

March 27, 2010

DENVER, Colo. —Eight years after the Hayman burn scorched 138,000 acres of land, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has transplanted Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep into their historic habitat.

Nine female and three male bighorn sheep from the Rampart Range herd near Colorado Springs were released within the perimeter of the burn on January 11th and 12th of this year.  This area is adjacent to habitat occupied by the Tarryall-Kenosha Mountains bighorn sheep herd.

Wildfire can be good for wildlife.  In this case, plant growth since the early 1900’s had covered the site in  dense forest, which precluded bighorn sheep use for the last 50 years.  However, the massive fire cleaned out large areas of dense trees, improving the habitat potential for sheep.   Bighorns typically thrive in steep, broken terrain devoid of dense vegetation. In Colorado, they prefer habitat dominated by grass, low shrubs, and rocky terrain for escape.

DOW biologists, working with additional funds from the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, began studying the site for reintroduction in 2006.  GIS mapping analysis and site visits confirmed that conditions were ripe for the return of the bighorns, as five years after the burn; the site had not grown over with the previously thick tree canopy.

“Moving sheep to their historic range due to the Hayman Burn shows that good things can often come from tragic events,” said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist with the Northeast region of the DOW.  “As the state animal, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are one of our most prized wildlife, with visitors coming from all over the states to hunt and view these magnificent animals.  It is gratifying to be part of an opportunity to expand their range and give them a shot at a larger population.”

Ten of the twelve sheep, nine ewes and one ram, were radio collared prior to release and are being monitored regularly.  Since the release, their movements indicate the bighorns have been exploring a five-mile radius around the release site and have stayed within the perimeter of the Hayman Burn. Additional sheep will likely be transported to the area next year.  The sheep will continue to be monitored for the next several years, as DOW studies the success of the transplant.

For more information on bighorn sheep in Colorado, go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Mammals/BighornSheep.htm

Photos available upon request

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Repeal Anti-gun ObamaCare!

March 23, 2010
Help GOA Repeal Anti-gun ObamaCare!

Gun Owners of America E-Mail Alert
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-321-8585 / FAX: 703-321-8408
http://www.gunowners.org/ordergoamem.htm

Monday, March 22, 2010

Well, it was a long, hard fight.

You spent nearly a year working with GOA to kill the anti-gun ObamaCare bill, even though much of the time, people were saying that its passage was inevitable … that it was going to pass no matter what we did.

But as you know, it wasn’t inevitable, and we almost beat the anti-gun legislation that passed last night.  By 4 pm yesterday, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi still did not have enough votes to pass this monstrosity!

If you were watching the “sausage making” on Sunday — or have been listening to the news today — you know that we narrowly lost the battle over ObamaCare.  [Click here to see how your Representative voted.]

That’s the bad news.  The good news is that we only lost a battle… for the war is not over.  Here’s what your GOA is doing to stall ObamaCare in its tracks:

* Gun Owners of America has been working in Virginia to pass legislation that will exempt citizens from purchasing ObamaCare.  This legislation has passed both houses and is now sitting on Governor Bob McDonnell’s desk.  He is expected to sign this bill tomorrow, making the Old Dominion the first state to take such an action.  Other states are looking to follow Virginia’s example, and you can be sure that GOA will be involved in those states, as well.

* GOA is ready to assist the 38 states which are now planning to file suit against the anti-gun health care law as soon as the President signs it tomorrow.  Over ten years ago, GOA helped Sheriffs Richard Mack and Jay Printz sue the federal government after the Brady Law required law enforcement to run background checks.  You may remember that in Printz v. U.S. (1997), the Supreme Court ruled in our favor.  We will now try to parlay that victory and make the same case here, namely, that the federal government can not force state authorities to act on its behest.

* Finally, GOA is committed to targeting the sell-out congressmen who turned a deaf ear to your letters, phone calls and emails.  For almost a year, Gun Owners of America has been the ONLY gun group at the national level working to kill this legislation.  Some thought this was an impossible battle… but what they don’t realize is that even though we narrowly lost, the fight has been well-worth the effort.

Why?  Because the sleeping giant has been awakened… the American people have been radicalized and they are ready to kick the bums out of office.  This sentiment would not have happened if we had remained silent and had sat on our hands.

So with your help, we will make legislators pay for their arrogance in November!

But to do all of this, we are going to need your help.  Will you stand with us?

We need 100% participation from our members to help make a difference.  We realize that times are tough, so even if you can spare only a few dollars, would you please help us take on the giant Obama-machine?

Please go to the GOA website and tell us you’ll be part of this effort to repeal ObamaCare.  At http://gunowners.org/ordergoamem.htm you can contribute to GOA.

Thank you.  Every little bit helps!

DOW Insider

March 23, 2010

GUNNISON BASIN BIG GAME LICENSE ALLOCATIONS MEETING SET

GUNNISON, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be holding its big game license recommendation meetings for the Gunnison Basin game management units on March 31 at the Gunnison DOW office, 300 W. New York.

Deer and elk license numbers for the 2010 seasons for Game Management Units 66 and 67 will be discussed starting at 10 a.m. A second meeting to discuss deer and elk license numbers in GMUs 54, 55 and 551 will start at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact the Gunnison DOW office at (970)641-7060.

ANGLERS ASKED FOR INPUT ON FISHING REGULATIONS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife invites local anglers to participate in “Angler Roundtable” meetings throughout southeastern Colorado.

The DOW re-evaluates state fishing regulations every five years.  These public forums give anglers a chance to provide input to the fishing regulations process and hear the latest information affecting their favorite fishing waters.

“We want to hear from anglers during this process,” said Doug Krieger, senior aquatic biologist for the SE Region. “Colorado’s anglers represent a diverse group who enjoy fishing for everything from catfish to trout. This is a great opportunity for anglers to provide input regarding allowable methods of take, size requirements, and bag limits.”

DOW biologists regularly evaluate fishery management and collect data from state waters. They conduct fish sampling, creel census and angler satisfaction surveys, research studies, review fish stocking strategies, and examine water quality and water quantity. That information will be considered in the decision-making process for setting the new regulations for the five-year period (2011-2015).

Anglers are encouraged to bring suggestions about how DOW can improve the fishing at their favorite lakes and streams.

The forums are in the following locations:

Leadville: April 13, National Mining Museum, 120 W. 9th Street, 6:30 p.m.

Colorado Springs: April 20, Division of Wildlife, 4255 Sinton Rd., 6:30 p.m.

LaJunta: April 21, Thyme Square Soup & Salad, 302 Colorado Ave., 7 p.m.

Lamar: April 22, Division of Wildlife, 2500 S. Main St., 7 p.m.

Trinidad: April 26, Trinidad Jr. College Sullivan Center, 600 Prospect St., 7 p.m.

Westcliffe: April 27, Cliff Lanes Bowling Alley, 25 Main St., 7 p.m.

Pueblo: April 28, Pueblo State Parks Auditorium, 640 Reservoir Rd., 7 p.m.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

ELK HUNTING UNIVERSITY

March 18, 2010

ANNOUNCING ELK HUNTING UNIVERSITY

Hey DOW Insider!

Have you ever wanted to try elk hunting and wondered; where do I start? Where do I go?  Who do I need to know?

Join Hunter Outreach Coordinator Jim Bulger, and his cadre of experienced Huntmasters, for a series of articles that will get you into the field with the confidence and skills to help you harvest an elk.  Elk Hunting University (EHU) is written by real hunters and conservationists with years of field experience, who will show you the ropes to make your hunt more successful.  Go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHUIntroElkHunting101.htm

where you will learn about licenses, where to hunt and tips for hunting in 2010.  Then, follow the article series for the next six months as we move through the intricacies of buying your license, scouting, marksmanship, and other key elements of planning the best Colorado elk hunt.

With over 280,000 elk, Colorado is proud to be the elk capital of the world! And the Colorado Division of Wildlife is pleased to offer the first online, species-specific hunting training Elk Hunting University.  Start building the skills today that will help you fill your tag this year.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

TURKEY TRANSPLANT TO DOUGLAS COUNTY

March 16, 2010

DENVER, Colo. —February 17th marked the first day that transplanted Merriam turkeys touched ground in Douglas County. Due to a wild turkey distribution project involving a cooperative effort between private landowners, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), a flock of turkeys were released east of Larkspur, Colorado. The turkeys were caught in the area of Debeque, Colorado where their populations are flourishing and were brought to the recently improved habitat area for release.

“In addition to offering a great opportunity to partner with landowners and key organizations, the transplant of these Merriam turkeys will also afford the DOW an opportunity to expand habitat for these popular game birds,” said Casey Westbrook, district wildlife manager for Elizabeth. “It is always rewarding to find suitable habitat to increase Colorado’s wildlife populations.”

While population establishment projects like this are not common place, there are cases where suitable wildlife habitat exists that has not been colonized or recently occupied. The release site was one such case, having been further improved by several shrub plantings along with exclusionary cattle fencing to promote and protect areas of valuable wildlife forage and hiding cover.

Wild turkeys released into this area will further enhance a landscape rich in wildlife and in future will provide increased hunting and viewing opportunities. Projects such as this are one way in which the DOW works cooperatively with other organizations like the NWTF to achieve the goal of protecting, preserving and enhancing the wildlife of the state of Colorado for the use benefit and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

ONLINE NATURE HUNT BRINGS TECHNOLOGY AND WILDLIFE TOGETHER

March 11, 2010

This sounds like it could be a lot of fun!

Colorado Division of Wildlife is proud to partner with the Raptor Education Foundation and Best Buy to bring an online nature hunt to the DOW Insider subscribers!  Each month in 2010, the online nature hunt will offer an opportunity to scour the web, the outside world, or both, to answer key questions for the hunt.  This months hunt begins on March 17th.  On that day go to http://www.naturehunt.net and click on the link to answer the questions which, in the spirit of St Pattys Day, focus on things green in nature and life. You could win an 8GB IPod Nano!

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

DOW STARTING FIVE-YEAR REVIEW OF FISHING REGULATIONS

March 11, 2010

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is starting its 5-year review of statewide fishing regulations and is asking anglers throughout the state to provide comments and suggestions on regulations and possible changes.

Regulation planning will be discussed throughout Colorado at “Angler Roundtable” meetings that will begin in late March. Management and research for various waters will also be discussed at the meetings. Dates and locations of those meetings are still being scheduled and will be announced later.

Aquatic biologists continually evaluate fisheries, and every five years the Colorado Wildlife Commission looks at all fishing regulations to ensure that the DOW continues to meet fisheries management objectives and recreational needs of anglers. The regulations set allowable methods of take, season dates, size requirements and bag limits. The regulations include statewide rules that apply to individual waters throughout Colorado.

Besides regulations, DOW biologists will examine biological and social data from state waters. These include fish and creel surveys, research and trend information, water quality issues, stocking activity and angler-satisfaction surveys. That information will be considered in the decision-making process for setting new regulations.

“We actively seek input from anglers during this process,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the DOW. “Colorado’s anglers represent a diverse group who enjoy angling for everything from trout to walleye. We enjoy hearing from anglers and also educating them on how they play a role in management and regulatory decisions.”

Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. The state offers a wide variety of angling opportunities. Anglers can fish at warm- and cold-water lakes and reservoirs, in numerous big rivers, and in alpine streams and lakes. Every year, fishing in Colorado generates about $1.2 billion in economic benefits.

The DOW requests that angler comments be received by the end of April.

The DOW is also asking for comments from fishing organizations, sportsmen’s groups; water resource managers including ditch companies, conservancy districts, and state and federal government agencies; land management agencies, local governments and private landowners; and businesses and communities that have an economic stake in fishing activity.

In addition to specific suggestions for individual waters, the DOW also wants to hear suggestions on statewide “big picture” issues.

“Colorado has very active associations that are concerned about specific species, such as bass, walleye and trout. We want to hear from those groups. But it’s also important for us to receive comments from individual anglers to get a balance of opinions,” Gerlich said.

After receiving input from anglers and an internal review, draft regulations will be prepared by July and presented for more public comment. The draft regulations will be sent to the wildlife commission in September for review; more public comment will be allowed at that time. New regulations will be adopted formally in November.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is divided into four regions: northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest. Aquatic biologists in each region are responsible for maintaining waters.

Comments on regulations can be submitted to:
Dave Chadwick, statewide issues, (303)291-7174, dave.chadwick@state.co.us; Southwest Region, John Alves, (719)587-6907, john.alves@state.co.us; Northwest Region, Sherman Hebein, (970)255-6186, sherman.hebein@state.co.us; Southeast Region, Doug Krieger, (719)227-5202, doug.krieger@state.co.us; Northeast Region, Ken Kehmeier, (970)291-4350. ken.kehmeier@state.co.us.

Big Changes Await Gunnison Elk Hunters‏

March 3, 2010

Gunnison, Colo.–Gunnison elk hunters will see significant regulation and license changes for the 2010 big game seasons.  Two groups–archery hunters and second-season rifle hunters–are affected most by changes to license allocation and should plan carefully before arriving to the Gunnison area this fall.

“We want to make sure hunters accustomed to purchasing over-the-counter elk licenses are aware of these changes well before the start of the seasons,” said J Wenum, DOW area wildlife manager for Gunnison.  “We don’t want hunters showing up here realizing they cannot purchase licenses or that licenses have been sold out.”

Beginning this year, archery hunters can no longer purchase over-the-counter licenses for Game Management Units 54, 55 and 551. All Gunnison archery licenses are allocated by the limited drawing only for the 2010 season.  Therefore, bow hunters must participate in the spring drawing and have applications submitted prior to the April 6 deadline to obtain licenses for these Units.

In addition, the Division of Wildlife is planning to reduce archery elk licenses approximately 30 to 50 percent for the upcoming season based on guidance already given by the Wildlife Commission. The 2010 license allocation is based on a three-year average of license sales during the 2007-09 seasons.

Second-season rifle hunters will also see a change in license allocation in Unit 54.  Similar to previous years, hunters may purchase over-the-counter elk licenses, but licenses will be “capped” and limited in quantity.   Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 13 at statewide DOW offices and license agents, and online on the DOW Web site.

Approved last year under the Five-Year Review of Big Game Season Structure, the Colorado Wildlife Commission implemented these changes to improve hunter harvest rates and to bring overpopulated Gunnison elk herds closer to objective.

During the past several years, the number of archery hunters has increased significantly in the Gunnison Basin.  Increased hunting pressure has caused an early movement of elk into sanctuary areas–private ranches and wilderness areas–making animals inaccessible to both archery hunters and rifle hunters later in the season.

Wildlife managers are optimistic that reducing early season hunting pressure will improve overall hunter success and help to lower elk populations.

“Overall, these changes should provide expanded opportunities for rifle hunters to harvest antlerless elk,” said Wenum.

For a list and explanation of all 2010 Gunnison Basin big game regulation changes, please visit the following link: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/97D14105-03A3-40EA-9C26-010C3C41DCEB/0/GunnisonBasinChanges2010.pdf

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Pronghorns relocated

March 3, 2010

PRONGHORN RELEASED IN GUNNISON BASIN


GUNNISON, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife released 62 pronghorn in the Gunnison Basin on Feb. 26 to supplement the population in that area. The release area was about 20 miles southeast of the town of Gunnison.

The animals were trapped earlier in the day on private property in an area northeast of Pueblo where there are an abundance of pronghorn. Hunting is not allowed in that area and the number of pronghorn is over the population management objective set by the DOW. Relocating animals is an established wildlife management technique that is used nationwide.

“It was a win-win situation,” said Brian Dreher, terrestrial biologist with the DOW in the Colorado Springs area. “Gunnison needed some pronghorn to bolster their herds and this area near Pueblo had plenty to spare.”

In the Gunnison Basin, the animals were released south of U.S. Highway 50 and east of the Cochetopa Canyon.

Pronghorn are native to the Gunnison Basin, but they do suffer during periods of extreme weather. During the severe winter of 2007-08 more than half of the approximately 600 pronghorn in the basin died due to the weather conditions. The DOW estimates that prior to Friday’s relocation only about 300 pronghorn roamed the vast sage brush hills.

“The pronghorn really took a hit during the winter of 2008,” said J Wenum, area wildlife manager for the Gunnison area. “We’re happy to have more of them in the basin again.”

A previous transplant came after the severe winter of 1984. Pronghorn were trapped in the Trinidad area and relocated to supplement the few remaining animals that existed in the Gunnison Basin at the time.

The technique to trap the pronghorn at Pueblo has been used for many years by the DOW. Two fence lines about one-quarter mile long were built at angles to form a funnel shape. A low-flying helicopter herded the animals into the fenced area and then about 100 DOW biologists, staff and volunteers formed a line and walked slowly behind the animals and eventually pushed them into the small end of the enclosure.

At the narrowest point a net was dropped onto the animals. Then the people who had formed the line ran to hold the animals down. Blindfolds were quickly put over the animals’ eyes to help calm them and their legs were hobbled. DOW veterinarians were on hand to keep an eye on the animals. An ear tag was placed on each animal to help biologists track their movements in the basin. The hobbles and blindfolds were then removed and the pronghorn were placed on beds of hay in horse trailers and transferred to the release sites.

Pronghorn are small compared with other big game animals – about three feet tall at the shoulder and weigh from 85-165 pounds. They can run at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour and are the fastest mammals in the Western Hemisphere.

The scientific name for pronghorn is Antilocapra americana.  The common names are: antelope, pronghorn antelope, and prairie goat. Pronghorn are small, graceful, hoofed mammals with a large head and prominent, laterally positioned eyes.  Keen eye sight and speed are their primary defense mechanisms. Just a few hours after being born a pronghorn can run up to 30 miles per hour.

Pronghorn generally live in grasslands and semi-desert shrub lands on rolling topography that affords good visibility. In spring and summer, the older, more dominant bucks are solitary and the younger males form bachelor bands of up to 12 individuals. The females – known as does – with young form small herds.  In the winter, there are large herds of mixed sex and age classes.

Breeding occurs in the fall, from mid-September to mid-October. Males are territorial during the autumn rut; and while they threaten combat, there is little actual contact. Dominant males round up groups of females.  Gestation averages 252 days. The young are born from late-May to mid-June. On average, each doe gives birth to two young. In the wild, pronghorn have a typical lifespan of 7-10 years.

Males shed the outer sheath of their horns after breeding. The resulting new growth each year produces a steadily larger set of horns. No other North American mammals have branched horns over a bone core.

For more information about pronghorn, go to the DOW’s web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

PHOTO: Copy and paste photo from this URL. Caption is below.
dnr.state.co.us/ImageDBImages/25671.jpg

Two pronghorn walk into their new home in the Gunnison Basin. The animals were trapped on Feb. 26 east of Pueblo and then taken to the Gunnison area the same day to be released. A total of 62 pronghorn were relocated in an effort to increase the population of pronghorn in the Gunnison Basin. Half of the 600 animals in the basin died during the severe winter of 2007-08. Photo: Colorado Division of Wildlife.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

New Videos from Colorado DOW

February 25, 2010

These are just great! Even if you don’t hunt or fish watch them just for the scenery!

DOW ONLINE VIDEO: ‘ELK CAMP COLORADO’ PRESENTS UNIQUE LOOK AT COLORADO ELK HUNTING

DENVER, Colo.–Big game hunters can now experience the excitement and adventure of Colorado elk hunting by immersing themselves in “Elk Camp Colorado,”the latest online video from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Filmed in high-definition video and recorded in digital audio, “Elk Camp Colorado” takes viewers on an intimate journey deep into Colorado’s backcountry, capturing one of the most time-honored and cherished big game hunting traditions–the elk camp.

The 12-minute video also provides a wealth of information to assist hunters, including overviews of Colorado’s big game hunting regulations and license application process.

“This video is a wonderful tool for helping people get started and teaching them to be more successful on their hunt,” said Tyler Baskfield, DOW communications manager.  “It’s also highly entertaining and does a great job at getting people excited about hunting in Colorado.”

From the haunting bugle of a wild bull elk to the unique camaraderie shared by friends exchanging hunting stories around a crackling campfire, “Elk Camp Colorado” encompasses the true essence of the hunt, laced with spectacular fall scenery and crystal-clear wildlife imagery.

In addition, the video introduces viewers to the Natural Diversity Information Source mapping system.  Available on the Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site, the NDIS incorporates statewide hunting statistics, up-to-date Game Management Unit boundaries, USGS maps and other “must-have” information for big game hunters.

With more than 23 million acres of public hunting access, over-the-counter licenses and the largest elk population in North America, there has never been a better time to experience the thrill of a Colorado elk hunt. Get started today by viewing “Elk Camp Colorado.”

To play “Elk Camp Colorado” and other Division of Wildlife online videos, viewers need  high-speed Internet connections and the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on their computers.

Hunters may view “Elk Camp Colorado” on Page 14 of the DOW’s new “2010 Big Game Regulations” e-brochure.  The innovative and interactive brochure allows readers to access Colorado’s big game regulations and supplemental, embedded video content.  Hunters may access the DOW’s online brochure at the following link: http://www.flipseekllc.com/coloradodow2010biggame.html

Or, videos may be accessed directly at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.