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Deer Tales: Another Hunting Remembrance

January 2, 2010

Jerry, an old friend spoke with me on the phone for a bit yesterday. He reads the blog, but never comments, and asked why I don’t do more story’s  about the hunting trips that all of us enjoyed so much in the years gone by. His son Jason was listening in the background. He burst out laughing, and said that I should write about the time we went Deer /Elk hunting when he was thirteen… Jason, this is for you!

Colorado GMU 15 is rugged and beautiful. Everything that people think of when they think outdoor recreation in Colorado. The entire Lynx Pass Area is a natural wonder that you should make sure and get to at least three times if you are an outdoors person. There are Grouse, Mule Deer, Elk if you are lucky in the least, and the stream that follows the gravel road harbors great numbers of Brook Trout as well as an occasional Cutthroat and Cutt/Bow hybrid. It is also just about surrounded by “Draw” License tag areas for Elk, and in 1990 it was an OTC Deer tag. Need I say more?

Jerry,  Jason, and Michael all poured themselves into the land Cruiser and found myself and fellow hunting addict Charlie on the tiny and only spot where the land is public on the south side of Lynx Pass Road. Charlie and I were putting the finishing touches on the camp as they pulled in and all were happy that they had not only found us, but that they were in one piece. Earlier, we had heard that there had been a pretty bad accident on Gore Pass, and we hoped and prayed that our friends were not involved in it. They were all amazed that such wild beauty could be found a scant four hours from Denver.

Then things went south, so to speak…

Charlie asked if they had finally sighted in their rifles. See, he and Jerry worked together, the response was not what was expected, and Charlie reacted accordingly. Soon, after a bit of this and that, they all piled into Charlies Toyota, and headed South, as in away from our hunting area to get the rifles sighted in. This would normally have not been an issue as Charlie and myself are dyed in the wool bow hunters. But, this year our schedules and the stars just didn’t cross.

Two hours later they returned. Sadness abounded on their faces and demeanor. Jason’s new rifle simply refused to shoot straight. Charlie handed me the rifle,and said that he had tightened all the screws and so on, and that it was all over the board no matter who was behind the trigger. I nodded, and held the rifle up, and looked through the scope. It had been mounted improperly, but, something told me to look a bit farther. I rested it on the table, on top of a sleeping bag, sighted on a distant rock, and told Charlie to tap the rifle… he did,and the reticule danced. I held the rifle a little more firmly, and asked for a repeat. I got a repeat…

Jason looked like he was about to burst out in tears. I looked at him and said, “Boy,  go over to the back of my car, and get that rifle case out.” He did, and I opened the case up, and his eyes got really wide.  It was my bread and butter gun; a Remington 7mm Express that I had killed my very first Buck with near Camp Las Pulgas, on Camp Pendleton when I was a kid. I would shoot my sons 270 as it wouldn’t be right to lend his rifle to a child without his permission. Besides, he still has the 7mm Mag BDL that he “borrowed” some time in 87…

A quick trip down the road, and I was satisfied that Jason could,in fact, hit the broad side of a dinner plate at 200 yards with my trusted rifle, only a slight windage adjustment was needed… ( Not to mention that the lil’ piss ant shot way tighter groups than I do with it!)

We returned to camp, and I set about getting things other than beer and whiskey ready for supper. Jerry had usedmy Wrist Rocket to secure nine Blue Grouse for the pot, and Charlie had pulled about twenty Brook Trout from the stream.

To be continued.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Men's Issues, mysandry, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »

WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER BOB STREETER TO MEET PUBLIC IN NORTHEAST REGION

December 19, 2009

DENVER, Colo. — Commissioner Bob Streeter will hold a public meeting in Fort Collins to discuss the concerns of constituents and wildlife issues facing the plains.  The commissioner, who represents public members, will discuss the deer and elk season structure and any other issues of concern brought by attendees.  Streeter and DOW staff will lead a conversation on regional outreach efforts and how to engage additional non-consumptive users in supporting and contributing to wildlife in Colorado.

Streeter, who lives in eastern Larimer County, is a former wildlife and habitat restoration consultant and has worked in a variety of roles with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including as assistant director of refuges and wildlife from 1995 to 1998.  He is a former chair of the Larimer County Planning Commission and the Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board. He also currently serves on the South Platte Roundtable and is the Wildlife Commission representative on the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board.

The Wildlife Commission is a volunteer board that sets regulations and policies for the DOW. There are nine wildlife commissioners who represent five different districts in Colorado. They are appointed from each of the following groups: livestock producers; agricultural or produce growers; sportsmen or outfitters; wildlife organizations; and boards of county commissioners. The remaining three commissioners are appointed from the public at large.

Please join Commissioner Streeter at this meeting:

WHAT:               1313 Meeting with Commissioner Bob Streeter
WHEN:               Wednesday, January 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
WHERE:            Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive

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

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Posted in Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News | Comments Off on WILDLIFE COMMISSIONER BOB STREETER TO MEET PUBLIC IN NORTHEAST REGION

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 2010 CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

December 3, 2009

Okay, I know that regular readers know that I am an Outdoorsman. Yes, I hunt with rifle, and front stuffer, and with a stick and string ( My REAL hunting love) before my arm went south.

Few people know though that I also “camera hunt.” Yep, I am a “shutter bug!” I am also a really big fan of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s  Colorado Outdoors Magazine. It is flat out awesome! Always packed with great tips and advice, and some of the best photography that exist anywhere. In view of the latest assault on freedom and liberty by the FCC? Please take note, that this is only an opinion, and further, that I make no money, or take recompense in any kind from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, any subsidiaries and so on, in any way. I will say this though. If you have an outdoors person in your life? This should make one heck of a gift!

Hint hint hint…

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 2010 CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

Looking for a “wild” Christmas gift for the sportsman or wildlife enthusiast in your family? For the first time ever, Colorado Outdoors– the official bimonthly magazine of the Colorado Division of Wildlife–proudly presents the “2010 Colorado Division of Wildlife Calendar.”

Featuring the same stunning photography found in Colorado Outdoors magazine, the 2010 calendar provides hunting and fishing season information, as well as detailed descriptions on watchable wildlife happenings and festivals around the state.

Calendars may be purchased online (http://wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifestore) or by visiting your local Division of Wildlife office. And at $6.95, they are a steal. Limited numbers are available. Get them while they last.

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

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 2010 CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

Banner Year Predicted for Colorado Pheasant Hunters‏

November 17, 2009

It figures… I move away,and things get better. I love hunting upland birds. Wild birds that roam free. Add a dog that loves to hunt, and you are in for a wonderful day. The sad fact though, is that most decent bird land is privately held, and getting permission to hunt is all but impossible. Now though? Perhaps things are getting better.

DENVER, Colo.–With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Colorado’s pheasant and quail seasons now in full swing, upland bird hunters have plenty to be thankful for, especially pheasant hunters on Colorado’s Eastern Plains.

An unusually wet spring and summer throughout much of Colorado’s core pheasant range improved nesting habitat, helping to boost pheasant populations to the highest numbers in years.

“There are an excellent number of pheasants this year,” said Ed Gorman, DOW small game manager.  “Every indication is that we had very good recruitment of young pheasants and good carryover of birds from last year.  The bottom line is that where there is good habitat, there are plenty of pheasants, which should translate into an exceptional year for Colorado hunters.”

According to population surveys, hunters will find the greatest number of pheasants in Yuma, Kit Carson, Phillips, Sedgwick and eastern- Logan counties, followed by improved numbers in Prowers, Baca and Cheyenne counties.

Upland hunters in Morgan, Weld and Washington counties will see better pheasant numbers over 2008; however, birds are still recovering from several years of drought conditions and populations will be more localized in these counties.

Although pheasants will be abundant in most areas, standing corn fields may pose a significant obstacle to hunters pursuing “ringnecks” during the first couple weeks of the season.

“Colorado’s corn harvest is delayed again this year because of cool, wet weather during the last several weeks,” said Gorman.  “Therefore, pheasants may concentrate in standing corn and be inaccessible to hunters until these fields have been harvested later in the season.”

Hunters would do well to look for areas where corn has already been harvested or where winter wheat is the predominant crop.  Hunting should quickly improve as the remaining corn crops are harvested and pheasants are pushed into more accessible habitat.

Quail:
Southeast Colorado scaled quail populations are in the process of recovering from the 2006 blizzard and several years of drought. Quail populations should be higher than last year, but remain below long-term averages despite good nesting conditions in 2009.

In northeast Colorado, bobwhite quail are generally restricted to the South Platte River, the Frenchman and Arickaree drainages, and scattered coveys are also found within the sandhills of Phillips and Yuma Counties.  Bobwhite quail populations appear to be improved over 2008 although, in some areas, populations are much lower than five years ago.  Even with higher water this summer, quail appear to have had a fairly good nesting and brooding season.  A delayed corn harvest in the valley, particularly the fields adjacent to the river corridor, will make hunting more difficult early in the season.

Walk-In Access Program:
The DOW Walk-In Access program offers approximately 220,000 acres of small game hunting access on private lands across the state.  Many of these areas provide opportunities for pheasant and quail hunting.

The “2009 Walk-In Atlas” and the “2009 Late Cropland Atlas” are now available and include all properties enrolled in this program. The “Late Cropland Atlas” includes only those properties which were added for the pheasant and waterfowl seasons.  Therefore, hunters must obtain both atlases to view all properties enrolled in the WIA program.

Atlases provide detailed descriptions of each property, including the type of cover crop (corn, grass, wheat stubble) and offer other useful information and tips for upland hunters.

Walk-In Atlases are available at DOW offices and license agents statewide.  An electronic version may be downloaded at the DOW Web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/SmallGame/WalkInAccess/ .

While the printed atlases have been written to be as accurate as possible, hunters should not hunt fields unless they are clearly marked with Walk-In Access signs.

A Walk-In Access Permit is required to hunt any WIA properties.  Permits cost $20 and are available at DOW offices and license agents statewide.

New for the 2009 season: Sprinkler corners enrolled in the WIA program are closed to hunting until farming operations have concluded.  This closure is in effect to allow harvesters to work efficiently and to minimize safety concerns to hunters and farm workers.  Corners are posted with closure signs in addition to WIA boundary signs.

Hunters are reminded to keep WIA properties clean and to never clean birds or litter on WIA areas.

Hunting Private Land:
Hunters must obtain permission to hunt on private land, whether that land is posted or not.  Hunters wishing to hunt on private land should seek permission from the landowner or lessee well in advance of their planned hunt.

Harvest Information Program:
Hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) and get their HIP number before heading out into the field.  Hunters must write their HIP number in the space provided on their small game license.  HIP numbers can be obtained by calling 1-866-265-6447 or on the Internet at: www.colohip.com

2009 Small Game Brochure:
For more information on small game regulations, season dates and bag-and-possession limits, please pick up a copy of the 2009 Colorado Small Game brochure.  Brochures are available at any DOW office or license agents statewide.  An electronic version can be downloaded at the Division’s Web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/780A905D-8639-4EB1-BBA0-20BBE1F915A8/0/smallgame.pdf

‘Step up to Better Pheasant Hunting’
Upland hunters who would like to improve their success in the field this season are encouraged to pick up a copy of the 2009 Colorado Outdoors “Hunting Guide.”  This special edition of Colorado Outdoors magazine features “Step up to Better Pheasant Hunting,” an in-depth article providing tips and tactics on how to evaluate pheasant habitat, hunt planning and getting the most out of the Division’s Walk-In Access program.  For more information about Colorado Outdoors magazine, please visit: https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/SP/COD/COD_Subscriptions2.jsp?cds_page_id=9250&cds_mag_code=COD&id=1257352915544&lsid=93081040496049996&vid=3

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

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Banner Year Predicted for Colorado Pheasant Hunters‏

Kokanee Egg Shortage Leads DOW to Expand Spawning Operations‏

November 14, 2009

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife today announced it will expand its kokanee salmon spawning operations to include three additional reservoirs to offset a decline in the number of eggs collected during this season’s spawning runs.

Additional kokanee salmon collection sites will be implemented at Cheesman Reservoir in Douglas County, and Wolford Mountain and Shadow Mountain reservoirs in Grand County.

“Expanding our egg-collection effort is necessary this year to improve our chances to collect enough eggs to sustain the state’s kokanee salmon populations,” said Greg Gerlich, DOW fisheries chief.  “We are hopeful that we can still meet objectives by expanding to these other locations.”

The DOW collects approximately 11 to 12 million kokanee eggs annually to meet fishery management goals and to maintain the state’s kokanee salmon populations.  Since natural reproduction is limited, sustainable kokanee populations are dependent on fish stocking programs and eggs collected from a limited number of brood lakes each fall.

Only 6.9 million eggs have been collected so far this season.  While egg-takes remained average to above average at most brood reservoirs (Vallecito, McPhee, Williams Fork and Granby), DOW aquatic biologists attribute this year’s egg deficit to a steep decline in the kokanee salmon population at Blue Mesa Reservoir.

“We’ve been seeing a substantial decline in the kokanee populations at Blue Mesa for the last several years,” said John Alves, DOW senior aquatic biologist.  “Blue Mesa provides half of the eggs that are used to sustain kokanee populations throughout Colorado, which is why a declining kokanee population in the reservoir is a considerable threat to the management of our fisheries.”

Historically, 5 to 8 million kokanee eggs are collected annually from Blue Mesa.  This year, a meager 2.5 million eggs were harvested, leading biologists to expand egg-collection to alternative locations.

“Our strategy over the years is to have additional waters where we can collect fish to keep the program going when efforts at primary brood waters are unsuccessful,” said Gerlich.  However, this places a considerable strain on our resources and is much less efficient.”

Since fish stocking began in Blue Mesa Reservoir in 1965, developing the kokanee salmon fishery has been the major priority of the DOW. Biologists believe a growing lake trout population is the primary cause for the declining kokanee population in the reservoir.

“Kokanee spawning and egg-collection efforts have remained stable in reservoirs where lake trout predation is not a factor,” said Gerlich.  “This is why it’s imperative to establish a better balance between the lake trout and kokanee populations at Blue Mesa.”

This fall, the DOW began a project to remove some of the lake trout, which reproduce naturally at Blue Mesa, from the reservoir. The removal project will continue each year until DOW aquatic biologists determine that predation on kokanee has declined to where the salmon population is no longer threatened.  That decision will be aided by spring survey research that will be done by the DOW and by researchers from Colorado State University.

For more information on Kokanee in Colorado, please see our Web page at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Viewing/Videos/KokaneeSalmon.htm

For further information about the lake trout removal project at Blue Mesa, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Management/BlueMesaReservoirFisheryManagement.htm

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Posted in Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, News | 2 Comments »

GEORGETOWN BIGHORN SHEEP FESTIVAL

November 6, 2009

4TH ANNUAL GEORGETOWN BIGHORN SHEEP FESTIVAL PROMISES FALL FAMILY FUN

GEORGETOWN, Colo. – Few animals evoke Colorado’s rugged and unforgiving mountains like the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Yet the vertical terrain that keeps sheep safe from predators also limits opportunities for Coloradans to view and appreciate Colorado’s state animal.

A happy exception for wildlife watchers is Georgetown, where the Colorado Division of Wildlife is finalizing preparations for the 4th Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival.  Sponsored by DOW, the Town of Georgetown and Great Outdoors Colorado, the festival is timed to coincide with the sheep’s head-banging mating season. This year’s event will take place the weekend of November 14-15.

“Georgetown is one of the few places in Colorado you are almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep, particularly during breeding season in November and December,” said Mary McCormac, Education Coordinator for the northeast region at the DOW.  “Every year we’ve been fortunate to introduce the public to the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, from our Wildlife Viewing Area.  The sheep always put on a good show and an educational and fun time is had by all!”

Trained DOW volunteers will be on hand to help viewers locate the sheep, as well as offer a cup of hot cider and brief lesson on these majestic mammals.  Friends and families will enjoy the educational programming, crafts and activities, and if the weather holds, a bit of guided fishing at Georgetown Lake.

Saturday Presentations:

–Wildlife of Clear Creek County
-Camping and Hiking with Kids
-Catching Poachers: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Protecting Colorado’s Wildlife
-Introduction to Fly Fishing/Tying
-Coyote Tales
-Bighorn Sheep of Georgetown
-Coyotes in the City: Living with Colorado Wildlife
-Mountain Pine Beetles
-Impacts of Climate Change on Colorado’s Wildlife
-Winter Bird Feeding

Festival Activities Guide:

See the final schedule of events at Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival 2009 OR pick up a schedule on-site at the Gateway Visitor Center or the Georgetown Community Center.  All of these events are free.

Georgetown is located just less than an hour west of Denver on I-70. Programs and activities take place in several venues throughout town, but most are on 6th Street. Be sure to plan time to visit the numerous art galleries and unique shops where artisans and shop owners will showcase their wildlife related art, gifts, crafts and other merchandise.

WHAT:           Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival: A full weekend of family-friendly and free wildlife fun.

WHERE:         Town of Georgetown: One hour west of Denver on I-70.

WHEN:           Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, 2009, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

CONTACT:    Jennifer Churchill, Public Information Officer, Phone: 303-291-7234, email: Jennifer.churchill@state.co.us

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

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, News | 2 Comments »

$11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE

November 4, 2009

This is the sort of thing that just makes you sick. Another theive at the public trough.

$11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE

DE BEQUE, Colo. – Three energy companies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poaching of a bighorn sheep ram north of De Beque.

On Friday, Oct. 30, investigators with the Colorado Division of Wildlife were notified that a quarter-curl bighorn ram had been poached on private land. Information from people in the area and evidence collected at the scene indicate that the bighorn sheep ram was likely shot between Sunday, Oct. 25 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 by a single shot to the neck. The poacher made no attempt to salvage meat from the animal or to take the head or horns.

“This is the worst kind of poaching case,” said Albert Romero, District Wildlife Manager for the De Beque district. “It appears that someone just shot and killed this animal for no reason at all.”

Chevron, EnCana and Williams have committed a total of $10,000 to the Division of Wildlife reward fund for information that leads to a conviction in this case. Additionally, Operation Game Thief has offered a $1,000 reward and Colorado’s TIPS program may provide tipsters with a bighorn sheep hunting license in exchange for testimony in the case.

The ram, which was part of the De Beque Canyon bighorn sheep herd, had recently wandered into the Kimball Creek area west of Roan Creek Road (Garfield County Road 204). The ram was frequently seen and photographed by area residents and energy workers who travel the road up Kimball Creek. The ram carcass was discovered on private property owned by Chevron.

Criminal charges in this case could include trespassing, illegal possession of wildlife, waste, felony willful destruction, and hunting in a closed unit. If convicted of all charges, the perpetrator in this case could face up to five years in jail and more than $100,000 in fines. Upon conviction the person would also face suspension of their hunting privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the official state animal of Colorado and they appear on the seal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can qualify for up to $1,000 in reward funds; however tipsters must be willing to testify to qualify for energy company reward funds or TIPS licenses. Operation Game Thief is a program that works with the Division of Wildlife to provide rewards for information in poaching cases. TIPS is a DOW program that provides hunting licenses or preference points for sportsmen who provide information in poaching cases.

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Editor’s note: A Chevron employee snapped a photo of the ram days before it was poached. A copy of the photo is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=25530&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=JPG

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

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Colorado DOW project notes

November 1, 2009

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a grant program for funding shooting ranges and shooting areas. An anticipated $500,000 in funding will come from a combination of sportsmen’s licenses and other cash funding along with federal funding. The program is intended for the construction of new ranges and improvement of existing shooting areas. Contact Larry Strohl at 303-291-7346.

Save the chickens.

A program to conserve Colorado’s lesser prairie chickens will include a Nov. 12 workshop at the Division of Wildlife’s Lamar office, 2500 S. Main St. The event runs from 4-8 p.m. Call 719-336-6606.

Special hunt.

The Division of Wildlife and a private landowner in the Meeker area are teaming up to offer a special late-season cow elk hunting opportunity in late November and December. Applications must be received at the Meeker DOW office by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications should be mailed to Bailey Franklin/Special Late Season Hunt, Box 1181, Meeker 81641.

Denver Post

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2009 COLORADO WATERFOWL COLLECTOR’S STAMPS

October 28, 2009

2009 COLORADO WATERFOWL COLLECTOR’S STAMPS AND ART PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE

DENVER, Colo.–With winter nipping at Colorado, skeins of waterfowl are migrating through the state. Along with flocks of other diving ducks, observant hunters and waterfowl enthusiasts may be lucky to discern a handsome black and white diver with a striking yellow eye – the Barrows goldeneye.

The Barrows goldeneye, one of two similar ducks to visit Colorado during migration, is the avian ambassador featured on this year’s Colorado Waterfowl Collector Stamp, which is now available for collectors.

Award-winning Wisconsin wildlife artist Craig Fairbert’s vivid portrait captures a Barrows goldeneye drake and hen resting amid autumn leaves on a mossy rock in fast water. Fairbert’s “Golden Colorado” bested the work of 36 other wildlife artists to secure the highly coveted spot on this year’s stamp.

“The 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Brian Sullivan, DOW wetlands coordinator.  “Hunters and collectors alike will appreciate the amazing detail and design of this year’s stamp. It will make a great addition to anyone’s collection.”

Each year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program holds a contest for original waterfowl artwork to be depicted on the collector waterfowl stamp. Stamps and a print of the stamp are created for sale to waterfowl and wetland enthusiasts, bird watchers, and stamp/collectors. The funds are used for wetland projects that benefit ducks, geese, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species.

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program has raised $6.7 million to help restore and protect more than 19,500 acres of critical waterfowl habitat.  Additional funding from Ducks Unlimited and other partners has leveraged stamp resources to improve public waterfowl hunting opportunities and habitat throughout Colorado.  Many habitat improvement projects have been conducted on state wildlife areas.  Historically, some funds have also been used to improve important nesting areas in Canada known to produce the majority of Colorado’s migrant ducks.

“Loss of habitat is the single greatest threat to waterfowl,” said Sullivan.  “Participation in the stamp program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to this important conservation effort and ensure the long-term protection of Colorado’s waterfowl and wetland resources.”

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase a Colorado Waterfowl Stamp to hunt waterfowl in Colorado.  The stamp fee is $5 and has not increased since the program’s inception in 1990.  Hunters receive electronic stamps to validate their small game licenses, but they may also request traditional “gum-back” collector stamps, featuring Fairbert’s artwork.  Gum-back stamps will be mailed to hunters upon request. Beginning mid-December 2009, a $2.50 fee will be charged to cover the mailing and processing of the gum-back stamps.

For collectors, the 2009 waterfowl stamp/art print, as well as stamps and art prints from previous years, are available through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  Prints and stamps make great holiday gifts and can be purchased online (www.cwhf.info/shopOnline/index.asp) or by contacting Terrie DeLoria at: (terrie.Deloria@cwhf.info)

For more information about artist Craig Fairbert and to view the 2009 stamp, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/WaterfowlStampProgram/ColoradoWaterfowlStampWinners.htm
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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The Addiction Series: Getting ready for Wild Turkey

October 27, 2009

Yes, I know. It’s Big Game season across much of the land. Not to mention upland bird and waterfowl seasons are, or are beginning to get going depending on where you are located.

This is, however, the time to not only think about spring Turkey hunting, but to prep for it. Thinking Colorado, and probably elsewhere. This is the time of year when you will most probably be meeting farmers and ranchers. In the coffee shops and stores as you go about your pursuit of Deer, Elk, Pheasant,and quail. Should you come upon a person that has tumbled their load of hay on a back country road? Pull over, and give them a hand getting it back onto their trailer or truck. It’s a great way to get information on local animals, and just might open a door to huntable land.

I have written elsewhere on this blog about Bosque Del Oso SWA, and places that are close to Denver where birds can be found. Guess what? From the confluence of Clear Creek and the South Platte River near Commerce City all the way to the border there are what are probably the thickest populations of Rio Grande Turkey’s in the state. The stretch between Commerce City and Fort Lupton being exceptional habitat. Getting permission to hunt though, is often the toughest part of the hunt. Get permission before you apply for a limited license. That’s where pre-planning,and getting to know the locals comes in. What follows is a video of Wild Turkey’s in similar riparian habitat courtesy of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Enjoy!

HERE

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