Posts Tagged ‘DOW’

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Volunteers Needed for Endangered Species Study‏

May 9, 2010

SALIDA, Colo. – The Division of Wildlife is looking for volunteers interested in searching for boreal toads in Colorado’s high country.

Training for interested volunteers begins on Thursday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the DOW office in Salida.

“We need folks willing to hike into some of our high mountain lakes and ponds to determine which locations might have boreal toads,” said Tina Jackson of the DOW.

Boreal toads are small amphibians that were once common throughout the Southern Rocky Mountains.  Their population has steadily declined over the past two decades and now they are considered an endangered species in Colorado and New Mexico, as well as a protected species in Wyoming.

Boreal toads live at elevations between 7,000 – 12,000 feet above sea level.  Due to the short summer season in the high country, volunteers are needed to assist researchers gather data from as many locations as possible.

Volunteers are trained over two sessions.   The first session, May 13, is indoors.  It teaches how to identify boreal toads, or their tadpoles, and where to look.

The second session talks place Saturday, May 22 when Jackson will lead a field trip to a location where boreal toads are known to exist and provide hands-on training on how to identify the species and collect data.

Boreal toads are not the only amphibian to start disappearing.  Amphibians around the globe are experiencing alarming declines. Of the over three thousand amphibian species in the Americas, 39 percent are threatened with extinction.

Researchers believe the declines are related to infection by a fungus.  The fungus invades the thin, permeable skin of amphibians and appears to kill them by interrupting their ability to absorb oxygen through their skin.  The fungus is not dangerous to humans, but deadly to amphibians.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact: Raquel Stotler, DOW Area Wildlife Conservation Biologist in Salida at 719-530-5526, (raquel.stotler@state.co.us); or Jena Sanchez, DOW Volunteer Coordinator in Colorado Springs at 719-227-5204, (jena.sanchez@state.co.us).

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

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Coyotes and Spring: Living with wildlife

April 30, 2010

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking people to take precautions when living or recreating in coyote country. From coyote attacks on pets to aggressive coyotes approaching people, the Division is receiving increasing calls about coyote activity.

“Spring is denning season for coyotes and with new pups in the dens, coyotes will behave more aggressively,” explained John Broderick, Terrestrial Program Manager for the Division of Wildlife. “When you put defensive coyotes trying to feed their young into the mix with lots of people heading outdoors to enjoy the warming weather, you get the right mix for potential problems.”

The DOW wants to caution people about encounters with coyotes. These are not pets. They are wild animals that are predators, and they should be treated with caution and respect.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the dog family. It resembles a small German shepherd with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and resourceful, and can survive on whatever food is available. They prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young deer and sheep. In urban areas, coyotes have attacked people’s small pets – cats and dogs included – particularly when pets are allowed to roam free or left out in yards overnight. A typical coyote weighs about 30 lbs.

Coyote home ranges can include urban areas such as the downtown Denver corridor. From feeding on pets in the urban environment to more natural prey in canyon, sage and forest lands, coyotes are common around the state.

Many urban coyote conflicts often center on feeding issues. When people feed wildlife, it doesn’t take long to teach a wild animal to associate people with food, but it’s very difficult to convince a habituated coyote to return to wild ways. Coyotes that appear friendly may be mimicking behavior that has been rewarded with food in the past: Remember that all wildlife is unpredictable. Do not get close or encourage interaction with wild animals. When it becomes apparent that no food is forthcoming, the coyote’s behavior can change abruptly.

People with pets need to keep them on a leash when walking them. While at home, pets should not be allowed to roam freely.  Even pets in enclosed yards run the risk of predation, especially at night.  People should also feed their pets inside in an effort to keep pet food from attracting coyotes and other wildlife.

Encounters with aggressive coyotes should be reported to the nearest Colorado Division of Wildlife office.

For more information, get a copy of “Living with Wildlife in Coyote Country” at your local Division of Wildlife office or on the web at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/CoyoteCountry.htm

An educational video entitled “Being Coyote Wise” is also available for viewing on the Division of Wildlife website: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/BeingCoyoteWisevideo.htm

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TIPS TO REMEMBER:

Discouraging Coyotes Near Homes

  • Frighten coyotes with loud noises; use unnatural odors (such as ammonia) to clean trash cans.
  • Remove food attractants such as pet food, table scraps on compost piles, fallen fruit, and spilled seed beneath birdfeeders.
  • Remove vegetation and brush that provides cover for prey and hiding cover for coyotes; trim lower limbs of shrubs and conifer trees.
  • Use yard lights with motion detectors, appearance of the sudden light may frighten coyotes away.

    Protecting Pets and Children

  • Keep pets in fenced areas or kennels; remember split rail fences and invisible fences will not keep your pet safe from predators. Pet kennels and runs should have a fully-enclosed roof.
  • Provide human supervision while outdoors, even in your own backyard.
  • Do not allow pets to run loose in areas where there is coyote activity. Keep pets on leash or leave the area when you see a coyote. Most urban areas have leash laws requiring dogs to be under control. Coyotes and foxes have been known to be responsible for many cat disappearances in residential neighborhoods.
  • Although rare, coyotes have been known to injure people.  Most of these incidents involved people feeding coyotes. Teach your family not to approach wildlife and never feed wildlife.
  • Treat the presence of a coyote as an unfamiliar and potentially threatening dog.

    Coyote Encounters

  • Coyotes are usually wary of humans and will avoid people whenever possible. Aggressive behavior toward people is not normal and is often a result of habituation due to feeding by humans.
  • Never feed or attempt to “tame” a coyote.
  • Do not turn your back or run from a coyote.
  • If approached or followed by a coyote, make loud noises, yell and make yourself look big.
  • If the coyote approaches to an uncomfortably close distance, throw rocks or other objects at the coyote.
  • Adults should keep themselves between the coyote and small children.

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

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Thieves at the Public Table: Poachers or just killers?

April 25, 2010

DOW INVESTIGATING DEER KILLINGS AT ADAMS STATE COLLEGE

ALAMOSA, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is investigating the killing of five deer on the campus of Adams State College.

The animals were shot at approximately 2 a.m., April 22, and were found by Alamosa police department officers. They notified campus police and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The DOW is the lead agency in the investigation because the crime involves wildlife. The investigation is being coordinated with campus police.

No motive or suspects have been identified.

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact the DOW’s Monte Vista office at (719)587-6900; Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648; or the Adams State police at (719)587-7901.

Reports can be made anonymously to Operation Game Thief, and a reward is possible if a tip leads to a conviction.

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

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Colorado: WEST SLOPE KIDS ENCOURAGED TO EXPERIENCE OUTDOORS AT OUTDOOR HERITAGE DAY

April 22, 2010

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – More than 30 non-profit outdoor and sportsmen’s groups, government agencies and outdoor-related businesses from across western Colorado will sponsor the 3rd Annual Outdoor Heritage Day in Palisade on Saturday, April 24. The free event began in 2008 from the efforts of Colorado Division of Wildlife officer Frank McGee. McGee became concerned with how little time today’s youth spend outdoors and organized the first Outdoor Heritage Day event to get kids and their families outside and experiencing what Colorado can offer.

“There are so many different things locally that families can enjoy,” said McGee. “People don’t realize what we have within just a short car ride.  We want to give families, especially kids, what they need to know to get out and experience the best parts of western Colorado.”

Outdoor Heritage Day is free and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at Riverbend Park in Palisade. Activities for school age youth include a fishing clinic, hunting simulator, climbing wall, mountain biking, nature walks, a mobile shooting range and much more. Presentations by outdoor organizations will also be held throughout the day. Lunch and all activities are provided at no cost. Visit http://www.outdoorheritageday.org for more information and full event schedule.

Outdoor Heritage Day is sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Town of Palisade, Colorado Mule Deer Association, Colorado Sportsmen’s Wildlife Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Mesa County School Districts 50 and 51, Colorado State Parks, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Boy Scouts of America, 4H, Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers – Grand Valley Anglers, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Future Farmers of America, Colorado Outfitters Association, Grand Valley Audubon Society, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association, Grand Mesa Back Country Horsemen, North American Grouse Partnership, Camp Redcloud, Red Rock Archery, The Moose 100.7, Mesa County Search and Rescue, US Bureau of Reclamation, Western Slope ATV Association, Army National Guard, US Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service-Grand Valley Ranger District, Girl Scouts of America, Western Colorado Retrievers Club, Outdoors Alive, Colorado State Forest Service, Western Flyers Youth Project, Gene Taylors, Colorado Hawking Club, Rocky Mountain Spearfishing Association, Friends of the Mustangs, Sportsman’s Warehouse, REI, Western Colorado Conservation Corps, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and Cabela’s.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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PUEBLO ‘EAGLE DAYS’ FEB 6-7

January 31, 2010

PUEBLO, Colo. – The 2010 Pueblo “Eagle Days Festival” is slated for Feb. 6-7 at Lake Pueblo State Park and Wildlife Area.  Activities include live bird demonstrations, bird watching classes, wildlife viewing stations, and performances by the United States Air Force Academy falcons and the Koshare Indian Dancers.

“Eagle Day is a great opportunity for the whole family to get out of the house and enjoy nature,” said John Koshak of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.  “There will be outdoor activities and demonstrations, as well as indoor exhibits and seminars.”

Indoor events take place Saturday at the State Parks Headquarters Building.  Wildlife viewing tours and viewing stations complete with spotting scopes will be set up on the north side of the reservoir.

There are more eagles around Lake Pueblo in the winter than any other time of the year.  The eagles concentrate along the open waters of the Arkansas River Valley because snow and ice has covered the lakes and reservoirs to the north.

This year, due to the growing popularity of Eagle Days, a second day of outdoor activities has been added on Sun., Feb. 7, including a guided wildlife viewing tour on the Pueblo State Wildlife Area.  Koshak said participants for Sunday’s tour should meet at the entrance to the north side of the Pueblo State Wildlife Area at 9 a.m.  (The State Wildlife Area north entrance is located off Nichols Road in Pueblo West.)  Koshak advises to dress appropriately for the weather; and to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.

At 11 a.m. on Sun., staff from the Greenway Nature Center and Raptor Center will host a “bird walk” along the Arkansas River followed by an “Open House” with live bird viewing from noon until 3 p.m.

Pueblo Eagle Days co-sponsors are the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo Zoo, Greenway Nature Center of Pueblo, the Pueblo Raptor Center, Black Hills Energy, the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Coyote’s Coffee Den, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

THE POPULARITY OF EAGLES

Eagles rank number one on the list of animals that Americans say they want to see in the wild, and Colorado in the winter offers prime viewing opportunities for both bald eagles and golden eagles.

The bald eagle – so named because of its white head – lives only in North America, and it is the second largest bird of prey of the continent.  Only the California condor is larger.

Up to 1,200 bald eagles spend the winter in Colorado.  They are attracted by relatively mild winters.  Bald eagles tend to stay near open water where they can find fish, which is why they gather near large reservoirs along the Arkansas River drainage in the winter.  The bald eagle prefers to nest in large trees near water with little human activity.

Most of the bald eagles leave Colorado in late February or March, heading north to nesting grounds in the northern U.S., Canada, and Alaska.  A few bald eagles remain year-round.

Adult bald eagles have a wingspan of up to eight feet and may weigh as much as 12 pounds.  They have large brown bodies, yellow beaks and white heads and tails.  They fly with deep strokes and soar on flattened wings.  Because immature bald eagles lack the distinctive white markings, they are frequently confused with golden eagles until they reach the age of maturity.

Golden eagles prefer rugged cliffs with adjacent open fields where they feed on a variety of birds, reptiles, and small mammals.  Rabbits and prairie dogs make up a large portion of their diet.

Unlike bald eagles, it is more common to find a golden eagle nest in Colorado.  There are between 600 and 900 active golden eagle nest sites.  Colorado’s golden eagles tend to migrate to the northwest during the spring and return to the eastern plains in the winter.  Some golden eagles remain in southern Colorado year-round.

For more information and a detailed schedule of events and times, please visit the Eagle Days Festival Web site at www.eagleday.org or call John Koshak in Colorado Springs at (719) 227-5221 or the Pueblo DOW office at (719) 561-5300.

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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, Local Politics Colorado, News | 2 Comments »

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