Posts Tagged ‘DOW’

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.

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.

$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.

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

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.

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

DOW OFFERS GRANT MONEY FOR SHOOTING RANGE IMPROVEMENTS

October 19, 2009

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is initiating a new grant program to provide funding for shooting ranges and shooting areas in Colorado.  The goal of the grant program is to increase public recreational shooting opportunities for hunter education, marksmanship training, youth shooting opportunities and other recreational shooting throughout the state.

The DOW Shooting Range Grant funding may be used for creating new shooting ranges and shooting areas, as well as to enhance existing ranges and shooting areas.

The grant funding will come from a combination of DOW cash funds from sale of sportsman licenses or federal funds from Section 10 of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

The DOW anticipates making up to a total of $500,000 available for this program beginning with the state fiscal year that began July 1, 2009.  Applicants will be required to provide a minimum of 25% of their request in the form of funding or “in-kind” contribution as matching funds for federal funds.

Applications will be accepted for ranges that will be of a substantive public benefit. Substantive public benefit is considered to be: Enhancing the DOW Hunter Education Program opportunities; Expanding shooting opportunities for the general public; and Enhancing opportunities for youth mentoring programs.

Landowners, local governments, DOW, other state and federal agencies and organized shooting/sportsman and youth organizations are eligible for grant consideration.  Ranges that provide opportunities for hunter education classes and fulfillment of the live fire requirement in obtaining a hunting license, ranges closer to high population centers, and ranges that provide a broad range of shooting opportunities will receive a higher ranking during the review and approval process.

During the initial year of this program, the deadline for application submittal is Dec. 31, 2009. For details and further information visit the DOW Web site at (www.wildlife.state.co.us/hunting/resources) or contact the DOW Grant Program Shooting Range Grant Coordinator, Larry Strohl (303-291-7346) larry.strohl@state.co.us.

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

DOW VIDEO: ‘HUNT COLORADO’ EXPLORES COLORADO’S DIVERSE GAME SPECIES

September 30, 2009

Another great presentation by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Variety, they say, is the spice of life.  And for hunters, no other state offers as much “spice” as Colorado.    From upland birds and waterfowl to majestic big game animals like elk and bighorn sheep, Colorado’s wild game species are as diverse as the Rocky Mountain landscape.

Colorado’s varied and distinctive hunting opportunities are now featured in “Hunt Colorado,” a new online video from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Filmed in high-definition video and recorded in digital audio, “Hunt Colorado” takes viewers on an entertaining and concise tour of Colorado’s game species.  Featured in the seven-minute video are:  turkey, quail, grouse, pheasants, ducks, geese, squirrels, rabbits, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk and deer.

“‘Hunt Colorado’ provides a great overview of some of Colorado’s well-known and not so well-known hunts,” said Debbie Lininger, DOW marketing director.  “Colorado is famous for its exceptional elk hunting, but I don’t think people realize just how many other amazing opportunities exist right here in our own backyard.”

To play “Hunt Colorado” and other DOW online videos, viewers need a high-speed Internet connection and the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on their computer.

Videos may be accessed directly on the Division’s Web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/

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

NEWLY-CREATED ANDRICK PONDS STATE WILDLIFE AREA OPENING TO PUBLIC

September 30, 2009

DENVER, Colo. — Colorado sportsmen have a new 710-acre state wildlife area just southwest of Jackson Lake in Morgan County. The purchase of Andrick Ponds, the former Centennial Hunt Club, was finalized on August 28.  A portion of the property will be open for limited waterfowl hunting between October 3 and November 30th, on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. Four areas will be open beginning October 3, with several more opening November 7th.

The former hunt club was purchased using Habitat Stamp and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds.

“This will be a jewel of a wildlife area for waterfowl hunters,” said Steve Yamashita, Northeast Regional Manager. “This fall, hunting will be limited to waterfowl for a portion of the season. The property has great habitat for small game, turkeys, and deer, as well, and future opportunities can be expected as we open other parts of the property.”

The purchase of the property comes as part of the Divisions efforts to address sportsmen’s requests for more hunting and fishing access throughout the state and additional waterfowl properties.

Hunters wishing to make reservations for waterfowl hunting can call the Division’s hunting reservation system at 1-800-846-9453 beginning Wednesday, September 30, 2009.  Additional information on the reservation system can be found at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/SmallGame/Reservations/.

The property will be formally dedicated on October 24, 2009. Look for additional information on this event and other wildlife news by signing up for the DOW Insider at http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/DOWInsider/.

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

This is just plain awesome!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ROARING JUDY FISH HATCHERY

September 15, 2009

GUNNISON, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking volunteers to lead visitor tours at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery in Almont this fall.

Tour groups include elementary and high school students, and other visitors and tourists. Guided tours will be offered from Sept. 15 through Nov. 1. Tour schedules will vary and will be conducted on weekdays and weekends.

The Roaring Judy is one of the most interesting hatcheries in Colorado. Besides raising a variety of trout species, the Roaring Judy is also the primary hatchery for the production of the state’s kokanee salmon. Visitors who tour the hatchery will learn about Colorado fisheries management, aquaculture and how hatcheries operate.

The hatchery is located at 14131 North Highway 135 (five miles north of Almont on Colorado Highway 135).

For more information or to volunteer, contact Jim Ferraro at (970)641-0190.

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