Posts Tagged ‘DOW’

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UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU MOUNTAIN LION RESEARCH AREA MEETINGS

September 14, 2009

In addition to this there is a very good course at the DOW about Mountain Lions. See link at the end;

MONTROSE, Colo.– The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be holding meetings to discuss the upcoming lion hunting season in the research area on the south end of the Uncompahgre Plateau in portions of Game Management Units (GMUs) 61, 62, and 70.

Discussion will include quotas, season dates, a permit system for the research area and how hunters can participate in the research effort.  As time allows, biologists will discuss lion management outside of the research area.

The meetings are aimed at mountain lion hunters.  General lion information will not be discussed.  Mountain lion hunters are invited to ask questions and discuss issues with DOW staff.

The first meeting will be at 7 p.m., Sept. 16 at the Delta Montrose Electric Association building in Montrose, 11925 6300 Rd.  The second meeting will be at 7 p.m., Sept. 17 at the Redvale Community Center in Redvale.

For more information, especially if you cannot attend the meeting, contact Brad Banulis or Ken Logan at the Montrose DOW office at (970)252-6000.

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

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HOTCHKISS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POACHING DEER AND SELLING MEAT

September 5, 2009

HOTCHKISS, Colo.–A tip from an observant citizen resulted in a felony conviction for a Hotchkiss poacher who offered big-game meat for sale in classified advertisements published in a local newspaper earlier this year.

Cody Hopkins, 23, pleaded guilty to illegal sale of wildlife, illegal possession of a deer and hunting deer without a license in Colorado District Court in Delta on July 27, 2009. Hopkins was given a one-year deferred sentence and fined $2,002.50.

A hearing examiner for the Colorado Wildlife Commission will also review the facts of the case. As a result, Hopkins may face a suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.

Hopkins was originally charged with four felonies. In addition to a conviction on the felony count of illegal sale of wildlife, Hopkins was convicted of one misdemeanor count of illegal take of a deer and one misdemeanor count of hunting deer without a license.

The investigation into Hopkins’ activities began in late January, when the Colorado Division of Wildlife received a call through Operation Game Thief from a concerned citizen who saw a classified ad in the High Country Shopper offering big-game meat for sale.

DOW investigators called the number in February and arranged to meet Hopkins in Hotchkiss where Hopkins sold about 50 pounds of meat to an undercover officer. At the meeting, Hopkins told investigators that the package included deer meat and meat from a cow elk that had been killed the previous weekend.  Hopkins also sold deer and elk meat to undercover investigators on a couple of other occasions.

Hopkins was arrested in April.

Doug Homan, district wildlife officer in Hotchkiss, said that the crimes might have gone unnoticed if not for the concerned citizen.

“We can never emphasize enough how much we rely on citizens to help us by reporting suspected crimes against wildlife,” Homan said. “People who take wildlife illegally are stealing from licensed sportsmen and women and from all the citizens of Colorado.”

Suspected wildlife crimes can be reported to Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. Tips can be given anonymously and rewards are often provided for information leading to convictions.

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

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LAMAR SHOOTING CLINIC GEARED TOWARD LADIES AND KIDS

September 5, 2009

LAMAR, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will offer a free Shooting Instruction Clinic followed by an optional guided Dove Hunting Clinic east of Lamar on Sun., Sept. 13.

The clinic is geared toward women and youth who are new to hunting.  The event begins with an informal cookout at 1 p.m., followed by an instruction session, and then a guided dove hunt until around 6 p.m.  The DOW will supply all of the hunting equipment and host the cookout.

“A similar program was held last year near Las Animas, and the kids and ladies who attended had a blast — pun intended,” said Linda Groat, and outreach education specialist with the Division of Wildlife.

This year’s event will take place at the Mike Higbee State Wildlife Area four miles east of Lamar off Highway 50.

“The first portion of the afternoon is what we call a Bang ‘N Twang,” said Groat.  The focus is getting hands on experience shooting shotguns and archery equipment.  There is also an electronic big-game hunting simulation game.

Following the Bang ‘N Twang, participants have an option of going on a guided dove hunt with DOW instructors.  Participants must attend the Bang “N Twang and a shooting safety talk in order to go dove hunting.

Dove hunters must have a valid Hunter Ed card and a 2009 small game hunting license with a HIP number to participate.   Each youngster must be accompanied by adult, parent, or sponsor; and must pre-register.

The cost of a Colorado small game license for youth under 18 is $1.  The cost for resident adult annual license is $21.  A one-day small game license is $11.

Space is limited, so register early.  To register, or for more information, call: Linda Groat at (719) 336-6608.

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

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Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife for National Hunting & Fishing Day‏

September 5, 2009

JOIN THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE FOR NATIONAL HUNTING & FISHING DAY

All day events will be held in Denver to educate and encourage participation

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will participate in its first-ever National Hunting & Fishing Day by hosting an event on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Denver Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Denver.  The full day event, beginning at 9:00 AM, will be jam-packed with educational seminars and opportunities for newcomers and seasoned recreationists to cast, shoot and learn outdoor skills in a safe and comfortable environment.

“The DOW recognizes the importance of teaching the hunting and angling heritage to new generations of Coloradoans.  Our wildlife resource is one of the most treasured in the nation–it’s critical that we continue to foster stewardship, conservation, and concern about the future of our animals and fish,” said Mark Cousins, Hunter Education Coordinator for DOW.

Experienced anglers and hunters will enjoy an array of presentations from Colorado wildlife experts, ranging in topics from quail hunting to mapping your hunt, fishing hot spots to carp fishing on a fly, with noted author Barry Reynolds.  Novices, family, and friends of sportsmen can try their hand at shooting a .22, fly rod casting, or getting a Junior Wildlife Officer badge.  Plus, a demonstration of hunting dogs by Pheasants Forever will show everyone how skilled and smart these clever canines are on a hunt!

For more information on the DOW’s National Hunting and Fishing Day, please visit our website at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/ (scroll down on right side of page)

WHO:                    Anyone interested in wildlife-related outdoor recreation!

WHAT:                  National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Colorado Division of Wildlife

WHEN:                  Saturday, September 26, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE:                DOW Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Denver

HOW:                    Space is limited, register early at:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/6A4309D4-C0BF-4D9E-ADB4-E0A0CD74761A/0/FillableRegistrationform_distributed.pdf

If you are interested in learning about the nationwide efforts on National Hunting and Fishing Day, please visit:

http://www.nhfday.org/

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

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YOUTH ARCHERY and SHOTGUN SHOOTING CLINIC IN EL PASO COUNTY

August 22, 2009

RAMAH, Colo. – Youngsters interested in the sports of archery and shotgun shooting are invited to attend a free one-day event at the Ramah State Wildlife Area Archery Range, Sat., Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activities include a shotgun target & fun shoot, a laser gun computerized shooting station, a 3-D archery shoot, and instruction.

“This is a great opportunity for youngsters to learn about shooting sports and try their hand at using a bow and learning about firearms safety,” said Steve Lucero, an education coordinator with the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Instructors from the DOW and trained volunteers will help youngsters learn the finer points of shooting shotguns and bows.

The DOW will furnish the equipment.

The Ramah Archery Range is located four miles west of the town of Ramah at the Ramah State Wildlife Area along U.S. Hwy 24 in northeastern El Paso County.

All ages are welcome.  Boys and girls under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  Activities will run continuously throughout the event.

For more information, call 719-227-5207.

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

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NOVICE HUNTER INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS

August 22, 2009

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Local wildlife conservation groups are teaming up with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) to offer some exciting FREE clinics for beginning hunters. The seminars were developed following the success of a ‘Turkey Hunting 101’ seminar that was offered by the National Wild Turkey Federation this past spring.

The local committee of the Colorado Mule Deer Association will be hosting a free ‘Mule Deer Hunting 101’ clinic on Monday, Aug. 24 at the DOW Grand Junction Hunter Education Building at 711 Independent Ave. Class participants will be treated to a free barbecue beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the mule deer class beginning at 7 p.m. The clinic will cover a variety of topics including mule deer biology and habits, hunting strategies, equipment, and local deer hunting opportunities. The Colorado Mule Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the mule deer and its habitat.

The local committee of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be hosting a free ‘Elk Hunting 101’ clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the DOW Grand Junction Hunter Education Building at 711 Independent Ave. The clinic will begin at 6 p.m. and will cover topics including elk biology and habits, hunting strategies, equipment, and local elk hunting opportunities.  The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the Rocky Mountain elk and its habitat.

The local committee of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a free ‘Waterfowl Hunting 101’ clinic on Friday, Sept. 25 at the DOW Grand Junction Hunter Education Building at 711 Independent Ave. The clinic will begin at 6 p.m. and will cover topics including waterfowl identification and biology, hunting strategies, equipment, and local waterfowl hunting opportunities. Ducks Unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of waterfowl and their habitat. The local Ducks Unlimited committee also offers a free youth waterfowl clinic and guided hunt in the Grand Valley.

All hunting clinics are limited to 40 participants and preregistration is required.  These hunting clinics are designed for novice hunters. For more information about the clinics and to register please call the DOW Education Office at (970) 255-6181.

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

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Glade Park Deer and Elk Meetings‏

August 18, 2009

Obama isn’t the only thing going on in Grand Junction!

GLADE PARK DEER AND ELK MEETINGS


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is interested in hearing from the public about management of big game herds in and around Glade Park. Public input is critical in helping revise herd management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish herd population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend a DAU planning meeting for deer and elk in Game Management Unit 40. In order to maximize the public’s opportunity to comment, these meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

Wednesday, Aug. 19, Mesa County Fairgrounds, Sagebrush Room, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 20, Glade Park Community Bldg., 6:30 p.m.

Deer DAU D-18 and Elk DAU E-19 cover the Glade Park herds, which occupy the area east of the Utah state line, south of the Colorado River and north and west of Highway 141. The area includes Glade Park, the McInnis Canyons NCA, the Colorado National Monument and the west side of Unaweep Canyon. The DAU plans will guide management in Game Management Unit 40, which is known for producing quality buck and bull hunting opportunities.

“Herd size is a function of biology, but it is also a function of what the public desires for a population,” added Ron Velarde, regional manager for northwest Colorado. “While the DOW is well-suited to make biological decisions, we need public input to determine if larger or smaller herds would be acceptable.”

Sportsmen, outfitters, business owners and landowners all have a vested interest in the big game populations in an area. Sportsmen may want larger herds for increased hunting opportunity or male-female ratios that create bigger bucks but less hunting opportunity. Outfitters and hunting-tourism dependent businesses like hotels and restaurants may want increased hunting opportunity that brings more hunters to an area. Landowners may want decreased herd sizes to limit damage to crops and fences. Large landowners may also want herd gender ratios that promote bigger bucks and result in more desirable private land licenses.

DAU plans are based on wildlife management principles and public input and are revised approximately every 10 years. To aid the public in discussion, several management alternatives will be presented at the public meetings. The alternatives cover increasing or decreasing overall herd size and male-female ratios or leaving the populations and gender ratios at their current levels. The benefits and drawbacks to each alternative will be presented.

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

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WATERFOWL REGULATIONS FOR 2009

August 8, 2009

COMMISSION TO FINALIZE WATERFOWL REGULATIONS FOR 2009 SEASON AT AUGUST WORKSHOP IN FRISCO

FRISCO, Colo. – The Commission will finalize 2009 waterfowl season dates and bag limits and will hear public comment on the five-Year Review of the Big Game Season Structure at its August 10th workshop in Frisco.

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – Summit County, 1129 North Summit Boulevard.

The Commission will consider amending 2009 waterfowl and migratory bird hunting seasons for the Pacific and Central Flyway portions of Colorado including season dates and bag and possession limits. Federal regulations have set more liberal parameters for the Commission to consider. Possible Central Flyway changes include: Allowing for pintails and canvasbacks to be taken during the entire season instead of just the first 39 days with a daily bag limit of one bird per species and also allowing for a daily bag limit of three wood ducks instead of two.

In the Pacific Flyway, the Commission will have the option to allow for a daily bag limit of one canvasback, two pintails instead of one and allowing for a daily bag limit of three scaup instead of two, during the first 86 days of the season.

The Commission maintains the ability to keep regulations more restrictive than federal regulations, and is therefore not required to make these changes.

Division of Wildlife staff will also present the Commission with draft guidelines and alternatives for the 2010-2014 big game Season Structure. Limited Elk Game Management Unit nominations will be included in this presentation.

The Commission will hear public comment on the Five-Year Review of Big Game Season Structure agenda item at all meetings and workshops during the process. Anyone who would like to comment is asked to fill out a “blue sheet” –Request to Speak Before the Wildlife Commission – and give it to any Division of Wildlife staff. Comment may be given on any aspect, but will be most effective if directed at the portion of the Big Game Season Structure topic being discussed at that meeting. The time of testimony may be limited by the Commission chair. The usual time limit is three minutes. The Commission is scheduled to finalize the 2010-2014 Big Game Season Structure at its September 2009 meeting.

Drafts of the Middle Park Deer Management Plan (D-9, GMU’s 18, 27, 28, 37, 181 and 371) and the State Bridge Deer Management Plan (D-8, GMU’s 15, 35, 36 and 45) will be presented to the Commission by Division staff.

Constituents can listen to Commission meetings and workshops through the Division’s Web site. This opportunity is provided to keep constituents better informed about the development of regulations by the Commission and how they and Division staff are resolving issues facing Colorado’s wildlife.

People can listen to the live audio feeds of the meeting by clicking on the “listen to audio” link on the “Wildlife Commission” Web page during the meeting. Broadcasts are only available during the meeting.

To view the entire agenda for the August Commission Workshop, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Wildlife Commission/.

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an 11-member board appointed by the governor. The Commission sets Division of Wildlife regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, land purchases and property regulations.

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

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BLUE MESA FISHERY MANAGEMENT ISSUES

August 8, 2009

NEW DOW WEB PAGE EXPLAINS BLUE MESA FISHERY MANAGEMENT ISSUES

GUNNISON, Colo. — Starting in late October, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is planning to remove some lake trout from Blue Mesa Reservoir to help restore balance to the fishery. To respond to anglers’ questions about fishery management regarding kokanee salmon and trout at the reservoir, a new information page is available in the fishing section at the DOW web site, http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing.

“There is a lot of interest in this issue and we want to make sure people understand our management plans,” said John Alves, senior aquatic biologist for the DOW’s southwest region. “Anglers can submit questions through the Q and A section of the web page and we’ll provide answers that will be posted. Rather than responding to every question the DOW is receiving individually, the web site will allow more immediate feedback for our constituents and will let everyone see the answers.”

The DOW is planning to remove some lake trout that are 30 inches and smaller in size. Larger fish will be released.

DOW officials stated previously that 5,000 lake trout might be removed. However, because the DOW has never removed fish from the reservoir, no target number will be used this year. Biologists will be working to locate fish and test removal techniques during the first year. Population monitoring work for the salmon and trout, as always, will be conducted during the spring and summer.

“We have a lot to learn and we’ll be going slowly this fall,” Alves said. “We’ll know a lot more next summer after we evaluate the removal operation and the spring population monitoring work.”

Blue Mesa Reservoir, located west of Gunnison, is a very productive fishery and the primary water for kokanee salmon production in the state. Production of kokanee salmon has always been the No. 1 priority for the fishery and will continue to be. The reservoir, however, is home to a growing population of lake trout — predator fish that are contributing to the decline in the kokanee population. Rainbow trout survival is also falling due to lake trout predation. At the same time, based on findings from annual netting surveys, the overall body condition of lake trout is declining because competition for food among the fish is increasing.

“We’re losing kokanee and we’re losing the potential for long-term production of trophy-sized lake trout,” Alves said. “The DOW’s strategy is aimed at maintaining a highly productive kokanee fishery, a good rainbow trout fishery and a viable trophy lake trout fishery. Without a strong population of kokanee salmon there is no possibility of growing lake trout to trophy size. There is room for all the species in the lake, but careful management is necessary.”

The situation at Blue Mesa is also a problem for 26 other lakes and reservoirs in Colorado that depend on stocked kokanee salmon raised from eggs produced at the reservoir. Blue Mesa provides about 60 percent of the eggs needed to stock 10 million kokanee fingerlings in the Colorado waters each year. Stocking of kokanee statewide will likely be reduced if the annual spawn take at Blue Mesa continues to decline. The value of kokanee fishing in Colorado is valued at $29 million annually.

Balancing the fishery at Blue Mesa Reservoir for the benefit of resident and non-resident anglers is the goal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. To learn more about managing the fishery at this important Colorado fishing destination, go to the web page at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing.

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

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DOW Women Afield Cast & Blast Clinic Slated for Silverthorne‏

July 31, 2009

DOW WOMEN AFIELD CAST & BLAST CLINIC SLATED FOR SILVERTHORNE

SILVERTHORNE, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife Women Afield program is sponsoring a Cast & Blast Clinic for women on Saturday, August 8 in Silverthorne.

Cast & Blast clinics are designed for women who want to learn to fly fish and to shoot a shotgun. The clinic runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m and is for women only.

Participants spend the day with other women while learning and practicing shooting and fishing techniques. No prior experience or equipment required. Participants are asked to participate for the entire clinic.

The cost is $15.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information or to sign up, contact Kris Holinka at the DOW office in Hot Sulphur Springs at (970) 725-6200.

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

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