Posts Tagged ‘Hunting’

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Whew! Colorado Division of Wildlfe has been busy!

April 11, 2010

I do try to keep things posted in a timely  manner here with regards to things related to outdoors recreation. Mostly in Colorado, because I know it so well, and Wyoming, because it is like an adventure exploring my new home state. Then, there is my recent re-entry into reloading. My screen netting of Clear Creek here in the new local area… And so on.

So? Read on. This is, after all a compilation.

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) 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.

DOW’s aquatic biologists continually evaluate Colorado’s fisheries, pausing every five years to review the fishing regulations with the Colorado Wildlife Commission to ensure that management objectives and recreation needs for anglers are met. The regulations set allowable methods of take, season dates, size requirements and bag limits, as well as statewide rules that apply to individual waters throughout Colorado.

In addition to 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. This data will be considered in the decision-making process for setting new regulations.

“We have some very interesting feedback in the northeast region regarding our fishing regulations,” said Ken Kehmeier, Senior Aquatic Biologist,” We’ve already heard from folks who’d like to see carp tournaments allowed, bow and spear fishing, and changes to the walleye regulations. These meetings are a great place to hash out ideas on angling with the public and brainstorm ways to make fishing even better for Coloradoans.”

Northeast Region Meetings

Tuesday, April 27              Comfort Inn Fort Morgan, 1409 Barlow Rd., 6:30-8:30 PM

Wednesday, April 28      Sterling Ramada Inn, 22140 E Hwy 6, 6:30-8:30 PM

Tuesday, May 4                                Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., 6:30-8:30 PM

Wednesday, May 5         DOW Denver HQ, 6060 Broadway, Bighorn Room, 6:30-8:30 PM

Timeline for 5-Year Fishing Regulation Process

The DOW requests that most 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.

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 and more public comment will be allowed at that time. New regulations will be adopted formally in November.

For the northeast region, submit questions or comments to Ken Kehmeier by calling, (970 472-4350), or emailing keh.kehmeier@state.co.us; Statewide-issue comments can also be submitted to Dave Chadwick, (303)291-7174, dave.chadwick@coloradostate.us.

Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. The state offers are 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.

ANGLER ROUNDTABLES IN JUNCTION, GLENWOOD, MEEKER, STEAMBOAT AND GRANBY

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., – The Colorado Division of Wildlife is hosting Angler Roundtables around northwest Colorado to discuss the agency’s five-year review of fishing regulations. Angler Roundtables are open to the public and anyone interested in fishing is encouraged to attend.

Local Angler Roundtables will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the following locations:

Meeker – Thursday, April 22 – Mountain Valley Bank (400 Main Street)

Granby – Monday, April 26 – Granby Community Center (3rd and Jasper)

Glenwood Springs – Tuesday, April 27 – Glenwood Springs Community Center (100 Wolfsohn Rd.)

Grand Junction – Wednesday, April 28 – Ramada Inn (752 Horizon Dr.)

Steamboat Springs – Thursday, April 29 – DOW/USFS Office (925 Weiss Dr.)

Angler Roundtables are public meetings designed to provide people who fish with the opportunity to hear about DOW management and to ask questions or provide suggestions. In addition to discussing regulation changes, anglers can get information or ask questions about local fishing opportunities.

Fishing is an important part of Colorado’s economy. Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. Fishing generates about $1.2 billion in recreation revenue each year in the state.

After receiving public input, DOW staff will develop draft regulations to present to the Colorado Wildlife Commission in September. Those draft regulations will receive additional public review and Commission discussion before formal adoption by the Commission in November.

FLY FISHING SEMINAR IN SALIDA


SALIDA, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will provide a fly fishing class on Sat., April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Salida.

The seminar is geared toward intermediate fly-fisherman and takes place in two sessions – indoor classroom instruction at the Salida DOW office in the morning, followed by “hands-on” fishing instruction on the Arkansas River in the afternoon.

“This class will help people who already have a working knowledge of fly fishing to further fine-tune their skills and make them a more versatile angler,” said Matt Yamashita of the DOW.  “We will cover topics such as reading the water, casting techniques, and various fly presentation styles.”

Participants must furnish their own waders and fly-fishing gear (rods, reels, etc.), and must have a current Colorado fishing license.

The seminar is free.  Class size is limited to12 anglers and pre-registration is required.  Due to fluctuating water levels and wading requirements, this course is not recommended for children.

For more information, or to register, call (719) 227-5200.

The DOW office in Salida is located at 7405 Hwy 50.

The price of an annual fishing license is $26 for Colorado residents.  A one-day license is $9.

JUMBO AND PREWITT RESERVOIRS NOW OPEN TO BOATERS

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife today announced that Jumbo and Prewitt reservoirs are now open for the 2010 boating season.

Jumbo Reservoir, located in Logan County, is open to boating from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week through Memorial Day weekend.  Beginning June 1, boating hours will be extended to 9:30 p.m. until the end of the season.   All boats must complete a mandatory on-site inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) prior to entering and upon leaving the reservoir.

Prewitt Reservoir, located in Washington County, is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until the end of the boating season.  All boats are required to complete a mandatory on-site ANS inspection prior to entering the reservoir.

The mandatory watercraft inspections are part of a statewide effort to stop the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, and other ANS in Colorado reservoirs.   In order to ensure inspections run smoothly and lines move quickly, boaters should arrive to inspection sites with their vessels Clean, Drained and Dry.

For a detailed explanation of the “Clean, Drain and Dry” protocol, click here: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/WatercraftCleaning.htm

For more information on zebra and quagga mussels and how to prevent their spread, please visit the DOW’s Web site at:  http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/ZebraandQuaggaMussels.htm

SAN LUIS VALLEY BIG-GAME MEETINGS SCHEDULED

MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife has scheduled two public meetings in the San Luis Valley to discuss big game management and license allocations for the 2010 hunting seasons in Game Management Units 68, 681, 682, 76, 79, 791, 80, 81, 82 and 83.

The first meeting is 6:30 p.m., April 15, at the Monte Vista Co-op, at, 1901 E. U.S. Highway 160.

The second meeting is 6:30 p.m., April 20 at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center, located about one mile west of Fort Garland on the north side of U.S. Highway 160.

Every year, DOW biologists evaluate big game harvest and population estimates to set license numbers for the seasons.

Brad Weinmeister, terrestrial biologist for the DOW in Monte Vista, will explain proposed license numbers for big game species: deer, elk, bear, pronghorn and moose.

For more information, call Weinmeister at (719)587-6905.

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

Whew!

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Politics, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

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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Pronghorns relocated

March 3, 2010

PRONGHORN RELEASED IN GUNNISON BASIN


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Videos from Colorado DOW

February 25, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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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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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!

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