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LAND PROTECTION AGREEMENT OPENS ACCESS IN LAKE COUNTY

March 8, 2009

This is just awesome news! This area has been “out of bounds” for nearly all people for as long as I can remember. It’s diverse attractions for outdoor recreation are hard to list. Or imagine as far as that goes. Great work Division of Wildlife!

LEADVILLE, Colo. – A four-way partnership between the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, and private landowners has resulted in a perpetual conservation easement on 3,200 acres of important wildlife habitat and scenic open space in Lake County.

Owners of the Moyer Ranch entered the agreement to keep the land as a working ranch and preserve its vital wildlife habitat.  In addition, about a third of the ranch will be open to seasonal access to hunters and anglers.

A conservation easement is a legal property interest that compensates a landowner for relinquishing certain development rights as a way to ensure the long-term protection of the land.  The Moyer family received approximately $4.8 million in return for conceding future development rights on the property.  The Division of Wildlife and GOCO each contributed $2.4 million.  The Moyer family donated additional considerations including previous conservation considerations reached with the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas in 2007.

“We are very pleased we were able to be a part of the cooperative effort to protect this important wildlife habitat,” said DOW Area Manager Jim Aragon.  “The Moyer family’s desire to protect the land, the wildlife resource, and to continue with their land stewardship and ranching heritage was key to getting this project done.”

“This has been such a great project,” said Bruce Goforth of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.  “It will preserve the agriculture, wildlife habitat and water resources on the last, large, working ranch in Lake County.  And the water preserved will continue to flow down the Arkansas River, ensuring water quantity, quality, and good fish habitat for many miles.”

The Moyer Ranch has diverse wildlife populations including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and an abundant variety of birds, small mammals, and other non-game wildlife.  The property also features several pristine feeder streams that connect to the Arkansas River.

According to Tom Martin, the local wildlife officer, the DOW’s conservation easement consists of multiple parcels. Most of the tracts are contiguous but some overlap others, and many are irregular shapes located on the steep hillsides.

Approximately 1,350 acres will be open for hunting and fishing. Hunting access will be limited to rifle season deer, elk, and bear; and limited archery and rifle hunting for bighorn sheep.  Public fishing access will be allowed on portions of Iowa and Empire Gulches.

In addition, the Moyer Family and Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas have agreed to allow fishing access on a stretch of Arkansas River upstream from the Hwy. 24 overpass at Hayden Meadows for nine-tenths of a mile to the Crystal Lake State Trust property.  Access points, parking areas, and signs still need to be posted, but the DOW hopes to have that done in the next few months. The result will be that the public will have fishing access to a contiguous stretch of the Upper Arkansas River that is over seven miles long.

COLORADO’S WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION PROGRAM

Habitat loss is a primary cause for the decline of many wildlife species in Colorado.  As highly desirable lands are altered or converted to other uses, wildlife habitat can become degraded, destroyed, and fragmented. Habitat conversion and loss can also reduce opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

The primary use of funds from the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program is to address the loss of critical big game winter range and migration corridors, but also to preserve other wildlife habitat as well.  Wetlands and riparian corridors along with important habitat for threatened and endangered species, and species of special concern are also a priority for acquisition.

By combining funding sources, including Habitat Stamp funds, GOCO funds, Game Cash funds, Wetlands Program funds, Federal funds and others, the DOW is able to bring together an array of species protection and land conservation tools and incentives not otherwise available. The preferred strategy uses perpetual conservation easements that provide incentives to private landowners that protects wildlife habitat and for beneficial wildlife management practices.

Conservation easements are used to guarantee that landscapes remain intact and to provide fundamental wildlife benefits on a long-term basis. All conservation easements must have an accompanying management plan that is approved by the landowner and the DOW.

Since 2006, sales of Habitat Stamps have been instrumental in protecting more than 60,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the state.  The DOW used some funds to purchase land, but most land is preserved through permanent conservation easements held by the DOW and various non-profit partnerships.

The primary focus is protecting important winter range and migration corridors for deer and elk, but acquisitions and easements have also protected critical habitats for sage grouse, opened up fishing access for anglers, and provided hunting access.

A nine-member citizen’s committee appointed by the Governor oversees the habitat stamp program.  The committee has reviewed dozens of proposals to protect critical wildlife habitat.  Proposals are reviewed and ranked according to wildlife benefits, public access, and cost.  Final approval comes from the Colorado Wildlife Commission.

Public access is not required, but projects that provide hunting and fishing access and those with matching funds from partners get additional consideration.

For more information, call (303) 291-7217.  Additional information on the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program timeline for the 2009 enrollment period and a copy of the application is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/WildlifeHabitatProtectionProgram/

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

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 1 Comment »

Turkey Hunting: Making a Wing Bone Call

February 18, 2009

Making a Wing Bone call


While yakking away with Neil about my addiction, and therapy for it, I mentioned using a wing bone call. This lead to him asking where he could get one, and my response was “Just make it.” He asked how, I briefly explained the procedure, and he asked me to write a piece about it for Hunters central. So, here we go; I will also provide a link or two on the subject at the end by people that are much better writers than I am. I will also provide a little background that may or may not be of interest, or help in this little project.

Wing bone calls are a part of American History. Some people can call Wild Turkey’s using only their mouth. Most of us need a little assistance though, and so it has been for centuries. Native Americans were the first to use wing bone calls, and our forefathers were quick to learn about them. They passed on the knowledge of their construction, and I have been told that the skill is still taught across the Appalachian region. I first learned how to build this type of call from a retired Marine that had been raised in the back woods where as often as not; a successful hunt was the difference between eating well or not at all.

Like most new Turkey hunters I was not very good at getting a bird. The better hunting areas were also restricted by license “Draw” that most often did, and still do require several years accumulation of preference points. I was talking about this one day at the now defunct Al’s Sporting Goods in Arvada Colorado. Jeff, the old Marine that became my mentor asked a very good question of me; “Why don’t you put all that whine into a bone? You might even get close enough to get a bird if you do.” I looked at him like the idiot tyro that I was, and things went from there.

First, I needed the wing bone from an older Wild Turkey hen. Second, those previously mentioned hard to get licenses are very easy to get for the fall season, and, you can shoot hens as well as toms. I combined my deer season with a fall turkey hunt and the solution was at hand.

Domestic Turkey’s bones are too thin for making the best calls from, but I learned a work around for that problem which I will cover later.

I cook the bird first myself. Others say that is a “no no” so I am of a mind that it probably does not matter. What does matter is not cracking or crunching the wing bones!

I separate the wing from the carcass, and remove the very tip. Then remove all the meat from the remaining three bones. The technical names are Radius, Ulna, and Humerus but if you don’t have a background in Physiology or Medicine you can simplify them as big, middle, and small. Use a fine toothed small craft type saw and cut off the large ends of the bones. Then place them in a pot of water, to which I add a drop or two of dish soap, and also a few drops of chlorine bleach. That will soften the marrow in the center of the bones, as well as stabilize the colorization. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the bones for a short time. About ten to fifteen minutes seems to work, but don’t toss the water just yet. You might need additional baths for he bones. Remove the bones, and rinse them in clear water. Then, use a small wire or flexible piece of plastic to push out the bone morrow. An old ball point pens inner plastic tube seems to work well, just make sure that the ink is completely flushed. I have seen others recommend small pistol or rifle brushes for this task but all that has ever happened when I tried them was cracking the bones, rendering them useless. Repeat as needed to remove all traces of bone morrow.

Now, after drying the bones fit them together; the big bone to the middle bone, to the small bone. Some fine sand paper or crocus cloth will help to accomplish this. Don’t force the issue just sand the ends for a smooth fit. About a half an inch insertion is about right. Find the best position for you by turning the bones in your hand until you get a fit that feels right for you. Once you have located that, then use epoxy, JB Weld, or a similar product to glue the bones together. Let that set, and you are ready to go. I improve the joint strength by wrapping the joints with thread like you would a fishing rod guide, and coating them with lacquer or fly tying glue. I have also seen some that were supported with shrink tubing.

If using a domestic turkey’s bones follow the above instructions and after fitting coat the exterior of the bones with clear lacquer. A single coat seems to work although I have used as many as three coats before.

No two calls sound exactly alike, and that is a good thing when you are hunting birds that are well educated when it comes to staying alive in hard hunted areas.

To use a Wing Bone Yelper place it in your hand, cupping the call, then make a kissing or smacking noise over the end. It does take a bit of practice and you should try different positions in order to find out the best combination of kissing sucking angles and so on. Basically a yelper call, using bones from young and old birds, as well as from both Toms and Hens can have different results that can be a great boon in different hunting or photography situations. I once “froze” a Mountain Lion while Turkey hunting long enough to get a once in a lifetime picture using a Wing Bone Call made from two different Jake’s.

Patrick Sperry © 2009

Permission granted for not for profit, educational or brief review purposes.

Additional online related resources:

http://www.customcalls.com/makeawingbonecall1.htm

http://www.bowhunting.net/wildturkey.net/Articles/NWTF-2003-WingBoneCall.html

http://www.jesseshunting.com/wingbone-call.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHHXtzIv7ww

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Reading List, Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Snow Goose Hunting Seminar in Lamar‏

February 4, 2009

SNOW GOOSE HUNTING SEMINAR IN LAMAR

LAMAR, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host a Snow Goose Hunting Clinic at the DOW Office in Lamar on Sat., Feb. 21 from 1-4 p.m.  There is no cost to attend but participants must pre-register.

DOW biologists will present tips and tricks for hunting snow geese on the eastern plains of Colorado.  Topics will range from the basics for beginners, to techniques for the seasoned hunter.

Subjects covered include goose identification and biology, how to hunt geese by understanding their daily movements, how weather and terrain affect geese, use of decoys, and much more.

The program will be geared toward adults.

The DOW Lamar office is located 2500 S. Main St. (about two hours east of Pueblo on Hwy 50). For more information about the hunting seminar, or to register, call Linda Groat (719) 336-6608.

Colorado is one of several states that participate in a late light goose season. Relaxed regulations allow for unlimited take of snow geese east of I-25 from Feb. 16 thru April 30.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, populations of greater and lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese have grown to historic highs.  Collectively called “light geese,” they are causing massive destruction to their summer home on the fragile arctic tundra to the point it may take decades to recover.

The current breeding population of mid-continent light geese exceeds five million birds.  This is an increase of more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s.  The management goal for mid-continent light geese is to reduce the population by 50 percent.  Since implementation of the liberal harvest regulations in 1999, the harvest of light geese has more than doubled but the population goal has yet to be attained.

The hunting clinic is part of the seventh annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival.  For more information about the Snow Goose Festival, visit their website at www.highplainssnowgoose.com.

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

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Turkey Hunting in Colorado 2009

January 31, 2009

If you, like me, are a victim of Turkey Hunting addiction, it’s time to get off your butt, and get your applications for limited licenses turned in. There is a new area available, and you need to get your app in real early. I’ve never hunted there, but I’m thinking that it should be excellent!

Go HERE for more information. Be advised that if you are using Firefox it will not allow you to view the site. For some reason, it thinks that the DOW website will harm your computer.

So, got your shotgun or bow set up and ready? If not, now is the time to make sure that all of your gear is in top shape. That includes your body, if you are out of shape yourself after the holidays then start a program to get your body into hunting form.

Draw permits get you into the better areas but they can be tough to get some years. Do to the hard work of the Division of Wildlife, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and yes, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wild Turkeys are pretty widespread across Colorado. Over the next month or so I will post about some of the better non draw places to hunt Turkeys that I know of, and, I hope others will also let folks know some of the general areas that have proved to be productive. No, I don’t expect anyone to give up their actual honey holes. But, we as a species, hunters in general, are a declining species over all, and nothing will keep more people afield than a reasonable chance of success.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, News, Uncategorized | 16 Comments »

2008 ‘LANDOWNER OF THE YEAR’ RECIPIENT

January 20, 2009

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE NAMES 2008 ‘LANDOWNER OF THE YEAR’ RECIPIENT

DENVER, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife today named Duke and Janet Phillips recipients of the 2008 “Landowner of the Year” award.  The Phillips received this award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation, community service and innovative management of the Chico Basin Ranch, located in El Paso and Pueblo counties.

“The Phillips family and the staff at the Chico Basin Ranch exemplify the highest degree of land stewardship,” said Ken Morgan, Division of Wildlife Private Lands Coordinator.  “Their regard for the ecosystem, their appreciation and respect for wildlife and their desire to share these values with others makes them the perfect recipient for this award.”

Duke and his wife Janet began managing the Chico Basin Ranch in 1999, under a 25-year lease agreement with the Colorado State Land Board.  Since acquiring the property, the Phillips have developed the 87,000-acre cattle ranch into an environmentally friendly and diverse enterprise, one that offers a variety of educational, recreational and public outreach programs.

The Chico Basin Ranch attracts 1,500 to 2,500 visitors annually, including vacationers, K-12 and University students, youth organizations and non-profit groups.  Guests may participate in a variety of recreational activities including fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding.  The Phillips have combined many of these activities with educational clinics, providing participants with an active, hands-on learning experience.

In addition, the Chico Basin also has become one of the most popular and well-known bird watching sights in Colorado.  The ranch is home to over 300 bird species and is a featured destination on the Colorado Birding Trail.

The Phillips are active in monitoring the abundant wildlife resources on the ranch and have a history of allowing conservation agencies and organizations access to conduct wildlife surveys on their property.  Since 2000, The Chico Basin has worked in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Division of Wildlife to operate a bird banding station, which for the past three seasons the Phillips have funded with capitol from the ranch.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife also has conducted annual studies for the Arkansas darter and plains leopard frog on the property.

Janet and Duke will receive a trip to Denver where they will be recognized at the National Western Stock Show on January 22nd and at the Colorado RV, Sports, Boat and Travel Show in March.

Each year, the Colorado Wildlife Commission and the Colorado Agricultural Commission select a private landowner who has made outstanding contributions in providing beneficial habitat to Colorado’s wildlife and/or providing public hunting and fishing access on private lands.  This award is part of the Division of Wildlife’s Landowner Recognition Program, which works to improve communication between landowners, sportsmen and the Division.

For further information about the Chico Basin Ranch, please visit: www.chicobasinranch.com

For information about the Division of Wildlife Landowner Recognition Program, please visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/LandownerRecognitionPrgm/

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

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SCI Law Seminar for Hunters

January 12, 2009

ATTENTION HUNTERS:  Please Attend Safari Club International’s Wildlife Law Seminar on Saturday, January 24! For those who are planning to attend Safari Club International’s Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, at the end of this month, please be advised of a seminar that will be given on Saturday, January 24.  Entitled, “Wildlife Law: Issues and Controversies Regarding Wildlife Management and Use,” this seminar should be of particular relevance to hunters who are interested in the laws affecting the shipment of firearms and trophies across state and international borders, as well as those interested in current issues affecting the management of wildlife.  The seminar will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 24, at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, located at 3800 S. Virginia Street, in Reno.  Admittance is $129, which includes the seminar, written materials, and single, same day admission to SCI Hunter’s Convention.  Registration will close on Monday, January 12.  For more information and to complete a registration form, please click here.  To learn about SCI membership and their convention, please visit www.safariclub.com.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on SCI Law Seminar for Hunters

Colorado DOW adds new easement

December 25, 2008

The Colorado Division of Wildlife secured one really great present for everyone a few days ago. I cannot think of anything that has been acquired on a scale like this since the acquisition of the Forrest of the Bear, Bosque del Oso SWA.

NEW DOW EASEMENT PROVIDES HUNTER, ANGLER ACCESS


GUNNISON – Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers will soon have access to an additional 4,800 acres of terrain in Saguache County in south central Colorado thanks to a new conservation easement. The easement, which includes public access, was purchased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife with money from the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp program and in cooperation with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).

Combined with a previous easement at this site, the public will have access to 7,100 acres, including 8 miles of cold-water stream that provides excellent fishing.

After two years of negotiations, the DOW closed Dec. 18 on the deal which will provide permanent protection from development for significant big game winter range habitat, Gunnison Sage-grouse habitat, more than 4 miles of cold-water stream and riparian habitat along Cochetopa Creek, and public access. The land is located about 35 miles south of Gunnison, with easy access from Colorado Highway 114.

“This is a tremendous addition to the conservation of overall wildlife resources for the people of Colorado,” said J Wenum, area wildlife manager for the DOW in Gunnison. “This property provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, and includes a great trout stream and riparian areas. The easement also provides public access for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.”

On three sides, the property adjoins BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands, and the Dome Lakes State Wildlife Area. The proximity guarantees that migration corridors for wildlife will remain in perpetuity. The newly acquired property also adjoins the existing Cochetopa State Wildlife area, a pre-existing easement that totals 2,300 acres and includes 4 miles of cold-water stream. The two easements are now combined and total 7,100 acres and 8 miles of stream. The original easement, set up in the 1970s on what was the Coleman Ranch, was the first of its kind acquired by the DOW. That ranch was later purchased by Terry and Joanne Snyder of Norwood who have owned the entire Snyder Ranch for more than twenty years.

“The Snyder Ranch acquisitions will insure that important big game, small game, Gunnison Sage-grouse and fishery habitats are protected in perpetuity,” said Tom Spezze, southwest regional manager for the DOW. “It will also provide the public with some very significant and quality hunting and fishing opportunities for future generations to enjoy. This important acquisition exemplifies what the intent of the Habitat Stamp set out to accomplish for wildlife, hunters and anglers. I have known and worked with the Snyders since the 1980s. I am very proud and appreciative that we have established this long-term ranching and wildlife partnership between the DOW and the Snyder family.”

Much of the property is irrigated hay meadows and riparian areas which provide excellent winter range and migration corridors for elk, year-around range for pronghorn and habitat for numerous other wildlife species. The livestock operation will continue. The Snyder family will continue to manage grazing activities so that pastures remain in good shape. Because of the large pasture configurations on the property, wildlife can move easily through the ranch.

“The property has been well taken care of and the family understands the value of wildlife,” Wenum said.

Public access areas will be established and the DOW plans to have the area ready for the public by the summer of 2009.

“This was a complicated transaction but it was well worth the extra effort. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the Snyder Family,” Wenum said.

The Colorado Habitat Stamp Program was started by the DOW in 2006 after approval by the Colorado State Legislature. Since then the DOW has collected more than $10 million, leveraged that money for an additional $38 million in grants and partnerships, and has protected more than 40,000 acres of land in Colorado.

Great Outdoors Colorado continues to provide critical matching dollars for Habitat Stamp projects. GOCO receives approximately $53 million annually from the Colorado Lottery. The GOCO program was enacted by Colorado voters in 1992 to help local governments, land trusts, DOW and Colorado State Parks protect and enhance the state’s park, wildlife, trails and open space heritage.

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

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MICHIGAN MAN FINED $15,000 FOR POACHING MOUNTAIN GOAT

December 22, 2008

Thieves at the public trough again.

SALIDA, Colo. – A Michigan man was fined $15,000 after being convicted of three charges related to killing a Colorado mountain goat without a license.

Burt Vincent, 60, of Jackson, Mich., also faces a potential lifetime suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado, Michigan and 28 other states.

Vincent pleaded “no contest” in Chaffee County Court on Dec. 10 to illegal possession of a mountain goat, illegally killing a trophy animal in Colorado and hunting a mountain goat without a license.

Two others, Jack and Susan Derr of Florissant, Colo., also pleaded guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges related to Vincent’s case and other wildlife crimes discovered during the investigation. The Derrs were ordered to pay $10,000 to the Colorado Operation Game Thief Fund.

The convictions marked an end to a two-year investigation into multiple poaching incidents.

“This case demonstrates how effectively law enforcement professionals from multiple agencies work together,” said Shaun Deeney, an area manager with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) in Colorado Springs

Investigators in Colorado and Michigan began working on the case in 2006 after an informant said that Vincent was in possession of a mountain goat from Colorado. However, there was no record in Colorado showing that Vincent was ever issued a mountain goat hunting license.

Based on the original tip, an undercover officer contacted Vincent at his place of work in Michigan. Vincent told the undercover agent that he had killed a mountain goat, adding that he had also killed a bighorn ram and a bighorn ewe in Colorado over the past several years.

The undercover officer had hoped Vincent would talk about the mountain goat, but didn’t expect to hear about the two bighorn sheep.

“Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are majestic symbols of Colorado’s high country,” said Deeney. “Sheep and goat tags are among the most highly prized hunting licenses in Colorado. Every year, thousands of applicants vie for a just a handful of tags. Vincent and his codefendants literally cheated law-abiding hunters out of a chance for the hunt of a lifetime.”

MOUNTING EVIDENCE

Wildlife investigators followed a trail that led them Vincent’s hunting partner Jack Derr.  DOW records showed that Derr bought a mountain goat license in 2006.  The DOW license database also showed that Jack’s wife, Susan Derr, bought bighorn sheep licenses in 2000 and 2003.  This matched Vincent’s claim that he killed a bighorn ram and ewe.

Armed with several key pieces of information, two DOW officers interviewed the Derrs at their home in Florissant, Colo., and executed a search warrant on the residence. Meanwhile, Vincent was questioned by Conservation Officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and special investigators with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Michigan.

In tape-recorded interviews, Susan Derr admitted that she let Vincent use her bighorn ram license in 2003 and her bighorn ewe license in 2000.  She stated that she did not kill those animals but that Vincent did.  Jack Derr also admitted that he gave Vincent his 2006 license to tag a mountain goat that Vincent killed.

During the investigation, Vincent admitted that his rifle was used to kill the mountain goat, but claimed Jack Derr did the shooting.  He further claimed that Derr gave him the mountain goat to take back to Michigan because Derr didn’t want it.

“The officers who conducted this investigation should be complimented on their thoroughness,” said Deeney.  “All of the officers involved acted professionally and courteously throughout the entire investigation despite accusations of impropriety by the defendants.”

In addition to the mountain goat violation, investigators also discovered a case involving an illegal elk killed by Vincent in 2005 in Archuleta County.  Vincent was found guilty in that case last August.  He was fined $2,800 for that crime.

Deeney expressed his gratitude to the investigators with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and prosecutors from the district attorneys’ offices in Chaffee, Fremont, Teller, Archuleta, and Larimer counties for their help getting the convictions.

Colorado and Michigan are members of an Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which includes 30 states that offer some of the very best hunting and fishing hunting and fishing opportunities in the country. The compact includes provisions that establish reciprocal license privilege suspension by member states.  Anyone who loses hunting and fishing privileges in one state is also suspended in the others. Colorado was a charter state in 1991 along with Nevada and Oregon.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Member States:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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

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Obama’s message of ‘change’ may include gun rights

December 14, 2008

The Obamanites, and “change? We shall see…

Obama’s message of ‘change’ may include gun rights
 By Forrest Fisher

The regular New York State big game firearm season ended last Sunday (Dec. 7) and the next day, the short nine-day late archery and regular muzzleloader seasons started so there is still time for hunters to take a whitetail. Every deer is a trophy, regardless of size.

There is nothing quite like the incredible challenge and joy of hunting deer in the woods to develop new savvy and skills. Sportsmen readily express moments of treasure during the Western New York deer hunting adventure of the last three short weeks. Hunting time is priceless and hard to come by for many sportsmen, especially with the holiday season upon us. Plus, recent studies show that 42 percent of Americans work longer hours now than just five years ago and many of the working class spend more than 50 hours a week at their job. So, for all of these folks, hunting season brings more than simple relief.

However, our rights to enjoy the outdoor hunting experience may be changing, friends. With the final coat of post-season gun oil on all metal parts and firearms returned to secured safe places and storage cabinets, there appears to be clamoring discussion in many corners of these United States about the very freedoms of the season in change. Hunting with a firearm of our choice may be about to take new meaning.

Wayne LaPierre and the National Rifle Association have provided early warning information. NRA is tabulating the opening appointments from new president elect, Barack Obama, and the effects it may have on American hunting traditions as we know them. LaPierre figures as Obama selects key personnel for premium cabinet posts, he sends a message about his policy as upcoming president. According to the NRA study, it goes like this.

Obama first appointed to the White House chief of staff Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel who has been known as the “point man on gun control.” According to LaPierre’s message, “He will wield enormous power in the battle for the future of our firearm freedoms.” Not good if you have grown up in the tradition of safe firearm use allowed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Then, of course, Hillary Clinton was selected as Obama’s secretary of State. If she is confirmed, word inside the NRA is that she will try to remove the second amendment right because as the nation’s top diplomat, she would have the power to determine whether the United Nations will pass (and Obama will sign) that global gun ban treaty that it has wanted for some time now.

Obama also nominated ex-Senator and former Majority Leader Tom Daschle, known as a confirmed adversary of the NRA, to be secretary of Health and Human Services. If Daschle is confirmed by Congress, which is now overwhelmingly controlled by the democratic party, he could also hold ultimate power to declare guns a “public health menace” and regulate away essential American firearm liberties long taken for granted, especially by sportsmen too lazy to write a letter, make a phone call or express their position.

Then, Obama is nominating Eric Holder to be attorney general. As former assistant attorney general, Holder was a key architect and vocal advocate for the sweeping gun ban agenda of the Brady campaign and the Clinton era. He was the power-drive behind national handgun licensing, mandatory trigger locks that make home defense difficult and ending gun shows. More recently, Holder opposed the Supreme Court’s Heller decision in the District of Columbia that, of course, declared the second amendment an individual right.

According to the NRA, there is a chilling notice to job applicant gun owners that they are not welcome to serve in his administration. The NRA states, “In case you trusted what Obama said about maintaining your second amendment rights during his presidential campaign, in the job application for the Obama Administration, he made it clear that gun owners are not his campaign cabinet choice and essentially told 80 million gun owners not to even bother applying for a job.”

Also according to the NRA, “If all of that wasn’t bad enough, the Brady Campaign just issued a completely bogus poll claiming that two-thirds of Americans, including 60 percent of all gun owners, favor gun registration, licensing of firearm owners and other sweeping restrictions on our firearm freedoms!” Where does the Brady group get this stuff? Skewed data reporting defies common sense since the data tells a different story. Interpretation of data is a science, but use of statistical terms is more a mystical science that can mislead readers.

What can sportsmen do? I don’t agree with everything that the NRA supports, but their objective is to preserve the second amendment. In this light, they represent the most viable voice for firearm rights. So, joining the NRA should be an option. Also in response, Americans have increased their firearm purchase rate by 300 percent following the election.

Sportsmen should prepare to adapt to a new environment of firearm change with hunting and target shooting freedoms requiring a bit more energy to be sustained. There is a new and unsure season ahead for sportsmen. Some sportsmen could seemingly care less to understand firearm ownership and second amendment issues. Learn more about your rights. Advance and be recognized!

Hunting season each year reminds us that the second amendment stands for more than simple words in our constitution. While time has shown that our forefathers exhibited uncanny wisdom in developing the winning road map in the United States, Obama is sending a message that we have entered a time of ‘change.’ Second amendment change? Only time will tell.

SOURCE

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 5 Comments »

WATERFOWL HUNTING CLINIC IN COLORADO SPRINGS

November 20, 2008

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host a Waterfowl Hunting Clinic in Colorado Springs Nov. 20, from 6-9 p.m.

The class will be led by a trio of DOW biologists who will cover the basics on waterfowl hunting with subject matter geared for the novice waterfowl hunter.  Topics will include hunting tactics, regulations, duck identification, hunting techniques, and where to go and what to look for in a hunting location.

The class is free, but space is limited to 50, so participants must call (719) 227-5207 to pre-register.

The Division of Wildlife office is located at 4255 Sinton Road.

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

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Posted in News, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

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