Bow hunters in the Grand Valley are being given a unique opportunity to hunt deer in some special areas, while also aiding the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) in limiting habitat damage caused by game.
 
The DOW is currently accepting applications for several limited access hunts on land operated by the DOW, Bureau of Reclamation, and Western Colorado Wildlife Habitat Association. Property and hunting access for these special hunts at the Tilman Bishop State Wildlife Area, Grand Junction Wildlife Area, and Orchard Mesa Wildlife Area will be granted only to a limited group of bow hunters. Hunters applying for the first three special access permits MUST already have an archery deer license in the proper game management unit (Unit 40 for Grand Junction Wildlife Area, Unit 41 for Bishop and Orchard Mesa). Two additional hunts will be allowed during the regular rifle season to hunters holding valid rifle tags in the proper unit who are willing to hunt these properties using ONLY ARCHERY EQUIPMENT. 
 
Completed applications are due at the DOW Northwest Region Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.  A random draw for the limited number of access permits will be held on Aug. 4. Only a limited number of permits are available, and hunting dates are limited to allow only one hunter per week on the properties. The limited nature of these access permits will assure a unique hunting opportunity, but hunters must adhere to very specific rules. 
 
Hunting outside of the special access areas is NOT affected by the special hunts.  Hunting regulations for areas outside of the special access areas can be found in the DOW’s 2008 Big Game brochure or on-line at www.wildlife.state.co.us.
 
Applications and a copy of hunting rules are available at the DOW Northwest Region Office, 711 Independent Avenue, Grand Junction.  For more information, call (970)255-6100.