Division of Wildlife

CELEBRATE COLORADO'S STATE MAMMAL AT THE GEORGETOWN BIGHORN SHEEP FESTIVAL

Full day of wildlife viewing and fun scheduled in Georgetown, Colorado  Saturday, November 11, 2006
 
Families, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, photographers and folks looking for a day enjoying the crisp, mountain air are all invited to the first Bighorn Sheep Festival in Georgetown, Colorado on Saturday, November 11.  The Colorado Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife Program is joining efforts with the Town of Georgetown to offer a full day of events celebrating Colorado’s wildlife, particularly the bighorn sheep.
 
Beginning at 10AM and continuing until 3PM, visitors can watch and learn about bighorn sheep at the Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Area. Additional events taking place throughout the day include hikes on the Silver Creek trail, programs and storytelling at the Georgetown Community Center, and childrens' activities in the Gallery foyer. Music performed live by Grass It Up! will liven up the afternoon, beginning with a salute to Veterans at 12:00 pm. Participants can visit information and vending booths hosted by a variety of organizations, warm up by the fire with a cup of cider, or enjoy strolling through unique shops and galleries featuring wildlife and nature merchandise. All these events are open to the public free of charge.
 
The festival ends with a dinner and entertainment at the Red Ram restaurant. The evening will feature a meal of Colorado specialties (a choice of free-range chicken, bison, elk or trout), and musical entertainment by John Adams, known for his interpretations of John Denver's music. Reservations for this event are required, and can be made by calling the Georgetown Community Center, at 303-569-2888. Tickets are $25.00 per person.
 
“We are thrilled to be working with our longtime partner, the Town of Georgetown, to provide this opportunity," said Karen Hardesty, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator.  “The wildlife watching will be great, and the events in town will be fun for everyone. With wildlife, music and hot cider – what more could you want?" Hardesty added that the Division of Wildlife mascot – Elbert the Bighorn – will be making his premier appearance. 
 
November is a good time for sheep viewing at Georgetown and at other spots throughout the state where sheep are found. "People really enjoy bighorn sheep watching in November because it's courtship and breeding season - also called the "rut.", said Ty Petersburg, District Wildlife Manager for the area. "You'll be able to see interaction between rams, ewes and youngsters. It's not unusual at Georgetown, if you are patient, to see – and hear – the amazing "clash" of horns between rams that determines which ram is dominant". Division of Wildlife volunteers will help visitors to the Viewing Area see and learn about bighorn sheep throughout the day. Volunteers also staff the  the viewing station on weekend days during the winter. 
 
The Town of Georgetown, located about an hour west of Denver on Interstate 70, is helping to host the event. For more information, go to www.wildlife.state.co.us or www.town.georgetown.co.us (select Visitor Information:Calendar), or stop by the Georgetown Gateway Visitor Center on November 11 for a schedule of events.  
 
For a photos of bighorn sheep, go to: http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/3485.JPG or http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/3484.JPG.
 
 The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.