7/10/2007
Division of Wildlife

DOW Seeks Landowners for Walk-in Access Program

The "Walk-in Access Program" sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife to provide hunters access to private land to hunt small game is expanding to western Colorado. 
     
Property owners who participate in the program are eligible to earn from $1 to $5 per acre depending on the amount of property available for hunting and the species. In southwest Colorado the DOW is asking property owners to consider providing access for spring turkey hunting, small game hunting and waterfowl hunting. In some cases, enrolling waterfowl hunting land can result in a significantly higher rental payment.
     
The walk-in program has been in place for many years on Colorado's eastern plains. In that region, private landowners allow hunters access to hundreds of thousands of acres of land.
     
While most of the land in western Colorado is publicly owned, thousands of acres of private property are located in prime wildlife habitat. Last year two land owners, one near Durango and one near Dolores, signed up for the program.
     
Landowners interested in the program for hunting seasons that start Sept. 1 must sign up by July 20. For spring turkey season, landowners should contact their local CDOW office for more information.
     
Enrolled properties will be clearly marked with Division of Wildlife "Walk-in Access" signs and their locations published in a walk-in atlas. Landowners are not identified in the atlas. Access to enrolled properties is by foot only. No vehicles or horses are permitted.   
The program is funded through sales of a mandatory Walk-In Access Program permit purchased by hunters. The cost is $20 and it is available at all DOW offices and all hunting and fishing license vendors. Enforcement of regulations is the responsibility of the DOW. All normal hunting regulations apply on Walk-In Access properties.
     
Interested landowners should contact their local district wildlife manager or the nearest DOW office for more information. Landowners in San Miguel, Ouray, Delta, and Montrose counties can call the DOW Montrose Area office (970) 252-6000. For La Plata, Archuleta, Dolores and Montezuma counties, contact the Durango area office at (970) 247-0855. For the San Luis Valley, contact the Monte Vista office at (719)587-6900; and for the Gunnison area call (970)641-7060.