License Structure Change for Anglers and Small Game Hunters in Colorado
November 24, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) would like to remind anglers and small game hunters that the license structure for fishing and small game hunting has changed.
Beginning April 1, 2009, all annual licenses including fishing, senior fishing, small game, furbearer, combination fishing and hunting, Colorado waterfowl stamps, habitat stamps and walk-in access permits are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
“Annual licenses will no longer expire on January 1,” said Henrietta Turner, DOW licensing manager. “We’ve changed the calendar-based system to a season-year format, so licenses coincide better with our small game seasons.”
All licenses purchased in 2008 will remain valid through March 31, 2009.
Anglers should continue using the 2008 Colorado Fishing Regulations brochure through March 2009. The 2009 Colorado Fishing Regulation brochure will be available mid-to-late March at all DOW offices and license agents statewide. The new brochure will be valid until March 31, 2010, coinciding with the new license structure.
All 2009 annual fishing, small game, furbearer and combination licenses will be available for purchase beginning on December 15. These licenses will remain valid through March 31, 2010.
Licenses make great holiday gifts and are available on the DOW Web site (www.wildlife.state.co.us
), at license agents or by calling: 1-800-244-5613.
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Come See One of Colorado’s Largest Sheep Herds at the 3rd Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival
October 31, 2008
Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for a full day of family-friendly and free wildlife fun! The Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, sponsored by the DOW and the Town of Georgetown, will be held on Saturday, November 8th. New activities and a full day of events starting at 10:00 am, promise something for everyone interested in our wildlife heritage.
“Early November is a great time to watch bighorn sheep,” said Karen Hardesty, Watchable Wildlife Coordinator for the northeast region of the DOW. “Late October through mid-December is the rut – or courtship season. The herd gathers more closely together than usual and the rams are contesting one another for dominance and the opportunity to reproduce. It’s the best of wildlife watching right here in Georgetown’s backyard!”
Participants will have the opportunity to watch Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from the Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Area on the west side of Georgetown Lake. Trained DOW volunteers will offer a cup of hot cider and help visitors find and learn about the sheep.
In addition to wildlife viewing and guided hikes, the festival offers educational programming and a variety of crafts and activities for kids. This year the festival has expanded to include a climbing wall for youth, a Colorado Critters Parade (made up of young or young-at-heart festival participants), wildlife films at the Canyon Winds Winery, and Georgetown Loop Railroad trips.
Special Presentations:
- Wildlife of Clear Creek County
- The Story of Georgetown’s Bighorns – their history and current research updates
- Catching the Bad-guy: how wildlife forensics help managers track down poachers
- Peeking at Pika: Life on the alpine tundra and changes we may see soon
- Impacts of Global Climate Change to Colorado Wildlife ( a special traveling presentation by the Colorado Wildlife Federation)
- Story-telling: Tales of the “Wild” Colorado
- Wildlife and Landscape Photography with photographer Gary Haines of Grizzly Creek Gallery
Festival Activities Guide:
See the final schedule of events at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Viewing/EventsFestivals/BighornFestival.htm OR pick up a schedule on-site at the Gateway Visitor Center or the Georgetown Community Center. All of these events are free.
Georgetown is located just less than an hour west of Denver on I-70. Programs and activities take place in several venues throughout town, but most are on 6th Street. Be sure to plan time to visit the numerous art galleries and unique shops where artisans and shop owners will showcase their wildlife related art, gifts, crafts and other merchandise
WHAT: Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival: A full day of family-friendly & free wildlife fun.
WHERE: Town of Georgetown: One hour west of Denver on I-70.
WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2008, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Alaska Joins Cooperative Effort to Protect Nation’s Wildlife
September 19, 2008
On September 8, Alaska became the 30th state to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) in a cooperative effort to protect the nation’s wildlife resources.
Founded in 1989 by charter states Colorado, Oregon and Nevada, the IWVC is a multi-state program that provides law enforcement agencies greater authority and improved resources to enforce wildlife regulations across state boundaries.
In part, the Compact creates an agreement that allows member states to reciprocate regarding the suspension or revocation of licenses resulting from violations of hunting, fishing and trapping laws. Any person whose license or permit privileges are suspended or revoked in one member state are subject to suspension or revocation in all member states.
“Alaska is a prime destination for fishing and big game hunting, and their membership in the IWVC provides a tremendous deterrent to potential offenders,” said Bob Thompson, Colorado Division of Wildlife acting chief of law enforcement. “If a poacher or other violator has their hunting or fishing privileges revoked here in Colorado, they also will lose their privilege to hunt or fish in Alaska, as well as all other Compact member states. This helps to ensure that nonresident violators can’t ignore a citation or summons simply by fleeing to their home state.”
The Compact also improves interstate communication among law enforcement agencies by providing access to suspension information stored in the IWVC database.
“The IWVC brings together a cooperative effort that enhances the State of Colorado’s ability to protect and manage our wildlife resources for the benefit of all residents and visitors,” said Thompson. “We are excited this program continues to grow, and Alaska is a great addition and asset towards this effort.”
Member states include: 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.
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.
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Colorado DOW Holds Elk, Deer Planning Meetings in Creede
September 19, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife will hold a deer and elk management planning meeting at the Creede Community Center at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 2.
At the meeting DOW big game managers will discuss 10-year management alternatives for deer in Game Management Units 76, 79, and 791; and elk in GMUs 76 and 79. These GMUs include portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties. DOW staff will explain buck-to-doe ratios, bull-to-cow ratios, harvest estimates and strategy options to plan for overall population numbers.
The DOW also wants to hear from the public about issues and concerns regarding elk and deer management.
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Colorado DOW Will Be Holding Pronghorn Management Meetings in Trinidad and La Junta
September 19, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold public meetings Sept. 22 and 25 to gather input regarding potential changes to pronghorn hunting regulations. The Sept. 22 meeting is from 6 - 9 p.m. at Trinidad State Junior College, Sullivan Center all-purpose room in Trinidad. The Sept. 25 meeting is from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in La Junta (27994 W US Highway 50, La Junta).
The DOW is considering adding additional seasons and increasing the number of pronghorn licenses in several areas in southeastern Colorado. The meetings are intended to gather input from landowners and hunters in Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, Crowley, Lincoln and the western portion of Kiowa County.
Persons who cannot attend a meeting in person can send written comments to Allen Vitt at 600 Reservoir Road, Pueblo, CO 81005.
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Poaching Isn’t Just About Big Game
September 19, 2008
When people think about poaching, the first image that comes to mind is someone killing a trophy big game animal such as an elk or deer. The reality is that wildlife crimes come in all shapes and sizes; and are as varied as shooting birds out of season, to taking more fish than allowed.
For example, on a recent August weekend Colorado Division of Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Lance Gatlin issued tickets to four people who kept 362 bluegill they caught at Brush Hollow Reservoir near Penrose. Each person is allowed to keep 20 bluegill per day at Brush Hollow, which put them 282 fish over their limit. Since fines are based on each fish, their penalties quickly added up to $3,999.
In another case, an angler has been caught on four separate occasions over the last two years with too many trout taken from Colorado Springs area lakes. The first time he was cited for 26 fish over the daily bag limit, then 10 over, then 11 over, finally 13 over. H
is last encounter resulted in an arrest for fishing under suspension and non-payment of his previous violations. At latest count, he is up to $1,800 in fines. One of the reasons he kept getting caught is concerned sportsman called the DOW to report him.
“The vast majority of anglers are law abiding people who simply enjoy getting outside and trying to catch some fish,” said Gatlin. “Unfortunately, some people get carried away and take more than their fair share.”
While these cases are isolated examples, they demonstrate that some people show utter disrespect for wildlife laws
“Most of the big poaching cases people hear about are hunting stories,” said Gatlin. “But poaching isn’t always about a 6×6 bull elk, or a 30-inch trophy mule deer buck.”
The Division of Wildlife encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy the state’s wildlife resources, but remember that the wildlife belongs to all of the citizens of the state. So when fishing or hunting, follow the rules of fair chase. Be respectful of other hunters and anglers, and don’t take more than your fair share.
If anyone suspects someone is violating wildlife laws, they should contact their local wildlife office or call 1-877-265-6648. Or, e-mail Operation Game Thief at game [dot] thief [at] state [dot] co [dot] us. Citizens can remain completely anonymous, and are eligible for cash rewards if their information leads to issuing a citation.
For a complete list of Colorado hunting and fishing regulations, visit the Division?s web site at: www.state.co.us.
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Upland Bird Hunting Clinic in Lamar, Colorado
September 12, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host an Upland Bird Hunting Clinic at the DOW Office in Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1 - 4 p.m.
DOW staff will present information about hunting upland game birds in Colorado. Topics will range from the basics for beginners, to tips and techniques for the seasoned hunter, and information about the DOW’s Walk-In Access Programs that opens up private lands to public hunters.
Upland game birds include quail, pheasant, grouse, chukar, dove, and other non-waterfowl birds with the exception of turkey. While the wild turkey is an upland bird, the tactics and equipment used for hunting turkey are very different than upland bird hunting which is sometimes referred to as wing-shooting.
The half-day clinic will focus on pheasant and quail hunting. Subject matter will include bird identification and biology, how to find a good place to hunt by locating preferred habitat, movement patterns, why weather is important; and tips on shot selection, range estimation, hunting ethics, and more.
The program will be geared toward adults. There is no cost to attend, but participants must register.
The DOW office in Lamar is located at 2500 S. Main, two hours east of Pueblo on Hwy 50. For more information, or to register, call Linda Groat (719) 336-6608.
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Colorado DOW Seeks Input On Pronghorn Hunting Regs
September 12, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold public meetings Sept. 19 and 23 to gather input regarding potential changes to pronghorn hunting regulations. The Sept. 19 meeting is 6 - 9 p.m. at the Limon Community Building at 477 “D” Ave. in Limon. The Sept. 23 meeting is from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Rush School, 420 S. Rush Rd. in Rush.
The DOW is considering adding additional seasons and increasing the number of pronghorn licenses in several areas in southeastern Colorado. The meetings are intended to gather input from landowners and hunters in El Paso, Lincoln, Cheyenne and Crowley Counties.
Persons who cannot attend a meeting in person can send written comments to Julie Stiver at 4255 Sinton Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
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Draft Prairie Dog Conservation Plan Released by Colorado DOW
September 12, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has released for public review its draft conservation plan for the white-tailed and Gunnison’s prairie dogs. This plan, when final, will be used as a guide to maintain these two species on native range on both public and private lands in Colorado.
The Colorado Gunnison’s and White-tailed Prairie Dog Conservation Plan can be viewed on the Colorado Division of Wildlife website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/.
The Gunnison’s prairie dog is found mainly in southwest Colorado, the San Luis Valley and in South Park; the white-tailed prairie dog is found primarily in northwest Colorado; however, its range extends into the Uncompahgre Valley south of Montrose.
Petitions have been filed to list both of the species under the federal government’s Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service conducted a status review on Gunnison’s prairie dog and determined that listing protection for the species is warranted in a portion of its range. The status review is underway for white-tailed prairie dogs but a determination has not yet been made on this species. Implementation of the conservation strategies in the Division of Wildlife plan are designed to promote the long-term viability for both species and avoid the need for a federal listing.
“With this conservation plan we identify tasks that will be put into action on the ground to help maintain these important species,” said Tom Nesler, chief of the DOW’s wildlife conservation section. “A vital strategy in this plan is to work cooperatively with private landowners, local communities and other government agencies.”
Eleven other western states also are developing prairie dog conservation plans. The states will work together to share research and conservation techniques.
Besides these two species, another prairie dog species exists in Colorado: the black-tailed prairie dog which inhabits areas of eastern Colorado. A conservation plan for the black-tailed prairie dog was developed by the DOW in 2003.
Prairie dogs are known as a “keystone” species and their colonies are critical to the presence and abundance of numerous other species in their range. In Colorado, prairie dogs are an important source of food for raptors, badgers, black-footed ferrets and coyotes. Prairie dog burrows also provide shelter for a variety of insects, small mammals and the burrowing owl which is a state-listed threatened species. Due to the cumulative impacts of disease, development, poisoning and shooting over the last 100 years, prairie dog populations have declined overall.
“The prairie dog is disparaged by some people as a destructive pest and source of plague. We acknowledge the undesirable nature of these prairie dog characteristics and always strive to manage populations in a way to enable affected stakeholders to address those problems,” Nesler said. “However, the fact remains that prairie dogs and their colonies are an integral part of wildlife in both sagebrush and grassland ecosystems. At this time, the white-tailed and Gunnison prairie dog need our conservation assistance.”
The goals of the conservation plan are to:
- Develop and implement conservation strategies that will work to prevent the need to list the two species under the Endangered Species Act.
- Promote conservation of not only the two species, but also their habitats and associated wildlife species.
- Implement conservation strategies to help mitigate negative impacts to the two species.
- Identify research needs that will help guide appropriate conservation populations.
- Focus use of Colorado’s existing regulatory mechanisms to maintain species viability.
- Increase stakeholder and other agencies’ participation in prairie dog conservation.
In 2007, the DOW held a three-day workshop in Grand Junction to discuss conservation planning with landowners, other government agencies, recreational shooters and environmental groups. The workshop was attended by about 60 people.
The public is invited to make comments on the DOW plan. Send comments to Amy [dot] Seglund [at] state [dot] co [dot] us. by Nov. 3. Comments via e-mail are preferred. For those who do not have access to the Internet, send comments to Seglund at 2300 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO, 81401.
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Elk Hunting Meeting Scheduled for San Luis Valley, Colorado Sept. 11
September 5, 2008
Elk hunting policies for an area in the middle of the San Luis Valley will be discussed by Colorado Division of Wildlife officials at a meeting at 6 p.m., Sept. 11, at Center Middle School, in Center.
To minimize crop damage in high-value agricultural fields, the DOW during the last three years has authorized a summer hunt for bull elk from May 15-July 31, and a cow elk hunt from Aug. 15-Dec. 31. The area is identified as Game Management Units 682 and 791, and is bordered by U.S. Highway 160 on the south; U.S. Highway 285 on the west and north; and Colorado Highway 17 on the east. These dispersal hunts have been successful.
The elk continually feel harassed and quickly move away from the seed potato and alfalfa fields at the sight of any human activity.
The DOW is now considering extending the bull hunt into the fall. Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager in Monte Vista, will explain the issues and ask for comments from the public.
If you cannot attend the meeting, call the