This is a banner year for amphibians and reptiles in Colorado. It’s been declared “The Year of the Frog,” and the Western Painted Turtle was proclaimed official state reptile.
But in spite of this great publicity, Colorado’s amphibians and reptiles face a perilous future fraught with environmental stumbling blocks.

One of the biggest threats to Colorado’s frogs […]

Representatives from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) will hold five meetings in May to discuss proposed changes to waterfowl hunting in the northeast region of the state.

Potential property hunting regulation changes to affect restricted access, limited hunting through reservations, hunting hours restrictions, and mandatory check out will be discussed for the following State Wildlife […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife wants to hear from people in the Four Corners region about plans to expand the Colorado Birding Trail to this part of the state. An informational meeting to explain the trail and how the public can participate in this effort is scheduled for 6 p.m., May 8 at the Durango […]

As an experimental project aimed at protecting native fish and expanding recreational fishing opportunities in western Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has stocked sterile walleye in Puett and Narraguinnep reservoirs near Cortez. Stocking of the sterile fish in these southwest Colorado reservoirs will continue annually for five years.

Several lake management plans in northwest Colorado […]

Energy experts say Colorado’s Piceance Basin is one of the largest natural gas reserves in North America. Biologists, conservationists and sportsmen value the Piceance Basin because for its incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife. As the energy industry makes a move to tap the gas resource, wildlife experts are examining ways to avoid, minimize and […]

Mid-April, 2 a.m. — A woman hears a loud noise and looks out the window to see a black bear sniffing around her trash can. She secured the lid on the can with a bungee cord. She watches as the bear lifts the can and throws it. The lid flies off and the bear […]

Every April, a natural phenomenon draws throngs of anglers to the Arkansas River between Canon City and Leadville. It’s the annual caddisfly hatch.
The starting time can vary from year to year depending on the weather, but make no mistake, once it starts, the air with be thick with millions of insects buzzing about — […]

Wildlife managers with the Colorado Division of Wildlife faced a unique dilemma Feb. 19 in the Sandstone area of Vail. The renter of the property awoke Tuesday morning to find the moose laying peacefully in his condo’s 20 foot by 20 foot backyard patio area.

Officers were notified that a bull moose had fallen into a […]

When muzzleloading rifle hunters head to the woods for big game each September and October they carry forth both a firearm and a hunting tradition that sparks a sentiment of nostalgia for times more primitive. Hunters sighting down heavy octagon-shaped barrels charged with black powder and lead balls have delivered wild game to family […]

The deer feeding operation in the Gunnison Basin is continuing; but Colorado Division of Wildlife managers expect that the program should end by mid April.
As of the end of March, the DOW was feeding about 9,100 deer at 114 sites in the Gunnison area. Earlier in the month the number of deer being fed peaked […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has completed a six-week investigation into the shooting of at least 34 elk on two Moffat County ranches. The following charges were filed in Moffat County District Court on Tuesday, April 1, 2008:

Rodney Heath Culverwell
18 counts willful destruction of wildlife (class 5 felony)
18 counts illegal possession of wildlife (misdemeanor)
Kenneth […]

Trekking around in turkey country before hunting season opens is a step in the right direction for spring turkey hunters. Time spent in the woods arouses hunting instincts, conditions the body and, optimistically, provides the answer to the toughest question put to hunters that purchase unlimited licenses — “Where do I hunt on opening day?”
Hunting […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Yamashita to Northeast Regional Manager. Formerly the Assistant Regional Manager in Grand Junction, Steve has been a dedicated and devoted employee for 27 years, and has held a variety of positions within the DOW.

The regional manager directs the region’s field […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has scheduled two public meetings next week to present big game hunting license numbers for the San Luis Valley for 2008.
The first meeting is 6 p.m., Monday, April 7 at the Monte Vista Co-op; the second meeting is 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 9 at the Community Center in Creede.

Brad Weinmeister, […]

A contract helicopter is used in a Division of Wildlife management study to estimate big game populations.
Deer and elk classification flights are completed in December and January. During this time, biologists and district wildlife managers use helicopters to fly winter ranges and classify, by age and sex, as many deer and elk as possible in […]

Every year hunters make mistakes in the field. Hunters might: shoot the wrong animal, accidentally kill more than one animal, hunt in the wrong Game Management Unit, etc.
Most of these mistakes can be avoided, although some are truly accidental.

Officers for the Colorado Division of Wildlife understand that mistakes occur. If you make a mistake, your […]

Leftover licenses: Limited licenses remaining after the drawing, offered in the leftover drawing before Aug. 12. Sold by phone at DOW offices and license agents starting 9 a.m., Aug. 12; online Aug. 13.
Limited licenses: Limited in number; by application and drawing only; valid for specific units and dates. Apply online or by mail-in applications […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has compiled and released the 2007 big game harvest statistics.
Elk
During the 2007 big game seasons 227,262 hunters killed 49,012 for a 22 percent success rate. There was a significant decrease in the number of elk harvested in 2007. Hunters killed nearly 8,000 fewer elk than in 2006 and for […]

Changes for the 2008 season big game hunting season in Colorado include the following:
• Doe deer fees: License fees are reduced for doe deer hunting in specific units in the northwest portion of the state (units 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24).
• Muzzleloading restrictions: Electronic and battery-operated devices are illegal during muzzleloading seasons.

• Muzzleloader […]

Thanks to support from private landowners, the Colorado Division of Wildlife Hunter Outreach Program is offering three youth hunters the opportunity to participate in a premier, private land spring turkey hunt east of Meeker. The hunt will take place on April 12 and 13.

Youth interested in participating in this extraordinary opportunity can apply by sending […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) urges dog owners to make sure that their pets are secured to prevent them from chasing wildlife. Throughout the state, dogs chasing wildlife is a growing problem for wildlife managers.

Every year DOW offices receive hundreds of calls reporting dogs chasing deer, elk or other wildlife species, but this year’s […]

Fly fishers dreaming of the days ahead on Colorado lakes and streams can amplify their visions by immersing themselves in “Fly Fishing Colorado”, a new feature-length DVD from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

More than two years in the making, “Fly Fishing Colorado” takes viewers on a year-round tour of fly fishing adventures spanning the […]

The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is announcing a new grant program that provides funding for efforts to improve wildlife and livestock forage through habitat projects. Applications for the Habitat Improvement Grant Program are available on-line at www.wildlife.state.co.us/landwater/privatelandprograms/hpp/ or through local HPP Committee members.

“The goal of HPP is to […]

Turkey hunting is one of the fastest growing hunting sports in North America. Colorado’s 2008 Spring Turkey Season opens April 12 and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is hosting two free seminars to help novice hunters learn more about hunting wild turkeys.

The first seminar is Tue., March 18 in Denver from 6:30 to […]

In the San Luis Valley, nature is now putting on one of its most majestic displays: the annual migration of greater sandhill cranes. To honor this wildlife wonder, area organizations and wildlife agencies are holding the 25th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 7-9.

The cranes start arriving in the San Luis Valley in mid-February as […]

Difficult winter conditions remain in the Gunnison Basin and the big game feeding and baiting effort by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the area is continuing.
The DOW is feeding about 8,600 deer at 131 different sites, and about 440 pronghorn at 12 sites. In addition, hay is being provided to about […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has released a compilation of the more significant changes for the 2008 season. Changes include the following:

• Doe Deer Fees: License fees are reduced for doe deer hunting in specific units in the northwest portion of the state (units 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24).
• Muzzleloading Restrictions: Electronic and […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is reminding residents and visitors to Summit and Grand Counties that moose are common throughout the area.
It is important for people to be aware that moose are generally found in places where willows grow. Willow is the preferred food of moose and tall willow stands provide not only […]

DOW to Feed Deer in Eagle Valley; Monitoring Continues Elsewhere in NW Colorado
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) continues to monitor wildlife conditions in northwest Colorado in the face of the growing snowfall totals.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission has authorized wildlife managers in the upper Eagle Valley to conduct a limited deer feeding operation.

Even in a […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) are collaborating with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver on “The Colorado Bluebird Project” to maintain and improve good bluebird habitat in the upper Arkansas Valley.
People interested in getting involved are invited to an informational workshop Sat., March 1 in […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is looking for people interested in volunteering for projects in southeast Colorado. The DOW will host a brief orientation session Thur., Feb. 21 at the DOW office at 2500 S. Main in Lamar.
Information will be presented on upcoming spring volunteer opportunities where people can get involved […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is looking for landowners in SE Colorado to lease access for the 2008 hunting seasons. The DOW’s Big Game Access Program (BGAP) is in the second year of a three-year pilot program.
This pilot is focused on deer and pronghorn hunting in southeast Colorado on private lands […]

Colorado Wildlife Commissioners Roy McAnally of Craig and Tom Burke of Grand Junction are holding a public meeting in Granby to get input on wildlife issues. The meeting will be held at the Granby Library (55 Zero St.) on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to anyone who […]

Colorado Wildlife Commissioners Roy McAnally of Craig and Tom Burke of Grand Junction are planning a public meeting in Glenwood Springs to get input on wildlife issues. The meeting will be held at the Glenwood Springs Community Center (100 Wolfsohn Road) on Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open […]

Do you love wildlife and have some time to volunteer? The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host an orientation meeting for anyone interested in helping with several upcoming projects. The session will also serve as an orientation/interview session for volunteers interested in serving on the area Wildlife Rescue Team.

The orientation will be held on […]

The city of Lamar and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will co-host the sixth annual “High Plains Snow Goose Festival,” the weekend of February 22-24. The festival is a chance to see snow geese and other wildlife in southeast Colorado plus enjoy the rich heritage of the region. In addition to thousands […]

Winter Feeding Programs Not Yet Necessary Outside Gunnison Basin
District Wildlife Managers and terrestrial biologists with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) are monitoring winter conditions throughout northwest Colorado to determine whether wildlife populations will need supplemental winter feeding.
“At this point we’re in fairly good shape,” explained Ron Velarde, DOW Northwest regional manager. “Fortunately, we […]

The emergency feeding program by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the Gunnison Basin is in full operation with feed being distributed to big game animals at more than 60 sites.
The program was started Jan. 13 because of extreme winter conditions in the area. Up to four feet of snow is covering natural food […]

Someone is using a bow and arrows to shoot deer in the Rockrimmon neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs. In the past two weeks, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has found evidence that at least three deer were shot with arrows in the vicinity of Allegheny and Oak Hills.

“In each case, the deer where […]

Interested in learning more about the sport of archery? The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold two free archery clinics Feb. 4-5 from 6-8 p.m. at the indoor archery range at the DOW Office at 2500 S. Main in Lamar.

The clinic on Monday, Feb. 4 is geared toward youngsters. The clinic on […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is sponsoring two meetings for sportsmen and anyone interested in wildlife issues in Montrose on Saturday, Jan.26, at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose, 1391 S. Townsend Ave., U.S. Highway 550.

The purpose of both meetings is to hear from hunters, anglers and the general public about concerns they have regarding […]

Why is the DOW feeding big game animals during the winter?
The Gunnison Basin occasionally experiences extreme winter conditions. The conditions - which affect deer the most - cause food sources to be covered or inaccessible to wildlife. Animals become exhausted while pushing through deep snow and deplete their internal fat stores and energy reserves.
Some winter […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) and Questar Corporation are partnering to conduct research designed to document Greater Sage-Grouse seasonal habitat use and movements in the Hiawatha Development Area in northwest Colorado and south-central Wyoming.

Questar, a Salt Lake City based energy company active in the area since the 1920s, has provided funding for the research […]

Wildlife enthusiasts will pay tribute to eagles at the annual “Eagle Day Festival” Saturday, Feb. 2 at Lake Pueblo State Park. Events at the day-long event include live bird demonstrations, bird watching classes, wildlife viewing stations and the release of two hawks that were nursed back to health by the Pueblo Raptor Center. […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is interested in hearing from the public about management of elk and moose herds in North Park. Public input is critical in helping revise management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.

Interested members of the […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife urges state residents and visitors not to feed deer that are hanging around their yards or property.
“Deer require a very specific diet,” explained Don Masden, a biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “If they eat the wrong food they’ll just die with a full stomach.”

Deer digest very slowly […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is planning to start emergency feeding operations for big game animals in the Gunnison Basin as soon as possible.
Deer will be targeted primarily because they are most affected by adverse weather conditions. Feed and hay will also be provided to bighorn sheep, pronghorn and elk.

Providing feed to wildlife requires a […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) biologists recently completed an aerial waterfowl count in southeast and east-central Colorado.
“We hope waterfowl hunters benefit from the monthly tabulations,” said Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Region manager for the DOW. “We plan to count birds once a month from now thru March when the waterfowl hunting seasons wrap up.”
Results from […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife officials are working to determine what caused at least eight bighorn sheep to die east of Gunnison during the last week of December.
A rancher called the DOW’s Gunnison office on Dec. 23 and reported that three bighorns were dead near one of his fields. A small herd of wild sheep winters […]

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is scheduled to make a final determination regarding shed antler collecting on public lands in the Gunnison Basin at its meeting on Jan. 10, 2008. The meeting will be at the Colorado Division of Wildlife Hunter Safety Building, 6060 Broadway, Denver. The meeting is open to the public and starts at […]

In one of the most unusual emergency operations in Colorado this year, three cow elk that fell through the ice of a private pond south of Pagosa Springs were rescued by Division of Wildlife officers, a local volunteer fire fighter and ten other law enforcement workers. The rescue occurred on Dec. 15.
Another elk, a young […]

Today the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) working with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office seized a young male Bengal tiger from a home in Centennial.
In late November DOW officers received photos taken on a cell phone of a Bengal tiger loose in an SUV being driven in the City of Centennial. A few weeks […]

Elizabeth resident Jacob Haas, 22, has pled guilty to charges filed by a Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) officer stemming from the illegal take of an elk on private property on a ranch near Franktown in southern Douglas County. Haas must pay the $10,000 ‘Samson’ surcharge for killing a trophy quality bull elk, is […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) and the Colorado Wildlife Commission said Thursday that Rocky Mountain National Park’s decision to reduce elk numbers in the park with sharpshooters should rely instead on qualified volunteers.
The park’s Final Elk and Vegetation Management Plan will use sharpshooters to kill up to 200 elk a year to reduce the […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has scheduled a public meeting Dec. 18 to discuss releasing moose in the Gunnison-Lake City area to augment existing moose populations.
DOW wildlife managers will talk about two plans.

The first is the release of moose in the La Garita Mountains between the Continental Divide and Cebolla Creek in Game Management Unit […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has closed or will soon close gates at several area properties to protect wintering wildlife. These annual closures are designed to reduce stress on animals by keeping people and vehicles out of State Wildlife Areas when animals are most vulnerable.

“The winter months in Colorado can be extremely tough for wildlife,” […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host an information session to explain the “Walk-In” Access Program 6-9 p.m., Dec. 13, at 4255 Sinton Road in Colorado Springs.
“This is a great opportunity for hunters to hear from DOW biologist Ed Gorman about how the Walk-In Access Program matches public hunters with private landowners,” […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) biologists recently completed the first of a series of monthly waterfowl counts in southeast and east-central Colorado.
“We hope waterfowl hunters benefit from the monthly tabulations,” said Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Region Manager for the DOW. “We plan to count birds once a month from now thru March when the waterfowl […]

Big game managers for the Colorado Division of Wildlife have scheduled two meetings in southwest Colorado to discuss mountain lion hunting, population estimates and harvest management.
These meetings are aimed at mountain lion hunters. General lion information will not be discussed.

Mountain lion hunters are invited to ask questions and discuss issues with DOW staff.
The first meeting […]

In a unique, new partnership, users of 10th Mountain Division Hut Association huts can now help the Colorado Division of Wildlife identify and record lynx tracks in snow.
For the 2007-2008 winter season, each of the 30 backcountry huts in the 10th Mountain System has a new lynx kit, including a five-page laminated guide […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife staff will explain the new Colorado Birding Trail to public lands officials at a meeting at 2-4 p.m., Dec. 4 at the Gunnison National Forest/BLM office, 216 North Colorado in Gunnison. A representative of the Rocky Mountain Bird observatory will also be on hand to answer questions.

The Colorado Birding Trail is […]

Thomas E. Remington was named the new director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) today, announced Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Remington has been manager of DOW’s terrestrial section since 2004, overseeing the research programs that guide management of mammals and birds. He also administered hunting recreation and […]

In its continuing effort to maintain important wildlife habitat throughout the state, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has purchased a 1,600-acre ranch in Gunnison County.
The ranch, previously owned by the Miller Family, is located about 10 miles north of Gunnison in the Ohio Creek Valley. The ranch has been owned and operated by the Miller […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) continues its efforts towards offering additional hunting opportunities and access through several programs aimed at helping Coloradoans continue to enjoy their hunting heritage. Walk-In Access continues to expand with the commitment of landowners and DOW. In addition, State Wildlife Area (SWA) opportunities for upland birds abound in eastern […]

Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for a free evening seminar to explain the Walk-in Access program that provides small game hunters with places to hunt in eastern Colorado. Learn about places to hunt in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state, with a particular focus on pheasant season. Biologists and […]

The Colorado Wildlife Commission will meet at the Double Tree Hotel, 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, in Colorado Springs Nov.8 at 8:30 a.m.
The Commission will vote on final regulations to adjust nonresident big game license fees according to the Consumer Price Index and adjust commission fees for license agents where applicable. The Commission will […]

Seasons change. October is winding down, and with it the primary fishing season.
Golden leaves of autumn are largely gone, snow has fallen and nighttime temperatures in the high country regularly fall below freezing. Water temperatures in lakes and streams across the state also are dropping, and skims of ice have appeared on some beaver […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking information about a suspicious incident in the Hanks Creek drainage of Game Management Unit 61 where a bull elk was found dead. Unit 61 is located north and east of the San Miguel River on the west side of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
On Oct. 9 a local rancher reported […]

Come join Wildlife Commissioner Claire O’Neal on Wednesday, October 10 at the Ramada Inn, 22140 West Highway 6, Sterling, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to meet your local Wildlife Commissioner and to raise concerns, suggestions, or questions about Colorado’s wildlife management. O’Neal is a Certified Public Accountant and represents the public-at-large. She has been […]

Deer and elk are thriving throughout southwest Colorado thanks to availability of good habitat, limited license programs and favorable weather conditions. So, big game rifle hunters can look forward to another excellent season this fall.
In the big game units of the southwest region of Colorado, about 25 percent of hunters usually harvest an elk; and […]

A Texas man has paid nearly $12,000 for illegally killing a bull elk in the wrong game management unit and then lying about the location to officers from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Mitchell Phelps, 46, of Athens, Tex., shot a six-point bull elk while archery hunting on Sept. 16, in game management unit 61, a […]

To protect critical Gunnison-sage grouse habitat in western Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife recently purchased 350 acres adjacent to the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area (formerly Miramonte) in San Miguel County.
The parcel contains roosting and nesting habitat for a major percentage of the birds that live in the area, explained Jim Garner, wildlife conservation […]

Big-game seasons are at hand for Colorado fishermen, as well as for the more-traditional hunters.
With arrival of fall, big fish are on the move. Brown trout, mackinaw and kokanee salmon all are feeling spawning urges. All are becoming more aggressive, and the season provides opportunities for catching larger-than-average fish.

Brown trout, common in major rivers across […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is developing plans to relocate portions of its Foothills Wildlife Research Facility (FWRF). The facility is currently located on the Foothills Campus of Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins.
The current facility is not large enough to properly maintain the numbers of captive bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn, deer and other […]

The Colorado Wildlife Commission met Thursday, Sept. 14 in Pagosa Springs and approved the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) staff’s recommendation for the 2007-2008 mountain lion harvest limit quota.
The mountain lion quotas are developed for specific geographic areas of the state called Game Management Units (GMUs). The statewide harvest limit quota was raised from 556 […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will be holding a series of three public meetings to discuss changes to deer hunting seasons in southeast Colorado. Specifically, the DOW wants input about whether to offer “whitetail only” deer licenses for the area.
Meeting dates and times are:

La Junta: Sept. 25, 6 p.m. at […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) wants to hear from people who hunt deer in Game Management Units (GMUs) 49, 57, 58, 59, 581, 591 511, and 512.
Public meetings are planned Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the DOW office in Salida at 7405 Highway 50; and Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at […]

Small game hunters will enjoy additional and earlier opportunities this season due to the continued success of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s (DOW) Walk-In Access Program.
The Walk-in Access Program gives small game hunters the opportunity to purchase a $20 permit that allows them to access 145,000 acres of private land.

This year marks the first time […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is interested in hearing from the public about management of two important elk herds in northwest Colorado. Public input is critical in helping revise these management plans, called Data Analysis Unit or DAU plans. DAU plans establish population objectives and set goals for male-female ratios within populations.

Interested members of […]

Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for a free evening seminar to explain the Walk-in Access program that provides small game hunters with places to hunt in Eastern Colorado. Learn about places to hunt in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state, with a particular focus on dove season. Biologists and […]

Meeker, Colo. – People may see smoke coming from the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area this fall as the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service conduct a prescribed burn to improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildland fire hazard, and increase shrub age diversity.

The agencies plan to burn approximately 766 acres […]

Special to the Hunting Guide
Every hunting season the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) hears stories about people using vehicles, lights, noisemakers or other devices to keep herds of animals from leaving private land or chase herds off of public land on to adjoining private land.

“We hear the complaints, but, unfortunately, witnesses sometimes wait days or […]

Youth Licenses for 16 and 17 year olds
Youth big game hunting licenses are now available for 12-17 year olds, who hold a Hunter Education card. Youth big game hunters under 16 must be accompanied by a mentor (at least 18 years old, with a Hunter Education card). The mentor must remain within voice and reasonable […]

Areas impacted include GMUs 22 and 32




Working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, EnCana and Shell have agreed to keep several large privately-owned parcels open for public hunting in the Piceance Creek area in Rio Blanco County near Meeker. The area impacted is mostly around hunting unit 22 and stretches south into unit 32.

The two […]

If you’re hunting lawfully, the law is on your side
If, while hunting, you feel you are being harassed, you must respond reasonably and ethically to reduce tensions and conflict, prevent escalation and mitigate adverse media exposure. Above all, work to assure public safety.
It is illegal in Colorado for anyone to “willfully prevent or interfere with […]

According to preliminary state-by-state data from the new 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, Montanans were on average most likely to hunt, Alaskans and Minnesotans were most likely to fish; and residents of Maine are most likely to observe, photograph or feed wildlife, during 2006. In terms of total numbers, Texas led […]

Shell Exploration and Production Company Funds Major Projects
Elk Foundation and partners have completed 407 conservation projects with a value of nearly $95 million during organization’s history in Centennial State

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced it is funding 21 new conservation projects throughout Colorado this year that will make a critical difference in the organization’s efforts […]

Because of continuing bear conflicts in residential areas in southwest Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife plans to begin stricter enforcement of regulations that require removal of materials that attract bears from properties.
Late spring frosts and dry weather have limited natural sources of food for bears. The situation is causing bears to look for food […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife officials will hold a deer management planning meeting, at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 13, at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss.
At the meeting DOW big game specialists will talk about plans for managing the deer in game management units 411, 52, 521, 53 and 63. The public is also invited to give comments.
DOW staff […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold public meetings in Sterling, Fort Morgan and Greeley to gather input on deer herd management in the South Platte River Data Analysis Unit, which comprises Game Management Units (GMUs) 91, 92, 94, 96, and 951.
The Division is seeking public input to establish population and herd composition (buck/doe […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is opening 87,500 acres of private land in the southeast portion of the state for the public to hunt pronghorn and deer through the Big Game Access Pilot Program (BGAP). The program begins with the opening of the archery pronghorn season on August 15.
This is the first year […]

Hot and dry conditions are pushing Colorado’s black bears out of their natural range in search of food. As in years past, this means residents in bear areas need to use extra caution with attractants such as trash, pet food, barbecue grills and birdfeeders; however, beyond the usual warnings and challenges, officials with the Colorado […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking volunteers to help reduce the number of bear/people conflicts in the Durango area.
We seek volunteers with excellent people skills to put up signs, distribute brochures, talk to people door-to-door and initiate other bear outreach to the public. Volunteers will follow protocol established by DOW and work closely […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife recently completed its annual search for lynx kittens. No dens with kittens were found this year.
Although disappointing, the result was not completely unexpected given the biology of lynx and snowshoe hares, their primary prey item. DOW biologists and researchers believe that the lack of lynx reproduction is most […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold a public meeting in Wellington to gather input on pronghorn (often called antelope) herd management in DAUs PH 33 and 36, which comprises Game Management Units 7, 8, 9 and 191. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 8 at the […]

Media unite to help alert visiting hunters of personal emergencies back home
Special to the Hunting Guide
The Buckskin Network is a unique, cooperative program that joins Colorado law enforcement agencies, radio stations (statewide) and newspapers in efforts to contact hunters who have emergencies at home.
Emergency messages are delivered to hunters in the field during big […]

As hunters put away their shotguns and rifles for the year, the Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds all gun owners to handle and store firearms and ammunition safely.
Any guns used during hunting season — whether they were fired or not - should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before being placed in storage. Moisture can cause […]

Special to the Hunting Guide
There’s something about fall in Colorado. The kids are back into a routine at school. The cool evenings tempt you to leave the windows open when you go to bed. The cold mornings chase you from bed to groggily close the windows well before dawn.
For the men and women of the […]

Be sure of your target before you shoot
The Colorado Division of Wildlife cautions big-game hunters to always be sure of their targets, to be aware of the different types of animals that are in various habitats and to know what might be behind their targets.
The rifle season for big game starts Oct. 13 and a […]

Wildlife and public lands managers are urging campers and anglers to be vigilant to prevent bears, skunks, rodents and other wildlife from being attracted to campsites and fishing areas in Colorado.
Recently, at Haviland Lake north of Durango bears have been attracted to piles of fish guts, bait, food and trash left on the bank by […]

If you are interested in teaching young people and novices how to hunt, the Colorado Division of Wildlife wants you.
The DOW has scheduled a training session for people in southwestern Colorado who want to become volunteer “Huntmasters.” The weekend training session is Aug. […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is seeking to expand its Walk-In Access Program in western Colorado. Additional funding has been provided to enroll acreages where landowners are interested in providing public small game, turkey and waterfowl access during the upcoming hunting seasons. Big game hunting is not part of this program.
The Walk-In Access Program […]

A very popular Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) program is adding opportunities which will benefit small game hunters and landowners alike. Walk-In Access Program (WIA) participants in 2007 will find additional access earlier in the season for a wider range of small game and waterfowl species across a much larger area of Colorado. All this […]

America’s passion for wildlife and the outdoors continues to be a major engine of the nation’s economy, according to preliminary survey data released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2006, more than 87 million Americans, or 38 percent of the United States’ population age 16 and older hunted, fished or observed wildlife. They spent […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is urging campers to keep their campsites clean to avoid attracting wildlife.
Every year bears go into campgrounds because food is often available around tents, camp trailers and in dumpsters. Problems result when bears and humans come into close contact.

“Bears are built to eat and their sense of smell is […]

Today, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) released the draft statewide plan for greater sage-grouse for public review and comment until July 31. The DOW coordinated the plan’s development with input and assistance from the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service and representatives from local […]

Looking for a fun family activity that gets everyone out of the house and into some Colorado nature? BioBlitz is a celebration of biodiversity and a 24-hour count of everything that grows, creeps, crawls, hops, flies or slithers. You can be a part of science as we count everything living because ALL SPECIES […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold a series of meetings to gather public comments about deer management in the Pikes Peak Region for Game Management Units 511, 512, 59 and 591. Items that will be discussed include herd population objectives, buck to doe ratios, and how hunting license numbers are set. The […]

This is the time of year when wildlife give birth to their young. The Colorado Division of Wildlife advises people not to approach, touch or handle young animals.
“We know that people are trying to be helpful, but young animals are best cared for by their own parents,” said […]

Working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, EnCana and Shell have agreed to keep several large privately-owned parcels open for public hunting in the Piceance Creek area in Rio Blanco County near Meeker. The area impacted is mostly around hunting unit 22 and stretches south into unit 32.

The two energy firms have reached separate agreements […]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it is initiating a status review of the wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) to determine whether the species warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The Service is seeking new information from the public, government agencies, tribes, industry and the scientific and conservation communities regarding the status of and potential […]

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) research team has begun trapping and collaring mountain lions on southwestern Colorado’s Uncompahgre Plateau as part of the largest study ever conducted on the native carnivores.
Researchers already have captured and collared four adult lions as they learn more about the areas where the big cats live and hunt deer and […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife needs your help to locate reptiles and amphibian species throughout the state.
“Little is known about the populations of herpetofaunal species in Colorado,” said Jennifer Kleffner, volunteer and watchable wildlife coordinator for the DOW in Durango. “We need some citizen scientists to help us track and monitor these […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife needs your help to locate reptiles and amphibian species throughout the state.
“Little is known about the populations of herpetofaunal species in Colorado,” said Jennifer Kleffner, volunteer and watchable wildlife coordinator for the DOW in Durango. “We need some citizen scientists to help us track and monitor these […]

As campers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts get ready to dust off their gear and head into the wild, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is reminding everyone that we live in mountain lion country. Living in lion country can mean different things to different people — some residents live in mountain lion habitat and […]

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (May 18, 2007) – The White River National Forest will soon begin reconstruction activities on the Eagle/Thomasville Road (National Forest System Road 400).
Road reconstruction will occur on both the Sopris and Eagle Ranger Districts with construction operations anticipated to begin June 4 and continue through late September/mid-October.

The segment of the Eagle/Thomasville Road […]

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (May 18, 2007) – This summer visitors to the White River National Forest at developed recreation sites and along National Forest System roads may view a different attraction: Forest Service employees wearing neon orange vests. These brightly-clad folks may be near signs that say “Recreation Use Survey Ahead,” and they’ll be busy […]

This is the time of year when wildlife give birth to their young. The Colorado Division of Wildlife advises people not to approach, touch or handle young animals.
“We know that people are trying to be helpful, but young animals are best cared for by their own parents,” said Tony Gurzick, southwest assistant regional manager for […]

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne today announced grants totaling more than $7.2 million will go to private landowners and groups in 36 states for conservation projects to benefit endangered, threatened and other at-risk species through the Private Stewardship Grants Program. This year’s grants will benefit native species ranging from the Santa Catalina Island fox in […]

In a Washington, D.C., ceremony on May 9, Secretary of the Interior Dirk
Kempthorne presided over the Department’s 64th Honors Convocation,
presenting 42 awards to employees and citizens.
“Whether with a single heroic deed or a lifetime of dedicated work, you
have served America with integrity and excellence,” the Secretary told the
award recipients.

One recipient, former Grand Junction BLM Ranger […]

Bird banding is a universal technique for studying the movement, survival and behavior of birds. The Lamar area is fortunate to have a bird banding station co-sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO), Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).
People interested in learning more about bird banding […]

By the Colorado DOW
Hot and dry conditions are pushing Colorado’s black bears out of their natural range in search of food. As in years past, this means residents in bear areas need to use extra caution with attractants such as trash, pet food, barbecue grills and birdfeeders; however, beyond the usual warnings and challenges, officials […]

It’s important to know where you can, can’t use OHVs
Special to the Hunting Guide
National forest lands restrict motorized travel to roads and trails that are authorized (designated) for use by motorized vehicles. National Forest law enforcement officers and staff are actively patrolling, contacting visitors and enforcing these regulations year-round.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison […]

Colorado bird watchers have dozens of new places to go birding and a great new cyber resource to locate them. It’s called “The Colorado Birding Trail.”
“With a simple click of a mouse, people can get directions to new places they haven‚t been before,” said John Koshak of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).
For the […]

The Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges were named
“Friends Group of the Year” by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at an award ceremony held on March
3, 2007 at the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s “Beyond the
Boundaries” workshop in Washington, D.C. Presented annually, the national
award is considered […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has announced a new pilot program for the 2007 Big Game hunting season. The new program will be known as the Big Game Access Program (BGAP).
This pilot will focus on deer and pronghorn hunting in southeast Colorado during the regular seasons on private lands. The following […]

Northwest Colorado – In Colorado we have the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” Trying to predict fire activity for the coming season is almost as challenging since it’s largely based on the weather. The Predictive Services group converged in Boulder, Colorado last week for […]

A 38 year-old woman from Conifer, Colo., was injured at 12:30 a.m. Monday when a bear swatted her outside her home. Responding to her barking dog on the porch, she encountered a bear, which was one of three in the vicinity. The victim’s 10 year-old daughter witnessed the incident and described the bear […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is introducing new signs to the Front Range to alert citizens when bears, lions, or coyotes are active in their community. The new “sandwich board” signs will be used by wildlife officers to communicate immediate sighting information and offer informational pamphlets and contact methods for the DOW.
The use […]

Bruce L. McCloskey, 54, director of the Colorado Division Wildlife, announced Thursday that he is retiring from his position with the agency effective May 31.
McCloskey, a 33-year veteran of the agency, has worked as director for the last three years.
“This was a very difficult decision, but all good things eventually come to an end,” McCloskey […]

Have some free time this summer? Looking for a place to get away from the heat and the traffic? Ever wish you had a nice FREE place to park your RV or camper? If you’re interested in sharing your time, energy and enthusiasm for wildlife, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is willing to share some […]

Despite a weekend chill, warm temperatures have western Colorado peach blossoms and Front Range tulips appearing ahead of schedule, but plants aren’t the only things taking an early wake up call from Mother Nature. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has begun receiving statewide reports of black bear sightings.
Black bears emerge from hibernation in the […]

A long-time hunting advocate and hunter education instructor has donated 307 acres and a shooting range to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Gerhart “Casey” Stengel, 81, bought the property, located about 5 miles west of Hotchkiss in Delta County, in 1962 and started the shooting range. The property offers wildlife habitat and the range accommodates […]

As the effort to recover black-footed ferrets celebrates its 25th anniversary, biologists are analyzing results of another positive monitoring season for existing ferret populations in northwest Colorado. While tracking these nocturnal tunnel-dwellers is extremely difficult, this year’s efforts located nine individual ferrets including two ferrets born in the wild earlier this year. The first wild […]

April marks an important time for many hunters in Colorado. After a long winter and a slowly approaching spring, its time to apply for big game licenses and make plans for autumn hunting seasons. But April also brings another hunting opportunity, one that occurs much sooner than the distant big game seasons, and one that […]

Taxpayers in Colorado can contribute to wildlife and the environmental quality of our state by simply checking the non-game box on their state tax forms and writing in the amount they want to contribute.
Since 2000, 270,000 state taxpayers have contributed nearly $2.8 million to conservation efforts of the Colorado Division of Wildlife through the […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has raised the ante against poachers by increasing the rewards for citizens who report violators. A program called TIP for “Turn In Poachers,” now awards preference points, and in some cases, free hunting licenses to people who provide information that helps catch poachers.
“Most hunters are law abiding citizens,” […]

It is a sure sign of spring when migrating birds return to Colorado, and once again this year the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is offering “bird banding” field trips for K-12 school groups from April 21 through May 25.
Bird banding stations are located in Lamar, Fort Collins, and at the Chico Basin Ranch southeast of […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold free seminars in Colorado Springs and Salida to assist hunters with their big game license applications. “Everyone from first timers to ‘old pros’ can benefit from this seminar,” said Janet Sherwood, a customer service specialist with the DOW.
The Colorado Springs seminar is March 22 at 6:30 […]

As the weather begins to warm Colorado residents will be heading out to state wildlife areas for fishing, hunting and for wildlife watching. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) reminds the public that anyone from 19-64 years old must have a Colorado Habitat Stamp to use state wildlife areas.
“Buying a habitat stamp provides direct support […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) would like to remind big game hunters who are interested in applying for an elk, deer, pronghorn, moose or bear license for the upcoming 2007 big game hunting seasons that their applications must be postmarked by April 3.
The option for banking preference points will not be available in […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold a public meeting in Fort Morgan to gather input on deer herd management in DAU D-5, which is comprised of Game Management Units 87, 88, 89, 90 and 95. The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, March 29 in the Founders […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is hosting a big game application assistance night in Glenwood Springs on Friday, Mar. 30. The DOW office located at 50633 Hwy 6 & 24 in West Glenwood will have extra staff on hand from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. to assist individuals with completing big game hunting applications for […]

Jeff Coldwell, 43, of Firestone, Colorado recently pled guilty to poaching charges
In May of 2006, Jeff Coldwell pleaded guilty to illegal possession of three or more deer in Weld County. In addition to the loss of the illegally taken wildlife, he forfeited his muzzleloader and the court fined him $7,500 with 36 months probation. […]

Join the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for a free evening training in Fort Collins for spring turkey hunters to learn about turkey biology and hunting techniques. The clinic will provide an in-depth look into the habitat and habits of wild turkeys, effective hunting techniques, preparation for the hunt, and ethical hunting. […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking information about a buck deer that was illegally killed off of Weld County Road 18, east of Keenesburg, on the weekend of November 18 and 19, 2006. Investigating officers are following several leads in the case and are seeking assistance from the public.
“Concerned citizens are truly […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) reminds small game hunters that the season for shooting prairie dogs on public lands is closed from March 1 through June 14. The seasonal closure was enacted by the Colorado Wildlife Commission to protect dependent young during the spring.
The closure does not affect private lands, where landowners are […]

Nature is once again putting on one of its greatest displays in the San Luis Valley – the annual migration of the greater Sandhill Cranes. To honor this wildlife wonder, area organizations and wildlife agencies are holding the 24rd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 9-11.
The cranes start arriving in the San Luis Valley […]

You’ll never know when you need blood. But when you do, there is only one source – human donors.
An auto accident on the Front Range in January might appear to have no connection to southwest Colorado. But the accident touched home for a Bayfield man and illustrates the need for a continual and reliable supply […]

Information Meeting February 28
What happens when a concerned citizen calls the Division of Wildlife (DOW) to report she has found sick, injured or orphaned wildlife? In many cases, the Division of Wildlife’s volunteers spring into action to capture and transport that creature to a rehabilitator. Armed with training and the right tools, the team […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts that seasonal closures are in effect at State Wildlife Areas (SWA) in the Ridgway, Montrose and Delta areas.
• Billy Creek SWA: Closed Jan. 1 through April 30 to protect wintering big […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) continues to test Northern Shoveler ducks at their Fort Collins laboratory, as the undetermined cause of duck deaths reaches the 4-week mark. To date, 600+ ducks have been collected from various sites around the Metro area, including Metro Wastewater, Northglenn Water Treatment Facility, Boulder Wastewater, Littleton/Englewood Wastewater and […]

The Colorado Wildlife Commission (WC) has authorized up to $160,000 for emergency wildlife management because of severe winter conditions in southeast Colorado. “The severe winter the SE Region is experiencing has been a high priority of discussion at the Wildlife Commission. We need to do what we can to help our big game […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will host meetings January 31 in Salida and February 13 in Westcliffe for landowners interested in learning how to join the growing business of ecotourism and wildlife watching.
The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in learning how they can become a part of this growing wildlife business. […]

The city of Lamar and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will co-host the fifth annual “High Plains Snow Goose Festival,” the weekend of February 23-25. 2007. The festival offers an outstanding opportunity to celebrate snow geese and other wildlife in southeast Colorado. In addition to thousands of migrating snow geese, there are […]

Legal recreational live trapping of mink and pine marten in Colorado has been halted by a recent District Court decision.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission passed regulations in July that added mink and pine marten to the list of furbearers which are allowed to be live trapped. Organizations challenged the legality of the regulation and the […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) Pavilion at the International Sportsmen’s Exposition will provide information and entertainment for those who stop by. The 30th annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition will take place January 25-28 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The DOW Pavilion will not only have experts on hand to answer wildlife or outdoor recreation questions, there […]

This year’s unusually harsh snow conditions in southeastern Colorado are causing wildlife to bunch up on highways and railroad tracks. Recent reports indicate more deer, elk and pronghorns are being hit by cars and trains than normally occurs.
In light of that, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is asking drivers and train engineers to […]

The public is invited to attend a meeting regarding management of bighorn sheep, 7 p.m., Jan. 25 at the Colorado Division of Wildlife office in Gunnison, 300 W. New York.
Staff members from the Colorado Division of Wildlife will discuss management issues in the Gunnison Basin and provide a state-wide overview.

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Today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society offers students many quick and effective means for learning about our world. But how can we engage children in the wonder of the outdoors via a monitor alone?
Critter Crates from the Division of Wildlife (DOW) provide teachers and students tangible materials such as hides, nests, and skulls, as well […]

A joint operation by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks and the U.S. Forest Service has successfully relocated 14 mountain goats from Colorado to the Mount Rushmore area in South Dakota.  The animals are intended to bolster a declining population of mountain goats in the Black Hills. 
The […]

Wild animals with fangs and claws aren’t the only critters people need to respect when they live, work or recreate in wildlife habitat.
In the last month, two Coloradans have been hospitalized after being gored by mule deer bucks. In each case, the panicked bucks had been confronted by pet dogs, triggering a “fight or flight” […]

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has transplanted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep to Red Canyon at the foot of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This area is located in the Routt National Forest west of Walden and northeast of Steamboat Springs.
“This is traditional habitat for the bighorn and it’s great to take part in bringing them […]

Collaborative research by state, federal and private partners is benefiting greater sage-grouse habitat and populations in northwest Colorado. This research is a key factor in the development of the Northwest Colorado Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan.
Partners in the research include the Colowyo Coal Company L.P., Kennecott Energy, the BLM, Yampa Valley Electric, National Fish and Wildlife […]

Wildlife is everywhere in Colorado, but following a few simple instructions will help viewers find animals.
You walk quietly among taluses at the top of Mt. Evans, listening for high-pitched squeaks.
As you make your way through the maze of rocks, you hear warning squeaks. You turn, but see only a tiny bundle of fur as […]

Elk were seen occasionally in the Loveland area for the past 10 years, but seemingly overnight the population increased by several hundred — and they are apparently staying.
Seeing elk in places such as Estes Park, Evergreen or the rugged mountains of Colorado’s western slope is fairly common, but elk are appearing more often in […]

Homeowners have discovered items missing from their yards. Tomato cages, hammocks, electric cable, child swings, soccer nets and balls of twine have disappeared without a trace. These are not items that thieves usually target. As several homeowners have discovered, it may be a member of the local deer or elk herd.

Bucks and bulls often rub […]

Annual mid-winter waterfowl counts conducted by state and federal wildlife biologists and Christmas bird counts carried out by expert and amateur bird watchers help Colorado and the rest of the hemisphere keep track of avian populations.
Like carolers warming up their vocal chords for the holiday season, wildlife biologists and avid bird watchers are preparing for […]

Continuing their search for better information on distribution and occurrence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Colorado’s deer and elk herds, state wildlife officials are implementing a new electronic network of handheld computers to stre