DENVER, Colo. –The Colorado Wildlife Commission will finalize falconry regulations and review draft regulations pertaining to Division of Wildlife properties at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 11 in Denver.

The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hunter Education Building at Division of Wildlife Headquarters, 6060 Broadway Denver.

The modification of falconry regulations began in October of 2008 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published revised federal regulations related to the possession of raptors associated with the practice of falconry. The Commission opted to review the regulations in order to ensure compliance between state and federal regulations, and to address internal and stakeholder issues associated with the practice of falconry. Division of Wildlife staff has conducted extensive outreach and public involvement with falconers. The final regulations to be approved by the Commission are a significant liberalization of regulations governing the practice of falconry in Colorado.

The Commission will also review draft regulations pertaining to the annual review of Division property regulations. This is the second step in the Commission’s "three-step process.”" Proposed changes include: prohibiting the launching of aircraft on all state wildlife areas, modifying regulations for properties managed with the Division’s hunting reservation system and extending closing dates on various state trust lands until May 31 annually to allow for spring turkey hunting. The Commission will approve the final version of these regulations at its May meeting.

The Commission will honor Sigrid Ueblacker, founder of the Birds of Prey Foundation, who recently passed away. The Birds of Prey Foundation has taken in more than 10,000 injured raptors since she founded the foundation in 1984.   

The Commission will meet with the Colorado Water Conservation Board from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to discuss topics of mutual interest.

Constituents can listen to Commission meetings and workshops through the DOW’s Web site. This opportunity is provided to keep constituents better informed about the development of regulations by the Commission and how they and the DOW staff are resolving issues facing Colorado’s wildlife. 

People can listen to live audio feeds of the meetings by clicking on the "listen to audio" link on the "Wildlife Commission" Web page during the meeting. Broadcasts are only available during the meeting.

To view the entire agenda for the March Commission Meeting, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an 11-member board appointed by the governor. The Commission sets Division of Wildlife regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, nongame, threatened and endangered species. The Commission also oversees Division of Wildlife land purchases and property regulations.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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The Colorado Division of Wildlife will hold a series of hunting seminars in southeastern Colorado to help big game hunters prepare for the 2010 seasons. 
 
Hunters are invited to attend sessions in Cheyenne Wells, La Junta, Lamar, Limon, Colorado Springs, Simla, Ellicott, Kiowa, Pueblo, Canon City, Buena Vista, and Salida.
 
At the seminars, DOW staff will detail changes in hunting seasons and answer questions about obtaining limited licenses for deer, elk, pronghorn, and other big game species.   The information will be especially helpful for newcomers, but also helpful for seasoned veterans looking to find out how to maximize their hunting opportunities.
 
"There are a lot of changes with the new five-year big game season structure recently adopted by the Wildlife Commission," said Regional Manager Dan Prenzlow. "We want to be sure hunters are aware of these changes so they can increase their chances of drawing the big game license they want."
 
Topics to be covered include the new "hybrid" draw system, changes to the preference point fee, the expanded third season for deer and elk, the expanded rifle moose season, the whitetail-only seasons, late pronghorn seasons, landowner draws, and how muzzleloading elk licenses are awarded.
 
The meeting dates are:
– Tue., March 9; 6-8 p.m., Cheyenne Wells @ Cheyenne County Fair Grounds  
– Wed., March 10; 6-8 p.m., La Junta @ Tyme Square Bldg.  (302 Colorado)
– Thur., March 11; 6-8 p.m., Lamar @ DOW Office (2500 S. Main)
– Thur., March 11; 7-10 p.m., Limon @ Community Center (477 ‘D’ Ave.)
– Mon., March 15; 6-9 p.m., Colorado Springs @ DOW Office (4255 Sinton Road)
– Mon., March 15; 7-10 p.m., Simla @ Library (504 Washington Ave.)
– Wed., March 17; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Pueblo @ Lake Pueblo State Parks Headquarters Building
– Fri., March 19; 7-10 p.m. Kiowa @ Library (331 Comanche)
– Sat., March 20; 1-5 p.m., Canon City @ DOW Hunter Education Facility (Hwy 50 West)
– Tue., March 23; 5-8 p.m., Buena Vista @ School Admin. Bldg., (105 Court Street)
– Tue., March 23; 7-10 p.m., Ellicott @ Community Center (23355 CO Hwy 94)
– Sat., March 27; 2-6 p.m., Salida @ DOW Office (7405 Hwy 50)
 
After the presentations, wildlife officers will also be available to meet landowners and discuss local wildlife issues. 
 
Elbert County Library staff will highlight library resources at the Simla and Kiowa library locations.  Local library resources and DOW staff are great places to start when planning a hunting or fishing trip.
 
The deadline for submitting limited license applications for the 2010 season is April 6.  All deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, and many elk hunting licenses are limited.  Over-the-counter big game licenses (where available) go on sale July 13 and any limited licenses left over after the draw go on sale August 10.
 
Hunters seeking more information about hunting licenses and seasons can find useful information on the DOW web page at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/SeasonDatesAndFees/RegulationsBrochures/.
 
To learn more about the seminars, call your local DOW office or the Regional Office in Colorado Springs at (719) 227-5200.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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DENVER, Colo. — In order to assist big game hunters, the northeast region service center (NERSC) customer service staff is always available to personally assist with hunting and application questions. However, this year, NERSC will also offer extended hours prior to the April 6 deadline at its 6060 Broadway, Denver office.  Regular business hours are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The extended hours will be on Monday, April 5, and Tuesday, April 6, from 8 am – 7 pm (Please remember: We are closed Friday, April 2, for state furlough!)

Application Open House

Hunters that are new to the state, or who would like some help in learning about and applying for a license can join our customer service team Saturday, March 13th, 1 – 4 pm for an Open House at the NERSC.  Customer service representatives and wildlife officers will be on hand to answer questions, explain regulations, and guide hunters through the application process.  Please RSVP at 303-291-7228.

Online Tools

Lots of help is available online too!  Customers in need of computer access are welcome to use the NERSC computers so they too can apply online. Applying online can streamline your application by reducing mistakes that can result in application disqualification, and save hunters time and money.

Also, visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/PlanYourHunt/, a one stop shop web page packed with checklist and links to help you plan and organize your Colorado Big Game Hunt.

Happy Hunting!

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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GUNNISON, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife released 62 pronghorn in the Gunnison Basin on Feb. 26 to supplement the population in that area. The release area was about 20 miles southeast of the town of Gunnison.
 
The animals were trapped earlier in the day on private property in an area northeast of Pueblo where there are an abundance of pronghorn. Hunting is not allowed in that area and the number of pronghorn is over the population management objective set by the DOW. Relocating animals is an established wildlife management technique that is used nationwide.
 
“It was a win-win situation,” said Brian Dreher, terrestrial biologist with the DOW in the Colorado Springs area. “Gunnison needed some pronghorn to bolster their herds and this area near Pueblo had plenty to spare.”
 
In the Gunnison Basin, the animals were released south of U.S. Highway 50 and east of the Cochetopa Canyon.
 
Pronghorn are native to the Gunnison Basin, but they do suffer during periods of extreme weather. During the severe winter of 2007-08 more than half of the approximately 600 pronghorn in the basin died due to the weather conditions. The DOW estimates that prior to Friday’s relocation only about 300 pronghorn roamed the vast sage brush hills.
 
"The pronghorn really took a hit during the winter of 2008," said J Wenum, area wildlife manager for the Gunnison area. "We’re happy to have more of them in the basin again."
 
A previous transplant came after the severe winter of 1984. Pronghorn were trapped in the Trinidad area and relocated to supplement the few remaining animals that existed in the Gunnison Basin at the time.
 
The technique to trap the pronghorn at Pueblo has been used for many years by the DOW. Two fence lines about one-quarter mile long were built at angles to form a funnel shape. A low-flying helicopter herded the animals into the fenced area and then about 100 DOW biologists, staff and volunteers formed a line and walked slowly behind the animals and eventually pushed them into the small end of the enclosure.
 
At the narrowest point a net was dropped onto the animals. Then the people who had formed the line ran to hold the animals down. Blindfolds were quickly put over the animals’ eyes to help calm them and their legs were hobbled. DOW veterinarians were on hand to keep an eye on the animals. An ear tag was placed on each animal to help biologists track their movements in the basin. The hobbles and blindfolds were then removed and the pronghorn were placed on beds of hay in horse trailers and transferred to the release sites.
 
Pronghorn are small compared with other big game animals – about three feet tall at the shoulder and weigh from 85-165 pounds. They can run at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour and are the fastest mammals in the Western Hemisphere.
 
The scientific name for pronghorn is Antilocapra americana.  The common names are: antelope, pronghorn antelope, and prairie goat. Pronghorn are small, graceful, hoofed mammals with a large head and prominent, laterally positioned eyes.  Keen eye sight and speed are their primary defense mechanisms. Just a few hours after being born a pronghorn can run up to 30 miles per hour.
 
Pronghorn generally live in grasslands and semi-desert shrub lands on rolling topography that affords good visibility. In spring and summer, the older, more dominant bucks are solitary and the younger males form bachelor bands of up to 12 individuals. The females – known as does – with young form small herds.  In the winter, there are large herds of mixed sex and age classes.
 
Breeding occurs in the fall, from mid-September to mid-October. Males are territorial during the autumn rut; and while they threaten combat, there is little actual contact. Dominant males round up groups of females.  Gestation averages 252 days. The young are born from late-May to mid-June. On average, each doe gives birth to two young. In the wild, pronghorn have a typical lifespan of 7-10 years.
 
Males shed the outer sheath of their horns after breeding. The resulting new growth each year produces a steadily larger set of horns. No other North American mammals have branched horns over a bone core.
 
For more information about pronghorn, go to the DOW’s web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
 
PHOTO: Copy and paste photo from this URL. Caption is below.
dnr.state.co.us/ImageDBImages/25671.jpg

Two pronghorn walk into their new home in the Gunnison Basin. The animals were trapped on Feb. 26 east of Pueblo and then taken to the Gunnison area the same day to be released. A total of 62 pronghorn were relocated in an effort to increase the population of pronghorn in the Gunnison Basin. Half of the 600 animals in the basin died during the severe winter of 2007-08. Photo: Colorado Division of Wildlife.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Gunnison, Colo.–Gunnison elk hunters will see significant regulation and license changes for the 2010 big game seasons.  Two groups–archery hunters and second-season rifle hunters–are affected most by changes to license allocation and should plan carefully before arriving to the Gunnison area this fall.      

"We want to make sure hunters accustomed to purchasing over-the-counter elk licenses are aware of these changes well before the start of the seasons," said J Wenum, DOW area wildlife manager for Gunnison.  "We don’t want hunters showing up here realizing they cannot purchase licenses or that licenses have been sold out."   

Beginning this year, archery hunters can no longer purchase over-the-counter licenses for Game Management Units 54, 55 and 551. All Gunnison archery licenses are allocated by the limited drawing only for the 2010 season.  Therefore, bow hunters must participate in the spring drawing and have applications submitted prior to the April 6 deadline to obtain licenses for these Units.   

In addition, the Division of Wildlife is planning to reduce archery elk licenses approximately 30 to 50 percent for the upcoming season based on guidance already given by the Wildlife Commission. The 2010 license allocation is based on a three-year average of license sales during the 2007-09 seasons.

Second-season rifle hunters will also see a change in license allocation in Unit 54.  Similar to previous years, hunters may purchase over-the-counter elk licenses, but licenses will be "capped" and limited in quantity.   Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 13 at statewide DOW offices and license agents, and online on the DOW Web site.

Approved last year under the Five-Year Review of Big Game Season Structure, the Colorado Wildlife Commission implemented these changes to improve hunter harvest rates and to bring overpopulated Gunnison elk herds closer to objective.   

During the past several years, the number of archery hunters has increased significantly in the Gunnison Basin.  Increased hunting pressure has caused an early movement of elk into sanctuary areas–private ranches and wilderness areas–making animals inaccessible to both archery hunters and rifle hunters later in the season.  

Wildlife managers are optimistic that reducing early season hunting pressure will improve overall hunter success and help to lower elk populations.

"Overall, these changes should provide expanded opportunities for rifle hunters to harvest antlerless elk," said Wenum.   

For a list and explanation of all 2010 Gunnison Basin big game regulation changes, please visit the following link: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/97D14105-03A3-40EA-9C26-010C3C41DCEB/0/GunnisonBasinChanges2010.pdf

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will hold a series of hunting seminars in southeastern Colorado to help big game hunters prepare for the 2010 seasons. 
 
Hunters are invited to attend sessions in Cheyenne Wells, La Junta, Lamar, Limon, Colorado Springs, Simla, Ellicott, Kiowa, Pueblo, Canon City, Buena Vista, and Salida.
 
At the seminars, DOW staff will detail changes in hunting seasons and answer questions about obtaining limited licenses for deer, elk, pronghorn, and other big game species.   The information will be especially helpful for newcomers, but also helpful for seasoned veterans looking to find out how to maximize their hunting opportunities.
 
"There are a lot of changes with the new five-year big game season structure recently adopted by the Wildlife Commission," said Regional Manager Dan Prenzlow. "We want to be sure hunters are aware of these changes so they can increase their chances of drawing the big game license they want."
 
Topics to be covered include the new "hybrid" draw system, changes to the preference point fee, the expanded third season for deer and elk, the expanded rifle moose season, the whitetail-only seasons, late pronghorn seasons, landowner draws, and how muzzleloading elk licenses are awarded.
 
The meeting dates are:
- Tue., March 9; 6-8 p.m., Cheyenne Wells @ Cheyenne County Fair Grounds
- Wed., March 10; 6-8 p.m., La Junta @ Tyme Square Bldg.  (302 Colorado)
- Thur., March 11; 6-8 p.m., Lamar @ DOW Office (2500 S. Main)
- Thur., March 11; 7-10 p.m., Limon @ Community Center (477 ‘D’ Ave.)
- Mon., March 15; 6-9 p.m., Colorado Springs @ DOW Office (4255 Sinton Road)
- Mon., March 15; 7-10 p.m., Simla @ Library (504 Washington Ave.)
- Wed., March 17; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Pueblo @ Lake Pueblo State Parks Headquarters Building
- Fri., March 19; 7-10 p.m. Kiowa @ Library (331 Comanche)
- Sat., March 20; 1-5 p.m., Canon City @ DOW Hunter Education Facility (Hwy 50 West)
- Tue., March 23; 5-8 p.m., Buena Vista @ School Admin. Bldg., (105 Court Street)
- Tue., March 23; 7-10 p.m., Ellicott @ Community Center (23355 CO Hwy 94)
- Sat., March 27; 2-6 p.m., Salida @ DOW Office (7405 Hwy 50)
 
The deadline for submitting limited license applications for the 2010 season is April 6.  All deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, and many elk hunting licenses are limited.  Over-the-counter big game licenses (where available) go on sale July 13 and any limited licenses left over after the draw go on sale August 10.
 
Hunters seeking more information about hunting licenses and seasons can find useful information on the DOW web page at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/SeasonDatesAndFees/RegulationsBrochures/.
 
After the presentations, wildlife officers will also be available to meet landowners and discuss local wildlife issues. 
 
Elbert County Library staff will highlight library resources at the Simla and Kiowa library locations.  Local library resources and DOW staff are great places to start when planning a hunting or fishing trip.
 
To learn more about the seminars, call your local DOW office or the Regional Office in Colorado Springs at (719) 227-5200.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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DENVER, Colo.–Big game hunters can now experience the excitement and adventure of Colorado elk hunting by immersing themselves in "Elk Camp Colorado,"the latest online video from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. 

Filmed in high-definition video and recorded in digital audio, "Elk Camp Colorado" takes viewers on an intimate journey deep into Colorado’s backcountry, capturing one of the most time-honored and cherished big game hunting traditions–the elk camp.

The 12-minute video also provides a wealth of information to assist hunters, including overviews of Colorado’s big game hunting regulations and license application process.  

"This video is a wonderful tool for helping people get started and teaching them to be more successful on their hunt," said Tyler Baskfield, DOW communications manager.  "It’s also highly entertaining and does a great job at getting people excited about hunting in Colorado."

From the haunting bugle of a wild bull elk to the unique camaraderie shared by friends exchanging hunting stories around a crackling campfire, "Elk Camp Colorado" encompasses the true essence of the hunt, laced with spectacular fall scenery and crystal-clear wildlife imagery.

In addition, the video introduces viewers to the Natural Diversity Information Source mapping system.  Available on the Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site, the NDIS incorporates statewide hunting statistics, up-to-date Game Management Unit boundaries, USGS maps and other "must-have" information for big game hunters.

With more than 23 million acres of public hunting access, over-the-counter licenses and the largest elk population in North America, there has never been a better time to experience the thrill of a Colorado elk hunt. Get started today by viewing "Elk Camp Colorado."

To play "Elk Camp Colorado" and other Division of Wildlife online videos, viewers need  high-speed Internet connections and the latest version of Adobe Flash installed on their computers.

Hunters may view "Elk Camp Colorado" on Page 14 of the DOW’s new "2010 Big Game Regulations" e-brochure.  The innovative and interactive brochure allows readers to access Colorado’s big game regulations and supplemental, embedded video content.  Hunters may access the DOW’s online brochure at the following link: http://www.flipseekllc.com/coloradodow2010biggame.html

Or, videos may be accessed directly at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos/

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Dogs are harassing big game animals in southwest Colorado this winter and Division of Wildlife officials are reminding pet owners to keep their animals under control.
 
At least two elk died as a result of being chased and injured by dogs near Durango and Bayfield; dogs have chased bighorn sheep in the Almont Triangle area near Gunnison; deer have been harassed near Creede and within the city limits of Durango; and deer and elk have been chased in the Montrose area.
 
Dogs chasing wildlife is a perennial problem throughout Colorado, but an abundance of snow in the southwest corner of the state is causing additional problems this winter. Deep snow with a crusty surface is making travel difficult for deer and elk. Unlike hoofed animals, dogs can run on top of the crusty snow and are easily chasing down the large animals, said Patt Dorsey, area wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Durango.
 
"Some people think their dog would never chase wildlife. But when dogs see deer or elk they may act on their natural instincts and give chase," Dorsey said.
 
During winter, deer and elk expend large amounts of energy to stay alive – they can lose 30 percent or more of their body weight during the cold months. When big game animals are forced to run they become exhausted and use up valuable calories they need to stay alive.  In addition, many female deer and elk are pregnant and especially need to conserve energy. 
 
Pet owners can be fined up to $275 for allowing their animals to chase wildlife. A pet owner in the Vallecito Reservoir area was fined that amount after her two dogs chased down and injured an elk calf on Feb. 7.
 
Dogs observed chasing wildlife can be shot by law enforcement officers or landowners.
 
"Dogs chase wildlife year around, but it is more of a problem during the winter when deer and elk are vulnerable. It’s difficult for them to move through the snow and the nutritious green plants are gone. Deer and elk have been losing weight since November," Dorsey said. "Keep your pets indoors, secured in a pen or under strict voice control."
 
Cats also cause problems because they kill birds. Cat owners should put a bell on pets’ collars and limit the amount of time their cats spend outdoors during the day.  
 
Anyone who sees dogs chasing wildlife should call the local Colorado Division of Wildlife office, local animal control or other local law enforcement agencies.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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DENVER, Colo. –The Colorado Division of Wildlife is now accepting original artwork for the 2010 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest.  Wildlife artists from across the nation are invited to participate in this year’s competition. 

"We are really looking forward to this year’s contest," said Brian Sullivan, Division of Wildlife wetlands coordinator.  "We had 30 artists compete in last year’s competition and hope to have even greater participation this year.  This is a tremendous opportunity for artists to showcase their work and also contribute to a cause that greatly benefits Colorado’s wetlands and waterfowl."

Celebrating its twentieth year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program holds an annual contest for original waterfowl artwork featured on the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp.   Cash prizes are awarded for the top three entries, but only the first-place selection is depicted on the stamp. 

The Division of Wildlife will accept entries until the Friday, March 5, 2010 contest deadline. The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Committee will judge the contest, and winning entries will be announced by Monday, March 29, 2010.

The Northern pintail–a common dabbling duck that migrates to Colorado’s wetlands each fall–is this year’s featured species.   Renowned for its beautiful white and chocolate-brown plumage, the pintail derives its name from its long, pointed, "pin-like," tail feathers. A favorite among waterfowl hunters and art collectors alike, the pintail made its debut on the 1992 stamp and is the only species featured twice in the program’s 20-year history. 

"I look forward to seeing this year’s entries and selecting the artwork that best represents the Northern pintail," said Kirk Davidson, Ducks Unlimited director of development and contest judge. "Many of the state funds generated by the sale of Colorado Waterfowl Stamps have gone directly into projects along the South Platte River and other areas that provide critical resting-stop wetlands to support the pintail.  As the stamp selection committee, we attempt to select species common to Colorado and especially those, like the pintail, that depend upon our state for their life-cycle needs."    

The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program is designed to conserve wetlands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.  All revenue generated from the program is used to fund wetlands projects throughout the state.  Participation in the Waterfowl Stamp program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to the conservation of this precious resource. Wetlands conservation efforts improve habitat for ducks, geese and many other species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals. 

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp program has raised approximately $6.7 million to help restore and protect more than 19,500 acres of critical waterfowl habitat.  Additional funding from Ducks Unlimited and other partners has leveraged stamp resources to improve public waterfowl hunting opportunities and habitat throughout Colorado.  Many habitat improvement projects have been conducted on state wildlife areas.  Historically, some funds have also been used to improve important nesting areas in Canada known to produce the majority of Colorado’s migrant ducks.

All hunters age 16 or older are required to purchase a Colorado Waterfowl Stamp to hunt waterfowl in Colorado.  The stamp fee is $5 and has not increased since the program’s inception.  Hunters receive electronic stamps to validate their small game licenses, but they may also request traditional "gum-back" collector stamps, featuring the winning artwork.  Gum-back stamps are mailed to hunters upon request, and a $2.50 fee is charged to cover stamp mailing and processing.

For collectors, waterfowl stamps and art prints are available through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  Prints and stamps make great gifts and may be purchased online (www.cwhf.info/shopOnline/index.asp) or by contacting Terrie DeLoria at: (terrie.Deloria@cwhf.info).  

For further information regarding art contest rules, entry forms and artwork submission guidelines, please visit the Division of Wildlife Web site at:  www.wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/WetlandsProgram/WaterfowlStamp/

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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