ARVADA RESIDENTS CONVICTED OF WILDLIFE CRIMES DENVER, Colo. — Two Arvada men have been fined more than $35,000 after their conviction on multiple charges for the poaching of a trophy bighorn ram above Georgetown in 2008.
Henry Butler, Jr., age 57, and his son, Brandon Butler, age 30, were sentenced two weeks ago in the 5th Judicial District Court in Georgetown for illegally killing the ram on September 28, 2008. In addition to their sentences, they face a lengthy suspension of their right to hunt and fish in most of the United States.
The case resulted from a tip called in by a hunter who was scouting the area for a later hunt.
“Bighorn sheep are Colorado’s state animal and a cherished part of our wildlife heritage,” said Area Wildlife Manager Reid DeWalt, who supervised the case. “We rely on the public to stand up for Colorado’s wildlife when they see people abusing it.” Bighorn sheep licenses are so highly prized that hunters can wait decades to successfully draw a tag. Ironically, Brandon Butler did have a valid sheep tag that would have allowed him to legally harvest the trophy ram.
After receiving the phone tip, DOW investigators responded quickly to an area north of Empire along the continental divide off Breckenridge Peak. There, they observed the Butlers walking away from the kill site above tree-line, one with a bighorn sheep head strapped to the top of a backpack, the other carrying a rifle. Later that night, officers encountered the two men on an ATV, but without the rifle or the ram’s head in their possession. Investigators subsequently discovered that both items had been placed in a truck parked near the Empire dump.
Under questioning, the men admitted that Henry Butler, 57, had illegally shot the ram just below Breckenridge Peak after Brandon, having tired of a difficult and challenging hunt used a cell phone to illegally guide his father to a position where he could see the band of sheep. The elder Butler did not care to see the tag “wasted” by remaining unfilled.
“Poachers are criminals,” said Steve Yamashita, DOW’s Northeast Regional Manager. “They give true sportsmen and women a bad name.”
Hunting licenses are not transferrable in Colorado; only the license holder may legally harvest an animal. In addition, meat from the animal must be cared for and brought out of the field for consumption. It is a felony in Colorado to kill an animal and only take the trophy parts from the carcass.
Henry Butler fought the charges, but in April was convicted at trial on a felony charge of willful destruction of wildlife. He was also convicted on misdemeanor charges of hunting without a license, illegal possession of wildlife, transfer of a license, waste of wildlife and the use of electronic equipment in the commission of a wildlife crime.
Butler was sentenced to a 90 days suspended jail sentence, fined more than $8,500 and assessed a $25,000 “Samson surcharge” for killing a trophy-class big game animal.
Brandon Butler accepted a plea bargain resulting in his conviction on illegal transfer of a license, illegal possession of wildlife and waste of wildlife. In addition to the fines, he agreed to make a $2,000 charitable contribution and to the forfeiture of a rifle and ATV.
Later this year, DOW will recommend that the Colorado Wildlife Commission impose lengthy suspensions of the Butlers’ right to hunt and fish in Colorado and the 33 other states who participate in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
For more information about wildlife crimes, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/LawEnforcement/OperationGameThief/OperationGameThief2.htm and learn how to protect our most precious natural resource, our Colorado wildlife.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: ATV, Bighorn Sheep, Colorado, Denver, DOW, Game, Hunting, Illegal, Law, Park, Rat, WildlifeRelated posts
]]> SOUTHWEST COLORADO FISHING OUTLOOK Colorado Division of Wildlife
SOUTHWEST REGION
AQUATIC SECTION
2010 Fishing Forecast
Josh Nehring, Aquatic Biologist – Monte Vista
Dan Brauch, Aquatic Biologist – Gunnison
Dan Kowalski, Aquatic Biologist – Montrose
Jim White, Aquatic Biologist – Durango
John Alves Senior Aquatic Biologist
This report is based on the best information that we have available as of June 2010. Water levels and streams flows, conditions that are not usually under DOW control, can change significantly and can have some affects on access, stocking and your fishing. Surface acreages listed are for full lake volume unless otherwise noted. For the most up-to-date information, readers are encouraged to visit the DOW Web Site at http://www.wildlife.state.cous and go to Fishing / Reports / Statewide Conditions or Stocking Report. You can also call the DOW Biologist or your local DOW Area Office for more detailed information. A valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in Colorado.
Rio Grande Basin
Josh Nehring Monte Vista (719-587-6908) or josh.nehring@state.co.us
Beaver Creek Reservoir (114 ac)
This popular fishing destination is located 8 miles southwest of South Fork. Due to dam safety inspections the water level in the reservoir will likely remain approximately 20 below the spillway. This may limit access to launch boats from the ramp. All fish stocking has been canceled for 2010 and those fish have been reallocated to other resources in the area. Fishing for brown trout (12 16 inch) is best at ice out through June and in the fall. Rainbow trout fishing should be good to excellent throughout the summer. Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas). Fly fishing from boats and float tubes is popular using streamers and dry flies). Kokanee salmon fishing is best from boats trolling lures at depths from 12 to 20 feet in early summer. Snagging is permitted October 1 through December 31.
Big Meadows Reservoir (114 ac)
This popular fishing destination is located at the headwaters of the South Fork Rio Grande, 13 miles west of South Fork. Mountain scenery is outstanding at this high country reservoir. Water level should be above normal throughout the summer. Stocking level will be similar to past years with 23,500 catchable rainbow trout (10 inch) stocked from May through August. Fishing should be good to excellent throughout the summer for rainbow trout (10-13 inch) and brook trout (10-12 inch). Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas). Fly fishing in the evening should produce good results for brook trout as well as rainbow trout.
Mountain Home Reservoir (631 ac)
Mountain Home Reservoir is a popular fishing destination located 4 miles southeast of Fort Garland. Outstanding views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be observed from this reservoir. The reservoir is expected to fill this summer due to the above normal snowpack. However, fluctuations in water level are expected throughout the summer due to irrigation water releases. Stocking level will be similar to past years with 22,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked from May through June. Fishing for rainbow trout from bank or boat should be good to excellent throughout the summer with best action in June. Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas).
Road Canyon Reservoir (140 ac)
This popular fishery is located in the upper Rio Grande basin 29 miles west of Creede. This reservoir experienced a partial winter kill; however brook trout were present after ice off. The reservoir will be stocked with catchable trout throughout the summer. Water level should be normal with minimal fluctuations later in the summer. The trout fishery consists of rainbow trout (10-18 inch) and brook trout 12 16 inch). Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout using traditional trout fishing techniques should be expected from May to July. Trolling lures or casting artificial flies from boats and float tubes work well especially early in the season. Algae blooms and aquatic vegetation growth may impact bank fishing in late summer.
Sanchez Reservoir (4571 ac)
This popular coolwater fishery is located 8 miles south of San Luis. Outstanding views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be observed from this reservoir. The lake is expected to be full at the start of the season with fluctuations later in the summer due to irrigation water releases. Boat ramp access will vary depending on lake level. The boat ramp will only be open during daylight hours and mandatory boat inspections will be taking place during that time for aquatic invasive species. Anglers should expect fair to good fishing for walleye (up to 5 lb), northern pike and channel catfish. Yellow perch are making a gradual comeback, but abundance continues to be low. Best time to fish is from ice out in May through July.
Smith Reservoir (700 ac)
This highly productive trout fishery is located 4 miles south of Blanca. In the fall of 2009 the lake was completely drained by the irrigation company to inspect and repair outlet gates. The reservoir is now full of water and has been restocked with catchable trout and some trout up to 19 inches. Good to excellent action for rainbow trout can be expected especially after ice out in May and June. Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas). A boat ramp is located near the spillway on the west side of the reservoir.
Conejos River
Flows are expected to be about normal this summer. Fluctuations should be expected due to irrigation water releases from Platoro Reservoir. Angling for brown trout should be good to excellent from Mogote to Platoro. Best fishing areas include the Fly Water from Aspen Glade Campground upstream to Menkhaven Resort, the Pinnacles Section and the meadow below Platoro Reservoir. Best fishing time is before snowmelt and after runoff in late June through July. Mayfly, stonefly and caddis fly hatches occur throughout the summer providing outstanding fly fishing opportunities for quality size brown trout.
Rio Grande
Flows are expected to be about normal this summer. Brown and rainbow trout fishing should be good to excellent from Del Norte to Rio Grande Reservoir. Inventory results from 2007 showed improved trout biomass and abundance of quality size trout throughout the river. Best time to fish is after snowmelt in mid June through July especially during caddis fly, stonefly and Green Drake mayfly hatches. Wade fishing is available on public land and DOW leases (contact Monte Vista Service Center for more information about leases). Multiple boat/raft launch sites on public land provide float fishing opportunities to fish long stretches of the river.
Upper Gunnison River Basin
Dan Brauch Gunnison (970-641-7070) or dan.brauch@state.co.us
Blue Mesa Reservoir (9000 ac)
Blue Mesa Reservoir continues to be the place to go for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, wild brown trout, and
trophy lake trout. Kokanee continue to be the most commonly caught fish in Blue Mesa, providing 56% of the
summer catch in 2009. Kokanee populations within the reservoir have been on the decline in recent years and it
is expected that this trend will continue into 2010. Kokanee opportunity is best in June and July, prior to the
adult kokanee migration out of the reservoir into the Gunnison and East rivers. The bulk of the reservoirs
kokanee are stocked each year from Roaring Judy Hatchery, but some kokanee are stocked directly into the lake
at the windsurfing area at East Elk Creek. This area is a good place to look for spawning kokanee that remain in
the lake late in the season. Blue Mesa Reservoir is open to snagging for kokanee after November 1st. Rainbow trout fishing should be improved in 2010, as the rainbow trout stocking schedule has shifted to a catchable size plant. Rainbow trout are the predominant species caught by shore and ice fishing anglers, although brown
trout are also caught in good numbers. Catch of brown trout up to 20 inches in length should be excellent in
2010, with a few lunkers coming in near the 30 mark. For anglers targeting the big fish in the lake, Blue
Mesa should continue to provide good trophy lake trout opportunity in 2010. Anglers are encouraged to harvest lake trout under 30 inches in length due to an over abundance of fish of this size and their excessive predation upon kokanee. To reduce this predation, active removal of lake trout under 30 inches was started by CDOW staff in 2009 to try to reduce predation upon kokanee. Ongoing monitoring will assess the need for continued removal of lake trout and the effect of CDOW removal and angler harvest upon the lake trout population and kokanee recovery.
Gunnison RiverAlmont to Blue Mesa Reservoir
The Upper Gunnison River provides excellent trout fishing opportunity for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout
on this 18 mile reach. Kokanee angling is also popular during their fall migration, which begins in earnest in late
August. Public access is generally good for bank, wade or float fishing. Wild brown trout have experienced
excellent survival and growth in recent years. Rainbow trout fishing has improved in recent years and should be good in 2010. Rainbow trout in this reach are a mix of fingerling stocked wild-strain rainbow trout and privately stocked catchable rainbow trout. Whirling disease resistant rainbows were stocked into this section of the Gunnison River in 2008 and 2009, and may soon result in re-establishment of rainbow trout natural reproduction. The upper section of the Gunnison River near the town of Almont provides excellent quality trout angling opportunities with an estimated 34 fish 14 inches or larger per acre documented in fall 2008 fisheries inventory.
Lake San Cristobal (346 ac)
Lake San Cristobal provides an excellent opportunity for anglers in the very picturesque Lake Fork of the Gunnison headwaters. This is Colorados second largest natural lake and in 2010 should provide good opportunity for anglers to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and lake trout. Anglers may also catch an occasional naturally reproduced kokanee salmon.
Taylor Reservoir (2009 ac)
Taylor Reservoir continues to be a destination fishery for trophy lake trout, catchable rainbow trout, and northern pike. Action is usually best for lake trout just after ice off, while pike angling is most active a month or so later, in early to mid June. Most shore angling is supported by regular stocking of catchable rainbow trout, but opportunities are often excellent at ice off for hold-over rainbows from the previous years fish plants.
Taylor River
The Taylor River continues to support a quality trout fishery, with overall biomass and density most often greatly exceeding Gold Medal standards. The Taylor Tailrace in particular continues to support a fishery that is rarely exceeded in the number of trophy sized trout with an estimated 59 fish over 14 inches per acre. Public access in this reach is just .4 mile, but availability of a nutrition-rich mysis shrimp food source continues to support trophy-proportion trout with fish over 30 inches and 20 pounds not uncommon. The Taylor River below the tailrace to the town of Almont includes nearly 6 miles of public water and provides excellent angling opportunity for trout. 2006 fish population estimates showed continued good brown trout recruitment in this section of the Taylor River. Total biomass and the density of quality sized trout were estimated to be higher in 2006 than most previous years surveyed. It is expected that optimized winter flow fluctuations and good summer flow patterns have benefited the Taylor River fishery in recent years. Releases from Taylor Park Reservoir should result in wade-able flows for most of the summer due to a smaller than normal projected spring runoff and less than average storage levels in 2010.
Lower Gunnison, Uncompahgre, and San Miguel River Basins
Dan Kowalski Montrose (970-252-6017) dan.kowalski@state.co.us
Gunnison River Below Crystal Reservoir
The Gunnison River in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge is designated Gold Medal and is managed as a category 406 special regulations stream. New fishing regulations were put in place in 2007 removing the slot limit on brown trout and extending the Gold Medal reach downstream 4 miles below the North Fork confluence. The current regulations, extending from Crystal Dam downstream to the Relief Ditch diversion, are fishing by artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on rainbow trout, and a bag limit of 4 brown trout of any size. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the new regulation and harvest small brown trout from the Gunnison. Fishing in the Gunnison River should continue to be excellent in 2010. The high flows in the spring of 2009 negatively affected trout populations, and overall biomass was down slightly. Brown trout biomass was down 11.3% from 2008 and 31.4% from 2007, while fish density (fish per mile) was down 16.5% from 2008 and 31.1% from 2007. The decrease in fish density was due to lower numbers of all sizes of fish caused by the weaker trout year classes the last two years due to high spring flows during fry emergence. Numbers of larger fish (greater than 14 inches) were also down an estimated 38% from 2008. The Gorge still supports an excellent trout fishery of an estimated 326 lbs per acre of trout over six inches (this is over five times the Gold Medal biomass standard). One of the most significant observations this year was documenting 4 age classes of wild rainbow trout. The whirling disease resistant rainbow trout introduced by the DOW have reproduced successfully in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Rainbow biomass has not yet increased significantly in the Gorge, but successful wild reproduction is an important first step in rebuilding the wild rainbow population of the Gunnison. Stocking of whirling disease resistant rainbows has significantly increased rainbow numbers in other areas of the river including East Portal and from the Smith Fork to North Fork.
Uncompahgre River Below Ridgway Reservoir
The Uncompahgre River from Ridgway Reservoir to the town on Montrose is managed both as a category 406 special regulation stream and category 507 sportfish intensive coldwater stream. Fishing should be good for rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in Ridgway State Park and good for brown trout lower in the river with a few large rainbows being caught as well. Winter releases from Ridgway Reservoir were again too low for good over winter survival and the quality of the fishery below the dam has declined this spring. Special regulations apply in Ridgway State Park, fishing by artificial flies and lures only, catch and release. A large habitat improvement project was completed in Baldrige Park in Montrose and the one mile reach upstream from Main St. Bridge has fished well.
San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is managed as both a category 302 wild trout stream and a 507 sportfish intensive coldwater stream. Fishing should be good for rainbows below Placerville, fair for browns and rainbows between Placerville and the South Fork, and good for small brook trout near Telluride. Biomass of brown trout in the South Fork and upper San Miguel has increased the last several years. Better winter conditions the last 3 years have benefitted the trout population of the South Fork.
Ridgway Reservoir (1030 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Montrose, Ridgway Reservoir is managed as a category 505 sportfish intensive coldwater lake. In 2010, this reservoir should provide good fishing for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout and the opportunity for trophy brown trout in the 10 to 20 lbs. range. Splake were introduced into the reservoir in 2007 but wont make a noticeable part of the catch for a few more years. Fishing should be fair to good for smaller kokanee salmon (9 to 12 inch) in deep water in the summer and the inlet areas in the fall.
Miramonte Reservoir (405 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Norwood, Miramonte Reservoir is managed as a category 403 sportfish optimum coldwater lake. In 2010 it should provide good fishing for rainbow trout in the 14 to 16 inch range along with the opportunity to catch a few brown trout up to 20 inches. After several years of low recruitment of rainbow fingerlings, numbers are back up and fishing should be good for the next several years. Overall trout numbers were higher in 2010 than we have seen in several years.
Confluence Lake (18 ac)
Located in the town of Delta, Confluence Lake is managed as a category 502 sport sportfish intensive coldwater lake. This lake will no longer be managed as warmwater sport fishery due to a change in the water management by the city of Delta. Fishing should be good for catchable sized rainbow trout in the spring and fall with fair fishing for bass, sunfish, and crappie in the spring and summer.
Silverjack Reservoir (318 ac)
Located 20 miles south of Cimarron, Silverjack Reservoir is managed as a category 403 sportfish optimum coldwater lake. In 2010 fishing should be good for 9 to 14 inch rainbow trout and cutbows.
Crawford Reservoir (392 ac)
Located 1 mile south of the town of Crawford, this reservoir is managed as a category 602 warmwater mixed species lake. Fishing this year at Crawford should be good for pike and fair for rainbows and smaller black crappie. Fishing is expected to be slow for largemouth bass and poor for yellow perch with very few quality sized fish being present. Fishing for larger than average catfish is expected to remain good. Fishing should be good for northern pike in the spring with some trophy sized fish in the 15 to 25 lbs. range possible. The DOW has tagged many pike at Crawford as part of a population monitoring effort, if any pike are caught with a yellow plastic tag near the dorsal fin, please report it with the phone number on the tag or leave the information at the State Park office if the fish is harvested.
Island Lake (177 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Island Lake is managed as a category 504 sportfish intensive coldwater lake. This reservoir should provide good fishing for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout as well as the opportunity for good upcoming year classes of splake. Four strong year classes of splake are present; the largest should be in the 18 to 24 inch range in 2010.
Eggleston Lake (164 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Island Lake is managed as a category 504 sportfish intensive coldwater lake. Fishing in 2009 should be average to poor for 10 to 14 inch rainbow trout and some smaller splake. This reservoir is dominated by white suckers and the trout fishery has declined. The reservoir will most likely be reclaimed in the future to remove white suckers and renew the trout fishery. Expect the quality of this fishery to improve markedly in the future.
Youngs Creek Reservoir #3 (23 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Youngs Creek #3 is managed as a category 402 sportfish optimum coldwater lake. Fishing should be fair to good for cutthroat trout. Special regulations apply; artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on cutthroat trout.
Youngs Creek Reservoir #1&2 (52 ac)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Youngs Creek #1&2 is managed as a category 402 sportfish optimum coldwater lake. Fishing is expected to be poor due to frequent draw downs. The reservoir has not held enough
water recently to support a fishery. Special regulations apply; artificial flies and lures only, catch and release on cutthroat trout.
Granby Reservoirs (various sizes)
Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, the Granby Reservoirs are managed as category 401 coldwater recreation lakes. Fishing should be good to excellent for cutthroat trout. Big Battlement Reservoir should provide good fishing for wild brook trout.
San Juan River Basin
Jim White Durango (970-375-6712) or j.white@state.co.us
Animas River
The Animas River runs through Durango and is designated as one of Colorados Gold Medal fisheries. River flows are expected to be below average this summer. The best fishing times are just prior to runoff and post runoff in late-June through October. The Animas is famous for its huge caddis fly hatches in mid-June and large brown trout. Recent surveys (Fall 2008) suggest the abundance of trout is down in both the Standard Regulation (32nd Street Bridge to Lightner Creek) and Gold Medal (Lightner Creek to Rivera Bridge Crossing) reaches. However, both trout biomass and fish size are still high enough to meet or exceed criteria for Gold Medal designation. Whirling disease resistant rainbow trout in the 4-6 inch range are being stocked as mitigation for the Animas La Plata project which pumps water out of the Animas River into Ridges Basin Reservoir (aka Lake Nighthorse) 2 miles away. Approximately 33,000 of these rainbows were stocked in the Gold Medal reach last year and we will stock the same this year. Although the pumping plant is operating and capable of pulling close to 300 cfs from the river, we anticipate pumping operations to cease in early July as the Bureau of Reclamation monitors the filling reservoir and dam.
McPhee Reservoir (4470 ac)
Located 1 mi west of Dolores McPhee Reservoir is known for its feisty smallmouth bass along with the opportunity to catch warmwater pan fish as well as trout and kokanee salmon. The water levels have been good over the past couple of years and should be high this year as well. Fishing should be good for smallmouth bass and black crappie are as large and numerous as we have ever seen in the reservoir. The trout fishing has improved with the stocking of larger catchable trout and look for schools of kokanee in the end of House, Beaver, and Plateau creek arms feeding on zooplankton. Walleye were found for the first time in McPhee Reservoir in 1993. These fish were most likely introduced to the reservoir by an illegal stocking. Walleye have now become the most abundant fish captured in gillnet surveys over the last couple of years. However, because the prey base for walleye is relatively abundant (primarily stocked kokanee salmon and rainbow trout), these fish are sated and anglers are not capturing them. There is no bag or possession limit for walleye in McPhee Reservoir.
Echo Canyon Reservoir (118 ac)
This popular mixed species reservoir is located 4 miles south of Pagosa Springs on Highway 84. Fishing will be good for trout in the spring, largemouth bass in June, and green sunfish during the summer months. Some large yellow perch inhabit this very productive reservoir as well as catfish and black crappie. The lake is very weedy.
Upper San Juan River
This increasingly popular fishing destination is located within the city limits of Pagosa Springs. Look for large rainbows in July and August thanks to a stocking program undertaken by area businesses. The Colorado Division of Wildlife also supplements stocking in the river with over 3000 catchable rainbow trout in this 3 mile section of river.. Large brown trout are also typically captured on brown and black jig patterns in the fall. Other tributaries to the upper San Juan include the East and West Forks of the San Juan River. Much of the West Fork is private; however, there is about 6 miles of public water on the East Fork of the San Juan located along FR 667 (10 mi E. of Pagosa on Hwy 160). Fishing is typically good during the months of July through October for rainbow and rainbow cutthroat hybrids (cuttbows) on grasshopper patterns or irresistibles. The large landslide that closed FS Road 667 last year has been repaired.
Vallecito Reservoir (2720 ac)
Located 14 miles north of Bayfield (~20 mi NE of Durango) on County Road 501 Vallecito Reservoir is one of Colorados most beautiful Reservoirs. Vallecito has always been known for its trophy northern pike fishing especially just after ice out in mid-April. Because of the large pike population, the Division has started stocking 35,000 large 12-13 inch rainbow trout in the fall. This strategy has resulted in much improved angler catch rates and satisfaction. Fishing should be good this year, particularly for rainbow trout and pike. Walleye fishing this spring has been relatively good. Gillnet results show an increasing walleye population. Smallmouth bass are also becoming increasingly popular with anglers with some quality sized fish taken every year. Kokanee salmon abundance is increasing and fish should average 12-16 inches
Pastorious Reservoir (49 ac)
Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Durango (take Hwy. 550 to Cty Rd 220; East to Cty. Rd. 301; S. on 301 to Cty. Rd. 304 and the lake). Pastorius is popular with local anglers and typically stocked in early April and June with catchable (10 inch) rainbow trout. We also stocked about 100 16-20 inch Broodfish rainbow trout in early spring.
Summit Reservoir (400 ac)
Located almost exactly halfway between Mancos and Dolores (~9 mi either direction) off Highway 184 Summit Reservoir has spectacular views of Mesa Verde to the West. The reservoir is in transition after the CDOW removed all the fishes in the lake in 2007 to rid it of an overabundant white sucker population. Heavy winter snow combined with low lake levels last fall resulted in a partial winter kill at Summit. We have restocked with 12 inch rainbow trout and will be assessing the effects on other warm water species such as largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie this summer. Channel catfish have been stocked over the last several years.
Puett Reservoir (145 ac)
Puett Reservoir is located just below Summit Reservoir but to get to it one must continue west from Summit Reservoir on Highway 184 and turn on CR 33. CR 33 is approximately 2 miles from Summit. Go about 1 mile south on CR33 and look for a left hand turn back to the east (CR 25) about 1 mile from the highway. Puett contains some good sized walleye and pan fishing. The lake should maintain a relative high water level this year.
Totten Reservoir (250 ac)
Located 1 mile East of Cortez on Highway 160 (take Cty Rd 29 1 mi N to lake) Totten Reservoir should be good for warmwater pan fish and the occasional large walleye. 20,000 bluegill were stocked this spring.
Jackson Gulch Reservoir (217 ac)
Located 6 miles north of Mancos off Highway 184 (take 42 road to Mancos State Park and reservoir) this scenic reservoir supports rainbow trout and numerous yellow perch. Water levels are expected to stay at normal elevations through the summer months.
Joe Moore Reservoir (25 ac)
Joe Moore is popular with local anglers. It is located 3 miles north of Mancos on County Rd 40 (sign at highway intersections says Millwood Junction). Joe Moore is typically good for larger yellow perch and feisty largemouth bass.
Groundhog Reservoir (500 ac)
Groundhog Reservoir is located approximately 30 miles north of Dolores on road 526 (please consult a map for exact location). Recent stocking of rainbow trout has improved the fishing considerably at this scenic lake. Native Colorado cutthroat trout are also stocked annually. Groundhog Reservoir is a very productive reservoir capable of growing trout into the 3-5 lb range. These larger fish are primarily feeding on crayfish which makes them an excellent fish for harvesting. Groundhog has a small private campground and cabins as well as a small country store, which is very handy if you forget marshmallows for smores!
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Bass, Bow, Brown Trout, Colorado, DOW, Elk, Fishing, Gun, Hopper, Illegal, Park, Pictures, Rainbow Trout, Rat, Wildlife
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]]> LA PLATA COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF BAITING BIGHORNS DURANGO, Colo. — A La Plata County man pleaded guilty in May to putting out bait to attract Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in an area northeast of Vallecito Reservoir that is popular with hunters and wildlife watchers. Baiting big game wildlife in Colorado is illegal and can cause long-term problems for animal herds.
Dave Hall, 52, who lives in the Vallecito area, pleaded guilty to one count of baiting – a misdemeanor – and was fined $156.50. He also was placed on probation for one year and his hunting privileges have been suspended for one year. He was originally charged with two counts of wildlife baiting and two counts as an accomplice in the illegal take of two bighorn rams. The plea was entered in Hinsdale County Court, the county where the violation took place. The district attorney’s office for that area negotiated the plea agreement.
Hall admitted to spreading more than 1,000 pounds of salt during the last two years in at least four areas northeast of Vallecito Reservoir. He told Colorado Division of Wildlife officers that he placed salt blocks and spread granular salt in numerous areas because he believed the bighorns needed extra nutrition.
Animals find natural salt licks and don’t need artificial supplements, DOW officials said.
Unfortunately, the salt is a major attractant for big game animals and has served to concentrate an unusually high number of bighorns in a small area. Concentrating animals causes numerous problems: animals that are bunched up can easily pass diseases and parasites to each other; they become easy prey for mountain lions and easy targets for hunters. There are only three hunting licenses issued for this area and two rams were killed at one of the bait sites during the 2009 season. The hunters did not know the sites were being baited.
"Once animals get on salt they won’t leave, they get addicted to it. Bighorns naturally migrate in and out of areas and this has significantly interrupted their patterns," said District Wildlife Manager Cary Carron, the DOW officer who investigated the case. "The other big problem is that the salt is now imbedded in the soil and will attract bighorns to those areas for the next five years or more. There’s nothing that can be done to get all of it out of the soil."
The Pine River herd numbers about 100 animals.
The investigation started in August 2009 when Carron was participating in a standard bighorn population count. While walking along a ridgeline he noticed signs that showed an unusually high number of bighorn sheep were using the area. Eventually he came upon two 50-pound salt blocks that had been placed there.
In the course of the investigation he talked with a U.S. Forest Service biologist and a hunter who had noticed an unusually high number of sheep staying in the area.
Carron and other DOW investigators started doing surveillance in the area when bighorn hunting season started in late August 2009. Numerous interviews with informants led them to Hall.
During an interview with Hall in early September 2009, he first denied any knowledge of the salt licks. Upon further questioning he admitted that he had placed the salt. Hall did not have a hunting license for that area and said that he did not guide hunters or receive any money for his actions. He accompanied one hunter who harvested a ram in 2009, but the hunter didn’t know about the salt.
Hall was served with a court summons in February.
Baiting of big game is a problem throughout Colorado. If you hear about someone baiting or notice salt licks in an area where there is no apparent livestock grazing, contact a local DOW office, or call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Bighorn Sheep, Colorado, DOW, Forest, Game, Hunting, Illegal, Rat, Wildlife
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]]> EIGHT DEER KILLED IN LA VETA LA VETA, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking for help solving a poaching crime. Sometime in the early morning hours on May 4, eight deer were shot and left in and around the town of La Veta.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity, or has information about the case, is asked to contact DOW Officer Lance Gatlin at 719-989-1027, or call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648.
"Anyone who comes forward with information is eligible for a $1,200 cash reward from the Division of Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief fund," said Gatlin. In some cases, people who report wildlife crimes are also eligible to receive preference points or a future hunting license for the same species.
Callers can remain anonymous and are still eligible for rewards if the information provided leads to a citation.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife urges people to call Operation Game Thief whenever they have information about any illegal hunting or fishing activities. Callers may remain anonymous.
### For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Colorado, Deer, DOW, Fishing, Game, Hunting, Illegal, Rat, Wildlife
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]]> DOW CONTINUING AQUATIC RESEARCH WORK AT BLUE MESA RESERVOIR GUNNISON, Colo. — To obtain a better understanding of kokanee salmon and predation on that species by lake trout and other fish at Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado Division of Wildlife aquatic biologists are conducting research work at the reservoir located west of Gunnison.
The research will examine several issues: how many kokanee fingerlings are consumed by predator fish on their way to Blue Mesa Reservoir shortly after they’re released from the Roaring Judy Hatchery; the population, life cycle and diet habits of lake trout; the amount of predation by perch which were illegally planted in the reservoir several years ago and have a self-sustaining population; and continued assessment of kokanee population trends.
The reservoir is a very productive fishery on which the DOW has relied for many years as the primary water for kokanee salmon production in Colorado. But during the last 10 years the kokanee population in the lake has dropped precipitously primarily due to predation by lake trout. Rainbow trout survival has also declined significantly because of lake trout predation.
The first part of the research will look at survival of kokanee fingerlings after they’re released from the Roaring Judy Hatchery. Each spring, some of the fish are eaten by brown trout as they make their way down the East River and Gunnison River and into the reservoir.
The young fish were released the evening of April 27 and biologists electro-fished at spots in the Gunnison River on April 28. The stomach contents of brown trout and rainbow trout caught will be examined.
At various locations throughout the reservoir during May, nets will be set to catch other fish and determine the amount of kokanee they’re eating. All samples will be submitted to researchers from Colorado State University who will conduct a diet analysis.
"The intent of this work is to assess predation on kokanee," said Dan Brauch, aquatic biologist for the DOW in Gunnison. "The more we can learn about the extent of all predation the better we can manage the reservoir for multiple species."
Another part of the research will look more closely at the overall population, health and diet of lake trout. Nets will be set for 45-minute periods throughout the reservoir for 3-4 days a week through May. Lake trout caught will be measured and weighed, and some will be marked and released so that their size and overall health can be evaluated if they’re recaptured in the future. Lake trout larger than 30 inches captured in nets will be released to maintain trophy lake trout fishing opportunities.
Throughout the summer DOW biologists also will conduct their annual sonar and netting work to help estimate overall fish populations.
Anglers can aid in recovery of kokanee by harvesting lake trout, which are excellent to eat. The limits at Blue Mesa for lake trout are liberal – the bag and possession limit is eight fish per person. Spring is an excellent time for lake trout fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir.
For more information about Blue Mesa Reservoir, go the DOW’s web site: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing, and click on Blue Mesa Reservoir Management.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Bow, Brown Trout, Colorado, DOW, Fishing, Gun, Health, Illegal, Rainbow Trout, Wildlife
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]]> CRAWFORD RESERVOIR FISH MANAGEMENT MEETINGS SCHEDULED CRAWFORD, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is developing a new fish management plan for Crawford Reservoir and is asking for input from anglers on this plan.
Two public meetings to discuss issues and ideas for the reservoir are scheduled: May 6 at Memorial Hall in the Hotchkiss Public Library at 6 p.m.; and May 14 at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta at 6 p.m.
"This reservoir is a popular destination for anglers, but the fishery has changed drastically in the last ten years and we are no longer meeting our management goals," said Dan Kowalski, fisheries biologist for the DOW. "We want to hear from anglers about what they want for the reservoir."
The 400-acre lake provides a rare warm-water fishery on Colorado’s Western Slope. The existing management plan, written in 1987, is obsolete. Habitat conditions and the illegal introduction of new fish species have altered the fish community and fishing opportunities in the reservoir.
In the mid 1990s, the reservoir offered fishing for a variety of fish species including yellow perch, black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. The reservoir was known for producing quality-sized perch and bass and the DOW put in place management strategies to encourage these fisheries. Recently, carp and northern pike have expanded greatly in numbers and the quality of the panfish and numbers of bass has declined.
The DOW wants to hear angler opinions and ideas on what fish species should be emphasized in the reservoir and what management strategies should be put in place. Strategies that will be considered include habitat improvement projects, fishing regulations, fish stocking, fish reclamations and the potential to introduce new fish species to the lake.
"These meetings are important because they’ll guide the DOW’s management strategies for many years," Kowalski said.
Anglers can find background information about the Crawford Reservoir fishery at the DOW web site at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/FisherySurveySummaries/
For more information, contact Kowalski at (970)252-6017. For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Bass, Bow, Colorado, Community, DOW, Fishing, Illegal, Rainbow Trout, Rat, Wildlife
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It’s on everyone’s mind in these days of python bans: are my pythons illegal?
There are three bills currently floating around that will impact our reptile trade as we know it should any of them pass into law. All three of these bills are still in committee and there are several steps before they could become law. They are:
-Introduced
-Referred to committee
-Reported by committee
- House (or Senate) Vote
-Senate (or House) Vote
- Signed by the President.
There are three bills currently out there that we as the reptile industry are fighting. They are:
HR669 – The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act – Sponsored by Del. Madeleine Bordallo of Guam.
The purpose of the bill is “To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species’ or human health, and for other purposes.”
This bill is the scariest of all to the entire pet trade. It is the most restrictive, in effect banning the interstate trade and commerce as well as travel of any animal not on the “white list” — a white list that doesn’t even exist at the time of writing. And each individual species must go through an evaluation process that can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. The guidelines that are listed create a very wide net and include nearly every animal. This is how non-native wildlife is considered under this bill:
(4) NONNATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES- The term `nonnative wildlife species’–
(A) except as provided in subparagraph (C), means any species of animal that is not a native species, whether or not raised in captivity;
(B) except as provided in subparagraph (C), includes–
(i) any such species of mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, mollusk and crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, and
(ii) any egg or offspring thereof; and
(C) does not include any species specifically defined or regulated as a plant pest under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or as a threat to livestock or poultry under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.).
Earlier this year, Jeff Barringer wrote:
Let’s take a look at some animals that meet that definition….
Cows, horses, chickens, domesticated house cats, goldfish, most pet fish, many pet reptiles, hamsters, gerbils and other rodents, most cage birds, etc. etc. The list of animals is literally endless, as new species are literally described every day. I doubt that they could all be categorized on the internet accurately, much less physically printed in the Federal Register, as would be required. That issue of the register alone would run to thousands of pages and would be obsolete before it even came off the presses.
The status of this bill is “Referred to Committee.”
HR2811- To amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal. Sponsored by Rep. Kendrick Meek of Florida.
US Code title 18, part I, section 42a currently reads:
The importation into the United States, any territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States, or any shipment between the continental United States, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States, of the mongoose of the species Herpestes auropunctatus; of the species of so-called flying foxes or fruit bats of the genus Pteropus; of the zebra mussel of the species Dreissena polymorpha; and such other species of wild mammals, wild birds, fish (including mollusks and crustacea), amphibians, reptiles, brown tree snakes, or the offspring or eggs of any of the foregoing which the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe by regulation to be injurious to human beings, to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife resources of the United States, is hereby prohibited. All such prohibited mammals, birds, fish (including mollusks and crustacea), amphibians, and reptiles, and the eggs or offspring therefrom, shall be promptly exported or destroyed at the expense of the importer or consignee. Nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal or modify any provision of the Public Health Service Act or Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Also, this section shall not authorize any action with respect to the importation of any plant pest as defined in the Federal Plant Pest Act,[1] insofar as such importation is subject to regulation under that Act.
If passed it will read:
The importation into the United States, any territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States, or any shipment between the continental United States, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of the United States, of the mongoose of the species Herpestes auropunctatus; of the species of so-called flying foxes or fruit bats of the genus Pteropus; of the zebra mussel of the species Dreissena polymorpha; of the constrictor snake of the species Python genera; and such other species of wild mammals, wild birds, fish (including mollusks and crustacea), amphibians, reptiles, brown tree snakes, or the offspring or eggs of any of the foregoing which the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe by regulation to be injurious to human beings, to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife resources of the United States, is hereby prohibited. All such prohibited mammals, birds, fish (including mollusks and crustacea), amphibians, and reptiles, and the eggs or offspring therefrom, shall be promptly exported or destroyed at the expense of the importer or consignee. Nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal or modify any provision of the Public Health Service Act or Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Also, this section shall not authorize any action with respect to the importation of any plant pest as defined in the Federal Plant Pest Act,[1] insofar as such importation is subject to regulation under that Act.
We have been told that this bill will be amended to only include Burmese and African Rock Pythons, however, I am unable to find documentation to support this. This is a House Resolution, which means it has been introduced in the House of Representatives. HR2811 is still in committee. The status of this bill is “Reported by Committee.” According to www.govtrack.us, this means:
This bill was considered in committee which has recommended it be considered by the House as a whole. Although it has been placed on a calendar of business, the order in which legislation is considered and voted on is determined by the majority party leadership. Keep in mind that sometimes the text of one bill is incorporated into another bill, and in those cases the original bill, as it would appear here, would seem to be abandoned.
S373 – To amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida.
On the surface, this is the exact same proposal as HR2811. HR2811 is in the House Judiciary committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. S373 is in the Senate committee on Environment and Public Works. S373 also does not have amendment to reduce the species to Burmese and African Rock Pythons. This bill effectively is aimed at all species of Pythons. Our most recent call to action was about this bill. The current status of this bill is Referred to Committee.
If it appears we are being attacked on all fronts, that’s probably because we are. Hopefully, however, youre now better armed when reaching out to government officials. Please remember at all times to be polite when making calls or sending letters.
My Tags: DOW, Florida, Forest, Hawaii, Health, Illegal, Law, Mice, Mouse, News, Rat, Snake, WildlifeRelated posts
]]> $11,000 REWARD IN DE BEQUE BIGHORN POACHING CASE
DE BEQUE, Colo. – Three energy companies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poaching of a bighorn sheep ram north of De Beque.
On Friday, Oct. 30, investigators with the Colorado Division of Wildlife were notified that a quarter-curl bighorn ram had been poached on private land. Information from people in the area and evidence collected at the scene indicate that the bighorn sheep ram was likely shot between Sunday, Oct. 25 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 by a single shot to the neck. The poacher made no attempt to salvage meat from the animal or to take the head or horns.
"This is the worst kind of poaching case," said Albert Romero, District Wildlife Manager for the De Beque district. "It appears that someone just shot and killed this animal for no reason at all."
Chevron, EnCana and Williams have committed a total of $10,000 to the Division of Wildlife reward fund for information that leads to a conviction in this case. Additionally, Operation Game Thief has offered a $1,000 reward and Colorado’s TIPS program may provide tipsters with a bighorn sheep hunting license in exchange for testimony in the case.
The ram, which was part of the De Beque Canyon bighorn sheep herd, had recently wandered into the Kimball Creek area west of Roan Creek Road (Garfield County Road 204). The ram was frequently seen and photographed by area residents and energy workers who travel the road up Kimball Creek. The ram carcass was discovered on private property owned by Chevron.
Criminal charges in this case could include trespassing, illegal possession of wildlife, waste, felony willful destruction, and hunting in a closed unit. If convicted of all charges, the perpetrator in this case could face up to five years in jail and more than $100,000 in fines. Upon conviction the person would also face suspension of their hunting privileges in Colorado and 30 other states.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the official state animal of Colorado and they appear on the seal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can qualify for up to $1,000 in reward funds; however tipsters must be willing to testify to qualify for energy company reward funds or TIPS licenses. Operation Game Thief is a program that works with the Division of Wildlife to provide rewards for information in poaching cases. TIPS is a DOW program that provides hunting licenses or preference points for sportsmen who provide information in poaching cases.
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Editor’s note: A Chevron employee snapped a photo of the ram days before it was poached. A copy of the photo is available at http://wildlife.state.co.us/apps/ImageDB/ImageDownload.aspx?ImageId=25530&ImageSize=Print&ImageType=JPG
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Bighorn Sheep, Colorado, DOW, Game, Hunting, Illegal, Rat, Wildlife
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]]> REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LYNX KILLED NEAR SILVERTON SILVERTON, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife is seeking information about a lynx that was illegally killed near Silverton within the last two weeks.
DOW personnel located the carcass on Oct. 7 in the Kendall Mountain area. The lynx appeared to be killed by someone using a bow and arrow. The lynx was a radio-collared male that was born in 2005.
Any person with information about this incident is encouraged to call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. Callers can remain anonymous and a reward is available to anyone providing information leading to a conviction of this crime.
For further information, contact Drayton Harrison or Patt Dorsey at (970)247-0855.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us. My Tags: Arrow, Bow, Colorado, DOW, Game, Illegal, Rat, Wildlife