The seasons
RIFLE DEER AND ELK
First season: Oct. 15-19, separate limited elk, by application only.
Second season: Oct. 22-30, combined deer and elk, all deer licenses limited.
Third season: Nov. 5-11, combined deer and elk, all deer licenses limited.
Fourth season: Nov. 16-20, combined deer and elk, all deer licenses limited.
License costs
While resident hunters face a license increase in 2006, costs for 2005 remain the same. On a sliding scale tied to cost of living, nonresidents actually will pay less for both deer and bull elk tags.
Bull elk: $30.25 resident, $488.25 nonresident.
Cow elk: $30.25 resident. $250.25 nonresident.
Deer: $20.25 resident, $293.25 nonresident.
Youth: $10 resident for any animal, $100 nonresident for any animal.
What’s new
All elk hunting during the fourth season is by limited license only.
Two new game management units, 682 and 791, have been created in the San Luis Valley to deal with problem elk.
Members of the military, diplomatic services, full-time students and children who meet residency requirements now can apply online without a Colorado drivers license.
CWD testing
Mandatory testing will be required in just one area, the Gunnison Basin, during the 2005 season. For sampling purposes, testing is mandatory for deer only in units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67. Also in the interest of information gathering, DOW will waive the $15 testing fee in numerous other units in the southeast and southwest:
For deer and elk, 49, 57, 58, 59, 69, 84, 85, 86, 110, 118, 123, 140, 511, 512, 581, 591, 851, 861.
For deer, 52, 53, 60, 63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 411, 521, 741, 751 and 771.
For elk, 53, 63, 64, 65.
In addition, the usual restrictions on transport of carcasses continue to apply in the endemic area of northeast Colorado.
To catch a thief
Sportsmen may provide a valuable assist to wildlife officials through the Operation Game Thief program for reporting violations. Witnesses to game violations should contact a wildlife officer whenever possible or call the OGT hotline, available 24 hours a day, 800-332-4155. Callers do not have to reveal their identity or testify in court. Tipsters also can contact DOW via e-mail at thief@state.co.us.
Information that results in leading to an arrest or citation can produce rewards of $250 in cases involving big game or endangered species and $100 in other violations. Rewards of up to $1,000 have been issued in flagrant cases.
In addition, the wildlife agency has initiated a new reward system this season. Turn In Poachers, or TIP, awards a free license for anyone who provides information leading to the prosecution of a wildlife violation involving sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn, deer or elk in all totally limited areas. The license will be for the same animal involved in the violation. Incidents may be reported at 800-332-4155.
Food for the needy
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry provides for the processing and distribution of game meat to needy individuals, primarily through the Denver Rescue Mission. Simply deliver field-dressed and skinned carcasses to:
Rocky Mountain Meats, 1961 W. 64th Ave, 303-650-7471.
Steve’s Meats, 5751 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303-422-3487.
In addition, a number of food banks distribute game meat to needy groups or individuals. Generally, they require the meat be commercially processed and packaged. These include:
Food Bank of the Rockies, 10995 E. 47th Ave., Denver, 303-371-9250.
Community Food Share, 6363 Horizon Lane, Longmont, 303-652-3663.
Weld Food Bank, 1108 H St., Greeley, 970-356-2199.
Care and Share Inc., 2520 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, 719-528-1247.
Colorado Division of Wildlife offices throughout the state will accept game meat for donation to charities, but it must be wrapped and certified free of chronic wasting disease.
By the numbers
The following agencies provide information useful to big game hunters. These numbers are for central offices in Denver. Each also operates district offices in many locations across the state.
Bureau of Land Management: Information and maps on public lands, 2850 Youngfield, Lakewood, 303-239-3600.
U.S. Forest Service: Information and maps on national forest lands, 740 Simms St., Golden, 303-275-5350. DOW also offers detailed information on a number of subjects on its website, www.wildlife.state.co.us.
Colorado Division of Wildlife: Information on state wildlife areas, State Trust Lands, general hunt and license purchase, 6060 Broadway, 303-297-1192. DOW offers full services at offices in Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Durango, Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado Springs, Lamar, Monte Vista, Brush, Montrose, Gunnison, Meeker, Steamboat Springs, Pueblo and Salida.
