The Colorado Wildlife Commission last week approved a rule, effective for 2006, boosting the resident license allocation to 80 percent in those game management units that require five resident preference points. In all remaining limited units requiring a draw, the ration will be 65 percent resident, 35 percent nonresident. The previous system allocated 60 percent of all limited licenses to residents. Division of Wildlife officials calculate this shift in preference actually will result in an approximate 10 percent overall shift among resident and nonresident hunters, since relatively few licenses are involved in units that require five points.
Preference point reform
The Wildlife Commission also finalized new regulations aimed at preference point creep. Applicants no longer will receive a point when errors occur in the process, nor will a point be awarded when someone decides not to hunt, except in cases of emergency. Further, a hunter will lose all points for a species if he fails to hunt within a period of three years.
Hunters also may exercise a one-time “banking” option by which they spend only the precise number of points required to draw a license, keeping any remaining points for another season. This option will be re-evaluated after the 2006 season.
The commission approved in principle a plan to hike the fee for a “points only” application. A final decision on price and implementation will be made at a November meeting.
Youth hunting
Pending legislative approval, the definition of a youth hunter will include anyone 12 to 17 years old, a move designed to encourage participation by older teens. Under the new rule, those aged 16 and 17 now are eligible for licenses at the reduced youth rate and may participate in special youth seasons.
Cheesman workday
Anglers who join in an Oct. 15 work session on the Gill Trail into Cheesman Canyon will be treated to guided fishing with noted angler Bob Churchill. Work begins at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead west of Deckers. Participants should bring gloves, water, lunch and, of course, fishing gear. Contact Jerry Arni, 303-791-1932.
