Harvest numbers
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Deer 31,634 36,075 37,602 41,473 41,665 44,785 45,026
Elk 42,630 61,174 57,330 63,336 56,462 56,933 49,012
THE SEASONS
Deer and elk (rifle)
First season: Saturday-Oct. 15, separate limited elk, by application only.
Second season: Oct. 18-26, combined deer and elk, deer licenses limited.
Third season: Nov. 1-7, combined deer and elk, deer licenses limited.
Fourth season: Nov. 12-16, combined deer and elk, deer licenses limited.
*Late, limited license or private-land-only hunts for cow elk and doe deer are scheduled at various times in specified locations.
LICENSE COSTS
Bull elk: $46 resident, $526 nonresident.
Youth: $10.75 any animal, resident; $100.75 any animal, nonresident.
ECONOMIC BOOST
No wonder “Welcome Hunters” signs have popped up all across Colorado’s mountain country. Recent studies indicate that hunting contributes $340 million in direct revenues to the state’s economy, almost that much again in indirect revenues.
Overall, activities supported by sportsmen’s license dollars — hunting, fishing and wildlife watching — provide a $1.5 billion economic boost, accounting for more than 20,000 jobs around the state.
CWD TESTING
Chronic wasting disease, a malady fatal to deer and elk, has been detected in several dozen game management units identified in the official big-game brochure. State health officials have determined the disease is not likely transmissible to humans.
Testing is voluntary and available at DOW offices and at certain veterinary offices. Cost ranges up to $25 per animal when submitted through DOW; specifics on costs and other details are available on the DOW website. Costs may be waived at certain locations where DOW seeks additional test samples.
TO CATCH A THIEF
Operation Game Thief is a program that encourages cooperation with wildlife authorities in preventing poaching and other game law or resource violations. It pays rewards to citizens whose information leads to an arrest or citation. Participants need not reveal their names, appear in court or sign a deposition. Reports can earn rewards of $250 in cases involving big game or endangered species, $100 for other violations. Rewards of up to $1,000 have been paid in flagrant cases. To file a report, call toll free, 1-877-265-6648.
MOOSE PRECAUTION
Moose have become widely distributed around the state and hunters should take particular precaution to avoid accidental shootings. Moose are larger than elk and are dark brown, appearing almost black. Make certain of your target before pulling the trigger. The Division of Wildlife strives to increase moose populations, with corresponding gains in hunting opportunity; each illegal kill results in a reduction of license numbers. Garden variety moose mishaps carry a fine of $1,370; shooting a bull moose could cost more than $11,000.
FOOD FOR THE NEEDY
The following food banks accept donations of game meat, provided it has been certified free of chronic wasting disease and has been commercially processed and wrapped:
• Food Bank of the Rockies, 10700 E. 45th Ave., Denver, 303-371-9250.
• Community Food Share, 6363 Horizon Lane, Longmont, 303-652-3663, with U.S.D.A. approval stamp.
• Weld Food Bank, 1168 H St., Greeley, 970-356-2199.
• Care and Share Inc., 2520 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, 719-528-1247.
DONATE YOUR HIDE
Elks lodges are conducting a program that encourages big-game hunters to donate deer and elk hides to the Veterans Administration healthcare system. Hides collected at several Colorado locations are taken to tanneries to either be made into gloves for wheelchair users or converted to craft kits.
Collection points are: Brighton Elks, 101 N. Main St.; Golden Elks, 16795 W. 50th Ave.; Grand Junction Elks, 249 S. Fourth Ave.; Greeley Elks, 3061 W. 29th St.; Fort Morgan Elks, 430 State St. and Salida Elks, 148 E. Second St. For information, 303-279-1325.
BY THE NUMBERS
The following agencies provide information useful to big-game hunters:
• Bureau of Land Management: Information and maps on public lands, 2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, 303-239-3600.
• U.S. Forest Service: Information and maps on national forest lands, 740 Simms St., Golden, 303-275-5350.
• Colorado Division of Wildlife: Information on state wildlife areas, State Trust Lands, general hunt information and license purchase, 6060 Broadway, Denver, 303-297-1192. Full services also are provided at offices in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Hot Sulphur Springs, Lamar, Monte Vista, Brush, Gunnison, Meeker, Steamboat Springs, Pueblo and Salida.
