A particularly busy Monday session of the Colorado Wildlife Commission will adopt final regulations and dates for the 2009 big-game hunting season, including limited license numbers, application and drawing details, game management unit boundaries and other provisions for deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, moose and bear.
The policy body also will discuss extension and modification of the Landowner Pilot Program, a preference point fee exemption for holders of senior fishing licenses, expansion of shed antler restrictions in the Gunnison country and expansion of youth and late-season pronghorn hunting in certain units.
The commission also will continue hearing public comment on the upcoming five-year big-game season structure.
Black Canyon protection.
A settlement that protects water flows and enhances conservation in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been finalized.
The agreement, after nine months of negotiation, sets the park’s water flow at a year-round base of 300 cubic feet per second. This will promote a healthier environment for trout, particularly in the popular Gunnison Gorge fishing reach below the park.
This final approval by a federal water court follows a federal court victory last year orchestrated by the Denver law office of Hogan & Hartson, which contributed more than 2,300 hours of pro bono work to the project.
Senior fishing charge.
Beginning in 2009 seniors who previously received their Colorado fishing licenses for free will pay a $1 fee — the accumulation of the 25-cent search and rescue charge and the 75-cent surcharge to fund the Public Education Advisory Council.
In keeping with a change in the calendar schedule, anglers and small game hunters aren’t required to purchase 2009 licenses until April 1.
Volunteer for wildlife.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has begun the process of recruiting volunteers to assist in various summer programs. To participate in orientation meetings in late January and early February, call the following numbers: northeast Colorado 303-291-7369, southeast Colorado 719-227-5204, northwest Colorado 970-255-6145 and southwest Colorado 970-375-6704.
