A Sportsman’s Lobby Day on Jan. 29 at the state Capitol also will feature a sportsman’s caucus to address a number of key issues in the current session of the Colorado legislature.
Sponsored by Sens. Lois Toch-trop and Dan Gibbs, the special 8:30 a.m. session represents an opportunity for expression on topics such as the habitat stamp, changes to game damage legislation and oil and gas rules-making. In addition to this special event at Senate Conference Room 356 to begin the day, sportsmen will be able to connect with legislators on various issues of concern.
Information about participation can be obtained from Bill Dvorak of the National Wildlife Federation at dvorakb@nwf.org.
Big-game dates.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission last week approved a 2009 big-game season generally identical to the long-established dates as posted on the Colorado Division of Wildlife website.
The commission approved a moose hunt on Grand Mesa, where the population has grown to 120-150 animals from a transplant operation that began in 2005. In addition, all successful moose hunters in all moose units will be required to deliver the animal for inspection to a Colorado Division of Wildlife office, a requirement that allows the agency to more accurately determine harvest and subsequent license allocation.
New bighorn sheep hunting units were established in Glenwood Canyon and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
The commission also extended the shed antler collection closure in the upper Gunnison River Basin. Seniors who receive a free fishing license will now be exempt from paying the $25 fee for big-game preference points the following year, although an application must be filed.
Republican parcels.
The acquisition of 1,760 acres of land in Kit Carson and Yuma counties will add two parcels to the South Republican State Wildlife Area with sportsmen access. The purchase with Habitat Stamp funds adds a 660-acre segment of South Republican River bottomland suitable for turkey, deer, small-game and waterfowl hunting. A separate south parcel involves short-grass rangeland with potential for pheasant, deer and small game.
