Big-game hunters are nothing but turkeys to Parks & Wildlife
It is the time of the year when all big-game hunters become entranced with the idea of going forth in search of their chosen game. Applying for the respective license is only the first step. We were all forewarned that there would be an increase in the fees this year. This happens every few years, and, not only do we expect it, but we really don’t get upset about it. Itap a simple matter of economics.
The state does receive money from federal funds and grants; however, the license fees are still the main source of revenue for wildlife conservation for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
This year, in the Big Game brochure, the hunters and anglers were thanked for their support for funding wildlife conservation. Then came the surprise! If you want to participate in the big game draw, you have to have a “Qualifying License.” After reading further, I found out that a “Qualifying License” is either Spring Turkey or Small Game. I do not hunt small game. Small game consists of pheasant, rabbit, quail, grouse, squirrels and other little “things.”
Now I am compelled to buy a license that I will never use, just so I can participate in the draw, which I have done for years.
I think this is unfair to big-game hunters that have supported the division for many years
I will be purchasing a small-game license, but on the state tax form there will be no box checked for a donation to the CPW.
Gregg Womeldorff, Franktown
Save Wolf Creek from developers
Re: “Developer gets OK for road on public land at ski area,” Feb. 28 news story
For the past few years I have followed the effort of Mr. McCombs to ruin a beautiful part of Colorado (Wolf Creek Pass and ski area) by massively developing it by building 1,700 to 2,000 housing units. I don’t usually begrudge a person from making money, but, in this case, itap at the expense of an absolutely wonderful and wild part of our state. Mr. McCombs is already extremely wealthy and I can’t help wondering, how much is enough? And now the U.S. Forest Service has approved a road that will be another step in forwarding this destruction.
I feel the state of Colorado should long ago have weighed in on this by supporting the local citizens who are fighting it. I know development means taxes but there’s more at stake than money. After all, once this pristine environment is destroyed there is no getting it back.
I urge people to contact their legislators and lets see if, with their help, this project can be stopped before it is ultimately too late. The folks in Pagosa Springs and the Wolf Creek Pass area deserve help.
Carl Christensen, Arvada
Hickenlooper for president?
Re: “Hickenlooper is officially running,” March 4 news story
As a lifelong independent voter who has always leaned right I find that I would vote for Hickenlooper for president of our country. I find he has a pragmatic view across the aisle which our country needs.
Patricia A. Sandstedt, Denver
Does anyone really think he will make a strong serious run for the presidency?
His face and name aren’t really known around America, so I really don’t see him lasting, as well as, there is a long list of other Dems.
There’s just way too much baggage and complaining going on with the Dems. They just won’t have a message other than replace our president.
Will be fun to watch the true colors emerge.
Allen Adams, Aurora
