Colorado Hunting News

Bruce L. McCloskey, 54, director of the Colorado Division Wildlife, announced Thursday that he is retiring from his position with the agency effective May 31.

McCloskey, a 33-year veteran of the agency, has worked as director for the last three years.

“This was a very difficult decision, but all good things eventually come to an end,” McCloskey said. “Working for the Colorado Division of Wildlife was a dream come true for me. This is the work I always wanted to do.”
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The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is requesting public comments on two big game herds in the Front Range. Deer management in Game Management Units (GMUs) 104, 105, and 106 and pronghorn management in GMUs 51, 104, and 105 are being reviewed.

“Colorado’s wildlife is enjoyed by everyone and everyone has a say in how it’s managed,” said Joe Padia, District Wildlife Manager for these game management units. “We would like the public’s input to help establish herd size and male to female ratio objectives for a ten-year management plan.”

People interested in providing input can obtain a questionnaire from http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/

Those members of the public who wish to comment but do not have access to the Internet, can request a copy by calling Jennifer Churchill at 303-291-7234.

The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to May 2, 2007.

Concerned citizens working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) program have increased a substantial cash reward for information leading to an arrest or a citation being issued in the illegal killing of an elk in Boulder County.

A large bull elk was shot on private property (Caribou Ranch) near County Road 126, west of State Highway 72, in Boulder County on September 12th or 13th, 2006. Only the head and small part of the meat were taken from the elk. The majority of the elk was left to rot.
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Have some free time this summer? Looking for a place to get away from the heat and the traffic? Ever wish you had a nice FREE place to park your RV or camper? If you’re interested in sharing your time, energy and enthusiasm for wildlife, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is willing to share some great summer spots.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is in need of summer and fall volunteer hosts for State Wildlife Areas and fish hatcheries. We currently have nine sites still available for this year. Duties include public contact (providing information to the public on the site along with brochures, tours) and some light maintenance or other tasks as needed. Fishing, wildlife watching, & hiking opportunities abound!
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Despite a weekend chill, warm temperatures have western Colorado peach blossoms and Front Range tulips appearing ahead of schedule, but plants aren’t the only things taking an early wake up call from Mother Nature. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has begun receiving statewide reports of black bear sightings.

Black bears emerge from hibernation in the spring and spend the first several weeks in a state that biologists refer to as ‘walking hibernation’. Bears in walking hibernation are typically active for only short periods of time and are not actively feeding or drinking. The bears’ muscles, digestive system and other biological functions use this period of time to slowly adjust to the normal activity phase.

“For now, we’re just getting calls from people who are seeing bears,” said Perry Will, Area Wildlife Manager for the DOW in Glenwood Springs. “With the bears starting to become more active, it’s a good time to remind people that they need to take precautions if they live in bear areas.”
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The Colorado Division of Wildlife, along with the Baca County Bass Club, will host the annual Kid’s Fishing Day at Turk’s Pond on Saturday, April 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sign up will be on the south side of the pond and fishing poles and other fishing equipment will be given to each child.

Lunch will be provided and prizes will be given for fish caught and registered by the children.

For more information contact Adam Bauer (719) 940-3593 or Kevin Stolebarger (719) 523-4608.