BOTH GOT COWS

HI GLEN,

JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW MY SON JERRY AND HIS WIFE BOTH GOT COWS IN AREA 83 OR IN THE SAQUACHE AREA. GOT THEM SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

DONNIE

HE KILLED A SIX BY SIX BULL

GLEN JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT KENNY CALLED BOBBY SAID HE KILLED A SIX BY SIX BULL AND SAYS ITS THE BIGGEST ELK HE HAS EVER KILLED SAYS HE WILL SEND PICTURES. SWEDE GOES INTO SURGERY ON THE 26 AGAIN FOR COLON CANCER GUESS IT CAME BACK STAY IN TOUCH DONNIE

MAJESTIC RAM DIES OF NATURAL CAUSES

"This old guy is one for the record books," said Allen Vitt, a terrestrial biologist from Pueblo. "Based on the initial measurements, the ram will score among the largest in the world." Click for DOW News Release: News - Department of Natural Resources

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Tarryall Reservoir: "There is 11 inches of solid ice

Dentry: Safety always main concern as ice anglers begin season
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... Blue Mesa Reservoir: Colorado's largest reservoir ... Tarryall Reservoir: "There is 11 inches of solid ice, and people are having good luck," said Jeff Spohn ...

Six Point Bull Elk

In a message dated 12/7/2005 11:17:48 AM Mountain Standard Time, Bigdoccop@#$%^% Writes:

HI GLEN HOPE YOU ARE WARM ARE YOU HOME OR STILL IN THE HILLS. JERRY AND HIS WIFE GOT BACK FROM SAGUACHE OKAY BUT WITH NO ELK. SAID THEY DID NOT GET THE SNOW THAT WAS FORECAST BUT ALSO NO ELK HE SAID THEY SAW ELK EVERYDAY BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH TO GET A SHOT. ANY NEWS FROM THE 501 AREA. ALSO HAVE YOU HEARD ANY NEWS ON SWEDE WE HEARD HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL GOING UNDER THE KNIFE. STAY IN TOUCH DONNIE
Donnie,

Talked to Kenney last night and he said Swede's operation for the colon problem has been rescheduled for the 16th. He's sure had his share of trouble the last few years, but he's hanging in there and talking about going hunting with Kenney.

Kenney got a six point bull just north of Hanna, has a permit for a cow in another area.

Seen lot of elk in Tarryall. One herd was on the ranch land off of the LP Road, a couple guys shot a cow and the game Warden was following them back to the road in his truck, the Warden had the cow in back of his truck and must have taken the hunters gun's also. The Game Warden made them walk back and met them on the LP Road. You can see the two guys in one of the photos I posted on the blog Tarryall Elk Camp . The quality of the photo is not very good, but the best I could do, I counted over 30 head of bulls in that herd, including the spikes. You can click on the picture to enlarge or copy it.

That area south and west of FR 130 off of the LP Road is a hot area. Big camp in that area last year by the springs. The herd I seen this year that was on the Columbine ranch went on around the ranch on the North side. They most likely went back up in the Johnson Gulch area, seen four head coming down off the hill in the first draw east of FR130 and north of the LP Road. Some guys had taken off after them and most likely ran the elk back over the hill to Johnson gulch, I was by myself and in no shape go after them.

Glenn
------------------------------------

TWO BEAR CUBS RELEASED BACK INTO WILD

Two bear cubs, captured last summer after their mother was killed, were released back into the wild north of Pagosa Springs on Nov. 30 by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).










Click to see News Release:
News - Department of Natural Resources bears

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/

Jim Fagerstrom is on a mission: to preserve the outhouses behind the old Tarryal

Headlines OTHER HEADLINES
December 05, 2005

Sitting on history

Jim Fagerstrom is on a mission: to preserve the outhouses behind the old Tarryall School on County Road 77 in Park County. He says the outhouses are historical and could be used by tourists and bicyclists who travel the road.



By DEEDEE CORRELL, THE GAZETTE

TARRYALL - They’re just shacks, tiny, weather-beaten sheds with protruding nails and tilting walls that stubbornly stand along County Road 77 in Park County.

You see a pair of dilapidated outhouses. Jim Fagerstrom sees privies with a proud past — and a promising future.

“They are masterpieces,” Fagerstrom said. Then he rapidly ticks off the reasons why:

They were built in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration and are still standing.

They have ventilation systems that pipe out foul odors with such efficiency that Fagerstrom marvels: “There’s so much thought put into that.”

One even has a latch that holds up the wooden seatcover when a visitor needs it out of the way.

“This is classic,” said the gray-bearded, plaid-clad Brooklyn native who moved to Colorado 30 years ago and runs the Ute Trail River Ranch down the road.

Is it any wonder that Fagerstrom has made it his business to preserve these oldtime privies and get them back into working order so the public can continue to enjoy them for years to come?

Not to his significant other, Debra Baxter, who chuckles and says he’s always had a strong interest in historic preservation.

Did he mention, she adds, that they have their own outhouse, a two-seater of unknown vintage?

To be sure, the overall job for the county’s historic preservation committee to which Fagerstrom belongs is not only to preserve these outhouses but the 84-year-old schoolhouse to which they belong. They’re also trying to figure out how the public can best use them, Park County Commissioner Jim Gardner says.

The Tarryall School, with its badly chipped walls, sits empty along the county road; behind it, the two outhouses stand as miniature sentries, neglected and mostly unused since the school closed in 1949.

Driving back and forth, Fagerstrom developed a particular fondness for the property and its potties.

How wonderful, he thought, if they could persuade people to visit this place, indulge in a bit of history. And if the school is worth saving, surely so are its toilets.

“They’re as significant as the school itself,” Fagerstrom said.

Indeed, a historic assessment found them to be “excellently preserved examples” of the 2.3 million privies built by the WPA in the 1930s.

Regardless of whether the schoolhouse ever opens to visitors, the outhouses should be utilized again, Fagerstrom says.

“It’s preservation with purpose,” he said.

Fagerstrom would like to see County Road 77 used more — by cyclists, hikers and people just wanting to see more of Park County.

And if people use the road, they ought to have a place to stop, he reasons.

“What if they’re coming and nothing’s built — there’s not even a place to go to the bathroom?” he said.

This year, Fagerstrom persuaded a Buena Vista company, Valley Precast Inc., to donate the construction of a $600, 1,000-gallon concrete vault over which the outhouses could sit.

It was an unusual request, but that comes with the territory, says president Derrick Eggleston.

“I guess we’ve learned not to find a whole lot of things odd,” he said.

Technically, the outhouses are usable now, but the deposits a visitor might make merely fall into the hole and lay there.

In October, Fagerstrom and others lifted one of the outhouses and planted it over the vault.

The other remains in its original spot, the walls listing to one side. Fagerstrom wants to move that one too, then refinish both, replacing loose nails, repainting them and generally getting them into working order by spring.

As for pumping out the tank?

“I’ll probably do it,” he said.

Fagerstrom always takes the approach of “if you want it done right, you do it yourself,” Gardner said. “He’s a one-man whirlwind.”

It will be worth the work, Fagerstrom said: “I think people will enjoy this.”

Rumor has it that state Rep. Michael Merrifield, D-Manitou Springs, already does.

“Mike Merrifield bikes this road. He uses these outhouses,” Fagerstrom alleged.

Contacted at his Manitou Springs home, Merrifield initially denies the “charge.”

“Are you talking about the little white schoolhouse? With a couple of outhouses? I’ve never used them,” he said coyly. “I’ve looked inside them. Just out of curiosity. I can’t attest as to the quality or usability.”

As a former teacher, he says, he found the schoolhouse fascinating.

“I guess if I had used them, I would keep it a secret,” he said.

But preservation is a worthy goal, Merrifield adds.

“More power to him,” he said of Fagerstrom.

Ninety-year-old Jack Smith, who once used those very outhouses as a boy attending the Tarryall School, approves of Fagerstrom’s goal, although he wonders whether people these days are willing to use an outhouse.

“I don’t suppose they do,” he said regretfully.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0285 or

deedee.correll@gazette.com

HOW TO HELP

To assist with preservation efforts, call Jim Fagerstrom at 719-748-3015. To make a donation toward the overall preservation project, contact the nonprofit Coalition for the Upper South Platte at 719-748-0033.

TEC L1 Season 2005

I counted 35 bulls in this herd 11/27/2005 --click to enlarge.

TEC L2 Season 2004

Tarryall a definite treat for all ages

Derek, click on this. Lot of good information.
Rocky Mountain News: Columnists
Dentry: Tarryall a definite treat for all ages; August 17, 2005 ... "Do not set
up camp in the middle of the elk," Hubbell counsels hunters who might ..."A .270 (caliber) is not an adequate elk rifle.

INFO SOUGHT IN TELLER CO POACHING CASE

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is looking for information about a bull elk shot and left on private property Sunday afternoon Nov. 6 off Lower Twin Rocks Road in Teller County.
A white SUV was seen in the area and is most likely involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (719) 227-5200. Information can also be offered anonymously by calling toll free to Operation Game Thief (OGT) or Turn In Poachers (TIPs) line at 1-877-265-6648.
A cash reward, preference points, or a license may be given to an informant who provides information that leads to the arrest of, or citation issued to a suspect involved in a wildlife-related crime.


For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Finding no sportsmen to oppose them

It's no myth: Big game hunting finds frustrating obstacles
Denver Post - Denver,CO,USA
... "But when the system itself makes elk hunting less available and more difficult to the general public, and more of a controlled inheritance of the wealthy ...

Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Cary Carron, an officer with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, holds antlers from a large buck that was killed illegally in late October near Vallecito Reservoir in southwest Colorado. Three hunters from Arkansas paid more than $22,000 in fines for killing this deer and another large buck. Both bucks are considered trophy-class animals because of the size of their antlers which measure more than 22 inches wide just above the skull. Trophy-quality animals are afforded special protection from illegal hunting and poaching under Colorado's "Samson" law. Fines for illegally killing a "Samson" size animal can range from $4,000 to $25,000 depending on the species.
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Elk have been playing hard to get

Dentry: Elk have been playing hard to get
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... "Elk hunting has been slow because it's been so warm," he said. "Successful ... But there are no promises in elk hunting. Conditions ...MARBLE - Elk hunters aren't exactly languishing, but they haven't been very
Click to enlarge

There is no question Tarryall is back in action

Rocky Mountain News: Columnists
Dentry: Pointers can tip scales to the elk's advantage ... But, for the time
being, there is no question Tarryall is back in action for trout and the young ...

Extra elk hunt to cut population

Extra elk hunt to cut population
Craig Daily Press - Craig,CO,USA
... Regular rifle hunting season for elk ends Nov. ... The division also wants to save trophy bull elk for hunters during regular hunting seasons, Balzer said. ...

Storm likely gives hunters boost

Full moon or instinct? Deer, elk fool hunters as combined season ...Grand Junction Sentinel - Grand Junction,CO,USA... managers are hoping the five-day break between the second and third season will give deer and elk time to settle down from earlier hunting pressure and those ...

Dentry: Popular rifle primes high-caliber disputeRocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USAThe argument echoes on. Many shooters recoiled at the notion, shared by some, that the .270-caliber rifle might not be enough gun for elk hunting. ...


Colorado has too many elk
Jackson Hole Star-Tribune - Casper,WY,USA
... Some of the conflict lies in sheer numbers. About 338,000 elk were in Colorado before last year's hunting season, in which 63,336 were killed. ...

Dentry: Pointers can tip scales to the elk's advantage
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... "If you can't hike 30-45 minutes to get into elk, then you shouldn't be elk hunting," Hubbell said. Off-road vehicles push lots of elk out of the way. ...

Storm likely gives hunters boost
Denver Post - Denver,CO,USA
... who can get to their spots," said Ron Velarde, regional manager. "We've got snow and it's muddy, but elk hunting should be great.". ...

Dentry: Residents' license odds may improve
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
Hunters who reside and hunt deer and elk in Colorado should be doled a few more chips in the dice toss for high-quality hunting licenses next year. ...

Colorado Division of Wildlife provides hunting informationLamar Daily News - Lamar,CO,USA... The cost of an elk hunting license is $30.25 for Colorado residents. Nonresident fees are $485.25 for a bull elk license or $250.25 for a cow elk license. ...

Overrun by elk

Winter Storm Blog: I-70 Closed East of Denver
cbs4denver.com - Denver,CO,USA
... 6:30 am Snow totals: Breckenridge - 18 inches, Silverthorne - 10 inches, Fairplay - 7 inches ... Lynn Carey said people driving to Denver from Colorado Springs area ...


Overrun by elk
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... In the area between Utah, Steamboat Springs, Wyoming and Interstate 70, there were more than 81,000 elk after last year's hunting season. ...

As elk herds decline, hunters can expect fewer cow licenses
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... Elk hunting is expected to be as good as ever this time around, subject as always to the whims and whiplashes of autumn weather in the mountains and to the ...

BOBCAT SEASON DATES FOR 2005

Those who wish to hunt bobcat in Colorado this year should be aware that a mistake was made in the 2005 Small Game Brochure.

The season dates for bobcat are Dec. 1- Feb. 28, 2006 statewide. Both the daily bag and possession limits are unlimited.

Bear Licenses

Hunters who purchased a September rifle bear license are reminded that those licenses are no longer valid during the combined deer and elk rifle seasons as they were in previous years.

Those who wish to hunt bear in valid areas of Colorado during the regular rifle seasons must not have purchased a September rifle bear license and must purchase an over-the-counter bear license prior to the season they wish to hunt. The number of these licenses available is capped. They will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.

###

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

DOW COLLECTS CWD INFORMATION

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) offices will be open extended hours during this year’s deer and elk rifle seasons and will once again offer testing services for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

The DOW provides CWD testing in an ongoing effort to gather data about the neurological disorder that affects deer and elk. Researchers hope to get enough samples from throughout the state to get a better idea of where the disease occurs.

Successful deer and elk hunters can choose between 25 different CWD submission sites and DOW offices. Hunters may also choose to use one of 29 participating veterinarians. For a complete list of locations, addresses, and hours of operation, visit the chronic wasting disease page at the DOW Web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/CWD/index.asp.

CWD testing costs $15 per animal. Hunters using private veterinarians will pay $22 for the testing, which includes costs to ship tissue samples to the lab, plus whatever additional fees the vet may charge.

In most parts of Colorado, testing for CWD is voluntary, but it is mandatory that all deer harvested units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67 in the Gunnison Basin be submitted for testing. Because the test is mandatory, the fee is waived when the head is submitted at a DOW submission site.

In other areas, the DOW is waiving the fee to increase the number of hunters who submit deer and elk for testing.

“The more samples we get, the greater confidence we have in our data,” explained Kathi Green, a wildlife disease expert with the DOW. “It takes 300 samples over a three year period from an area to determine the presence or absence of the disease with confidence.”

Free CWD testing is available for any deer harvested in the following units: 49, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 85, 86, 110, 118, 123, 140, 411, 511, 512, 521, 581, 591, 691, 741, 751, 771, 851 and 861.

In addition, CWD testing fees are waived in units 9, 19, 20, 29 and 191 on any deer taken on an antlerless license from November 1 thru January 31; and on any deer taken on Jefferson County Open Space’s Centennial Cone Property from December 1 through January 31 (Unit 38).

Free CWD testing is available for any elk harvested in the following units: 49, 53, 57, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 69, 84, 85, 86, 110, 118, 123, 140, 511, 512, 581, 591, 691, 851 and 861.

It is mandatory that all moose hunters submit their harvested animals.

Every deer and elk license includes a detachable tag labeled “CWD Head Testing Tag.” The tag includes a bar code that can be scanned to speed up processing. Hunters should bring this tag with the head, and be prepared to provide detailed information about when and where the animal was harvested.

Hunters should avoid shooting the animal in the head; and remove the head from the carcass 2 to 4 inches below the point where the neck joins the skull (below the first vertebrae). The CWD test is conducted on lymph nodes in the throat or on the brain stem when the lymph nodes are unavailable. Testing cannot be conducted on the brain itself. Heads should be kept cool and away from flies and scavengers to protect the tissue necessary for testing, and submitted as soon as possible (within five days is best).

Non-resident hunters should check with their home state’s wildlife agency to determine if there are carcass importation restrictions in those states. Many states require hunters to bone out or process all deer and elk meat being returned to their states from states with CWD. There are similar restrictions in many NE Colorado units and hunters in other units where CWD has been found are encouraged to follow these restrictions.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories conduct the testing for DOW. The DOW’s goal is to provide test results to hunters within five to seven working days during off-peak times and within 10 to 14 working days during peak times, early and late seasons. Hunters whose results are not available more than three weeks after submission should call the nearest DOW office for assistance.

Test results can be obtained by calling 1-800-434-0274. This number is available 24 hours a day, and hunters can get results for up to three heads in each call by keying in the head submission numbers on their CWD testing receipt. Results are also available 24 hours a day through the CWD page on the DOW Web site by clicking on the CWD Test Results option.

# # #

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.



Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) offices will be open extended hours during this year’s deer and elk rifle seasons and will once again offer testing services for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

The DOW provides CWD testing in an ongoing effort to gather data about the neurological disorder that affects deer and elk. Researchers hope to get enough samples from throughout the state to get a better idea of where the disease occurs.

Successful deer and elk hunters can choose between 25 different CWD submission sites and DOW offices. Hunters may also choose to use one of 29 participating veterinarians. For a complete list of locations, addresses, and hours of operation, visit the chronic wasting disease page at the DOW Web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us/CWD/index.asp.

CWD testing costs $15 per animal. Hunters using private veterinarians will pay $22 for the testing, which includes costs to ship tissue samples to the lab, plus whatever additional fees the vet may charge.

In most parts of Colorado, testing for CWD is voluntary, but it is mandatory that all deer harvested units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67 in the Gunnison Basin be submitted for testing. Because the test is mandatory, the fee is waived when the head is submitted at a DOW submission site.

In other areas, the DOW is waiving the fee to increase the number of hunters who submit deer and elk for testing.

“The more samples we get, the greater confidence we have in our data,” explained Kathi Green, a wildlife disease expert with the DOW. “It takes 300 samples over a three year period from an area to determine the presence or absence of the disease with confidence.”

Free CWD testing is available for any deer harvested in the following units: 49, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 84, 85, 86, 110, 118, 123, 140, 411, 511, 512, 521, 581, 591, 691, 741, 751, 771, 851 and 861.

In addition, CWD testing fees are waived in units 9, 19, 20, 29 and 191 on any deer taken on an antlerless license from November 1 thru January 31; and on any deer taken on Jefferson County Open Space’s Centennial Cone Property from December 1 through January 31 (Unit 38).

Free CWD testing is available for any elk harvested in the following units: 49, 53, 57, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 69, 84, 85, 86, 110, 118, 123, 140, 511, 512, 581, 591, 691, 851 and 861.

It is mandatory that all moose hunters submit their harvested animals.

Every deer and elk license includes a detachable tag labeled “CWD Head Testing Tag.” The tag includes a bar code that can be scanned to speed up processing. Hunters should bring this tag with the head, and be prepared to provide detailed information about when and where the animal was harvested.

Hunters should avoid shooting the animal in the head; and remove the head from the carcass 2 to 4 inches below the point where the neck joins the skull (below the first vertebrae). The CWD test is conducted on lymph nodes in the throat or on the brain stem when the lymph nodes are unavailable. Testing cannot be conducted on the brain itself. Heads should be kept cool and away from flies and scavengers to protect the tissue necessary for testing, and submitted as soon as possible (within five days is best).

Non-resident hunters should check with their home state’s wildlife agency to determine if there are carcass importation restrictions in those states. Many states require hunters to bone out or process all deer and elk meat being returned to their states from states with CWD. There are similar restrictions in many NE Colorado units and hunters in other units where CWD has been found are encouraged to follow these restrictions.

The Colorado State University (CSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories conduct the testing for DOW. The DOW’s goal is to provide test results to hunters within five to seven working days during off-peak times and within 10 to 14 working days during peak times, early and late seasons. Hunters whose results are not available more than three weeks after submission should call the nearest DOW office for assistance.

Test results can be obtained by calling 1-800-434-0274. This number is available 24 hours a day, and hunters can get results for up to three heads in each call by keying in the head submission numbers on their CWD testing receipt. Results are also available 24 hours a day through the CWD page on the DOW Web site by clicking on the CWD Test Results option.

# # #

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Colorado deals with too many elk

Colorado deals with too many elk
Webindia123 - India
... reports that the state has more elk than any other, or for that matter any province in Canada. There were 338,000 before the most recent hunting season and ...

Elk Camp Photos
(Click on any of the photos to enlarge them)

NEW BUCK SEASONS CONSIDERED IN GUNNISON BASIN

NEW BUCK SEASONS CONSIDERED IN GUNNISON BASIN

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is seeking comment from the public about the possible addition of two new deer hunting seasons in the Gunnison Basin for 2006. Comments are due to the DOW by Oct. 14.

These seasons would be designed to provide hunters with additional opportunities in Game Management Units 54, 55, 551, 66 and 67, and to help the DOW meet wildlife management objectives. It is estimated that 25,000 deer live in those game management units.

Wildlife managers are considering an early "high-country" buck hunt in September. These hunts are generally restricted to a specific area within a Game Management Unit such as a designated wilderness or above a certain elevation. Similar hunts already occur in other parts of the state, and are generally one week long.

The second season being considered would be held in mid-November at the same time as the 4th elk season.

For both, only a limited number of licenses would be available.

"Both of these seasons would provide very high-quality hunting experiences," said Brandon Diamond, terrestrial biologist in the Gunnison region. "We want to hear what hunters think about this idea."

To comment, contact Diamond at 1-970-641-7071; send an e-mail to brandon.diamond@state.co.us; or write to him at 300 W. New York Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230.


For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

From the DOW INSIDERr

HUNTER HARVESTED MOOSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has confirmed that a bull moose killed by an archer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The moose was submitted for testing on Sept. 12.

CWD was diagnosed in testing completed by the Colorado State University (CSU) Veterinary Diagnostic lab. Because this is the first time CWD has been found in a wild moose, testing will be repeated on this sample.

Until now CWD had only been found in the wild in deer and elk.

The DOW and CSU have worked together to develop the most efficient and accurate CWD testing program in the country. CWD testing for moose was made mandatory in Colorado in 2003. Since 2002, 288 moose have been tested and the disease was not detected.

Nearly 13,000 deer and elk were submitted for CWD testing between Aug. 2004 and April 2005. Of those animals, 175 tested positive for CWD.

"This is a single case of CWD in moose, but given their social habits we believe that cases in moose are likely to be a rare occurrence," said Miller.

Deer, elk and moose are all members of the deer family. But unlike deer and elk, moose do not form herds or large social groups. Moose are typically solitary animals and generally only stay with other moose in cow-calf pairs.

The moose was harvested legally by a licensed archery hunter in GMU 171, which is located in Jackson County, south of Cameron Pass.

The hunter who submitted the moose for testing was contacted and will have the choice of having his license fee refunded or receiving a cow moose license for the same Game Management Unit this year. He will also receive a refund from the DOW for the cost of processing the animal.

The hunter said that he is pleased that the DOW has the testing system available and he is glad to be able to contribute to the ongoing scientific research on CWD.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that has been diagnosed in wild deer and elk in ten states and two Canadian provinces. Animals show no apparent signs of illness throughout much of disease course. In terminal stages of CWD, animals typically are emaciated and display abnormal behavior.

Epidemiologists with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have found no link between CWD and any human neurological disorders.




BEAR KILLED BY HOMEOWNER IN LAKE CITY; CUBS TAKEN TO DOW'S WILDLIFE CENTER

A homeowner in Lake City shot and killed a bear on Sept. 27 - but it was a shooting that Colorado Division of Wildlife officers say could have been avoided through community action.

The bear that was killed and her two cubs had been given easy access to food in town and had become habituated to human contact, said Lucas Martin, district wildlife manager for Lake City. Martin had been told that some people in Lake City were intentionally feeding the bears and other wildlife. He even received reports that people had been seen petting the cubs.

"Feeding bears is illegal and it is dangerous for humans and the animals," Martin said.

Many homeowners in Lake City do not properly take care of their garbage, so bears can easily get into trash cans to forage for food.

"Bears are smart animals. Once they get food out of one trash can, they'll go to every trash can in town," Martin said.

The man who shot the bear had not been feeding the animals and he stores his garbage in a bear-proof container. He was not cited for the incident.

About 3:30 a.m., Sept. 27, the man's two dogs started to bark and act irritated. Before letting them out, he looked outside to check if a bear was at his trash can. When he didn't see a bear he let the dogs out. Within a few seconds the man heard one of the dogs barking and saw a bear at the trash can.

He called the dog and it ran towards the house with the bear giving chase. After the dog ran into the house the bear stopped just a few feet off the porch. The man grabbed his rifle and yelled at the bear to try to scare her off. When the bear made a movement that appeared threatening, the man shot her.

The bear ran off and died quickly about 40 feet from the cabin. As the man walked toward the dead bear he heard the crying of the two cubs that had climbed about 50 feet into a Ponderosa pine tree.

The man called the DOW about an hour later and Martin went to the scene. With the assistance of a local company that provided a "bucket truck," Martin was raised near the cubs. He tranquilized the animals and placed them in a bear trap. Later that morning he drove the cubs to the DOW's Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Del Norte where they'll be raised and trained to live in the wild. While there is no guarantee that the cubs will survive once placed in the wild, the DOW has had good success with previous rehabilitation and release efforts.

There is a serious complication for the cubs, however. They have already been taught to associate people with food.

J Wenum, area wildlife manager, said that the incident could have been avoided. A similar incident occurred in 2004. Wenum fears that this will be a yearly occurrence unless the Lake City community takes action.

"We have a serious problem in Lake City with some people not taking care of their garbage properly and with some people feeding wildlife," Wenum said. "People think feeding small animals does not create problems, but that inevitably attracts large animals. And that leads to problems like this."

The DOW offers this reminder: A fed bear is a dead bear.

Please, follow these guidelines if you live in bear country:

· Never feed wildlife to attract them for viewing. It is illegal to feed wildlife. Food left out for small animals will attract large animals such as bear, deer and elk.

· Keep garbage in airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Clean trash cans with ammonia to reduce odors that attract bears.

· Food scraps that produce odors should be placed in the freezer until garbage-collection day. This would include meat scraps, and fruit and vegetable scraps.

· Place garbage for pickup outside just before collection. Do not put out trash cans the night before pickup.

· Use a bear-proof dumpster. If you don't have one, ask a trash-removal company for options.

· Take down birdfeeders when bears are active. Once a bear finds a birdfeeder in a yard, it will likely look around the neighborhood for other easy foods within reach. It's recommended that bird feeders be brought in at night.

· Do not start a compost pile in bear country. The odor attracts bears.

· Do not leave pet food or dirty dishes outdoors at night. Store pet food indoors.

· After cooking on a grill, leave the burners on for a few minutes to burn the remaining scraps and liquids completely. The smell of barbecue sauce and grease can attract bears.



WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING IN SALIDA

The Colorado Wildlife Commission will meet October 4, 2005 at the High Country Bank at 7360 W US Hwy. 50 in Salida. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and is open to the public.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will present a final proposal on big game hunting license allocation recommendations. This represents the culmination of a process that began in April with the formation of The Big Game License Allocation Working Group.

The effort to develop recommendations to adjust hunting license allocation in the state was made after several groups voiced concern over the current methods of allocating deer, elk and pronghorn licenses. A stakeholders group was created, meetings were held around the state to gather public input. The process culminated with DOW staff developing proposals to re-adjust license allocations.

The Commission will also begin hearing testimony concerning regulations relating to mountain lion hunting, including but not limited to, lion harvest quotas, seasons and manner of take provisions for the 2006 hunting season. A final vote on the 2006 lion hunting season will take place at the Commission's November meeting in Greeley.

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is an eleven-member board appointed by the governor. The commission sets DOW regulations and policies for hunting, fishing, watchable wildlife, and nongame, threatened and endangered species. Commissioners also oversee DOW land purchases and property regulations.

To view the agenda for the Salida meeting, go to http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeCommission/2005/Oct/mailversion%20October%2005%20Agenda.pdf


For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Colorado hunting program draw critics

Colorado hunting program draw critics
The Casper Star Tribune - Casper,WY,USA

Wildlife program provides undue benefits to private landowners and hurts public...hunting. ... existing rules, private landowners get 90 percent of male elk and deer ...

WOMAN INJURED BY BEAR IN COLORADO SPRINGS

A large black bear injured an 85-year-old woman in the Skyway subdivision in Colorado Springs on September 19.

The woman had been leaving a bucket of sunflower seeds on a picnic table for birds, squirrels or whatever other wildlife wandered into her back yard. According to the woman, at least four bears were frequent visitors including the bear that bit her.

The woman stated that she had been out of town for five days. When she put the bucket of seeds on the table around noon September 19, the bear confronted her. She tried to make her way back into her house, but the bear bit her before she could get the door closed.

"She was very lucky to escape with only minor injures," said Shaun Deeney, DOW Area Wildlife Manager.

Public safety guidelines require that bears that injure humans must be destroyed.

"This is a clear indication of why wildlife experts say that a fed bear is a dead bear. Feeding bears causes them to become habituated, and lose their natural fear of people. Habituated bears are a much higher risk to injure, or even kill a human," said Deeney.

Bears and humans often live near each other year-round in Colorado with few troubles. However, when bears become accustomed to a human food source, it can change a bear's natural behavior.

A black bear's digestive system requires it to eat large amounts of food to maximize nutritional benefit. Colorado bears have evolved to look for food in different parts of their range during different times of the year. In the spring, bears feed on the tender shoots of new grasses and forbs. As seasons change, bears move to areas where they found natural foods in the past.

Colorado Black bears are naturally wary of people and tend to avoid humans if they can.

Their most critical feeding period is late summer and fall when black bears move to regions where acorns, chokecherries, serviceberry, and pinion pine nuts are plentiful. During this time of year, feeding is ongoing for up to 20 hours per day. A single bear might eat 20-30 pounds of food a day. Nearly all of the food is converted into fat to provide energy during hibernation.

In wild situations, black bears will feed until their stomach is full, and then wander in search of new feeding areas. Bears do not stay at a single berry or acorn site until all the food is gone. They fill up, move on, and perhaps come back. This behavior allows several bears to benefit from a natural food site, and the bears are constantly mobile.

On the other hand, if a human feeds a bear, it becomes accustomed to a continuous source of food year round in one spot and does not follow the same pattern as a "wild" bear. A habituated bear will remain near the food source and make efforts to protect the territory, even from the humans who provide the food.


For more information: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/LivingWithWildlife/BearCountry.asp.

Gunnison Basin Buglers

Gunnison Basin Buglers
Rocky Mountain Game and Fish Magazine - USA
... "This area provides a quality elk hunting experience because fewer hunters are allowed to hunt here, which allows bulls to get older," Martin said. ...

It must be getting close to elk hunting season in the high country!

Cole sent this 9/13/2005

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Go to August ARCHIVE for more information on damming the Tarryall River (Click on the Map to enlarge)

Muzzleloading Deer hunting

HI GLEN,
JUST A SHORT NOTE, BOBBY GOT HIS BUCK TODAY THE FIRST DAY FOR MUZZLELOADER HUNTING. GOING TO KENNEY'S THE FIRST OF OCTOBER FOR THREE DAYS SHOULD BE GOOD FISHING MORE LATER.
DONNIE

Clem and Hurricane Katrina

Clem called Henry from Louisiana and said to tell all his Colorado friends and hunting buddies that he and his family are safe and missed the brunt of hurricane Katrina, losing only a few shingles on his house.

If anybody would like Clem's phone number or address let me know by email and I'll send it to you.

2005 DOW big game hunting outlook

2005 DOW big game hunting outlook
Summit Daily News - Frisco,CO,USA
... elk only (no deer), runs Oct. 15-19; the fourth, open to both deer and elk hunting, runs Nov. 16-20; over-the-counter bull licenses ...

Corps orders dam's removal
Denver Post - Denver,CO,USA
A new dam on Tarryall Creek has become the latest flash point between private property rights and public access to Colorado streams and rivers. ...

A new elk-hunting season is under way

Elk Population
KKTV 11 News - Colorado Springs,CO,USA
A new elk-hunting season is under way in southern Colorado, where state wildlife managers hope to thin a rapidly-growing population of elk in the Sangre de ...

Elk threatening San Luis Valley vegetable farms
Summit Daily News - Frisco,CO,USA
... Besides adding a new hunting season, the division is giving license vouchers to landowners to allow elk hunting on private property. ...

Tarryall -- One of Colorado's oldest reservoirs,

Dentry: Tarryall a definite treat for all ages
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... One of Colorado's oldest reservoirs, 175-acre Tarryall filled in 1930. It originally was 38 feet deep, but silt raised the bottom ...

DOW BIGHORN SHEEP PATCH AVAILABLE

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is issuing its 2005 annual patch featuring the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The 4-inch embroidered cloth patch depicts a large bighorn sheep ram, the state animal, at sunset and is dated 2005, No. 2, as it is the second in a series of patches the DOW has offered. For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

2005 Colorado Elk Hunting

Here's big game hunting outlook from DOW
Fort Morgan Times - Fort Morgan,CO,USA
... The first rifle season, for elk only (no deer), runs Oct. 15-19; the fourth, open to both deer and elk hunting, runs Nov. 16-20; over ...

Dentry: Over-the-counter bull-elk licenses fading from sight
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... And, despite all the hype, bull-elk hunting seldom puts meat on the table or trophy hat racks on the wall. Most years, about 70,000

Up to the antlers in elk
Vail Daily News - Vail,CO,USA
... With those new numbers in tow, the wildlife commission is considering raising the number of elk hunting permits issued year-to-year. ...

Colorado's 2005 Elk Forecast
Rocky Mountain Game and Fish Magazine - USA
... to loosen its grip, record numbers of elk and a generous supply of licenses, the Centennial State is poised for another banner elk hunting season this year. ...

Colorado's Elk Population More Than What State Can Handle
TheDenverChannel.com - Denver,CO,USA
... The Colorado Division of Wildlife has increased the number of hunting licenses this year in an attempt to cull the elk population to more manageable numbers ..

Elk populations are focus of DOW meeting
Craig Daily Press - Craig,CO,USA
... herd is 28,500 elk. For the Bears Ears herd, which is north of Craig, the objective is 12,200. According to DOW projections after the 2004 hunting season, the ...

DOW license proposal irks some hunters

DOW license proposal irks some hunters
Craig Daily Press - Craig,CO,USA
... landowners didn't manage their land for wildlife, Moffat County's hunting economy wouldn't be ... Colorado hunters like Smith will have access to more elk tags in ...

DOW SETS TRAP FOR BEAR IN TELLER CO.

A 49-year-old Teller County man was injured by a black bear July 31.

The man was sleeping in a semi-permanent motorhome parked on vacant land north of Cripple Creek when the bear entered through a make-shift pet door around 3 a.m.

The man suffered multiple lacerations about his head and back. He was treated and released from a local medical facility in Woodland Park. Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) authorities are attempting to capture the bear. If they can do so, it will be destroyed.

“The DOW policy for handling dangerous bears is very straight forward,” said Deeney. “Once a bear injures a person, no matter what the circumstances, it is categorized as a dangerous bear and it must be destroyed.”

According to the DOW, a possible motive for the attack was attractants found around the house, including outdoor cooking facilities, pet food and garbage.

“These kinds of attractants certainly pose a potential danger to homeowners, and we continue to encourage all homeowners living in bear country to take precautions and bear-proof their property,” said Area Wildlife Manager Shaun Deeney. “While we do not tolerate bears that pose an immediate threat to people, we cannot overstress the need to remove attractants to deter bears if you live in an area that bears are known to frequent.”

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

LEFTOVER BIG GAME LICENSES ON SALE AUGUST 9

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will begin selling big game licenses (elk and deer) leftover from the 2005 draw at 9 a.m. August 9.

These licenses will be available during the first day of the sale at DOW license agents throughout the state and at DOW offices. For convenience sake, the DOW is encouraging hunters to purchase these licenses at license agents in order to disperse customers and keep their time spent waiting in line to a minimum. As a convenience to nonresident hunters, licenses will also be available on the 9th by calling 1-800-244-5613.

On August 10, leftover licenses will be available via the Internet at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/total_licensing/.

A list of leftover licenses is available at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/LeftoverLicenses/ and also by calling (303) 291-7519.

License buyers are asked to be prepared when they visit license agents. Buyers will need to provide:

A Drivers License or State Identification Card (or copy front and back).

Proof of Hunter Education

Customer Identification Number or Conservation Certificate Number

Social Security Number

Archery, muzzleloading and rifle bear licenses, which are no longer unlimited in number, are currently on sale. They can be purchased through license agents, via the Internet (http://wildlife.state.co.us/total_licensing), by calling 1-800-244-5613 or at DOW offices until the cap for each game management unit, or group of units is reached.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

Short Takes

DOW hunts for process
Craig Daily Press - Craig,CO,USA
New hunting license rules could give private landowners and Colorado residents more elk licenses -- at the expense of out-of-state hunters. ...


Dentry: Hunters not likely to receive fair shot
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA
... to raise the amount landowners could charge hunters as "access fees" (hunting fees, for ... Sure, that should attract more hunters to help control cow elk numbers. ...


Sportsmen groups split over set-asides
The Casper Star Tribune - Casper,WY,USA
... industry put forth a proposal July 12 to create a "closed license pool," more commonly known as set-aside licenses, of 2,900 elk hunting licenses for licensed ...

FORT CARSON MOOSE MOVED TO GRAND MESA

FORT CARSON MOOSE MOVED TO GRAND MESA

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) moved a 500-pound female moose from Colorado Springs to the Grand Mesa on Wednesday, July 20. Officials at Fort Carson spotted a moose wandering around the motor pool area about 9 a.m.

“The location was less than ideal for a moose,” said Steve Cooley, a district wildlife manager with the DOW. “The animal was inside a fenced area slated to receive equipment from troops returning from Iraq, so we made a decision to tranquilize the moose and take it somewhere it could roam with other moose.”

“When it came time to load the tranquilized moose into a trailer for transport to the West Slope, we had plenty of help from about a dozen soldiers who picked it up and put it inside,” he said.

The army post also supplied 600 pounds of ice to put in the trailer to keep the animal cool during a day when record high temperatures were expected.

“We are really glad to have another moose for our herd on the Mesa,” said biologist Stephanie Duckett.

In January of this year, the DOW began moving moose onto the Grand Mesa National Forest in western Colorado to re-establish a herd there.

It is not clear exactly how the moose got onto the army post near Colorado Springs. Moose are solitary animals but have been known to roam hundreds of miles. In recent years Colorado’s moose have demonstrated an uncanny ability to wander into areas where one might least expect them. Since the mid-90’s, wildlife officials have documented moose sightings near Cripple Creek, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Golden, Salida, Westcliffe, Gunnison, Hayden and Summit County among other places.

In addition to the moose on Grand Mesa, Colorado is home to two other established moose populations. One is on the west end of the San Luis Valley near Creede. The other is in north central Colorado near Walden.

In 1978, the DOW brought 12 moose from Utah to Walden. The next year another dozen more were released in the Illinois River drainage. Those moose expanded their range into the Laramie River Valley and in 1987, an additional 12 animals were brought in from Wyoming.

By 1991 the North Park population was doing so well that some of those moose were moved to the upper Rio Grande drainage near Creede. Continued supplementation with moose from Wyoming and Utah brought the Creede herd to about 100 animals by 1993.

In 2005, some of the moose from Creede were moved to Grand Mesa to begin a herd there. Additional moose were once again supplied by Utah to add genetic diversity to the herd.

The largest member of the deer family, moose have adapted to a variety of habitats. They do especially well where there are abundant willows along streams and ponds, but can also find adequate forage in areas of lodgepole pine, oakbrush, mountain mahogany, aspen or even sagebrush.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

BOY TREATED AND RELEASED AFTER BEING INJURED BY BEAR

BOY TREATED AND RELEASED AFTER BEING INJURED BY BEAR

A 14-year old Texas boy was treated and released from a Salida hospital for injuries suffered in an attack by a black bear around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The boy and his brother were sleeping in a tent at a private campground near Coaldale, Colorado when the bear came into the tent. The boy was bitten on the left hand and received some scratches and bruises during the struggle with the bear.

Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) officials will set a trap for the bear tonight to try to capture it.

The rest of the boy’s family was sleeping in a hard-sided camper nearby. They took him to Heart-of-the-Rockies Regional Medical Center where he received stitches and antibiotics to prevent infection.

“The boy did everything right,” said Jim Aragon, area wildlife manager from Salida. “He fought back and was able to fend off the bear. After a few seconds of struggle, the bear broke off the attack and ran away.”

Wildlife officials remind campers in Colorado to reduce the risk from bear attacks by keeping a clean camp. Never leave food, garbage or other attractants lying around your campsite.

The DOW has had calls about a bear getting into garbage containers in the area, but the investigating wildlife officer could not determine why the bear came into the tent in this incident. The DOW will destroy the bear if they can lure it into a trap.

Here are some tips for avoid bear conflicts when camping:

Keep your camp clean.
Store food and garbage properly at all times.
Keep your tent and sleeping bag free of all food smells.
Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food.
Burn all grease off grills and camp stoves.
Wipe table and clean up eating area thoroughly.
Store your food safely.
Store all your food and coolers in your car trunk or suspended from a tree – at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the tree trunk.
Don’t underestimate the ingenuity of a bear! Vehicles are not bear proof.
Dispose of garbage properly.
Put it in bear-proof garbage cans where available or secure it with your food and then pack it out.
Don’t burn or bury garbage. Bears will dig it up.
Sleep well away from food areas.
Move some distance away from your cooking area or food storage site.
Store any toiletries safely. Store them with your food - the smell of toiletries may attract bears.

For more information: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/LivingWithWildlife/BearCountry.asp.

CONGRATULATIONS HALEY!!

Now that you have passed the Hunter Safety course you'll be able to do some serious Elk Hunting in Colorado with you Dad. He said you almost aced the written test only missing one question, that's very good.

Looking forward to your visit in December, make sure to bring a warm sleeping bag, it does get a little cold in the Colorado mountains (like 15 to 30 below zero) at that time of the year .

Gramps

Tarryall

Gazette.com
Plan an expedition up Pikes Peak with a stop at Barr Camp. ... The Tarryall
Mountains are made of eroded and wind-sculpted granite spires and walls of pink ...(The Historical Tarryall school - click to enlarge photo)a

ATV BAN GOES INTO EFFECT JULY 1

Effective July 1, 2005 dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited at three Colorado State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) in southeast Colorado. Among the largest and most popular is John Martin Reservoir SWA in Bent County. The other two are Granada SWA in Prowers County and Queens SWA in Kiowa County.

In addition to the ATV ban, regulations require that cars, trucks, campers, motor homes and street-legal motorcycles must remain on designated roadways at John Martin and Granada.

“The primary purpose of State Wildlife Areas is to set aside land for wildlife habitat and for wildlife related recreation including hunting and fishing,” said Travis Black, the area manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW).

“Unfortunately, some people view these properties as places where they can race around on ATV’s blazing new trails and tearing up vegetation. It takes years for the land to recover from the damage they cause,” said Black.

John Martin Reservoir is surrounded by land managed by multiple governmental agencies. The lands located around the northeast portion of the reservoir, including the Lake Hasty Campground located below the dam, are managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Recreation.

Most of the lands located on the south shore and the northwest portion of the reservoir are managed by the DOW. The dam itself is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The ATV ban only applies to portions of the shore around John Martin Reservoir and Granada SWA that are managed by the DOW.

Anyone who violates the ATV ban or drives a vehicle off developed roadways on John Martin or Granada State Wildlife Areas is subject to fines and the potential loss of hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

======================

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ELUSIVE RIVER OTTERS

Wildlife observers can help track the progress of the state's river otters by reporting sightings on-line at the Web site of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW). Since being re-introduced to the state in the mid 1970s, the otters have steadily expanded their range. They are now found in most of the major river basins throughout the western portion of the state. Biologists, however, have no reliable way to estimate the river otter population because the animals are very elusive, trap shy, and cannot be fitted with external radio collars. Therefore any information regarding sightings by the public is helpful, explained Pamela Schnurr, a DOW species conservations specialist based in Grand Junction. This summer a formal research project is being conducted to gain a better understanding of how the river otters are doing throughout western Colorado. Researchers are setting special traps designed to snag fur. Through DNA testing scientists can develop better methods for estimating numbers of river otters in Colorado. The research will continue throughout the summer. When the DOW receives reports of sightings it helps to direct the work of more detailed survey efforts, Schnurr explained. Colorado's river otter population is making a comeback about a century after the native species was extirpated from the state. Before they were reintroduced to the state in the 1970s, the last confirmed sighting was made by a trapper in the early 1900s in the lower canyon of the Yampa River below Craig. As part of efforts to return river otters to Colorado, wildlife biologists released about 115 of the mammals at five separate sites around the state between 1976 and 1991. Recovery sites include Cheeseman Reservoir on the South Platte River southwest of Denver, the Gunnison, Piedra, and Dolores rivers in southwest Colorado, and streams in Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition, Utah released 67 river otters into the Green River near the Utah-Colorado border, and otters from that release have made their way into Colorado in both the Green and Yampa rivers.Schnurr said the otters appear to be expanding their range substantially from the original release sites, hunting year-round for crayfish, channel catfish, suckers and other prey along major rivers. Otters are listed as a state threatened species and cannot be trapped or killed. The on-line reporting system enables citizens who believe they have spotted a river otter in the wild to fill out an online form that asks for specific information, including the location of the sighting, physical descriptions, and animal behavior. The online form also includes photos of river otters and animals commonly mistaken for them. Wildlife observers who submit forms at the DOW Web site will also be asked whether they snapped photos of the animals they spotted in the wild.Adept swimmers and aquatic hunters, otters are long, slender members of the weasel family, ranging from 3 to 4 ½ feet in length. Their powerful, cylindrical tails, which thicken at the base, comprise about one-third of the animals' body length. Otters' webbed toes and water-resistant fur enable them to spend a lot of time in water. While they are prized by wildlife observers for their playful water gliding, they can easily be mistaken for other similar species such as beavers, muskrats and mink. To access the DOW River Otter Observation Form Web Page, go to:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/species_cons/otter/otterForm.htmFor more information about Colorado's river otters, visit:http://wildlife.state.co.us/education/mammalsguide/river_otter.asp or http://wildlife.state.co.us/species_cons/wildlifeindanger/otter.pdfFor more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/.

Summer in Colorado

Summer in Colorado offers something for everyone
Colorado Springs Gazette - Colorado Springs,CO,USA... 23-24: Idaho Springs, Elks Lodge Annual Mining Events; 1600 Colorado Blvd., from ... JULY 30-31: Fairplay, Burro Days Festival; llama race, World Championship Pack ...

From the DOW INSIDER

MONTROSE MAN FINED $7,000 FOR POACHING

A 19-year-old Montrose man, convicted recently of illegal possession of wildlife, must pay nearly $7,000 in fines and could be barred from hunting and fishing in Colorado and 19 other states for the rest of his life.

After a seven-month investigation by officers from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) in Montrose, Jason R. Duggan of Montrose was charged with numerous wildlife violations in October 2004. He reached a plea agreement on May 11 in Colorado’s 7th Judicial District court in Montrose.

Duggan also was required to forfeit the hunting rifle he used to kill the deer and could face a year in jail if he does not pay the fine.

Judge John Joseph Mitchel told the court that the sentence he imposed will send a clear message to others that the illegal killing of wildlife will not be tolerated in Colorado. DOW officials said they are pleased at the stiff penalties imposed by Mitchel.

Duggan must pay a total of $6,798 in installments of $309 per month. The fine must be paid off by October 2007. If he misses monthly payments he could be arrested and sent to jail.

Duggan also faces a special hearing with the DOW to determine how long his hunting and fishing privileges will be suspended. There is a strong possibility that he will never hunt or fish in Colorado again. In addition, any suspension will automatically be applied in the 19 other states that participate in a special wildlife-crimes compact with Colorado.

The investigation started in April 2004 when DOW officers received a tip from the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. At Duggan’s home, wildlife officers found remains of a bobcat, a mink and numerous deer racks. One of the racks was mounted on a wooden plaque with a brass plate with the inscription: “J.D. 2004.”

When questioned about the animal remains Duggan was elusive. Duggan agreed to talk to investigators the next day, but he failed to appear for the interview. On further investigation, officers learned he might have been involved in the illegal killing of other big game, small game and fur-bearing animals.

DOW officers were unable to locate Duggan again until October 2004 when they received a report of rotting ducks in an abandoned vehicle near the Montrose County Justice Center. The officers determined that the vehicle belonged to Duggan and then learned quickly that he was in the local jail serving a sentence for non-wildlife related charges.

When DOW officers interviewed him in jail, Duggan said he had lied to them in April. He said that he had killed eight buck deer within the past two years, and he admitted to small game violations, including the use of leghold traps.

Duggan was then cited for illegally killing eight deer, waste of nine ducks, and several small-game and licensing violations. In an agreement with the court he pled guilty to killing three deer.

Poaching is a major problem throughout Colorado. People who have information about wildlife are asked to call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. Tips can be given anonymously and rewards are offered.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a photo of confiscated deer racks, send e-mail to: joe.lewandowski@state.co.us



For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.